Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 1. Physical Setting of the Islands
Draft 1 March 2007
rainfall (mm)
4,000.0
3,500.0
3,000.0
2,500.0
2,000.0
1,500.0
1,000.0
500.0
0.0
1930 1940 1950 1960 1970
year
1980 1990 2000 2010
In 1947, rainfall was only 21 cm (8.46 inches) on Abariringa (Canton) (Knudsen 1965).
Anon. (1952) noted that annual rainfall at Abariringa (Canton) ranged from 229 cm (90
inches) to less than 22 cm (8.5 inches).
Hatheway (1955) noted that rainfall was extremely variable. In 1947, rainfall was 21 cm
(8.46 inches), while in 1941, rainfall exceeded 229 cm (90 inches).
Knudsen (1965) note that there appeared to be a periodicity to rainfall cycles in the Phoenix
Islands of between 7 and 8 years (see also Knudsen 1977). For years 1938, 1947, 1954,
annual rainfall on Abariringa (Canton) was less than 10 inches (Knudsen 1965). 1961 and
1962 were also drought years. Knudsen (1977) noted that after the settlement of Gilbertese to
the Phoenix Islands, it was discovered that these islands were subject to repeated and lengthy
droughts.
Austin (1954) compared rainfall at Abariringa (Canton) with rainfall from some of the Line
Islands. Abariringa (Canton) annual rainfall was lower than Palmyra, Washington, Fanning,
Christmas, and Malden Islands.
Degener and Gillaspy (1955) noted that there was a current of warm air that rises from
Abariringa (Canton). This warm air current can split passing large rain clouds that pass over
the island, resulting in reduced rainfall on the island itself.
Abariringa (Canton) was virtually a desert island with annual rainfall of 43 cm (17 inches)
(Wiens 1962).
47