Shamals and climate variability in the Northern Arabian/Persian Gulf from 1973 to 2012

摘要: This paper presents key results from analysis of surface meteorological observations collected in the Northern Arabian/Persian Gulf (N Gulf; Kuwait, Bahrain, and NE Saudi Arabia), which spans a 40-years period (1973–2012). The first part this study analyzes climate variability N Gulf, relates them to teleconnection patterns (North Atlantic Oscillation, El Nino Southern Indian Ocean Dipole). Results indicate that during region experienced general trend increase temperature (0.8°C), decrease barometric pressure (1 mbar), reduction humidity (6%), visibility (9%). Significant correlations were found between three conditions suggesting seasonal variabilities air temperature, pressure, precipitation are closely related patterns. second examines 40-year Shamal events (strong NW winds commonly generate significant dust storms). data suggests on average occur at rate 10 year–1 with 85% occurring summer winter. number these has increased past 14 years period. These resulted abrupt changes conditions: an wind speed 2.7 m s–1, 1.7 km, 4.3%. Seasonal variations (an 0.8°C, 1.5°C winter) (a 0.6 mbar 7.8 observed events.