We compared the projected results of future hydrological changes (from 2040 to 2050) based on a 30-year weather dataset (1984-2014) in 7 rain gauges in the Jazmurian watershed with paleoclimatic changes inferred from established proxies in the region. By drawing parallels between anticipated future changes and past climatic conditions, we aim to develop a general understanding of how climate change may alter precipitation patterns in the watershed. The region is influenced by the Indian Ocean Summer Monsoon (IOSM) as well as the Mid-Latitude Westerlies (MLW). Precipitation projections for the future are derived using statistical downscaling outputs from IPCC Sixth Report models (CMIP6) under various Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios. In the western watershed, the CanESM5 model forecasts a decrease in MLW precipitation (32-20%) and an increase in IOSM precipitation (157-253%), leading to an overall rise of 0-28%. Conversely, the eastern section shows variable MLW precipitation changes (- 19% to + 20%) and a projected increase in IOSM precipitation (21-405%), resulting in a 9-120% rise. In the western region, the MPI-ESM1-2-HR model predicts a decline in MLW precipitation (30-3%) and an increase in IOSM precipitation (142-189%), with an overall rise of 9-22%. In the east, there is a decrease in MLW precipitation (23-9%) and an increase in IOSM precipitation (252-437%), leading to a rise of 44-91%. Future precipitation in the Jazmurian watershed is projected to increase despite potential decreases in MLW precipitation. Results suggest increases in the present low IOSM precipitation, leading to overall precipitation rises by 2050 compared to the historical levels. These findings highlight a trend towards wetter conditions, with the SSP 370 scenario showing the most significant rise in IOSM precipitation. The decrease in Mediterranean precipitation is consistent with findings from other GCMs and aligns with historical climate variations observed during previous warm and humid phases in the region. Nevertheless, given the strong correlation between the rise in the Earth's radiation budget and increased monsoon rainfall in the Jazmurian watershed since the late Pleistocene, we anticipate a significant rise in IOSM activity. Findings indicate a trend towards wetter conditions across the Jazmurian watershed.GCMs forecast a decrease in MLW precipitation while IOSM precipitation increases over the region.The SSP 370 scenario shows the most significant rise in IOSM precipitation.Multi-proxy data displays intense paleo IOSM activity during past warm/wet periods in the region.Decreases in MLW precipitation align with past warm/wet period climate shifts.
Funding Agencies|Vetenskapsradet [E0402601]