Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
1995
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Geography
First Advisor
Roger K. Sandness
Abstract
The Southern Oscillation is fast becoming a part of climate research in the world. El Nino and La Nina have been hypothesized to have an effect on the global weather. These events could even impact South Dakota weather. The statistical tests and visual interpretation achieved a null hypothesis for a teleconnection of the Southern Oscillation and South Dakota weather and climate. The linkages between the two locations appears to be weakly developed. Only the La Nina summer temperatures and El Nino winter temperatures have any form of link demonstrated in the analysis. The variability in South Dakota has a rhythm that undulates at another unknown pace. The variability analysis revealed a temperature trend of a sine curve. The time scale was on the order of 55 years. South Dakota climate and weather is influenced by a multitude of factors. All these factors work together to determine the temperature and precipitation in South Dakota. The Southern Oscillation is only an addition to the growing list of weather and climate variables influencing the atmospheric patterns for South Dakota.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Climatic changes -- South Dakota
Southern oscillation
El Nino Current
Format
application/pdf
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
VanBockern, Brian D., "The Climatic Variability in South Dakota El Nino, La Nina, and the Natural Variations" (1995). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 162.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/162
Rights Statement
