The role of atmospheric rivers in the distribution of heavy precipitation events over North America

Abstract. Atmospheric rivers (ARs) are filaments of extensive water vapor transport in the lower troposphere that play a crucial role distribution freshwater but can also cause natural and economic damage by facilitating heavy precipitation. Here, we investigate large-scale spatiotemporal synchronization patterns precipitation events (HPEs) over western coast continental regions North America (NA), during period from 1979 to 2018. In particular, use event complex network approach incorporating varying delays examine temporal evolution spatial HPEs aftermath land-falling ARs. For that, employ SIO-R1 catalog ARs landfall on NA, ranked terms intensity persistence an AR-strength scale which varies level AR1 AR5, along with daily estimates ERA5 0.25∘ resolution. Our analysis reveals cascade synchronized HPEs, triggered AR3 or higher. On first 3 d after AR makes landfall, mostly occur synchronize NA. subsequent days, moisture be transported central eastern Canada delayed there. Furthermore, confirm robustness our findings additional based different detection method. Finally, analyzing anomalies integrated transport, geopotential height, upper-level meridional wind, precipitation, find atmospheric circulation consistent HPEs. Revealing NA will lead better understanding inland effects changing climate dynamics have occurrence consequent impacts context warming atmosphere.