20th Century Trends in Southern African Rainfall
Reference
Richard, Y., Fauchereau, N., Poccard, I., Rouault, M. and Trzaska, S. 2001. 20th century droughts in southern Africa: Spatial and temporal variability, teleconnections with oceanic and atmospheric conditions. International Journal of Climatology 21: 873-885.
Reference
Richard, Y., Fauchereau, N., Poccard, I., Rouault, M. and Trzaska, S. 2001. 20th century droughts in southern Africa: Spatial and temporal variability, teleconnections with oceanic and atmospheric conditions. International Journal of Climatology 21: 873-885.
What was done
Summer (January-March) rainfall totals were analyzed across southern Africa for the period 1900-1998.
What was learned
Interannual variability in summer rainfall totals were higher for the periods 1900-1933 and 1970-1998, and lower for the period 1934-1969. The strongest rainfall anomalies (greater than two standard deviations) were observed at the beginning of the century. However, the authors conclude there were "no significant changes in the January-March rainfall totals," nor any evidence of "abrupt shifts during the 20th century."
What it means
Rainfall trends in southern Africa do not appear to have been influenced by CO2-induced -- or any other type of -- global warming.