Sub-Saharan Rainfall in the Years 1976–80: Evidence of Continued Drought

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of sub-Saharan rainfall for the years 1976–80. Rainfall is represented by a standardized annual departure calculated as the ratio of the annual departure to the standard departure. The departures for each of the five years are calculated for four semi-arid sub-Saharan zones and compared with values for the period 1901–75. Departures for regional subdivisions and individual stations are also derived. The analysis clearly shows that drought persisted in the region until at least 1980. The question of possible biogeophysical feedback acting to prolong the dry episode is addressed. Abstract This paper presents an analysis of sub-Saharan rainfall for the years 1976–80. Rainfall is represented by a standardized annual departure calculated as the ratio of the annual departure to the standard departure. The departures for each of the five years are calculated for four semi-arid sub-Saharan zones and compared with values for the period 1901–75. Departures for regional subdivisions and individual stations are also derived. The analysis clearly shows that drought persisted in the region until at least 1980. The question of possible biogeophysical feedback acting to prolong the dry episode is addressed.