Climate Assessment for the Southwest  

Home | About CLIMAS | People | Forecasts | Research & Products | Learn About SW Climate | Publications | Calendar | Links

In this Section:

 

Note: Files marked pdf require Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded from the Adobe website.

To order a hardcopy of this publication, please contact:

climas@email.arizona.edu


 


Publications
:
Drought and Climate in Arizona: Top Ten Questions & Answers

March 2004

Jenna McPhee, Andrew Comrie, and Gregg Garfin

Download PDF File (DroughtQ&A.pdf, 736K)

Summary

This report outlines several questions frequently asked of CLIMAS researchers about Arizona's long-term drought and climate. Topics include instrumental records of drought over the last century, precipitation variability in Arizona, and the links between El Nino and drought. In addition the report details where to find forecasts and other drought resources.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary
Introduction
Data and Methods

1. What is the long-term precipitation average?
2. What is the historic record of drought over the past century?
3. How does drought intensity change with drought duration?
4. Has precipitation variability changed over time?
5. Has precipitation variability changed over space?
6. How often is the entire state dry?
7. Are there differences in summer and winter drought?
8. What are the links between El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)and drought?
9. Are there any long-term oscillations or trends?
10. Where can I find drought information and forecasts?

References

© 2004 Arizona Board of Regents. CLIMAS is part of the Institute for the Study of Planet Earth at the University of Arizona.
Send comments or questions to climas@email.arizona.edu