Highlights
The rece
nt 13-year drought was unprecedented in the historical record in terms of its extent, reduced year-to-year rainfall variability, and the seasonal pattern of the rainfall decline. As a result of the nature of the changes in rainfall, the reductions in runoff have been greater than expected.
“The research indicates that these changes can be linked to global warming, making it a likely contributor to the recent drought.”
Dr David Post, SEACI Program Director
“While 2010 has brought welcome rains for much of south-eastern Australia, there is growing evidence from SEACI research that a long-term trend towards a drier climate is taking place,” said Program Director, CSIRO’s Dr David Post.
“Changes to large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns are impacting on rainfall and runoff in the south-east, particularly in the southern Murray–Darling Basin and Victoria.”
These observed changes indicate a shift in the overall climate of south-eastern Australia, similar to what has been experienced in rainfall and runoff in south-west Western Australia since the 1970s.
“The research indicates that these changes can be linked to global warming, making it a likely contributor to the recent drought.”
The report notes that natural climate variability is also likely to be a contributing factor to the rainfall and runoff decline.
Photo credit: DJ-Dwayne via Flickr
The source article Study indicates a changing climate in the south-east Australia was published Oct. 22, 2010 by CSIRO .
