Variation in precipitation will also affect the salinity levels of surface water. Increased rainfall or runoff will likely reduce salinity levels, especially in winter, while lower precipitation levels and higher temperatures during summertime could increase salinity levels (Jacobs et al. 2001). As a result, semi- arid regions that suffer from decreasing runoff will be greatly impacted by salinization (Jacobs et al. 2001). Exacerbating the problem in these regions, human activities to combat hotter, drier climates, such as increased irrigation, can further worsen salinization (Confalonieri et al. 2007). Coastal regions, particularly small islands, will be especially impacted by an increase in salinization
