Measurements of weather parameters and aeolian sand transport were made in 2010 near selected archeological sites in the Colorado River corridor through Grand Canyon, Arizona. Data collected in 2010 indicate event- and seasonal-scale variations in rainfall, wind, temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. Differences in weather patterns between 2009 and 2010 included a slightly later spring windy season, greater spring precipitation and annual rainfall totals, and a later onset and length of the reduced diurnal barometric-pressure fluctuations commonly associated with summer monsoon conditions. The increase in spring precipitation was consistent with the 2010 spring El Niño conditions compared to the 2009 spring La Niña conditions, whereas the subsequent transition to an El Niño-Southern Oscillation neutral phase appeared to delay the reduction in diurnal barometric fluctuations.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2014 |
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Title | 2010 weather and aeolian sand-transport data from the Colorado River corridor, Grand Canyon, Arizona |
DOI | 10.3133/ofr20141135 |
Authors | Timothy P. Dealy, Amy E. East, Helen C. Fairley |
Publication Type | Report |
Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
Series Title | Open-File Report |
Series Number | 2014-1135 |
Index ID | ofr20141135 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Southwest Biological Science Center |