Abstract

POBLETE, Arnobio G.; IRANZO, Daniela Adelina  and  AGUIAR, Laura Alicia. Spatio-temporal analysis of the possible shift of the latitudinal position of the South Pacific subtropical anticyclone (L). Rev. Univ. geogr. [online]. 2013, vol.22, n.1, pp.129-146. ISSN 1852-4265.

In the world climate community there are hypotheses claiming that as a consequence of global warming an acceleration of the Hadley cell would take place, which, in turn, would generate a subtropical anticyclone shift to higher latitudes in both hemispheres. In Argentina and Chile the temporal behavior of water variables of the central Andes show a declining trend of Andean river flows in line with the forecasts of long-term numerical models which anticipate aridization of the area by the middle of the present century. This would be associated, among other factors, to the shift of the South Pacific anticyclone. In addition, since 1950s there has been an increase in precipitation of NOA, however, it is currently decreasing. We aim to contribute to an answer to the latitudinal displacement hypothesis on the maximum atmospheric pressure on the South American coast of the South Pacific Ocean. It is quantified by using an index obtained from an objective methodology on the basis of a monthly estimate. At the same, we make an exhaustive statistical analysis to know its structure and seasonal and inter-annual variability and lay a firm foundation for future research on temporal evolution. We conclude that in the snow season there is a significant shift related to the decrease of water resources in central Chile, Cuyo and Comahue. However, no significant association with the NOA was found.

Keywords : South Pacific subtropical anticyclone; Shift; High latitudes.

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