Earth Sciences

Combined large-scale tropical and subtropical forcing on the severe 2019–2022 drought in South America

J. L. Geirinhas, A. C. Russo, et al.

Explore the alarming drought conditions that plagued Central-east South America from 2019 to 2022, driven by dynamic atmospheric interactions. This research, conducted by J. L. Geirinhas, A. C. Russo, R. Libonati, D. G. Miralles, A. M. Ramos, L. Gimeno, and R. M. Trigo, uncovers the complex mechanisms behind this extreme weather phenomenon and its long-term implications.

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Abstract

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

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