Rainfall variability pattern over time in Andalusia and its links with the North Atlantic oscillation

Abstract

The moving coefficient of variation over a 30 year period has been applied to precipitations series in seven meteorological stations in Andalusia, starting from the late 18th century until 1996. These coefficients show important variability changes in the region: periods of either strong or weak variability have been detected, describing a cyclic pattern in these time coefficient series. A 44-year cycle is predominant in the stations located in the northern part of the region, whereas an 88 year cycle is found in southern Andalusia. Rainfall variability and the North Atlantic Oscillation of the atmosphere have been compared in order to find the possible links existing between them.