Water vapour transport from the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans and summer rainfall in southern Africa
Doctoral Thesis
2007
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
Moisture input from the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans over southern Africa is examined through zonal water vapour transport. Along the west coast, variations in intensity and latitudinal position of the South Atlantic anticyclone/modulations of the westerly flow that penetrates from the tropical Atlantic, contribute the most about 25% and 11% of the variance explained respectively), in January-February to variability in moisture advection from the South/tropical Atlantic, thus affecting rainfall at subtropical/tropical latitudes respectively. The southern extension of the AEJ could play a role in transfering moisture from the tropics southwards during wet phases, while events related to low phases of the Southern Oscillation are marked by an eastward shift of the ascending branch of the Walker circulation, suppressing convection and thus reducing rainfall over the subcontinent.
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Includes bibliographical references (p. 190-206).
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Vigaud, N. 2007. Water vapour transport from the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans and summer rainfall in southern Africa. University of Cape Town.