exists a significant correlation coefficient between annual series of recorded precipitation and NAO index (correlation coefficient using Hurrell NAO index is À0.42 for
Malaga and À0.39 for Algeciras). This variability decreases, and accordingly correlation with NAO becomes no significant toward the east of the sub-basin. The
rainfall multidecadal variability is clearly visible in Malaga station data records. It
experienced a slightly dry 1940–1950s period, followed by a wetter period until the
1970s, and by another pronounced dry period until the end of 1980s (Fig. 3.11). The
Iberian Peninsula, Morocco, and Algeria underwent similar changes (e.g., Goodess
and Jones 2002; Chbouki et al. 1995; Adjez 2000). The multidecadal NAO change
has been linked to surface sea temperature (SST) variations in the Tropics (e.g.,
8.80
8.60
8.40
8.20
8.00
7.80
7.60
7.40
7.20
7.00
6.80
6.60
6.40
6.20
6.00
40°N
40°N
0°E
5.80
5.60
5.40
5.20
5.00
4.80
4.60
4.40
4.20
4.00
3.80
3.60
3.40
3.20
3.00
2.80
2.60
2.40
2.20
2.00
1.80
1.60
1.40
1.20
1.10
Fig. 3.9 Mean surface incoming shortwave (SIS) radiation for the time period 1983–2005 of (a)
December and (b) July. Obtained from CM SAF datasets by Sancho et al. (2012)
3 Alboran Sea Area Climate and Weather
39