Climatology is different from weather, yet it is still part of physical geography. The root word of this branch of geography is climate (Pyron, Lauer, LeBlanc, Weitzel & Gammon, 2008). The word climate pertains to long term changes or records in weather in certain regions. These changes can happen in several ways and are recorded through observations. Scientists or specialists who conduct these observations can then make generalizations from their recorded data to be able to predict future activities of the environment. These generalizations can help specialists predict weather patterns and future outcomes for conditions in certain areas or regions; this can be seen at any given time (Weitzel & Pyron, 2005). This can be done through the recording of the following:

1. Percentage of Rainfall
2. Temperature
3. Percentage of Humidity

Studies of Hydro-Climatology help determine the impacts of climactic changes on the environment. Through statistical techniques in probability, scientists can determine how the weather affects river flows and water levels (Weitzel & Pyron, 2005). Data such as temperature levels, precipitation levels and other factors can also determine chances of drought or flood.

Increases of temperature throughout long periods of time are referred to as Global Warming. The effects of global warming can be detrimental, yet these effects are not something which can be noticed straight away. It is a major human and environmental problem which we are facing right now and is currently occurring on the earth (Pyron & Lauer, 2004). The major effects which global warming can take are things such as the melting of the polar ice-caps, causing the rise of the oceans. Additionally, droughts and other natural calamities can be a result of the warming of the earth in a more rapid pace than the natural environment can handle.

The trapping of greenhouse gases is a main cause for this global warming. This occurs when the atmosphere seals in the sun are light and heat; this makes the earth hotter as time passes. It would be too simple to say that the light from the sun can just reflect on the earth’s ground and exit the atmosphere; this cannot happen because the light and heat are trapped by greenhouse gases which are within the earth’s atmosphere. An example of one of the earth’s greenhouse gas is Carbon Dioxide. This does not mean that Carbon Dioxide is, however, bad for the environment. A number of living organisms need Carbon Dioxide as food. However, too much of this gas can cause the earth some very detrimental consequences (Pyron & Lauer, 2004).

There are a number of studies which show that global warming greatly affects certain areas and regions. A great example of this is the Wabash River. The Wabash River shows some results of global warming, causing the river to lose water. The graphs above provide information on the Wabash river and how it is responding to changes in temperature. Global warming can cause areas such as these to have higher rates of precipitation due to increases in temperature. This causes the weather to be more humid, increasing the rate of evaporation and decreasing the water flow and levels of the river.

According to the Bureau of Reclamation, with their efforts in cooperation with CU-Boulder and NOAA, there is a 50% chance that by the year 2057, the Colorado river will be dried up due to global warming (“New Study: Global”, 2009). The entire reservoir system is predicted to be  completely gone due to the rises in temperature. This would be if the most drastic climate changes occur and if the inflow of water dries up as well. As alarming as it sounds, the Colorado River is not the only River which is at risk of this (“New Study: Global”, 2009). Many rivers and bodies of water have risks of going through droughts or even completely drying up. If global warming persists, the evaporation rate of the rivers will increase, causing the rivers to lose water faster than the inflow can supply.

The graphs above showcase the recent changes in water levels and flow of the Wabash River. There are certain studies which show the regional frequencies to analyze and estimate flood probabilities and quantities in certain regions (Pyron, Lauer, LeBlanc, Weitzel & Gammon, 2008). This study aims to determine if the flow and water levels of the Wabash River show patterns of dehydration due to the effects of global warming.