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Variability of mean monthly temperatures and semi‐annual precipitation totals in Europe in relation to hemispheric circulation patterns
Author(s) -
Kozuchowski K.,
Marciniak K.
Publication year - 1988
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.3370080206
Subject(s) - precipitation , climatology , circulation (fluid dynamics) , atmospheric circulation , environmental science , general circulation model , climate change , mean radiant temperature , atmospheric sciences , geography , geology , meteorology , oceanography , physics , thermodynamics
The influence of general hemispheric circulation on European temperature and precipitation was investigated. Data from the period 1901–1976 were utilized: the monthly frequencies of occurrence of W, E, C circulation pattern types according to the Wangenheim‐Girs classification, monthly values of pressure differences between 35° an 65°N (zonal index), mean temperatures of January and July at 30 stations in both the warm season (May‐October) and the cold season (November‐April) and semi‐annual precipitation totals for 21 stations in Europe. The correlation coefficients between the circulation characteristics and climate elements indicated above in Europe were calculated. Maps of these correlation coefficients have been produced, with the areas of their statistical significance. The results show that variability of temperature, and also partly of precipitation in Europe are significantly correlated with changes of circulation pattern types. January temperature also depends on the zonal index. If it is assumed that in future, until the end of this century, an increase of W type frequency and a decrease of C circulation pattern types will take place—it may be expected that temperature and precipitation will undergo appropriate changes in certain parts of Europe. Northern and some central areas of Europe are likely to change from continental to oceanic climate as regards temperature; precipitation is likely to increase in northern Europe.