Interdecadal Variability in Surface Solar Radiation over Northwest China and Its Possible Cause

The present study investigates the interdecadal variability of seasonal mean surface solar radiation over Northwest China using station observations from 1961-2003. Spring and summer surface solar radiation over Northwest China was lower in the late 1970s through 1990s than in the 1960s through the mid-1970s, and fall and winter surface solar radiation displayed similar patterns. These results indicate that the decrease in spring and summer surface solar radiation may be associated with increased low-cloud cover over Northwest China. Rainfall anomalies were closely related to the low-cloud cover over Northwest China and with the Northern Hemisphere circumglobal teleconnection in spring, summer, and winter.