As a result of global warming, glaciers around the world have been retreating substantially over the past century. This paper focuses upon how this will affect the ecosystems of the Colorado River Basin. By examining similar situations worldwide the relevant information has been applied to creating a scenario showing what the author feels is the most likely result of near total glacial retreat in the Colorado River Basin. Specifically, certain animals and plants will likely vanish from the affected areas, while others will obtain further territory. Increased natural disasters such as flash floods and earthquakes will likely occur for a time, and droughts throughout the Western United States will increase substantially in their severity.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Cohn, Sebastian Arthur

Subject

• Water
• Sustainability
• Environment

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-030609-162011

Keyword

• Climatic changes
• North America--Colorado River Watershed

Advisor

• Crusberg, Theodore C.

Year

• 2009

Date created

• 2009-03-06

Location

• Worcester

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright