Observed three-dimensional climate trends in Europe 1961-1990

Abstract

In this paper some selected results of a linear temperature and geopotential height trend analysis related to Europe and the period 1961-1990 are discussed concerning the 500 hPa level and the relative topography 300/850 hPa in Europe. These results are presented in terms of trend charts (35°-72°N, 30° or 15°W -50°E) and, as far as possible, compared with a corresponding surface data analysis (Schönwiese et al. 1994). Moreover, temperature trend profiles 850-30hPa are considered. The most outstanding features are a tropospheric warming, especially in the West and Central European winter, and a stratospheric cooling. Moreover, a pronounced increase (confidence > 99%) of the zonal component of wind velocity is found which is very similar to the related trend patterns of the surface air pressure. Finally, there are signs of increased instability of the tropospheric lapse rate except the Mediterranean sector.

Keywords

• topography
• trend charts
• tropospheric warming
• central europe
• topographie
• trendkarten
• troposphärische erwärmung
• mitteleuropa