Changes in the Diurnal Temperature Range due to Homecoming in the New Year Holiday Observed in Seoul for the 1954-2005 Period

서울에서 1954-2005년 동안 관측된 설날 귀성에 따른 일교차의 변화

The present study has examined interdecadal variations of the diurnal temperature range (DTR, daily maximum temperature minus daily minimum temperature) during the New Year season in Seoul for the period 1954-2005. Here, the average DTR for the New Year holidays (three consecutive days; one day before the New Year, the New Year day, and one day after the New Year) minus the average DTR for 14 days, 7 days before and 7 days after the New Year holidays, is defined for representing the New Year effect. The DTR index does not show notable trend until the late 1970s but shows obvious positive values afterward. For example, the difference of the average DTR between two periods (1980-2005 minus 1954-1979) is $0.65^{\circ}C$, which is meaningful at the 95% confidence level. This result demonstrates that intense human activity even for the limited period may provide climate impact in local regions. Its plausible causes are discussed.