z-logo
Premium
The nature of rainfall variability in Africa South of the Equator
Author(s) -
Nicholson Sharon E.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
journal of climatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.58
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-0088
pISSN - 0196-1748
DOI - 10.1002/joc.3370060506
Subject(s) - climatology , equator , latitude , anomaly (physics) , spatial coherence , subtropics , geography , geology , coherence (philosophical gambling strategy) , geodesy , mathematics , statistics , physics , condensed matter physics , fishery , biology
The spatial patterns of rainfall variability over southern and equatorial Africa are examined using a regionally averaged data set comprising approximately 700 station records. Seasonal persistence of anomalies is also considered. Typical rainfall departure patterns, or anomaly types, are derived using a linear correlation method to assess the similarity of annual departure maps for the years 1901 to 1973. Six basic types describe most of the variability in the area 0 to 35°S. These indicate a remarkable spatial coherence of anomalies, but with a strong tendency for opposition between the equatorial and subtropical latitudes. The results are given an interpretation in terms of circulation features and synoptic situations affecting southern Africa.

This content is not available in your region!

Continue researching here.

Having issues? You can contact us here