Effect of ocean temperature on southwestern US climate analyzed
Friday, December 20, 2013 - 08:30
in Earth & Climate
Researchers have analyzed the relationship between a natural phenomenon in the North Atlantic and the temperature and precipitation patterns in the American Southwest. They concluded that only part of the recent temperature rise in the Southwest could be attributed to greenhouse gases. A significant amount of the increase is tied to the cyclic pattern of the Atlantic multi-decadal oscillation (AMO), a manifestation of the global ocean circulation pattern. Assuming that the past is a good indicator of the future, the scientists conclude that there should be wetter times ahead. The journal Climate Dynamics reported the findings.