Land surface atmosphere interaction: physical processes and surface changes and their impact

The properties of the earth's surface are critical determinants of the thermal, hydrologic, and aerodynamic characteristics of the lower atmosphere and of the dust content of the troposphere. Deforestation, desertification, and other anthropogenic activities have significantly altered the land surface, and impacts on the atmosphere are likely. As few measurements have been made of the changes of physical surface characteristics associated with land surface modifications, it is hard to assess the influence on weather and climate. The only significant land surface-induced climatic changes which can be convincingly demonstrated are due to irrigation. In irrigated regions of the Great Plains, it has locally increased rainfall by 10-25% during months with irrigation.