What can be a result of climate change on water supply in California?

The correct choice highlights the impact of climate change on California's water supply through decreased snowpack and altered precipitation patterns. In California, snowpack in the Sierra Nevada mountains serves as a crucial reservoir, storing water that gradually melts and feeds the state’s rivers and reservoirs during warmer months. Climate change has led to rising temperatures, which not only reduce the amount of snow but also cause precipitation to fall more frequently as rain rather than snow.

This shift affects the timing and quantity of water available. Rainfall may become more intense but happen in shorter, more concentrated bursts, leading to increased runoff and reduced water availability during dry seasons. Additionally, changes in the timing of precipitation can lead to periods of drought or flooding, thereby putting further stress on the state’s water resources.

Conversely, the other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of climate change in California. For instance, increased reliability of seasonal rainfall is inconsistent with the current trend of increasing variability and unpredictability in precipitation. Similarly, the notion of more stable water levels in rivers contradicts the reality of changing weather patterns and increased flooding events. Finally, greater availability of water in drought years does not align with evidence that droughts are likely to become longer and more severe due to climate change, leading to an