Koji et al. (2026) Spatiotemporal analysis of atmospheric moisture and orographic precipitation dynamics in the Arsi-Bale Massif Mountains, Ethiopia: A multi-source satellite and reanalysis data integration

Identification

• Journal: Physics and Chemistry of the Earth Parts A/B/C
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-09-11
• Authors: Abdisa Kawo Koji, Jeilan Hussein Feto
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pce.2026.104819

Research Groups

• College of Natural and Computational Science, Madda Walabu University, Bale Robe, Ethiopia

Short Summary

This study investigates the relationships among precipitable water vapor (PWV), precipitation variability, and orographic forcing over the Arsi–Bale Massif Mountains of southeastern Ethiopia using satellite precipitation observations, atmospheric reanalysis data, and topographic analysis. The results highlight the critical role of terrain-induced atmospheric dynamics in shaping hydroclimatic variability across the Ethiopian Highlands.

Objective

• Investigate the coupled relationships among PWV, precipitation variability, and orographic forcing over the Arsi–Bale Massif Mountains of southeastern Ethiopia.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Regional scale, focusing on the Arsi–Bale Massif Mountains in southeastern Ethiopia.
• Temporal Scale: 24 years (2002–2025) of satellite precipitation observations and atmospheric reanalysis data.

Methodology and Data

• Models used: Satellite precipitation products (e.g., TRMM, GPM) and atmospheric reanalysis datasets (e.g., ERA5, MERRA).
• Data sources: Satellite precipitation observations, atmospheric reanalysis data, and topographic analysis.

Main Results

• Precipitation increases significantly with elevation over the massif.
• Atmospheric moisture content decreases systematically with height.
• The relationship between PWV and precipitation is generally weak to moderate.
• Atmospheric moisture consistently precedes rainfall by approximately one month.

Contributions

• This study highlights the critical role of terrain-induced atmospheric dynamics in shaping hydroclimatic variability across the Ethiopian Highlands.
• The demonstrated lead–lag relationship between PWV and precipitation provides important opportunities for improving drought early warning systems, seasonal forecasting, and climate resilience strategies.

Funding

• Not specified.

Citation

@article{Koji2026Spatiotemporal,
  author = {Koji, Abdisa Kawo and Feto, Jeilan Hussein},
  title = {Spatiotemporal analysis of atmospheric moisture and orographic precipitation dynamics in the Arsi-Bale Massif Mountains, Ethiopia: A multi-source satellite and reanalysis data integration},
  journal = {Physics and Chemistry of the Earth Parts A/B/C},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.1016/j.pce.2026.104819},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pce.2026.104819}
}