Extended Abstract (556K)P3.9
Low-frequency rainfall variability in northwest Africa and the Sahelian and Sudanian zones
Jon M. Schrage, Creighton University, Omaha, NE; and A. H. Fink, T. Bruecher, M. Christoph, P. Knippertz, and P. Speth
Using precipitation data sets constructed by the German IMPETUS (“An Integrated Approach to the Efficient Management of Scarce Water Resources in West Africa”) project, interannual variability of rainfall in West Africa is examined. In addition to the well-known interdecadal climate variability of the North African Sahel, rainfall totals across West Africa are also shown to be modulated by the ENSO and NAO signals, with as much as 50% of the variance in the Moroccan Atlantic region explained by the NAO. The strength of the correlation between Africa precipitation and the ENSO signal was found to change with time, being most negative (and significant) after the 1960s and prior to 1930.
Poster Session 3, ENSO and Monsoons (Hall 4AB)
Thursday, 15 January 2004, 9:45 AM-11:00 AM, Hall 4AB
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