The Effects of Mediterranean Oscillation on Temperature and Precipitation Data in Turkey

Abstract

Mediterranean Oscillation (MO) is one of the atmospheric teleconnections that influence climatic variables such as rainfall and temperature. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between Mediterranean Oscillation Index (MOI) and temperature and precipitation characteristics in Turkey. First, the Pearson correlation analysis was carried out between the MOI and climate parameters. Then, the result of correlation analysis was evaluated according to Student'st-test. In this regard, the most significant correlations with MOI and the temperature regime were found in the winter season, whereas the most important relationship between precipitation and MOI was obtained in the summer season. Lag correlation analysis showed that winter MOI is influential on the spring temperature in northwestern Turkey and summer MOI could have an impact on the autumn precipitation. In addition, there are significant winter temperature and summer precipitation differences due to the MOI phases. Finally, the relationship between the MO and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) was also investigated. Accordingly, it was realized that the NAO and MO could have similar effects in the winter season particularly in the western part of Turkey. As a result, the MO could have a significant relationship to the temperature and precipitation regime of Turkey.