Interannual Variability of Surface and Integrated Water Vapor and Atmospheric Circulation in Europe

Abstract

The variability of time series of the integrated water vapor of the atmosphere and the surface partial pressure of water vapor for the territory of Europe over a long period have been studied. The main contribution to the variance of both integrated and surface water vapor is made by seasonal variations of 60–70%; mesoscale processes, 7–17%; and synoptic processes, 17–27%. The linear trend contributes less than 1% to the overall variance of the variability of the atmospheric water vapor in Europe. It has been shown that the interannual variability of the atmospheric water vapor manifests itself both in quasi-periodic variations in the annual average values and in variations in the intensity of synoptic processes. The irregular coherence of variations in the circulation indices and surface partial water vapor pressure in Europe with periods of 2–3, 5–6, 8–11, and 10–13 years has been established.