Abstract
In this paper the long-term evolution of the synoptic circulation over the Iberian Peninsula is analysed by applying an automated synoptic classification procedure. At the annual scale, the substitution of NE situations by SE situations reflects a replacement of maritime blockings by continental blockings. In summer, the decrease of “Atlantic” types and the correlative increase of easterly and cyclonic days could be related to a strengthening of the subtropical circulation.
The synoptic types have also experienced a strong within-type variability due to the influence of large scale circulation patterns, like the North Atlantic Oscillation. The results show that the Polar Front controls not only the frequency of occurrence of each synoptic type, but also the deepening of the lows and the strength of the anticyclones.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Brinkmann, W.A.R., 1999: Within-type variability of 700 hPa winter circulation patterns over the Lake Superior Basin. Int. J. Climatol. 19, 41–58.
Buishand, T. A. and Brandsma, T., 1997: Comparison of circulation classification schemes for predicting temperature and precipitation in the Netherlands. Int. J. Climatol. 17, 875–889.
Davis, R.E., Hayden, B.P., Gay, D.A., Philips, W.A. and Jones, G.J., 1977: The North Atlantic Subtropical Anticyclone. J. of Climate 10, 728–744.
Fernández García, F. 1994: Los cambios climáticos recientes. Tendencias metodológicas y estado de la cuestión en España peninsular. In Cambios y Variaciones Climáticas en España (Pita y Aguilar eds.). Universidad de Sevilla-Fundación El Monte, pp. 19–46.
Goodess, C.M. and Palutikoff, J.P., 1998: Development of daily rainfall scenarios for southeast Spain using a circulation-type approach to downscaling. Int. J. Climatol. 10, 1051–1083.
Hurrel, J. and Van Loon, H., 1997: Analysis of low-frequency climate variations over de North Atlantic using historical atmospheric data. 6 th Symposium on Global Change Studies, AMS, 174 – 179.
Jenkinson, A. and Collison, F., 1977: An initial Climatology of gales over the North Sea areas. Synoptic Climatology Branch Memorandum n° 62, Met. Office, Bracknell.
Lamb, H.H., 1972: British Isles weather types and a register daily sequence of circulation patterns, 1861–1971. Geophysical Memoir, 110, Met. Office, London, 85 pp.
Moses, T., Kilandis, G., Diaz, H.F and Barry, R.G., 1987: Characteristics and frequency of reversals in mean sea lever pressure in the North Atlantic sector and their relationship to long term temperature trends. J. Climatol. 7, 13–30.
Pfister, C., 1992: Monthly temperature and precipitation in central Europe 1525–1979: quantifying documentary evidence on weather and its effects. In Climate since A.D. 1500, (R.S. Bradley and P.D. Jones, Eds.), Routledge, London, 118–142.
Rogers, J.C., 1990: Patterns of low-frequency montly sea level pressure variability (1899–1986) and associated wave cyclone frequencies. J. Climate 3, 1364–1379.
Trenberth, K.E. and Paolino, D., 1980: The Northern Hemisphere sea level pressure dataset: trends, errors and discontinuities. Mon. Wea. Rev. 108, 855–872.
Ueno, K., 1993: Inter-annual variability of surface cyclone tracks, atmospheric circulation patterns and precipitation patterns, in winter. J. Meteorol. Soc. Japan 71, 655–671.
Yamal, B., 1993: Synoptic climatology in Environmental Analysis. Studies in Climatology Series. Belhaven Press, London, 195 pp.
Zorita, E.; Kharin, V. and Von Storch, H., 1992: The atmospheric circulation and sea surface temperature in the North Atlantic area in winter: their interaction and relevance for Iberian precipitation. J. Climate 5, 1097–1108.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2001 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
García, F.F., Álvarez, D.F.R. (2001). Secular Variations of the Synoptic Circulation over the Iberian Peninsula. In: India, M.B., Bonillo, D.L. (eds) Detecting and Modelling Regional Climate Change. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-04313-4_20
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-04313-4_20
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-642-07594-0
Online ISBN: 978-3-662-04313-4
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive