A 500-year precipitation record in Southern Spain

Abstract

This paper is part of a research programme devoted to the analysis of historical climate in Spain. A reconstruction of rainfall characteristics in Southern Spain from 1500 to the present is described. Weather information was taken from original documentary sources in the region. A numerical index was established to characterize the rainfall and its evolution. Results were calibrated with modern precipitation data and with the results of other studies of historical climate. The main objective is to obtain a long precipitation record. A preliminary analysis of the obtained series shows a fluctuating behavior with alternating dry and wet periods. The wettest periods occurred at the end of 16th century, the beginning of 17th century, and at the end of 19th century. The driest periods in the pre-instrumental era occurred during the first half of the 16th century, and around 1750. A general decreasing trend in precipitation can be observed from 1960 onwards. Copyright © 1999 Royal Meteorological Society