Abstract
Given the current concerns about climate change, particularly, the stratospheric temperature effect on climatic surface temperature, it is of fundamental importance to investigate the impact of the lower stratospheric temperature on regional climate. This paper examines the lower stratospheric temperature (LST) at 50 hPa in the winter season and its relation to the surface air temperature (ST) over the Arabian Peninsula in the period 1951–2016. Generally, LST had an insignificant decreasing trend over the entire period, with a relatively high standard deviation of 1.3 °C. According to the coefficient of variability (COV), the fluctuation in the LST from year to year is relatively high, especially in the last reference period (1981–2010). An insignificant increasing (0.05 °C per year) trend through the period between 1951 and 1992 was observed, while an insignificant decreasing (−0.05 °C per year) trend was observed during the second period of 1993–2016. From the spectral analysis, the periodicity cycles of LST time series at periods of about 2.2, 2.54, and 13.2 years with respect to the 95% significance confidence level were found. LST may be influenced by quasi-biennial oscillation and the sunspot cycle. A strong relationship was found between LST and ST over the Arabian Peninsula.
Highlights
Researchers have become aware of the importance of stratospheric temperature in the climate system
This study has shown that the quasi-biennial oscillation may affect lower stratospheric temperature (LST)
This study examines the lower stratospheric temperature (LST) and the relationship between surface air temperature and lower stratospheric temperature over the Arabian Peninsula
Summary
Researchers have become aware of the importance of stratospheric temperature in the climate system. Study of the stratospheric temperature is one of the important components of global climate change. Studies of [1,2] reveal that changes in the tropospheric temperature and/or changes in the stratospheric temperature provide insights into their effects on these mechanisms, which induce climate change [3,4]. Based on satellite data in the 1990s, the mean annual lower and middle stratospheric temperatures decreased [5]. Based on observed data from satellite and radiosondes, it was found that, globally, the troposphere has warmed and the stratosphere has cooled since the mid-20th century [6]. Manabe and Strickler; Simmons et al [7,8] found that tropospheric warming and stratospheric cooling are affected by increasing stratospheric water vapor
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