Indian Ocean sea surface temperature variability and winter rainfall: Eastern Australia
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 19:31authored byVerdon, DC, Franks, SW
[1] This study investigates the relationship between sea surface temperature (SST) variability occurring over the Indian Ocean and winter rainfall variability in eastern Australia. Six indices of SST variability are compared and their relationship to rainfall over eastern Australia is determined. An analysis of historical rainfall data for Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria reveals that a strong relationship exists between a number of these indices and winter rainfall. In particular, anomalous SSTs over the Indonesian region provide a good indication of winter rainfall variability in eastern Australia. Additionally, this relationship is shown to hold true irrespective of potential impacts on rainfall by the El Nin˜o–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). A possible physical process by which the Indian Ocean SST anomalies may influence winter rainfall is proposed, involving their impact on the nature of the northwest Australian cloud band. This study demonstrates marked controls on winter climate variability comparable to that induced in summer by the better known ENSO processes and hence offers improved understanding of year-round seasonal climates.
History
Publication title
Water Resources Research
Volume
41
Issue
9
Article number
W09413
Number
W09413
Pagination
1-10
ISSN
0043-1397
Department/School
School of Engineering
Publisher
Amer Geophysical Union
Place of publication
2000 Florida Ave Nw, Washington, USA, Dc, 20009
Rights statement
Copyright 2005 American Geophysical Union
Repository Status
Restricted
Socio-economic Objectives
Other environmental management not elsewhere classified