In Search of Periodicity in the Annual Precipitation in Europe (1881–2020)

Abstract

A new method of searching for periodicity has been developed on the basis of extensive spatio-temporal data. The result, however, produces little more than doubts. The standard Fourier analysis indicates some periods, namely 3.7-, 7.0-, 8.8-, and 17.5-year periods, and these periodic signals are distributed relatively consistently over some regions of Europe. However, the expectations that the exact harmonic 8.8 years of 17.5 years, and not so exact 3.7 years of 7.0 years will be present at the same or close stations are not fulfilled.

Keywords

• annual precipitation totals
• periodic variability
• Fourier transform
• Europe