Evidence for climatic conditions between CA. 900-1300 A.D. in the southern canadian rockies

Available evidence for climatic conditions in the southern Canadian Rockies around the period of the Early Medieval Warm Period is presented and reviewed. Treelines appear to have been above present levels during the 14th–17th centuries and there is limited evidence of higher treelines ca. 1000¹⁴C yr B.P. (ca. 1000 A.D.). During the 13th century at least three glaciers were advancing over mature forest in valley floor sites, 0.5–1.0 km upvalley of Little Ice Age maximum positions attained in the 18th and 19th centuries. Tree-ring width chronologies from treeline sites show suppressed growth in the early 12th century and for several periods in the 12th–14th centuries. The only tree-ring chronology presently spanning the 900–1300 A.D. interval has generally wider ringwidths between 950 and 1100 A.D. suggesting conditions were more favourable at that time. Forested sites overrun by glaciers in the 12th–14th centuries have only been deglaciated within the present century.     

National Inventories of Terrestrial Carbon Sources and Sinks: The U.K. Experience

The U.K. has extensive databases on soils, land cover and historic land use change which have made it possible to construct a comprehensive inventory of the principal terrestrial sources and sinks of carbon for approximately the year 1990, using methods that are consistent with, and at least as accurate as, the revised 1996 guidelines recommended by IPCC where available – and including categories which are not currently considered under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. This country inventory highlights issues concerning methodology, uncertainty, double counting, the importance of soils and the relative magnitude of sources and sinks which are reported to the UNFCCC relative to other sources and sinks. The carbon sinks (negative values in MtC a^-1) for categories reported to the UNFCCC, based on the IPCC categories, were estimated to be: forest trees and litter (–2.1), U.K. forest products (–0.5, ignoring imports and exports), non-forest biomass (–0.3), forest soils (–0.1) and soils on set-aside land (–0.4). The carbon sources (positive values) reported under the UNFCCC were estimated to be: losses of soil organic carbon resulting from cultivation of semi-natural land (6.2) and from urbanization (1.6), drainage of peatlands (0.3) and fenlands (0.5), and peat extraction (0.2). A range of other sources and sinks not covered by the IPCC guidelines were also quantified, namely, the accumulation of carbon in undrained peatlands (–0.7, ignoring methane emission), sediment accretion in coastal marshes (–0.1), the possible U.K. share of the CO₂ and N fertilization carbon sink (–2.0) and riverine organic and particulate carbon export to the sea (1.4, which may be assumed to be a source if most of this carbon is released as CO₂ in the sea). All sinks totalled –6.2 and sources 10.2, giving a net flux to the atmosphere in 1990 of 4.0 MtC a^-1. Uncertainties associated with categories, mostly based on best guesses, ranged from ±15% for forest biomass and litter to ±60% for CO₂ and N fertilization.     

Wavelet transform technique to study the behavior of the 10–20-day and 25–50-day modes during indian summer monsoon onset

Summary Wavelet transform (WT) has been employed to study the behavior of the 10–20-day and 25–50-day modes during Indian monsoon onset. Daily time-series of the zonal and meridional components of surface wind over off the Somali coast and onset dates over south Kerala during 23 years (1954–1976) have been used. In 63% of cases the results of this analysis indicate a link between summer monsoon onset and the 10–20-day and 25–50-day bands expressed by the simultaneously occurrence of fluctuations in these two bands. This suggests the presence of undulatory behavior within the Somali jet whose periods are situated in the 10–20-day and 25–50-day bands during summer monsoon onset.With 6 Figures     

Historic variation of warm-season rainfall,Southern Colorado Plateau,Southwestern U.S.A.

Rainfall during the warm season (June 15–October 15) is the most important of the year in terms of flood generation and erosion in rivers of the southern Colorado Plateau. Fluvial erosion of the plateau decreased substantially in the 1930s to early 1940s, although the cause of this change has not been linked to variation of warm-season rainfall. This study shows that a decrease of warmseason rainfall frequency was coincident with and probably caused the decreased erosion by reducing the probability of large floods. Warm-season rainfall results from isolated thunderstorms associated with the Southwestern monsoon and from dissipating tropical cyclones and (or) cutoff low-pressure systems that produce widespread, general rainfall. Warm-season rainfall is typically normal to above normal during warm El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions. A network of 24 long-term precipitation gages was used to develop an index of standardized rainfall anomalies for the southern Colorado Plateau for the period 1900–85. The index shows that the occurrence of anomalously dry years increased and the occurrence of anomalously wet years decreased after the early 1930s, although 1939–41, 1972, and 1980–84 were anomalously wet. The decrease in warm-season rainfall after the early 1930s is related to a decrease in rainfall from dissipating tropical cyclones, shifts in the incidence of meridional circulation in the upper atmosphere, and variability of ENSO conditions.     

Rate constants for reactions of OH radicals with some Br-containing haloalkanes

Rate constants have been measured for the gas-phase reactions of hydroxyl radical with two halons and three of their proposed substitutes and also with CHClBr-CF₃ using the discharge-flow-EPR technique over the temperature range 298–460 K. The following Arrhenius expressions have been derived (units are 10^–13 cm³ molecule^–1 s^–1): (9.3 _–0.9 ^+1.0 ) exp{–(1326±33)/T} for CHF₂Br; (7.2 _–0.6 ^+0.7 ) exp{–(1111±32)/T} for CHFBrCF₃; (8.5 _–0.8 ^+0.9 ) exp{–(1113±35)/T} for CH₂BrCF₃; (12.8 _–1.2 ^+1.5 ) exp{–(995±38)/T} for CHClBrCF₃. The rate constants at 298 K have been estimated to be <2×10^–17 cm³ molecule^–1 s^–1 for CF₃Br and CF₂Br—CF₂Br. The atmospheric lifetimes due to hydroxyl attack have been estimated to be 5.5, 3.3, 2.8, and 1.2 years for CHF₂Br, CHFBr—CF₃, CH₂Br—CF₃ and CHClBr—CF₃, respectively.     

Determination of rate constants for reactions of some hydrohaloalkanes with OH radicals and their atmospheric lifetimes

Rate constants have been measured for the gas-phase reactions of hydroxyl radical with partly halogenated alkanes using the discharge-flow-EPR technique over the temperature range 298–460 K. The following Arrhenius expressions have been derived (units 10^–13 cm³ molecule^–1 s^–1): (8.1 _–1.2 ^+1.5 ) exp{–(1516±53)/T} for CHF₂Cl (HCFC-22); (10.3 _–1.5 ^+1.8 ) exp{–(1588±52)/T} for CH₂FCF₃ (HFC-134a); (11.3 _–1.6 ^+2.1 ) exp{–(918±52)/T} for CHCl₂CF₂Cl (HCFC-122); (9.2 _–2.0 ^+2.5 ) exp{–(1281±85)/T} for CHFClCF₂Cl (HCFC-123a).The atmospheric lifetimes for the substances have been estimated to be 12.6, 12.9, 1.05, and 4.8 years, respectively, and the accuracy of the estimates is discussed.     

Potential Soil C Sequestration on U.S. Agricultural Soils

Soil carbon sequestration has been suggested as a means to help mitigate atmospheric CO₂ increases, however there is limited knowledge aboutthe magnitude of the mitigation potential. Field studies across the U.S. provide information on soil C stock changes that result from changes in agricultural management. However, data from such studies are not readily extrapolated to changes at a national scale because soils, climate, and management regimes vary locally and regionally. We used a modified version of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) soil organic C inventory method, together with the National Resources Inventory (NRI) and other data, to estimate agricultural soil C sequestration potential in the conterminous U.S. The IPCC method estimates soil C stock changes associated with changes in land use and/or land management practices. In the U.S., the NRI provides a detailed record of land use and management activities on agricultural land that can be used to implement the IPCC method. We analyzed potential soil C storage from increased adoption of no-till, decreased fallow operations, conversion of highly erodible land to grassland, and increased use of cover crops in annual cropping systems. The results represent potentials that do not explicitly consider the economic feasibility of proposed agricultural production changes, but provide an indication of the biophysical potential of soil C sequestration as a guide to policy makers. Our analysis suggests that U.S. cropland soils have the potential to increase sequestered soil C by an additional 60–70 Tg (10¹²g) C yr^{– 1}, over present rates of 17 Tg C yr^–1(estimated using the IPCC method), with widespread adoption of soil C sequestering management practices. Adoption of no-till on all currently annually cropped area (129Mha) would increase soil C sequestration by 47 Tg C yr^–1. Alternatively, use of no-till on 50% of annual cropland, with reduced tillage practices on the other 50%, would sequester less – about37 Tg C yr^–1. Elimination of summer fallow practices and conversionof highly erodible cropland to perennial grass cover could sequester around 20 and 28Tg C yr^–1, respectively. The soil C sequestration potentialfrom including a winter cover crop on annual cropping systems was estimated at 40Tg C yr^–1. All rates were estimated for a fifteen-yearprojection period, and annual rates of soil C accumulations would be expected to decrease substantially over longer time periods. The total sequestration potential we have estimated for the projection period (83 Tg C yr^–1) represents about 5% of 1999total U.S. CO₂ emissions or nearly double estimated CO₂ emissionsfrom agricultural production (43 Tg C yr^–1). For purposes ofstabilizing or reducing CO₂ emissions, e.g., by 7% of 1990 levels asoriginally called for in the Kyoto Protocol, total potential soil C sequestration would represent 15% of that reduction level from projected 2008 emissions(2008 total greenhouse gas emissions less 93% of 1990 greenhouse gasemissions). Thus, our analysis suggests that agricultural soil C sequestration could play a meaningful, but not predominant, role in helping mitigate greenhouse gas increases.     

Analysis of the sea surges at Venice from A.D. 782 to 1990

Summary After an accurate search for old documents in Italian archives, the series of the sea surges has been reconstructed for a period of 12 centuries. In addition to written documents, other sources have also been investigated, e.g. the identification marks made by the Venetian Republic at the mean level of the high tides and accurate drawings made in the 18th century by the painterCanaletto with the help of a portable camera obscura. The sea surges at Venice are due to several forcing factors: a low pressure passing over the Mediterranean and generating a Sirocco wind; the barometric effect associated with a gradient of atmospheric pressure over the sea waters; free oscillations in the Adriatic sea; solar and lunar influences; subsidence of the soil. Except for a period which culminated in 1424–1442, when the moon was in perigee and the earth in perihelion, in general the meteorological factors largely dominate over the astronomical ones: the seasonal distribution shows a narrow peak in November–December and the series is important to show the frequency of the anomalies in the atmospheric circulations which determined meridional winds over the Adriatic sea. The analysis of the data shows clearly the 18.6 yr lunar nutation influence and a continuous rise of the sea level despite the cooling of the Little Ice Age. The most perturbed period were respectively: 1914–today, due to anthropogenic factors, i.e. excavating of new canals and underground water pumping; 1500–1550, during the Spörer Minimum of solar activity; 1720–1830; 1250–1350, which was also a stormy period in the North Sea. No apparent links with the Maunder Minimum of solar activity were found.With 7 Figures     

Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Production in the Sahel – Part 2. Case Study for Groundnut and Cowpea in Niger

During the last 30 years, the climate of the West African Sahel has undergone various changes, especially in terms of rainfall. This has large consequences for the poor-resource farmers depending mainly on rainfed agriculture. This paper investigates the impacts of current climate variability and future climate change on groundnut and cowpea production in Niger for three major agricultural regions, including the groundnut basin.Niger was one of the largest West African groundnut producing and exporting countries. Groundnut production – as a cash crop – dropped fromabout 312,000 tons in the mid 1960s (about 68% exported) to as low as 13,000tons in 1988 and increased again to 110,000 tons in 2000. Cowpea, a food crop, showsa different tendency, going from 4,000 tons in the mid fifties to a maximum of 775,000 tons in 1997, and its cultivated area is still increasing. It is also a cash crop in local economies (especially for women).To highlight the impact of climate change on groundnut and cowpea production (significantly determined by rainfall in July, August and September), the following components of the rainfall regime were calculated for the period 1951–1998: mean annual and monthly rainfall, beginning, end and lengthof the rainy season, number of rainy days per month, amount of rainfall per rainy day and the maximum length of dry spell per month. Three sub-periods whose duration varied per region were defined: for Dosso 1951–1968,1969–1984 and 1985–1998; for Maradi 1951–1970, 1971–1987 and1988–1998; and for Zinder 1951–1966, 1967–1984 and 1985–1998. A change in rainfallregime components was observed between the three sub-periods, which were characterized in chronological order by wet, dry and intermediate conditions. To assess the impact of climate variability and change on groundnut and cowpea production, a statistical modeling approach has been followed, based on thirteen predictors as described and discussed in the preceding paper. Climate change is mimicked in terms of reduced total amount of rainfall for the three main rainfall months and an increased temperature, while maintaining other significant predictors at a constant level. In 2025,production of groundnut is estimated to be between 11 and 25% lower, while cowpeayield will fall maximally 30%. Various strategies to compensate thispotential loss are presented for the two crops.     

Reactions of Cl Atoms with Selected VOCs: Kinetics, Products and Mechanisms

The reactions of isoprene, MBO (2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol) and toluene with chlorine atoms have been studied at 298 ± 5 K and 740 ± 5 Torr with the use of FTIR spectroscopy. Major products of the isoprene-Cl reaction and of the MBO-Cl reaction have been identified and quantified, and reaction mechanisms have been tentatively proposed in order to explain the products formed. The reaction between isoprene and Cl atoms yields mainly HCl, formyl chloride, formic acid, methylglyoxal (pyruvic aldehyde), CO and CO2, while the MBO-Cl reaction forms acetone, HCl, formyl chloride, formic acid, CO, CO2. As products from the reaction between toluene and Cl we identified and quantified HCl and benzaldehyde. The rate constants for the reactions of isoprene and toluene with Cl atoms have also been determined using a relative rate method. The measured values are: kisoprene = (5.5 ± 1.0) × 10–10 cm3 molecule–1 s–1 and ktoluene = (5.6 ± 1.3) × 10–11 cm3 molecule–1 s–1. Atmospheric lifetimes have been estimated from these values.     

Kinetics of the Gas-Phase Reactions of OH and NO3 Radicals and O3 with the Monoterpene Reaction Products Pinonaldehyde, Caronaldehyde, and Sabinaketone

Using a relative rate method, rate constants have been measured for the gas-phase reactions of OH and NO3 radicals with pinonaldehyde, caronaldehyde and sabinaketone at 296 ± 2 K. The OH radical reaction rate constants obtained are (in units of 10–12 cm3 molecule–1 s–1): pinonaldehyde, 48 ± 8; caronaldehyde, 48 ± 8; and sabinaketone, 5.1 ± 1.4, and the NO3 radical reaction rate constants are (in units of 10–14 cm3 molecule–1 s–1): pinonaldehyde, 2.0 ± 0.9; caronaldehyde, 2.5 ± 1.1; and sabinaketone, 0.036 ± 0.023, where the error limits include the estimated overall uncertainties in the rate constants for the reference compounds. Upper limits to the O3 reaction rate constants were also obtained, of <2 × 10–20 cm3 molecule–1 s–1 for pinonaldehyde and caronaldehyde, and <5 × 10–20 cm3 molecule–1 s–1 for sabinaketone. These reaction rate constants are combined with estimated ambient tropospheric concentrations of OH radicals, NO3 radicals and O3 to calculate tropospheric lifetimes and dominant transformation process(es) of these and other monoterpene reaction products.     

A Pulsed Laser Photolysis-Resonance Fluorescence Kinetic Study of the Atmospheric Cl Atom-Initiated Oxidation of Propene and a Series of 3-Halopropenes at Room Temperature

Absolute rate coefficient measurements have been carried out for the reactions of Cl atoms with propene and a series of 3-halopropenes, at room temperature (298 ± 2) K using a newly constructed laser photolysis-resonance fluorescence (PLP-RF) system. The rate coefficients obtained (in units of cm³ molecule^–1 s^–1) are: propene (1.40± 0.24) ×10^–10, 3-fluoropropene (4.92 ± 0.42) ×10^–11, 3-chloropropene (7.47 ± 1.50) × 10^–11, 3-bromopropene (1.23± 0.14) ×10^–10 and 3-iodopropene (1.29± 0.15) ×10^–10. In order to test this new system, the reactions of Cl atoms with acetone and isoprene have also been studied and compared with data previously reported. The rate coefficients determined at room temperature for these last two reactions are (2.93 ± 0.20) ×10^–12 cm³ molecule^–1 s^{– 1} and (3.64± 0.20)×10^–10 cm³ molecule^–1 s^–1, respectively. The measured values were independent of pressure over the range 20–200 Torr. The influence of the different halogen atoms substituents on the reactivity of these alkenes with Cl atoms as well as the atmospheric implications of these measurements are studied and discussed for the first time in this work and compared with the reactivity with NO₃ and OH radicals.     

A reappraisal of relationships between northern hemispheric surface air temperatures and Indian summer monsoon rainfall

Summary Zonally averaged surface air temperatures have been analysed to form time series of surface air temperature anomalies over the tropics (TTA), extratropics (ETA), the poles (PTA) and the whole northern hemisphere (NHTA) for the period 1901–1990. The temporal statistical relationships between these temperature time series and Indian monsoon rainfall over all India (AIR), northwest India (NWR) and peninsular India (PIR) have been examined for the above period.The northern hemispheric January–February (JF) temperature correlates significantly and positively with all the three monsoon rainfall series, the regional peninsular rainfall series (PIR) displaying the best correlation. The Strongest correlation is observed during 1951–1980 for both AIR and NWR but weakened in 1961–1990. For PIR, the highest correlation is observed during 1961–1990, remaining almost stable since 1951–1980. The JF series AIR monsoon relationship showed the highest correlation over the tropics during 1901–1940, over the polar region during 1941–1980 and over the northern hemisphere during 1951–1980. AIR and NWR moreover show a significant negative relationship with simultaneous, succeeding autumn and following year TTA series, while AIR and PIR monsoon rainfall series show significant positive association with the following year PTA series.The results also suggest that cooler January–February NHTA not only lead to a poor monsoon, but a poor monsoon also leads to warmer temperatures over the tropics and cooler temperatures over the polar region in the following year.With 1 Figure     

Estimation of bulk transfer coefficient for latent heat flux (Ce)

The bulk transfer coefficient for latent heat flux (Ce) has been estimated over the Arabian Sea from the moisture budget during the pre-monsoon season of 1988.The computations have been made over two regions (A: 0–8 ° N; 60–68 ° E; B: 0–4 ° N; 56–60 ° E) with the upper computational boundary fixed at the 300 mb level. The precipitation amount (P) was negligible for region A while the observed values of P have been used for region B. The Ce estimates have been compared with those obtained with other available schemes (Kondo, 1975: Bunker, 1976). which are based on wind speed and atmospheric stability within the surface layer. Our value of Ce is higher in region A and lower in region B than the other estimates.     

The greening of the McGill Paleoclimate Model. Part II: Simulation of Holocene millennial-scale natural climate changes

Various proxy data reveal that in many regions of the Northern Hemisphere (NH), the middle Holocene (6 kyr BP) was warmer than the early Holocene (8 kyr BP) as well as the later Holocene, up to the end of the pre-industrial period (1800 AD). This pattern of warming and then cooling in the NH represents the response of the climate system to changes in orbital forcing, vegetation cover and the Laurentide Ice Sheet (LIS) during the Holocene. In an attempt to better understand these changes in the climate system, the McGill Paleoclimate Model (MPM) has been coupled to the dynamic global vegetation model known as VECODE (see Part I of this two-part paper), and a number of sensitivity experiments have been performed with the green MPM. The model results illustrate the following: (1) the orbital forcing together with the vegetation—albedo feedback result in the gradual cooling of global SAT from about 6 kyr BP to the end of the pre-industrial period; (2) the disappearance of the LIS over the period 8–6 kyr BP, associated with vegetation—albedo feedback, allows the global SAT to increase and reach its maximum at around 6 kyr BP; (3) the northern limit of the boreal forest moves northward during the period 8–6.4 kyr BP due to the LIS retreat; (4) during the period 6.4–0 kyr BP, the northern limit of the boreal forest moves southward about 120 km in response to the decreasing summer insolation in the NH; and (5) the desertification of northern Africa during the period 8–2.6 kyr BP is mainly explained by the decreasing summer monsoon precipitation.     

Power spectrum analysis of the annual rainfall series for Massachusetts (NE,U.S.A.)

Maximum Entropy Spectral Analysis of the annual rainfall series for 1887–1976 (90 years) for Massachusetts (northeastern USA.) shows T = 17.8 (very near the 18.6 year luni-solar signal) as the most prominent periodicity. However, it explains only 12% variance. Also, the next prominent periodicity is T = 2.72 years, i.e. in the QBO (Quasi-Biennial Oscillation, T = 2–3 years) region. Also, regular periodicities account for only 50% variance, leaving 50% as a random component. Hence, predictions are unreliable. Roughly, excess rainfall during 1990–1994 and droughts during 1992–2002 are indicated; but occasional years of opposite behavior cannot be ruled out.     

Intra-seasonal climate variability of Madagascar. Part 1: Mean summer conditions

Summary Variability of the summer climate of Madagascar is studied using area-averaged rainfall (1961–1992) and ECMWF meteorological data (1987–1992). Rainfall time series illustrate a seasonal onset in late December, a convective peak in mid-February and cessation near the end of March. Convective cycles with periods of 10–20 and 40 days are common. The former are contributed by easterly waves and the latter by monsoon surges which may resonate with the Madden Julian Oscillation. Using ECMWF January–February means, the summer climate of the Madagascar region is described. Characteristics of the region include SST>28°C, a quasi-permanent, topographic trade wind trough, sudden cyclogenesis, and distinct circulation regimes with easterly (westerly) shear to the north (south). The most poleward limit of deep convection and sustained uplift is near 20°S, 45°E. A convective vortex embedded in the ITCZ is a prevalent feature owing to the interaction of the NW monsoon and local topography.With 11 Figures     

Fourier transform infrared studies of the reaction of Cl atoms with PAN,PPN, CH3OOH,HCOOH, CH3COCH3 and CH3COC2H5 at 295±2 K

The relative rate technique has been used to measure rate constants for the reaction of chlorine atoms with peroxyacetylnitrate (PAN), peroxypropionylnitrate (PPN), methylhydroperoxide, formic acid, acetone and butanone. Decay rates of these organic species were measured relative to one or more of the following reference compounds; ethene, ethane, chloroethane, chloromethane, and methane. Using rate constants of 9.29×10^–11, 5.7×10^–11, 8.04×10^–12, 4.9×10^–13, and 1.0×10^–13 cm³ molecule^–1 sec^–1 for the reaction of Cl atoms with ethene, ethane, chloroethane, chloromethane, and methane respectively, the following rate constants were derived, in units of cm³ molecule^–1 s^–1: PAN, <7×10^–15; PPN, (1.14±0.12)×10^–12; HCOOH, (2.00±0.25)×10^–13; CH₃OOH, (5.70±0.23)×10^–11; CH₃COCH₃, (2.37±0.12)×10^–12; and CH₃COC₂H₅, (4.13±0.57)×10^–11. Quoted errors represent 2 and do not include possible systematic errors due to errors in the reference rate constants. Experiments were performed at 295±2 K and 700 torr total pressure of nitrogen or synthetic air. The results are discussed with respect to the previous literature data and to the modelling of nonmethane hydrocarbon oxidation in the atmosphere.In recent discussions with Dr. R. A. Cox of Harwell Laboratory, UKAEA, we learnt of a preliminary value for the rate constant of the reaction of Cl with acetone of (2.5±1.0)×10^–12 cm³ molecule^–1 sec^–1 measured by R. A. Cox, M. E. Jenkin, and G. D. Hayman using molecular modulation techniques. This value is in good agreement with our results.     

Rainfall trends in Nigeria

Summary Mean monthly rainfall data of 28 meteorological stations in Nigeria for the period 1911–1980 are analysed to examine trends in precipitation patterns in the country. Specifically, four 40-year periods (1911–50, 1921–60, 1931–70 and 1941–80) have been studied in detail.Results show three prominent features. First, both the amount and area of the secondary rainfall maximum at 9°–10°N latitude in Nigeria has depreciated with time. Second, the belt of relative minimum rainfall, with its east-west axis almost coincident with the channels of the rivers Niger and Benue, appears to be expanding with time. Last, while places north of 8°N latitude (the mean axis of the belt of relative minimum rainfall) receive 90–100% of the annual total rainfall from April to October, fluctuations of the wet or rainy season contribution to total annual rainfall further south is about 84–88%.These aberrations, which imply a decrease in the dry season contribution to the annual rainfall, suggest a drier environment in the long-term, especially if drought spells of the type 1969–73 and 1979–84 become a regular feature in West Africa. The planning implications are discussed in relation to water-use problems.

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Zusammenfassung Mittlere Monatssummen des Niederschlags von 28 meteorologischen Stationen in Nigeria von 1911–1980 wurden analysiert, um Trends in den Niederschlagsverteilungen des Landes zu untersuchen. Insbesondere wurden die 40-Jahresperioden 1911–50, 1921–60, 1931–70 und 1941–80 bearbeitet.Die Ergebnisse zeigen drei bedeutende Merkmale. Erstens, Menge und Niederschlagsgebiet des sekundären Maximums in 9–10° nördlicher Breite wurden kleiner. Zweitens, der Gürtel eines relativen Niederschlagsminimums, dessen Ost-West-Achse fast mit den Flußläufen von Niger und Benue zusammenfällt, scheint sich auszudehnen. Und schließlich, während Orte nördlich von 8° nördl. Breite (der Hauptachse des Niederschlagsminimums) 90–100% der Jahressumme von April bis Oktober empfangen, beträgt die Schwankung des Anteils von Regen- und Trockenzeit weiter im Süden 84–88%. Diese Abweichungen, die eine Abnahme des Anteils der Trockenzeit zum Gesamtniederschlag bedeuten, lassen in Zukunft eine trockene Umwelt erwarten, besonders wenn die Trockenperioden von 1969–73 und 1979–84 sich wiederholen sollten. Es werden die Folgen für die Planung des Wasserverbrauches diskutiert.

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With 8 Figures     

Autoxidation of N(III), S(IV), and other Species in Frozen Solution – A Possible Pathway for Enhanced Chemical Transformation in Freezing Systems

The chemistry of glycolaldehyde (hydroxyacetaldehyde) relevant to the troposphere has been investigated using UV absorption spectrometry and FTIR absorption spectrometry in an environmental chamber. Quantitative UV absorption spectra have been obtained for the first time. The UV spectrum peaks at 277 nm with a maximum cross section of (5.5± 0.7)×10^–20 cm² molecule^–1. Studies of the ultraviolet photolysis of glycolaldehyde ( = 285 ± 25 nm) indicated that the overall quantum yield is > 0.5 in one bar of air, with the major products being CH₂OH and HCO radicals. Rate coefficients for the reactions of Cl atoms and OH radicals with glycolaldehyde have been determined to be (7.6± 1.5)×10^–11 and (1.1± 0.3)×10^–11 cm³ molecule^–1 s^–1, respectively, in good agreement with the only previous study. The lifetime of glycolaldehyde in the atmosphere is about 1.0 day for reaction with OH, and > 2.5 days for photolysis, although both wet and dry deposition should also be considered in future modeling studies.