SW CASC Brief Examines Aridity in the Southwest U.S.

A new brief, developed by the SW CASC, summarizes research by SW CASC investigators on recent and projected aridity in the Southwest U.S. SW CASC researchers and their partners are identifying the extent to which temperature, wind speed, solar radiation, and humidity affect regional aridification. They are using both evaporative demand and soil moisture to measure aridification. By improving scientific understanding of the mechanisms of aridification, the team aims to inform water management, irrigated agriculture, and the  characterization of drought and wildfire risks.