Central-east South America (CESA) experienced an exceptional drought from 2019–2022, characterized by flash droughts and record-breaking soil dryness. This study investigates the interplay of tropical and subtropical atmospheric forcing mechanisms driving this event, finding a coupled influence of Walker and Hadley cell circulation changes and a Rossby wave extending from the west-south Pacific. The long-term drying trend in CESA, influenced by decadal precipitation variability and rising temperatures, predisposed the region to this extreme drought.
Publisher
npj Climate and Atmospheric Science
Published On
Nov 10, 2023
Authors
J. L. Geirinhas, A. C. Russo, R. Libonati, D. G. Miralles, A. M. Ramos, L. Gimeno, R. M. Trigo
Tags
Central-east South America
drought
atmospheric forcing
Walker and Hadley circulation
Rossby wave
precipitation variability
climate change
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