LONG-TERM TRENDS OF PRECIPITATION AND RUNOFF IN LOUISIANA, USA

Changing precipitation patterns and their impact on surface water resources is an important climatic problem facing society today, especially as it relates to potential global change. Therefore, this paper analyses temporal varability and trends in the empirical percipitation record and modelled runoff in Louisiana, USA, during the past century. Long-term trends in precipitation were identified and impacts on surface water resoruces were found. If general circulation model predictions for increasing precipitation in the south-eastern US prove to be correct, surface water will likely increase at a disproportionately higher rate which should be of concern to water resource planners in the region.