The climate of Península Valdés within a regional frame

Abstract

Peninsula Valdés shares with the whole of Eastern Patagonia the main features of the regional climate, i.e, scarce rainfall, strong winds and cool-temperate temperatures. Not with standing it has an ill-defined climate because of its geographical location not far from the transitional area where Pacific and Atlantic air masses merge. Also, because of its latitude (42º-43ºS), the southward migration of the subtropical anticyclones is still noticeable over the area in summer. This chapter aims to explain the interplay between large scaled factors as the abovementioned,and local ones as the almost insularity of the study area. A concise description of the climate is presented through the usual basic elements, temperature, precipitation and wind. The maritime influence upon these variables is evaluated. It is shown that although mostly commanded by therain-shadowed westerlies as the entire Patagonia, the climate of Peninsula Valdés has singularities that make it a less arid, more even and milder climate which presents some Mediterranean features. Historic trends of rainfall and temperature are discussed and appear to be in agreement with global warming projections, according to which future scenarios would be drier and warmer in the Península Valdés region.