Contribution of anthropogenic and hydroclimatic factors on the variation of surface water extent across the contiguous United States

Abstract Human pressure and climate variability are significantly threatening freshwater resources, with cascading effects on societies ecosystems. In this context, it is crucial to understand the anthropogenic climatic impacts surface water dynamics. Here, we examine interaction between variation of extent change in five potential concurrent drivers across river basins contiguous United States (CONUS) during period 1984–2020. particular, built-up area, population, irrigated land regarded as drivers, while hydroclimatic represented by precipitation evapotranspiration (PET). We perform statistical analyses order quantify considered variables then identify different spatial patterns possible interrelations. Results show that almost 79% (169 out 204 basins) CONUS experienced an expansion mainly continental temperate regions (mean 158.33 km 2 ). Increasing found be most widespread driver gain extent, affecting nearly 70% basins. The remaining 35 CONUS, mostly located arid southwestern region country, faced a reduction −146.73 areas increasing PET resulted contribute loss all basins, followed population growth (in ∼75% basins), decreasing ∼60% situated US), ∼55% basins). Our findings shed light factors hydrology which could support predictive adaptation strategies ensure conservation.