Editorial

3 pages, 167 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Effects of Oceanic–Atmospheric Oscillations on Rivers

by Dariusz Wrzesiński and Leszek Sobkowiak

Water 2022, 14(8), 1245; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/w14081245 - 13 Apr 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1097

In this Special Issue, we invited scientists devoted to research on the impacts of the ocean and atmosphere oscillations on the climate and weather patterns, resulting in disturbances in the hydrological phenomena. In our view, the main goal has been successfully reached. This [...] Read more.

In this Special Issue, we invited scientists devoted to research on the impacts of the ocean and atmosphere oscillations on the climate and weather patterns, resulting in disturbances in the hydrological phenomena. In our view, the main goal has been successfully reached. This Special Issue received investigations based on measurements, modelling and experiments, related to a wide array of changes in river and lake hydrology on different scales, from local and regional to global approaches. We strongly believe that the readers of journal Water can benefit from these new findings and learn more about effects of the ocean and atmosphere on hydrology using the published papers and share the presented results with the scientific community, policymakers and stakeholders [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Oceanic-Atmospheric Oscillations on Rivers)

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20 pages, 6416 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transformation of the Flow Regime of a Large Allochthonous River in Central Europe—An Example of the Vistula River in Poland

by Dariusz Wrzesiński and Leszek Sobkowiak

Water 2020, 12(2), 507; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/w12020507 - 12 Feb 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2747

Abstract

Identification of river flow regime and its possible changes caused by natural factors or human activity is one of major issues in modern hydrology. In such studies different approaches and different indicators can be used. The aim of this study is to determine [...] Read more.

Identification of river flow regime and its possible changes caused by natural factors or human activity is one of major issues in modern hydrology. In such studies different approaches and different indicators can be used. The aim of this study is to determine changes in flow regime of the largest river in Poland—the Vistula, using new, more objectified coefficients and indices, based on data recorded in 22 gauges on the Vistula mainstream and 38 gauges on its tributaries in the multi-year period 1971–2010. The paper consists of three main parts: in the first part, in order to recognize changes in the flow regime characteristics along the Vistula, data from gauges located on the river mainstream were analyzed with the help of the theory of entropy. In the second part gauging stations on the Vistula mainstream and its tributaries were grouped; values of the newly introduced pentadic Pardé’s coefficient of flow (discharge) (PPC) were taken as the grouping criterion. In the third part of the study a novel method of determining river regime characteristics was applied: through the recognition of the temporal structure of hydrological phenomena and their changes in the annual cycle sequences of hydrological periods (characteristic phases of the hydrological cycle) on the Vistula River mainstream and its tributaries were identified and their occurrence in the yearly cycle was discussed. Based on the detected changes of the 73-pentad Pardé’s coefficients of flow four main types of rivers were distinguished. Transformation of the flow regime was reflected in the identified different sequences of hydrological periods in the average annual cycle. It was found that while transformation of the Vistula River regime occurred along its whole course, the most frequent changes were detected in its upper, mountainous reaches, under the influence of the flow characteristics of its tributaries. This allowed the Vistula to be considered the allochthonous river. These findings are interesting not only from a theoretical point of view, but they also can be valuable to stakeholders in the field of the Vistula River basin water management and hydrological forecasting, including flood protection, which has recently become a matter of growing concern due to the observed effects of climate change and human impact. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Oceanic-Atmospheric Oscillations on Rivers)

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23 pages, 14567 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Streamflow Intensification Driven by the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) in the Atrato River Basin, Northwestern Colombia

by Wilmar Loaiza Cerón, Mary Toshie Kayano, Rita Valeria Andreoli, Alvaro Avila, Teresita Canchala, Félix Francés, Irma Ayes Rivera, Wilfredo Alfonso-Morales, Rodrigo Augusto Ferreira de Souza and Yesid Carvajal-Escobar

Water 2020, 12(1), 216; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/w12010216 - 13 Jan 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4023

Abstract

The impact of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) on the variations in the streamflow in the Atrato River Basin (ARB) during the 1965–2016 period was analyzed here by considering the cold (1965–1994) and warm (1995–2015) phases of this oscillation. The mean streamflow increased [...] Read more.

The impact of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) on the variations in the streamflow in the Atrato River Basin (ARB) during the 1965–2016 period was analyzed here by considering the cold (1965–1994) and warm (1995–2015) phases of this oscillation. The mean streamflow increased after 1994 (AMO phase change). This increase is related to the strengthening of the zonal gradients of the sea surface temperature (SST) and sea level pressure (SLP) between the tropical central Pacific and the tropical Atlantic after 1994 (warm AMO phase). These gradients contributed to strengthen the Walker cell related upward movement over northern and northwestern South America, in particular during November-December (ND). Consistently, the frequency (R20 mm) and intensity (SDII) of extreme daily rainfall events increased during the 1995–2015 period. Our results show a connection between the AMO and the increase in the streamflow in the ARB during the last five decades. These results contribute to the studies of resilience and climate adaptation in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Oceanic-Atmospheric Oscillations on Rivers)

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30 pages, 11871 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Relationship between Water Temperature of Polish Rivers and Large-Scale Atmospheric Circulation

by Renata Graf and Dariusz Wrzesiński

Water 2019, 11(8), 1690; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/w11081690 - 15 Aug 2019

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3161

Abstract

The objective of the paper consisted in determining the effect of macroscale types of NAO, AO, EA, EAWR, SCAND, and AMO atmospheric circulation on changes in water temperature in Polish rivers. The study has made use of a broad body of hydrometeorological materials [...] Read more.

The objective of the paper consisted in determining the effect of macroscale types of NAO, AO, EA, EAWR, SCAND, and AMO atmospheric circulation on changes in water temperature in Polish rivers. The study has made use of a broad body of hydrometeorological materials covering daily water temperature values for 96 water gauge stations located on 53 rivers and air temperature values for 43 meteorological stations. Percentage shares of positive and negative coefficients of correlation of annual, seasonal, and monthly circulation type indices with air and river water temperature were determined, demonstrating the character of teleconnection. Determinations were made of water temperature deviations in positive and negative phases of the analyzed indices from average values from the years 1971–2015, and their statistical significance ascertained. Research has shown that relations between the temperature of river waters in Poland and macroscale circulation types are not strong, however they are noticeable, sometimes even statistically significant, and both temporally and spatially diverse. NAO, AO, EA, and AMO indices are characterized by a generally positive correlation with temperature, whereas SCAND and EWAR indices are characterized by a negative correlation. Research showed a varying impact of types of atmospheric circulation, with their effectiveness increasing in the winter season. The strongest impact on temperature was observed for the positive and negative NAO and AO phases, when deviations of water temperature from average values are correspondingly higher (up to 1.0 °C) and lower (by a maximum of 1.5 °C), and also for the positive and negative SCAND phases, when water temperature are correspondingly lower (by a maximum of 0.8 °C) and higher (by 1.2 °C) than average values. The strongest impact on water temperature in summer, mainly in July, was observed for AMO. The results point to the complexity of processes determining the thermal regime of rivers and to the possibility of additional factors—both regional and local—exerting an influence on their temporal and spatial variability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Oceanic-Atmospheric Oscillations on Rivers)

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20 pages, 11095 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of the North Atlantic Thermohaline Circulation on Changes in Climatic Conditions and River Flow in Poland

by Dariusz Wrzesiński, Andrzej A. Marsz, Anna Styszyńska and Leszek Sobkowiak

Water 2019, 11(8), 1622; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/w11081622 - 06 Aug 2019

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2975

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to find connections between the North Atlantic Thermohaline Circulation (NA THC), climate elements, such as cloud cover, precipitation, air temperature, sunshine duration, and relative humidity, and flow of rivers in Poland. The intensity of NA THC was [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study is to find connections between the North Atlantic Thermohaline Circulation (NA THC), climate elements, such as cloud cover, precipitation, air temperature, sunshine duration, and relative humidity, and flow of rivers in Poland. The intensity of NA THC was characterized by the DG_3L index, which was established to assess changes in the amount of heat transported by NA THC along with the transport of water to the Arctic. The paper explains and discusses the mechanism of impact of the NA THC changeability on the elements of the catchment water balance variability. The positive and negative phases of the DG_3L index are strongly correlated with the heat anomalies in the upper layer of the North Atlantic waters. The obtained results show that changes of NA THC have significant impact on weather conditions and selected climate elements in Poland. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between the DG_3L index and average annual air temperatures, particularly in April, July, and August, while negative between the DG_3L index and the total cloud cover. Consequently, in the years with the positive values of the DG_3L index, there are favorable conditions for the strong increase in evaporation and evapotranspiration from the ground surface. This has impact on flow of rivers in Poland, which shows considerable regional differences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Oceanic-Atmospheric Oscillations on Rivers)

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20 pages, 15032 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Classification of Synoptic Conditions of Summer Floods in Polish Sudeten Mountains

by Ewa Bednorz, Dariusz Wrzesiński, Arkadiusz M. Tomczyk and Dominika Jasik

Water 2019, 11(7), 1450; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/w11071450 - 13 Jul 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2810

Abstract

Atmospheric processes leading to extreme floods in the Polish Sudeten Mountains were described in this study. A direct impact of heavy precipitation on extremely high runoff episodes was confirmed, and an essential role of synoptic conditions in triggering abundant rainfall was proved. Synoptic [...] Read more.

Atmospheric processes leading to extreme floods in the Polish Sudeten Mountains were described in this study. A direct impact of heavy precipitation on extremely high runoff episodes was confirmed, and an essential role of synoptic conditions in triggering abundant rainfall was proved. Synoptic conditions preceding each flood event were taken into consideration and the evolution of the pressure field as well as the moisture transport was investigated using the anomaly-based method. Maps of anomalies, constructed for the days prior to floods, enabled recognizing an early formation of negative centers of sea level pressure and also allowed distinguishing areas of positive departures of precipitable water content over Europe. Five cyclonic circulation patterns of different origin, and various extent and intensity, responsible for heavy, flood-triggering precipitation in the Sudetes, were assigned. Most rain-bringing cyclones form over the Mediterranean Sea and some of them over the Atlantic Ocean. A meridional southern transport of moisture was identified in most of the analyzed cases of floods. Recognizing the specific meteorological mechanisms of precipitation enhancement, involving evolution of pressure patterns, change in atmospheric moisture and occurrence of precipitation may contribute to a better understanding of the atmospheric forcing of floods in mountain areas and to improve predicting thereof. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Oceanic-Atmospheric Oscillations on Rivers)

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24 pages, 778 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Climate Variability and Floods—A Global Review

by Zbigniew W. Kundzewicz, Małgorzata Szwed and Iwona Pińskwar

Water 2019, 11(7), 1399; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/w11071399 - 07 Jul 2019

Cited by 60 | Viewed by 7784

Abstract

There is a strong inter-annual and inter-decadal variability in time series of flood-related variables, such as intense precipitation, high river discharge, flood magnitude, and flood loss at a range of spatial scales. Perhaps part of this variability is random or chaotic, but it [...] Read more.

There is a strong inter-annual and inter-decadal variability in time series of flood-related variables, such as intense precipitation, high river discharge, flood magnitude, and flood loss at a range of spatial scales. Perhaps part of this variability is random or chaotic, but it is quite natural to seek driving factors, in a statistical sense. It is likely that climate variability (atmosphere–ocean oscillation) track plays an important role in the interpretation of the variability of flood-related characteristics, globally and, even more so, in several regions. The aim of this review paper is to create an inventory of information on spatially and temporally organized links of various climate-variability drivers with variability of characteristics of water abundance reported in scientific literature for a range of scales, from global to local. The climate variability indices examined in this paper are: El Niño-Southern Oscillations (ENSO), North Atlantic Oscillations (NAO), Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation (AMO), and Pacific Decadal Oscillations (PDO). A meta-analysis of results from many studies reported in scientific literature was carried out. The published results were collected and classified into categories after regions, climate variability modes, as well as flood-related variables: precipitation, river flow, and flood losses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Oceanic-Atmospheric Oscillations on Rivers)

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19 pages, 8291 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Links between Teleconnection Patterns and Water Level Regime of Selected Polish Lakes

by Katarzyna Plewa, Adam Perz and Dariusz Wrzesiński

Water 2019, 11(7), 1330; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/w11071330 - 27 Jun 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2910

Abstract

The paper identifies relationships between lake water levels and indices of macroscale atmospheric circulations: Arctic Oscillation (AO), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), East Atlantic (EA), and Scandinavian pattern (SCAND). Correlation coefficients between synchronous and asynchronous series of monthly water levels and 4 circulation indices [...] Read more.

The paper identifies relationships between lake water levels and indices of macroscale atmospheric circulations: Arctic Oscillation (AO), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), East Atlantic (EA), and Scandinavian pattern (SCAND). Correlation coefficients between synchronous and asynchronous series of monthly water levels and 4 circulation indices were calculated. Based on Ward hierarchical grouping considering 156 correlation coefficients, the groups of lakes were designated due to the strength and term of relation of circulation indices with lake water levels. It was found that these links are not strong but noticeable. The strength of relationships varies in space and time, and the designated groups of lakes refer not only to the climatic diversity of the studied area, but also to some extent to the types of water levels regime. The observed relationships are the most important in the case of AO and NAO (particularly in winter period), and slightly weaker for EA and SCAND. The analysis used mean monthly water levels of 15 lakes in northern Poland from 1976–2015. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Oceanic-Atmospheric Oscillations on Rivers)

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20 pages, 3899 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Probabilistic Assessment of Correlations of Water Levels in Polish Coastal Lakes with Sea Water Level with the Application of Archimedean Copulas

by Katarzyna Plewa, Adam Perz, Dariusz Wrzesiński and Leszek Sobkowiak

Water 2019, 11(6), 1292; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/w11061292 - 20 Jun 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3118

Abstract

The hydrology of coastal lakes differs significantly from that of inland water bodies due to the influence of the neighboring sea. Observed climatic changes are expected to enhance the effect of the sea on coastal lake ecosystems, which makes research on sea–lake interactions [...] Read more.

The hydrology of coastal lakes differs significantly from that of inland water bodies due to the influence of the neighboring sea. Observed climatic changes are expected to enhance the effect of the sea on coastal lake ecosystems, which makes research on sea–lake interactions even more significant. In this study, on the basis of maximum annual and monthly values of water level, dependencies among the water levels of six lakes located along the southern coast of the Baltic Sea in Poland, and the Baltic Sea water levels were analyzed. First, the Spearman rank correlation and the linear regression method were applied. Then, selected copulas were used to find joint distributions of the studied time series. In the next stage, the degrees of synchronous and asynchronous occurrences of maximum water levels in lakes and the sea were calculated. The study revealed that correlations between the maximum annual water levels in coastal lakes and in the Baltic Sea in the selected gauge stations were very strong and statistically significant. These results were confirmed by a synchronicity analysis carried out with the help of a copula function. The highest relationship was detected in the case of Lake Resko Przymorskie (correlation coefficient 0.86, synchronicity 75.18%), while the lowest were observed in Lakes Jamno (0.62 and 58.20%, respectively) and Bukowo (0.60 and 56.82%, respectively). The relation strength between maximum water levels of the sea and coastal lakes may increase in the future due to sea level rises caused by climate warming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Oceanic-Atmospheric Oscillations on Rivers)

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