Reconstruction of total annual rainfall in Andalusia (Southern Spain) during the 16th and 17th centuries from documentary sources

Summary This study describes a reconstruction of rainfall characteristics in Southern Spain from 1501 to 1700 AD, during the beginning of the period called the Little Ice Age. Weather information was taken from original documentary sources (urban annals, local and religious histories, municipal documents, relations, etc.) in the region. A numerical index was established to characterize the rainfall, its characteristics, evolution and geographical distribution. Results were characteristics compared with modern precipitation data and with the results of other studies of historical climate. The general conclusion is that rainfall in Western Andalusia increased from approximately 1550 to 1650 AD. Some perspectives for future research work are outlined.With 6 Figures