Analysis Of Rainfall Data From The Island Of Culebra, Puerto Rico Over A Period Spanning 1907-2007 In Light Of Climate Change Predictions

Abstract

Under conditions of human-induced climate change, the Caribbean region is predicted to experience more frequent water shortages. To determine whether rainfall amounts on the island of Culebra have already begun to change, rainfall data spanning 100 years were assessed. Rainfall data had been collected at three different locations during three time periods that did not overlap. There was no evidence of change in annual rainfall amounts or the severity of dry seasons from 1907-2007. It appears that global climate change has not yet affected precipitation on this island, suggesting that current precipitation values represent a baseline that can be used to monitor the hydrologic state of this and climactically similar regions.