Tropical Atlantic Sea Surface Temperature and Amazon Dry-Season Climate
Author Information
Author(s): Good Peter, Lowe Jason A, Collins Mat, Moufouma-Okia Wilfran
Primary Institution: Met Office Hadley Centre
Hypothesis
Future changes in meridional sea surface temperature gradients in the tropical Atlantic could influence Amazon dry-season precipitation.
Conclusion
The study identifies a significant correlation between the tropical Atlantic sea surface temperature gradient and southern Amazon dry-season precipitation.
Supporting Evidence
- The chosen index captures much of the Atlantic SST influence on simulated southern Amazon dry-season precipitation.
- The index is significantly correlated with observed southern Amazon precipitation.
- Future changes in the SST gradient are linked to uncertainties in climate change predictions for the region.
Takeaway
The temperature differences in the Atlantic Ocean can change how much it rains in the Amazon during the dry season.
Methodology
The study used an ensemble of atmospheric general circulation model integrations forced by observed sea surface temperature data from 1949 to 2005.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the use of specific models and the selection of SST indices.
Limitations
The study's findings may not be applicable to all climate models due to differences in model formulations.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.60
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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