Climatology and trends of reference evapotranspiration in Spain

Abstract

AbstractThis study presents a climatology and trend analysis of reference crop evapotranspiration (ETo) over continental Spain and the Balearic Islands. Geographic features of the study region play a substantial role in the climatology of ETo. The highest values (in excess of 1,200 mm y−1) are found at lower elevations in the south, while the lowest values (less than 900 mm y−1) are found in the highest elevations in the north. A deep analysis reveals: (a) a low interannual variability; (b) summer accumulates more than 50% of annual values; and (c) the radiative component contribution is higher than 50%. A positive long‐term trend (1961–2014) has been detected for most of the study area, but showing contrasting situations when shorter periods (20–30 years) are analysed. A short initial period of negative trend was followed by a longer period of a positive trend. We argue that global dimming/brightening played a role in this process, as these two contrasting periods are clearly guided by the radiative component. A seasonal analysis of the trends reveals that spring and summer are the seasons showing the long‐term positive trends. Interestingly, a monthly analysis shows that spring trends are guided by March and April and summer trends are mostly guided by June, which is the month showing the highest relative changes. This could have important consequences for agriculture and natural ecosystems since this month represents the start of the summer (dry) period.