Temporal and spatial variations in precipitation on Aldabra

Abstract
Analysis of hourly rainfall data from Aldabra has indicated that the atoll influences its own weather as recorded at the Research Station on Ile Picard. The strength of this local influence varies with the season and may be related to the relative temperature difference between lagoon surface water and the atmosphere above it. The direction and strength of the prevailing wind may also be of some importance. The role of the semi-diurnal atmospheric pressure waves is not clearly evident at all times but is most prominent during the early hours of both wet and dry seasons. Its effect may also be present in the slight increase in rain frequency during the late afternoon of the trade wind seasons. The trans-atoll variations in rainfall amounts confirm the earlier reports of non-synchronous rainfalls. There is some indication of seasonal variation of rainfall at different points around the atoll relative to that received at the Research Station. The northwest and southwest parts of the atoll may receive more rain than the northeast or west central parts.

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