Multiscale variability of China’s historical flood/drought index and precipitation teleconnections with ENSO using wavelet analyses

Abstract Studies of the low-frequency variabilities key climate variables are often handicapped by limited length available instrumental observations. To tackle this, use a set historical flood/drought index (FDI) spanning from AD 1470 to 2000 for 120 sites in China has been made investigate multiscale temporal variability annual precipitation applying wavelet methods. The analyses reveal oscillating components FDI time series decadal multi-decadal, and quasi-centennial range, as well interannual range. Furthermore, relationships with dominant mode oscillations coupled ocean–atmosphere system, i.e., El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) index, on range scales have probed cross transform coherence Statistically significant between ENSO found regions eastern south Yangtze River (inclusive) at multi-decadal scale (10- 50-yr) after 1750, north 10- 30-year eighteenth century. is less coherent other China. results present study may add our understanding connections long-term changes large-scale provide scientific basis developing policies adapt future water abundance.