Homar et al. (2009) Recent trends in temperature and precipitation over the Balearic Islands (Spain)

Identification

• Journal: Climatic Change
• Year: 2009
• Date: 2009-09-11
• Authors: V. Homar, C. Ramis, R. Romero, S. Alonso
• DOI: 10.1007/s10584-009-9664-5

Research Groups

Group of Meteorology, Departament de Física, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Short Summary

This study analyzes recent trends in precipitation and temperature over the Balearic Islands, revealing a significant decrease in annual precipitation and an abrupt shift around 1980, alongside a strong surface warming trend contrasting with cooling in the mid-troposphere and lower stratosphere.

Objective

• To analyze recent trends in precipitation, surface temperature (maximum and minimum), and upper-air temperature (mid-troposphere and lower stratosphere) over the Balearic Islands, Spain.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Balearic Islands, Spain.
• Temporal Scale:
  • Precipitation: 1951–2006 (56 years)
  • Surface Temperature: 1976–2006 (31 years)
  • Upper-air Temperature (radiosonde): 1981–2006 (26 years)

Methodology and Data

• Models used: Statistical analysis for linear trends, significance tests, and objective detection of abrupt changes in time series.
• Data sources:
  • Precipitation: Data from 18 daily rain gauges and 2 additional sites with monthly totals.
  • Surface Temperature: Daily time series from 3 thermometric stations located at airport runways.
  • Upper-air Temperature: Radiosonde data from the Balearics.

Main Results

• Annual precipitation showed a negative tendency of 163 mm per century, with 85% significance.
• An abrupt decrease of 65 mm in mean yearly precipitation was detected around 1980.
• Light (up to 4 mm) and heavy (above 64 mm) daily precipitation increased their contribution to the total annual precipitation, while moderate-heavy (16–32 mm) precipitation decreased its share.
• Minimum surface temperatures increased at a rate of 5.8 °C per century ( >99% statistical significance).
• Maximum surface temperatures increased at a rate of 5.0 °C per century ( >99% statistical significance).
• Mid-troposphere temperatures decreased at a rate of 5.4 °C per century ( >98% statistical significance).
• Lower stratosphere temperatures decreased at a rate of 7.8 °C per century ( >98% statistical significance).

Contributions

This study provides detailed regional climate trend information for the Balearic Islands, which is valuable for local policy-makers and resource managers, complementing broader global or large-scale climate assessments. It highlights contrasting warming trends at the surface with cooling trends in the upper atmosphere, and significant shifts in precipitation patterns, including an abrupt decrease and changes in the contribution of different intensity rainfall events.

Funding

Not explicitly stated in the provided text.

Citation

@article{Homar2009Recent,
  author = {Homar, V. and Ramis, C. and Romero, R. and Alonso, S.},
  title = {Recent trends in temperature and precipitation over the Balearic Islands (Spain)},
  journal = {Climatic Change},
  year = {2009},
  doi = {10.1007/s10584-009-9664-5},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-009-9664-5}
}