We are familiar with the "usual suspects" which have become our sources of water supply-surface waters such as lakes and rivers and ground waters of various depths. Currently, science appears to be focusing on "rivers in the sky"--atmospheric bands of water vapor which induce or affect water supply, flooding and the earth's water cycle when they drop their moisture load.
"Like freight trains loaded with water vapor, atmospheric rivers are long, narrow bands whose winds funnel huge amounts of moisture through the sky." (Science News, February 26, 2011, p.20). These rivers can discharge large quantities of rain or snow.
The sky rivers appear to arise due to temperature differences between the tropics and the poles, especially in winter. A strong temperature difference can cause low pressure storms to spin off, with winds within such storms creating an atmospheric river. (Science News, p.21).
It appears that research is being directed toward predictability of such rivers as well as a better understanding of their cause and nature. No doubt, there is concern not only as to flooding effects, but also the potential for replenishment of surface water sources of supply for water service. For further information on NOAA research studies, see www.esrl.noaa.gov/psd/atmrivers
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