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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Extreme seasonal droughts and floods in Amazonia: causes, trends and impacts

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Author(s):
Marengo, J. A. [1] ; Espinoza, J. C. [2]
Total Authors: 2
Affiliation:
[1] Minist Ciencia Tecnol & Inovacao, Ctr Nacl Monitoramento & Alerta Desastres Nat, Rodovia Dutra Km 40, Cachoeira Paulista, BR-12630000 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Inst Geofis Peru, SCAH, Lima - Peru
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Review article
Source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATOLOGY; v. 36, n. 3, p. 1033-1050, MAR 15 2016.
Web of Science Citations: 121
Abstract

This paper reviews recent progress in the study and understanding of extreme seasonal events in the Amazon region, focusing on drought and floods. The review includes a history of droughts and floods in the past, in the present and some discussions on future extremes in the context of climate change and its impacts on the Amazon region. Several extreme hydrological events, some of them characterized as once in a century', have been reported in the Amazon region during the last decade. While abundant rainfall in various sectors of the basin has determined extreme floods along the river's main stem in 1953, 1989, 1999, 2009, 2012-2015, deficient rainfall in 1912, 1926, 1963, 1980, 1983, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2005 and 2010 has caused anomalously low river levels, and an increase in the risk and number of fires in the region, with consequences for humans. This is consistent with changes in the variability of the hydrometeorology of the basin and suggests that extreme hydrological events have been more frequent in the last two decades. Some of these intense/reduced rainfalls and subsequent floods/droughts were associated (but not exclusively) with La Nina/El Nino events. In addition, moisture transport anomalies from the tropical Atlantic into Amazonia, and from northern to southern Amazonia alter the water cycle in the region year-to-year. We also assess the impacts of such extremes on natural and human systems in the region, considering ecological, economic and societal impacts in urban and rural areas, particularly during the recent decades. In the context of the future climate change, studies show a large range of uncertainty, but suggest that drought might intensify through the 21st century. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 13/50538-7 - Understanding the causes of the biases that determine the onset of the rainy season in Amazonia in climate models using GoAmazon-CHUVA measurements
Grantee:Jose Antonio Marengo Orsini
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 11/51843-2 - Impact of climate extremes on ecosystems and human health in Brazil: PULSE-Brazil
Grantee:Jose Antonio Marengo Orsini
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 08/57719-9 - Program on Climate Change - INCT CLIMA
Grantee:Carlos Afonso Nobre
Support Opportunities: Research Program on Global Climate Change - Thematic Grants