Temporal and spatial variability of annual precipitation in Costa Rica and the Southern Oscillation

Annual precipitation totals from over 100 stations in Costa Rica are analysed to provide estimates of the nature of their response to Ei Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. Responses are found to be varied in terms of their signs (droughts or excessive precipitation), magnitudes, and durations. The results of simple interstation correlations and lag cross-correlations with the Southern Oscillation Index suggest a marked difference in response in those areas draining towards the Pacific and those towards the Caribbean, as well as latitudinal variations, particularly along the Pacific coast. The marked regional differences in statistical properties over so small an area are related to complex physical processes of precipitation generation, the differing provenances of the humidity laden winds, and the fluctuations of local atmosphere-ocean interactions in response to ENSO.