Land–Atmosphere Coupling Metric Applications in Arid and Semiarid Regions (Invited Presentation)

Feedbacks between the land surface and atmosphere operate predominantly via the water and energy cycles. In arid and semiarid regions, there is typically strong sensitivity of surface fluxes to variations in land surface states like soil moisture, but not much variability in soil moisture except during extreme conditions. Seasonally dry locations like monsoon regions can experience interannual variability that register as persistent land surface anomalies with the potential to affect subseasonal to seasonal climate. In more persistently dry locations, the atmosphere is usually not preconditioned to respond significantly to variations in land surface fluxes controlled by soil states. However, during anomalously wet conditions, sensitivity is achieved and the links from land to atmosphere are connected. Results of modeling and observational studies will be shown to demonstrate these effects, and consequences for improved prediction and monitoring will be discussed.