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Spatial reconstruction of semi-quantitative precipitation fields over Africa during the nineteenth century from documentary evidence and gauge data

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2012

Sharon E. Nicholson ,
Douglas Klotter  and
Amin K. Dezfuli
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Abstract

The article presents a newly created precipitation data set for the African continent and describes the methodology used in its creation. It is based on a combination of proxy data and rain gauge records. The data set is semi-quantitative, with a “wetness” index of − 3 to + 3 to describe the quality of the rainy season. It covers the period AD 1801 to 1900 and includes data for 90 geographical regions of the continent. The results underscore a multi-decadal period of aridity early in the nineteenth century.

Keywords

AfricaRainfallHistorical climateClimatic field reconstructionNineteenth centuryClimate change
Type
Articles
Information
Quaternary Research , Volume 78 , Issue 1 , July 2012 , pp. 13 - 23
Copyright
University of Washington

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Footnotes

1 Current affiliation: Dept. of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, 301 Olin Hall, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.

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