Precipitation variability using GPCC data and its relationship with atmospheric teleconnections in Northeast Brazil

Abstract

The present study investigates the influence of different atmospheric teleconnections on the annual precipitation variability in Northeast Brazil (NEB) based on the annual precipitation data from the Global Precipitation Climatology Center (GPCC) from 1901 to 2013. The objective of this study is to analyze the influence of different atmospheric teleconnections on the total annual precipitation of NEB for the 1901–2013 period, considering the physical characteristics of four subregions, i.e., Mid-north, Backwoods, Agreste, and Forest zone. To analyze the influence of different atmospheric teleconnections, GPCC data were used, and the behavior of the teleconnections was assessed using Pearson correlation coefficient, Rainfall Anomaly Index (RAI), and cross-wavelet analysis. The Pearson correlation was used to analyze the influence on the annual precipitation for the studied region. RAI was used to calculate the frequency of atmospheric patterns and drought episodes. The cross-wavelet analysis was applied to identify similarity signals between precipitation series and atmospheric teleconnections. The results of the Pearson correlation assessed according to Student's t test and cross-wavelet analysis showed that the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) exerts a more significant influence on the Backwoods region at an interannual scale. In contrast, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) exerts greater control over the modulation of the climatic patterns in NEB. The results of the study are insightful and reveal the differential impacts of teleconnections such as the AMO, PDO, MEI, and NAO on precipitation in the four sub-regions of NEB. The Atlantic circulation patterns strongly influence the interannual and interdecadal precipitation in the Agreste, Backwoods, and Mid-north regions, possibly associated with the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) position. Finally, this study contributes to understanding internal climatic variability in NEB and planning of water resources and agricultural activities in such a region.Graphic abstract