Precipitation variability and its relation to climate anomalies in the Bolivian Altiplano

Abstract

Precipitation variability over the Bolivian Altiplano is strongly affected by local climate and temporal variation of large-scale atmospheric flow. Precipitation is the main water source for drinking water and agricultural production. For this reason, a better understanding of precipitation variability and its relation with climate phenomena can provide important information for forecasting of droughts and floods, disaster risk reduction, and improvement of water management. We present results of an analysis of the austral summer precipitation variability at six locations in the Bolivian Altiplano and connections to climate variability. For this purpose, the variability of the summer precipitation was related to El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), Antarctic Meridional Mode (AMM), and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). A statistically significant correlation between climate indices and precipitation was found in various spectral frequencies and power. The variability of the summer precipitation was associated with the climate indices using a band-pass filter, representing the signal at a particular period of time. For the ENSO, band-pass filtering was applied for Niño3.4 and Niño3 at band~2-7 years, for NAO band 5-8 years, and for AMM band~10-13 years. The variability of summer precipitation was related to all studied climate modes by negative relationships. The physical explanation for this is first the dry air transported from the Pacific Ocean to the Altiplano during El Niño events. Second, NAO and ENSO are dynamically linked through teleconnections. Third, the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) shifts are northwards during the warm phases of AMM. These physical mechanisms lead to a reduced austral summer precipitation associated with positive phases of the ENSO, NAO, and AMM. The results can be used to better forecast precipitation in the Bolivian Altiplano and provide support for the development of policies to improve climate resilience and risk management of water supply.

Trends and variability of precipitation extremes in the Peruvian Altiplano (1971–2013)

“…This finding is consistent with that of Canedo‐Rosso et al . (2019) who found a negative correlation between austral summer precipitation and ENSO for the Bolivian Altiplano during 1948–2015. Interestingly, this study also demonstrated a significant negative correlation (at low frequency) with other climate indices, such as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), Antarctic Meridional Mode (AMM) and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO).…”

Molecular Epidemiology of Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) Isolates of Hospitalized Children from Bolivia Reveal High Heterogeneity and Multidrug-Resistance

“…Additional socioeconomic factors such as crowded settings or households with poor hygiene, sanitation, and contaminated water could exacerbate the propagation of EAEC during the cold-dry season. Studies with more recent EAEC prevalence data need to be considered to evaluate whether the biannual periodicity of EAEC remains univariable even after the severe consequences of climate change and water management that La Paz and Cochabamba cities experienced in the last decade (53).…”

Solar-Energy Innovative and Sustainable Solution for Freshwater and Food Production for Lake Titicaca Islands

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