Publication Date:
2011-08-13
Description:
We present a detailed analysis of summer monsoon rainfall over the Indian peninsular using nonlinear spatial correlations. This analysis is carried out employing the tools of complex networks and a measure of nonlinear correlation for point processes such as rainfall, called event synchronization. This study provides valuable insights into the spatial organization, scales, and structure of the 90th and 94th percentile rainfall events during the Indian summer monsoon (June–September). We furthermore analyse the influence of different critical synoptic atmospheric systems and the impact of the steep Himalayan topography on rainfall patterns. The presented method not only helps us in visualising the structure of the extreme-event rainfall fields, but also identifies the water vapor pathways and decadal-scale moisture sinks over the region. Furthermore a simple scheme based on complex networks is presented to decipher the spatial intricacies and temporal evolution of monsoonal rainfall patterns over the last 6 decades. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-17 DOI 10.1007/s00382-011-1156-4 Authors Nishant Malik, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, P.O. Box 60 12 03, 14412 Potsdam, Germany Bodo Bookhagen, Department of Geography, University of California Santa Barbara, 1832 Ellison Hall, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-4060, USA Norbert Marwan, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, P.O. Box 60 12 03, 14412 Potsdam, Germany Jürgen Kurths, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, P.O. Box 60 12 03, 14412 Potsdam, Germany Journal Climate Dynamics Online ISSN 1432-0894 Print ISSN 0930-7575
Print ISSN:
0930-7575
Electronic ISSN:
1432-0894
Topics:
Geosciences
,
Physics
