Lorenzo-Lacruz, J. and Morán-Tejeda, E. and Vicente-Serrano, S.M. and Hannaford, J. and García, C. and Peña-Angulo, D. and Murphy, Conor (2022) Streamflow frequency changes across western Europe and interactions with North Atlantic atmospheric circulation patterns. Global and Planetary Change, 212 (103797). pp. 1-19. ISSN 09218181

Preview

Download (21MB) | Preview

Abstract

This study identifies significant periodicities in streamflow dynamics across western Europe using a hydrological database encompassing 1874 monthly series from catchments in Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Portugal, spanning the years 1962 to 2012. Significant and synchronous periodicities with the main atmospheric mechanisms over the North Atlantic sector are also identified using Cross Wavelet Transform and Wavelet Coherence analysis. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) were applied to the different Wavelet transforms analysis in order to summarize the results. These show the occurrence of a 7-years streamflow cycle in a large proportion of catchments within the study domain since the mid 1980's that was not present in earlier periods. The significance, intensity and persistence of the observed regional cycle follows a spatial gradient around the English Channel. We show how the transitive coupling of key atmospheric mechanisms is an influencing factor causing the general change observed. These results suggest the occurrence of a regional change in the periodicities of streamflow across the western European domain. Our results emphasize the non-stationary interaction between streamflow and atmospheric circulation during recent decades and the prominent role of the North Atlantic Oscillation in the newly stablished streamflow cycles.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Wavelets; Climate modes; Streamflow; Periodicities; Synchronicities; Non-stationarity;
Academic Unit:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Geography Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Institutes > Irish Climate Analysis and Research Units, ICARUS
Item ID:	17492
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloplacha.2022.103797
Depositing User:	Conor Murphy
Date Deposited:	05 Sep 2023 14:20
Journal or Publication Title:	Global and Planetary Change
Publisher:	Elsevier
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	Publisher
Use Licence:	This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

Repository Staff Only(login required)

Item control page

Downloads

Origin of downloads