Presentation given by Ryan Lucas with Sierra Nevada Research Institute at University of California, Merced at the Session: "Water, Energy and Climate Change" at the Great Valley Center's Sacramento Valley Forum on October 28, 2009 in Chico, CA.

1. Climate Change Implications to the Sierra Nevada and the Central Valley Ryan Lucas Sierra Nevada Research Institute UC Merced [email_address]

4. Incoming Solar Radiation Incoming Solar Radiation is absorbed by Earth’s surface. Surface emits long wave radiation to atmosphere A fraction of the long wave radiation escapes from the atmosphere; greenhouse gases absorb the remaining long wave radiation and emit long wave radiation in all directions. Increase of greenhouse gases results in more long wave radiation absorbed and re-emitted and warmer global surface temperatures. Greenhouse Effect

6. Source: Bales et al 2006

7. Source: Stewart et al 2005

9. Wildfires Source: Westerling 2006

10. Source: Westerling et al 2006

12. Vegetation Source: Linehan et al 2006

13. Source: Linehan et al 2006 Vegetation

17. Thank You!