Open AccessCool-Season Precipitation Patterns Associated with Teleconnection Interactions in the United States
Author(s) -
Erika K. Wise,
Melissa L. Wrzesien,
Matthew P. Dannenberg,
David L. McGinnis
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of applied meteorology and climatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.079
H-Index - 134
eISSN - 1558-8432
pISSN - 1558-8424
DOI - 10.1175/jamc-d-14-0040.1
Subject(s) - teleconnection , climatology , precipitation , north atlantic oscillation , northern hemisphere , environmental science , el niño southern oscillation , southern hemisphere , oscillation (cell signaling) , climate system , southern oscillation , atmospheric sciences , climate change , geography , meteorology , geology , oceanography , biology , genetics
Seasonal climate forecasts are regularly published to provide decision makers with insights on upcoming climate conditions. Precipitation forecasts, in particular, are useful for fields such as agriculture and water resources. Projections frequently cite a single climate oscillation such as El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) or the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) when suggesting whether a region will be wetter or drier than normal. The complex climate system is composed of a multitude of simultaneous oceanic and atmospheric oscillations, however. Through the study of five atmospheric-pressure-based oscillations, their interactions, and associated precipitation values, this research demonstrates the wide variety of precipitation patterns that can arise when different phases of prominent climate modes occur. Results show that incorporating other Northern Hemisphere teleconnections can dampen or shift expected ENSO and NAO impact patterns. These results indicate that seasonal precipitation projections may be improved by incorporating multiple, regionally important teleconnection indices into the forecast.