Open AccessLand–atmosphere coupling in El Niño influence over South America
Author(s) -
Barreiro Marcelo,
Díaz Nicolas
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
atmospheric science letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.951
H-Index - 45
ISSN - 1530-261X
DOI - 10.1002/asl.348
Subject(s) - atmosphere (unit) , climatology , teleconnection , precipitation , environmental science , climate model , atmospheric sciences , general circulation model , atmospheric model , atmospheric circulation , climate change , geography , geology , meteorology , oceanography
This study addresses the role of soil moisture and its interaction with the overlying atmosphere in setting up climate anomalies over South America during El Niño years using observations as well as Atmospheric General Circulation Model (AGCM) simulations. It is found that during summertime land–atmosphere interaction is instrumental in setting the spatial pattern and sign of surface air temperature anomalies, and increases substantially the amplitude of precipitation anomalies particularly in southeastern South America. Thus, in order to improve the seasonal forecasts over South America it is necessary to represent properly not only the teleconnection processes but also the regional land–atmosphere interactions. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society