Climate
The Great Basin is considered to have a temperate climate. While its summers are often dry and hot, the winters are snowy and cold.
Temperature
Temperatures in the Great Basin range from -5°C in the winter months to 20°C in July and August (Climate Change Knowledge Portal). At the Great Basin's highest altitudes, freezing temperatures and snow are possible at any point during the year.
The weather is generally mildest during the summer. By September and October, cooler weather begins to move in. Temperatures drop dramatically at nightfall.
The weather is generally mildest during the summer. By September and October, cooler weather begins to move in. Temperatures drop dramatically at nightfall.
The graph below shows the average rainfall and temperature patterns in the Great Basin. Looking at the data, it is evident that the Great Basin is a cool desert rather than a hot desert. First, there is a moderate amount of rainfall and/or snowfall throughout the months. Generally, hot deserts are indicated by very little precipitation. Also, the temperatures shown in the chart below are slightly cooler than temperatures generally thought of in a hot desert.
Average Monthly Rainfall and Temperatures in the Great Basin
Looking at the average rainfall and temperature patterns throughout the last century, there has been no significant change. Temperatures have consistent lows of about -5°C and highs of about 20 °C. Rainfall has remained consistent as well, with about 45mm of precipitation at the beginning of the calendar year, about 60 mm of precipitation in the summer months, and about 50 mm of precipitation at the end of the calendar year (Climate Change Knowledge Portal).
Precipitation and Storms
Precipitation patterns vary dramatically in the Great Basin. The wettest year recorded was 1982 with 21.2 inches of precipitation, while the driest year recorded was 1953 with only 7.4 inches (National Park Service). Months with highest levels of rainfall include June, July, and August. Snow is most common on mountain peaks in the winter months (Climate Change Knowledge Portal).
A distinguishing characteristic of the Great Basin is the "rain shadow" caused by the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountains which make up its western boarder. This rain shadow blocks many Pacific storms, contributing to the ecosystem's often dry climate (National Park Service).
Storms and natural disasters are common in the Great Basin. Wildfires are an important part of the Great Basin and can dramatically alter the environment, sometimes for the better. The fires prevent vegetation from invading the area. Other natural disasters, such as flash floods and avalanches, frequently occur in the Great Basin (National Park Service).
A distinguishing characteristic of the Great Basin is the "rain shadow" caused by the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountains which make up its western boarder. This rain shadow blocks many Pacific storms, contributing to the ecosystem's often dry climate (National Park Service).
Storms and natural disasters are common in the Great Basin. Wildfires are an important part of the Great Basin and can dramatically alter the environment, sometimes for the better. The fires prevent vegetation from invading the area. Other natural disasters, such as flash floods and avalanches, frequently occur in the Great Basin (National Park Service).
Environmental Changes
The Great Basin National Park faces a number of environmental issues today. Groundwater pumps for neighboring valleys threaten to dry up springs elsewhere in the park. Nearby coal-fired power plants have altered air and water quality. A number of invasive species, including cheatgrass, threaten native plants growing in the area. Other factors of the global climate change are likely to affect the Great Basin community in the near future. Anticipating these changes, the National Park Service is working to reduce its carbon footprint by planting trees, reducing energy usage, and recycling more (National Park Service).
The chart was found at the Climate Change Knowledge Portal website. The picture was found at the National Park Service website.