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An ENSO predictor of dust emission in the southwestern United States

May 14, 2002

Here we show that there is a significant relationship between Nino 3.4 ENSO anomaly (Dec–Jan average) and precipitation in the southwestern United States. This contributes to increased frequency of dust events in the years following strong La Niña and El Niño years. High probabilities (60%–100%) exist for an elevated frequency of dust events in years when the ENSO anomaly, annual precipitation, or annual P/PE falls below the 10th percentile. This analysis provides a quantitative framework in which to evaluate the expected effects of climate change on this and other arid regions.

Publication Year 2002
Title An ENSO predictor of dust emission in the southwestern United States
DOI 10.1029/2001GL014494
Authors Gregory S Okin, Marith C. Reheis
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Geophysical Research Letters
Index ID 70209632
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center