Analysis of Kenya’s Atmospheric Moisture Sources and Sinks

Abstract Achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is contingent on understanding potential interactions among human and natural systems. In Kenya, goal conserving expanding forest cover to achieve SDG 15 “Life Land” may be related other SDGs because it plays a role in regulating some aspects Kenyan precipitation. We present 40-yr analysis sources precipitation Kenya fate evaporation that arises from within Kenya. Using MERRA-2 climate reanalysis Water Accounting Model 2 layers, we examine annual seasonal changes moisture sinks. find most Kenya’s originates as oceanic but 10% its This internal recycling concentrated mountainous forested highlands, with locations more than 15% also 75% falls elsewhere over land, including 25% Democratic Republic Congo, around 5% falling Tanzania Uganda. Further, positive relationship between increasing rates fractional By beginning understand both biophysical taking place, begin types leverage points exist for integrated atmospheric water cycle management. These findings have broader implications disentangling environmental management conservation relevance large-scale discussions about sustainable development.