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Chapter 6: Arizona Climate and Riparian Areas
Background on Arizona Climate
- Spatial patterns of temperature:
- Arizona has a wide range in annual average temperatures that is controlled by topography (left map below).
- Spatial patterns of precipitation:
- Precipitation variability across Arizona is also strongly influenced by topography (right map below).
- Related patterns of evapotranspiration and runoff:
- Temperature and precipitation regimes control site water balances and resultant streamflow regimes.
- High elevation areas have:
- cooler temperatures,
- more annual precipitation,
- lower potential evapotranspiration, and
- more water available for streamflows.
Figure 6.2. Annual average temperature (left) and annual average precipitation (right) for the period of 1971-2000.
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