Precipitation Recycling as a Mechanism for Ecoclimatological Stability Through Local and Non-Local Interactions
Dominguez, Francina
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/83322
Description
Title
Precipitation Recycling as a Mechanism for Ecoclimatological Stability Through Local and Non-Local Interactions
Author(s)
Dominguez, Francina
Issue Date
2006
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Kumar, Praveen
Department of Study
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Discipline
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Atmospheric Sciences
Language
eng
Abstract
Different physical mechanisms drive precipitation recycling in each region. In the Midwestern United States, evapotranspiration is not significantly affected by soil moisture anomalies, and there is a high recycling ratio during periods of reduced total precipitation. The reason is that, during periods of drier atmospheric conditions, transpiration will continue to provide moisture to the overlying atmosphere and contribute to total rainfall. Consequently, precipitation recycling variability in not driven by changes in evapotranspiration. Precipitable water, sensible heat and moisture fluxes are the main drivers of recycling variability in the Midwest. However, the drier soil moisture conditions over the NAMS region limit evapotranspiration, which will drive recycling variability. In this region, evapotranspiration becomes an important contribution to precipitation after Monsoon onset when total precipitation and evapotranspiration are highest. The precipitation recycling process in the NAMS region relocates moisture from regions of high evapotranspiration like the seasonally dry tropical forests of Mexico to drier regions downwind. During long monsoons, when soil moisture is abundant for a prolonged period of time, precipitation recycling significantly contributes to precipitation during periods of reduced total rainfall. In both the moisture abundant Midwestern region and the drier NAMS region, precipitation recycling plays an important role in maintaining a favorable hydroclimatological environment for vegetation.
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