Less rain linked with warming of Indian Ocean

New Delhi, August 18 : A study conducted by the Goddard Space Flight Center under NASA has suggested that the decrease of rainfall along the eastern seaboard of Africa is a result of the warming up of the nearby Indian Ocean.

The study, done through computer models and observations for more than half a century, has concluded that rainfall in eastern Africa during the annual rainy season had declined by 15 percent since the 1980s.

Statistical analyses showed that the decline of rainfall was due to irregularities in the transport of moisture between the ocean and land.

According to the study, declines in rainfall had been posted in such eastern seaboard African countries as Ethiopia, Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The rainfall decline over land was linked to rainfall and temperature increases over the ocean, it added.

"We can be quite certain that the decline in rainfall has been substantial and will continue to be," said co-researcher Chris Funk. "This 15-percent decrease every 20-25 years is likely to continue," he added.

The study has therefore served as a warning toward the agricultural sector in East African countries where dryer rainy seasons would directly impact on food productivity.

ANI