Climate Change Assessments Over a Greek Catchment Using RCM’s Projection

Annual changes in precipitation, temperature and evapotranspiration in a Greek catchment were investigated by statistical analysis of various time-series records. Climate change was evident not only in increased temperature but also in altered precipitation patterns including a longer dry period, shorter precipitation duration and changes in the characteristics of extreme rainfall. Such climatic changes result to shorter precipitation-runoff response and decreased amount of effective precipitation due to increased evapotranspiration and decreased soil moisture. The study outputs demonstrate that the foreseen climate variability should be taken into account in large scale hydraulic projects. Integrating regional climate model projections into hydrological and hydraulic models is proposed as an holistic approach in terms of reliable interpretation of climate change impacts to water resources management.