Dry/Wet Variation and Its Relationship with Regional Warming in Arid-Regions of Northern China

Abstract

Using the monthly mean air temperature and monthly precipitation data from 60 stations over China, the hydrological processes of surface water budget and evaporation in arid regions of North China are calculated. Based on the computation, the evolutionary rules of surface water and its relationship to temperature change in three northern regions (Northwest, Northeast and North China) are analyzed, especially the relationship between the rule and regional warming. The results indicate that in northern arid regions, surface water has an obviously evolutionary rule with different variations for different areas. However, the relationship between actual evaporation and air temperature demonstrates different phases, and the correlation before 1965 is contrary to that after 1965. The analysis also shows that the current prevalent warming in North China is the main reason for the enhancing trend of aridification.