Low-cloud and sunshine duration in the low-latitude belt of South China for the period 1961�C2005

In order to explore the trends in sunshine duration in the low-latitude belt of South China, long-term sunshine duration, total clouds, low clouds, and visibility were investigated for the period 1961?C2005. The results show significant declines in sunshine duration, occurring on the average of ?3.2% and ?2.8% per decade under all-sky and clear-sky conditions, respectively. It is noted that increased air aerosol loading due to rapid socio-economic development is the drive behind the sharp declines in sunshine duration in the study area. Though cloud is the primary regulator of sunshine duration under all-sky conditions, sunshine is strongly correlated with visibility under clear-sky conditions. Relational analysis between sunshine and cloud amount suggests 0.4% change in clouds per decade, which is well in agreement with the trend of decline in sunshine duration under all-sky conditions in the study area. Increasing low-cloud opacity could be the primary factor driving the decline in sunshine duration in the low-latitude belt of South China.     

1951—2010年大连市气温变化特征

利用1951—2010年大连市气温资料,采用气候趋势系数和气候倾向率、Mann-Kendal1突变分析等方法对年和季平均气温、最高最低气温变化特征进行了分析和突变检验。结果表明：大连市年和季平均气温呈上升趋势,进入21世纪,升温趋势有所减缓;大连市年平均气温的增温速率为0.33/10 a,明显高于近50 a中国平均增温...     

1951—2010年大连市气温变化特征

利用1951—2010年大连市气温资料,采用气候趋势系数和气候倾向率、Mann-Kendal1突变分析等方法对年和季平均气温、最高最低气温变化特征进行了分析和突变检验。结果表明：大连市年和季平均气温呈上升趋势,进入21世纪,升温趋势有所减缓;大连市年平均气温的增温速率为0.33/10 a,明显高于近50 a中国平均增温速率0.22/10 a,更高于近50 a全球平均0.13/10 a的增温速率。大连市平均气温的升高主要发生在春季和冬季;年平均最低气温的升温幅度大于年平均最高气温的升温幅度;年、季平均气温存在突变,突变始于1987—1990年前后,突变前后平均气温均值相差较大;年、季平均最高气温和最低气温大都存在突变,但秋季平均最高气温无突变。     

Significant Difference in Dimming Magnitude Between Urban and Rural Regions in China and Its Implication for Surface Temperature

The climatology and long term trends of sunshine duration (SSD), total cloud amount (TCC) and surface temperature are studied based on surface observations at 84 stations across China from 1961 to 2009. These stations were classified into metropolis, large city, small city and rural station based on their populations and specific station locations. Difference in SSD and its implication for surface temperature among four station categories are analyzed. Different SSD decreasing rates among four station categories were found. The maximum decreasing rate occurred at metropolis stations (-89.2 h per decade) and the minimum rate occurred at rural station (-54.1 h per decade). TCC also showed a negative trend. The correlation coefficients between decadal variability of SSD and TCC were significantly positive, which implied that the dimming during this period was apparently not explained by TCC. Among all station categories, the maximum temperatures (Tmax) showed a similar positive trend, however, the minimum temperatures (Tmin) increased much faster at urban stations than at rural stations. This suggested that the faster decline of SSD at urban stations could partly dampen the effect of urban heat island on Tmax.     

From brightening to dimming in sunshine duration over the eastern and central Tibetan Plateau (1961–2005)

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) with an average elevation of over 4,000 m asl is the highest and most extensive highland in the world. We used monthly mean sunshine duration from the Chinese Meteorological Administration to examine the spatial and temporal variability of sunshine duration at 71 stations with elevations above 2,000 m asl in the eastern and central TP during the 1961–2005 period. The temporal evolution of the mean annual sunshine duration series shows a significant increase from 1961 to 1982 at a rate of 49.8 h/decade, followed by a decrease from 1983 to 2005 at a rate of ?65.1 h/decade, with an overall significant decrease at a rate of ?20.6 h/decade during the whole 1961–2005 period, which is mainly due to the summer and spring seasons. This confirms the evidence that sunshine duration in the TP ranges from brightening to dimming in accordance with sunshine duration trends in the rest of China. The surface solar radiation downwards from ERA-40 reanalysis data in the same region confirms the brightening/dimming phenomenon shown by the sunshine duration before/after the 1980s. Otherwise, additional climatic variables such as low cloud amount, total cloud amount, precipitation, relative humidity and water vapor pressure, in most cases, exhibit significant negative correlation with sunshine duration in the TP on an annual and seasonal basis before and after 1982, respectively. The trends of these variables suggest that changes in some of them might be related to the brightening and dimming detected with the use of sunshine duration measurements over the TP. We also hypothesize that the impact of anthropogenic aerosols upon the climatic variables analyzed cannot be rejected, especially in the significant increase in low cloud cover since approximately 1980.     

Egyptian cotton (Gossypium barbadense) flower and boll production as affected by climatic factors and soil moisture status

The information on impact of climatic factors on cotton production is not generally available, or at least not available in the required form. Understanding this impact may help physiologists determine a possible control of the flowering mechanism in the cotton plant. Two field trials were conducted to investigate the relationships between climatic factors, soil moisture status, and flower and boll production of Gossypium barbadense. The climatic factors considered were daily maximum air temperature (°C), minimum air temperature (°C), maximum–minimum temperature (diurnal temperature range) (°C), sunshine duration (h day^?1), maximum relative humidity (%), minimum relative humidity (%), and wind speed (m s^?1). Minimum relative humidity and sunshine duration were the most significant climatic factors affecting flower and boll retention and production. Temperature appeared to be less important in the reproduction growth stage of cotton in Egypt than minimum relative humidity and sunshine duration. The soil moisture status showed low and insignificant correlation to flower and boll production. High minimum relative humidity, short period of sunshine duration, and low temperatures enhanced flower and boll formation.     

Variations of the Surface Wettability Index over the Tibetan Plateau During 1971-2005

Based on 1971-2005 monthly mean maximum/minimum temperature,wind speed,relative humidity,sunshine duration,and precipitation data at 25 stations over the Tibetan Plateau,a study of the largest potential evapotranspiration(LPE)is performed by using the Penman-Monteith model.The surface wettability index(SWI)is calculated and examined,together with its space distribution,interannual and seasonal variations,as well as associated causes.The results suggest that the annual area rainfall exhibits a pronounced increasing trend at 15.0 mm per decade; the annual LPE shows a different-degree decrease at-4.6-71.6 mm/10 yr.In the southwestern Ngari prefecture and Nyalam county,the annual SWI displays insignificant decline trends compared to increasing trends in other areas of Tibet(0.02-0.09 per decade).For Tibet,on average,the SWI experiences a noticeable rise at 0.04/10 yr,particularly in 1981-2005.On a seasonal basis,the SWI shows increasing trends,especially in summer.In the 1970s-1980s,the interannual variation is characterized mainly by lower temperature and lower humidity.From the 1990s,air temperature keeps on rising,leading to an appreciable increase in SWI,displayed as a type of warm and humid climate.The salient increases(decrease)of precipitation and relative humidity(mean temperature daily range)are the principal causes of the greatly enhanced SWI in the region.The pronounced decrease in mean wind and sunshine duration also plays an active role.     

ON CHANGES OF CHINA’S MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES IN 1951-1990

Based on China's observational data in 1951-1990,after minimizing the possible biases caused by station relocation and urban heat island,the spatial and temporal distributions of trends for maximum and minimum temperatures are studied.The results show that increasing trends of maximum temperatures are in the areas west to 95°E,and north to the Huanghe (Yellow) River,while decreasing trends exist in eastern China south to the Yellow River.Minimum temperatures are generally increasing throughout China,with dominant warming trends at the higher latitudes.This resulted in very obvious decreasing trends in diurnal temperature ranges.The periodic cycles are consistent between the maximum and minimum temperatures,but asymmetric trends are very obvious.The significant increase of minimum(nighttime) temperatures reflects the evidence of enhancement of greenhouse effect.Further analysis shows that the changes of maximum and minimum temperatures are mainly related to sunshine duration and atmospheric water vapor content.     

Investigation of meteorological extreme events over coastal regions of Iran

In this study, in order to detect probable trends and effects of climatic extreme events of precipitation and temperature as well as maximum relative humidity, dew point temperature, sunshine hours, and wind speed, 12 stations on the northern and southern coastlines of Iran were investigated from 1977 to 2007. For this purpose, 27 indices of precipitation and temperature, which are specified by the Expert Team of the World Meteorological Organization and Climate Variability and Predictability, were calculated by using RClimDex software. The Mann?CKendall method was also used to detect possible trends in the data time series. The results indicate that temperature indices are absolutely consistent with warming. Warm nights, hot days, and hot day and night frequencies increased, while cold spell and cool day and night frequencies declined. The minimum temperature experienced a considerable rise both in its maximum and minimum values. The minimum temperature had a higher increase than the maximum temperature. Therefore, diurnal temperature ranges have experienced dramatic declines. In the northern coastal sites, hot day frequency and hottest day temperature showed higher magnitudes than those of the southern sites as a result of the significant increase in the maximum sunshine hours in northern stations. This enhancement led to a considerable increase in the maximum wind speed. Consequently, relative humidity declined in the northern sites. Precipitation indices indicate few significant trends over the studied period. Temporal precipitation distribution was different from station to station. Three precipitation patterns were detected at individual stations, although an overall regional rainfall pattern was not detectable. On the whole, the results of this study emphasize that the water resources in the studied area are going to become problematic.     

Climatic change on the Tibetan Plateau: Potential Evapotranspiration Trends from 1961–2000

Time series (1961–2000) of Penman-Monteith potential evapotranspiration estimates for 101 stations on the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding areas are analyzed in this paper. For the Tibetan Plateau as a whole potential evapotranspiration (PET) has decreased in all seasons. The average annual evapotranspiration rate decreased by 13.1 mm/decade or 2.0% of the annual total. Superimposed on this general decline are fluctuations ranging from app. 600 to 700 mm with above average rates in the 1970s and 1980s. On a regional basis, spatial trend distributions remain stable throughout the year with similar seasonal variations. Decreasing PET rates are more pronounced in winter and spring (80% of all stations) as compared to summer and autumn (58% of all stations). Maximum negative (positive) annual rates were recorded at two stations in the southern Qaidam Basin with –79.5 mm/decade (84.8 mm/decade) even though in general negative rates tend to be noticeably higher than positive rates.Changes in wind speed and to a lesser degree relative humidity were found to be the most important meteorological variables affecting PET trends on the Tibetan Plateau while changes in sunshine duration played an insignificant role. Stable daytime temperatures on the Tibetan Plateau have limited the importance of temperature trends for changes of PET rates. Negative evapotranspiration trends are therefore thought to be linked to a general decrease in intensity of the regional monsoon circulation rather than to reductions in sunshine duration. Reduced PET rates appear to be in contrast to a predicted increased hydrological cycle under global warming scenarios.     

Interannual and Decadal Variations of Surface Solar Radiation over East China in the First Half of the 20th Century

Variability and long-term trends of sunshine duration(SSD) and total cloud cover(TCC) were studied based on surface observations from 10 meteorological stations over East China in the first half of the 20 th century. The correlation coefficients between SSD and diurnal temperature range(DTR), as well as TCC, were analyzed. SSD experienced a significant increasing trend(0.16 h d-1 per decade) from 1908 to 1936, and the maximum brightening was in autumn(0.33 h d-1 per decade). The good agreement between the variability of SSD and DTR, supported by the correlation coefficient between them of 0.72, implies that the SSD measurements were reliable. TCC showed a decreasing trend(-0.93% per decade) and was significantly inversely related to SSD(-0.74), indicating the variation of SSD was attributable to changes in cloud cover. The result was obviously different to that since the 1960 s, when clouds could not account for the decadal trend of surface solar radiation in China.     

Assessment of global warming on the island of Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain). Trends in minimum, maximum and mean temperatures since 1944

Temperature variation is studied at different altitudes and orientation on the island of Tenerife, according to the trends in the mean, maximum and minimum at 21 meteorological stations. Reference series are obtained by sectors, along with a representative overall series for Tenerife, in which temperature shows a statistically significant growth trend of 0.09?±?0.04°C/decade since 1944. Night-time temperatures have risen most (0.17°C?±?0.04°C/decade), while by day they have been more stable. Consequently, the diurnal temperature range between day and night has narrowed. By regions, warming has been much more intense in the high mountains than the other sectors below the inversion layer between 600 and 1,400?m altitude, and progressively milder towards the coast. The temperature rise on the windward (north-northeast) slopes is greater than on the leeward side and could be related to the increase in cloudiness on the northern side. The general warming of the island is less than in continental areas at between 24 and 44oN, being closer to the sea surface temperature in the same area. This is probably explained largely by the insular conditions. In fact warming is more evident in the high mountains (0.14?±?0.07°C/decade), where the tempering effect of the ocean and the impact of changes in the stratocumulus is weaker, being similar to the mean continental values in the northern hemisphere.     

STUDIES ON CLIMATE CHANGE IN CHINA IN RECENT 45 YEARS

Based on the data of monthly mean air temperature and precipitation from about 400 stationsin 1951—1995.and the data of maximum and minimum air temperatures,relative humidity,totalcloud cover and low-cloud cover,sunshine duration,evaporation,wind speed,snow-covered daysand depth,and soil temperatures in 8 layers from 0 m down to 3.2 m from 200 odd stations in 1961—1995.the climate change and its characteristics in China in recent 45 years have been analyzedand studied comprehensively.This paper,as the first part of the work.has analyzed the climatechange and regularities of such meteorological elements as mean air temperature,maximum andminimum air temperatures,precipitation,relative humidity and sunshine duration.The possiblemechanism on climate change in China and the climate change and regularities of othermeteorological elements will be discussed in another paper as the second part.     

Aroma types of flue-cured tobacco in China: spatial distribution and association with climatic factors

Aroma types of flue-cured tobacco (FCT) are classified into light, medium, and heavy in China. However, the spatial distribution of FCT aroma types and the relationships among aroma types, chemical parameters, and climatic variables were still unknown at national scale. In the current study, multi-year averaged chemical parameters (total sugars, reducing sugars, nicotine, total nitrogen, chloride, and K₂O) of FCT samples with grade of C3F and climatic variables (mean, minimum and maximum temperatures, rainfall, relative humidity, and sunshine hours) during the growth periods were collected from main planting areas across China. Significant relationships were found between chemical parameters and climatic variables (p?<?0.05). A spatial distribution map of FCT aroma types were produced using support vector machine algorithms and chemical parameters. Significant differences in chemical parameters and climatic variables were observed among the three aroma types based on one-way analysis of variance (p?<?0.05). Areas with light aroma type had significantly lower values of mean, maximum, and minimum temperatures than regions with medium and heavy aroma types (p?<?0.05). Areas with heavy aroma type had significantly lower values of rainfall and relative humidity and higher values of sunshine hours than regions with light and medium aroma types (p?<?0.05). The output produced by classification and regression trees showed that sunshine hours, rainfall, and maximum temperature were the most important factors affecting FCT aroma types at national scale.     

1957—2009年南澳蒸发量变化特征及影响因子

利用1957—2009年南澳县小型蒸发皿蒸发量资料,分析了南澳蒸发量的气候变化趋势。结果表明：南澳10月蒸发量最大,2月蒸发量最少;秋季蒸发量最大,夏季次之,冬季最少。1957—2009年蒸发量呈明显下降趋势,20世纪60—90年代基本上是锐减,21世纪的第1个10 a反而上升,平均以7.2 mm/a的趋势下降;11月减幅最大,7月减幅最小;冬季减幅最大,秋季次之,夏季最小。对蒸发量下降的原因分析表明,日照时数和平均风速的减少与蒸发量的减少呈显著相关,是蒸发量减少的主要影响因子;低云量的增多导致日照时数减少;低云量、总云量、相对湿度、降水量、水汽压与蒸发量呈负相关关系,其中低云量、总云量与蒸发量负相关显著。     

The twentieth century contiguous US temperature changes indicated by daily data and higher statistical moments

The daily surface air temperature data are used to assess the climate changes of the contiguous United States during the period of 1901 to 2000. The assessment is made through the first four statistical moments of the daily maximum, minimum, and mean temperature anomalies, the linear trends of the moments, and the changes of the anomalies?? probability density functions. The results on the first moment, i.e., the mean, are compared with the existing ones in terms of intra-annual means and their linear trends. Our first moment results agree with known ones and demonstrate a decrease from the 1930s to the 1960s and an increase from the 1970s to 2000. The temperature fluctuation is the smallest in the 1960s among the decades from 1931 to 2000. The trends of the higher (second-, third- and fourth-order) moments of the mean, maximum, and minimum surface air temperatures are calculated for the periods 1901?C2000, 1910?C1945, 1946?C1975, and 1976?C2000. The results show a decreasing trend of the second- and third-order moments of all the temperatures. The fourth-order moments of the mean and maximum surface air temperatures have increasing trends, but that of the minimum surface air temperature has a decreasing trend. The seasonal histograms of the mean, maximum, and minimum surface air temperatures are calculated for the three periods 1910?C1945, 1946?C1975, and 1976?C2000 for the stations which have the largest trend of maximum daily surface air temperature. An obvious change has been identified in the probability density functions. Among the changes of statistical parameters, the ones for the minimum temperature are larger than those for the maximum and mean temperatures.     

Recent trends in mean maximum and minimum air temperatures over Spain (1961–2006)

This study analyzes the mean maximum and minimum temperature trends on a monthly, seasonal, and annual timescale by applying various statistical tools to data from 476 Spanish weather stations during the period between 1961 and 2006. The magnitude of the trends was derived from the slopes of the regression lines using the least squares method, and the nonparametric Mann–Kendall test was used to determine the statistical significance of the trends. Temperature significantly increased in over 60% of the country in March, June, spring, and summer in the case of maximum temperatures and in March, May, June, August, spring, and summer for minimum temperatures. At the annual resolution, temperatures significantly increased in over 90% of Spain with a rise of around 0.3°C/decade. The maximum temperature increased at a higher rate than the minimum temperature from midsummer to early winter as well as in winter, spring, and summer and also on an annual basis.     

Temporal and Spatial Trends of Temperature Patterns in Israel

Summary  Daily maximum and minimum temperatures from 40 stations in Israel were analyzed to detect long-term trends and changes in temporal and spatial distribution patterns during the second half of the 20th Century. The trend analysis, reveals a rather complex changing pattern, with a significant decreasing trend of both the daily maximum and minimum temperature, during the cool season, and an increasing trend during the warm season. On an annual basis, there seems to be almost no temporal trends in minimum and maximum temperatures since the changes in winter and summer show an opposite tendencey. Received November 30, 1998 Revised May 27, 1999     

基于灰色关联分析的新疆棉花产量气象影响因素研究

整理了新疆境内2000—2009年的棉花单产、年降水量、年平均相对湿度、年日照时数以及年平均气温等统计数据,对各因素变化趋势及相关性进行了分析,并应用灰色关联分析方法研究各个气象因素对棉花产量的影响程度。结果表明,年日照时数与棉花单产之间相关性最好,对棉花产量贡献最大,基于日照时数建立的棉花产量预测模型具有良好精度。     

1957-2009年南澳蒸发量变化特征及影响因子

利用1957-2009年南澳县小型蒸发皿蒸发量资料,分析了南澳蒸发量的气候变化趋势.结果表明:南澳10月蒸发量最大,2月蒸发量最少;秋季蒸发量最大,夏季次之,冬季最少.1957-2009年蒸发量呈明显下降趋势,20世纪60-90年代基本上是锐减,21世纪的第1个10 a反而上升,平均以7.2mm/a的趋势下降;11月减...