Characterizing Temperature Variability States Across Southern South America and Associated Synoptic-Scale Meteorological Patterns

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to understand spatiotemporal temperature variability in southern South America by identifying overarching temperature variability states and their associated synoptic-scale meteorological patterns. Further, the temporal frequency of occurrence of those temperature variability states is investigated as is the role of recurrent low-frequency modes of climate variability (El Niño Southern Oscillation and I would like to thank the members of the Climate Science Lab for their generous support and enthusiastic feedback throughout the development of my research. My work has benefited greatly from their insight. Specifically I would like to acknowledge Emily Slinskey and Christina Aragon, both of whom have a tireless work ethic and unbounded scientific curiosity that continues to inspire me.