Alex Shoumatoff

The plumbing and pluvial dynamics of the Amazon, the largest freshwater system on Earth, are still far from understood. This is partly because it is a semi-open system. Moisture flows in and out unpredictably. A lot of nonlinear feedback loops and 'remote influences' - continental, transcontinental, oceanic, meteorological - come into play.

American Writer

Use 'pluvial' to describe conditions with a lot of rain, often over an extended period.

Weather Context

'Pluvial' is frequently used in discussing weather patterns or climate changes over time.

Climate Studies

'Pluvial' adds a detail to imply that not only is it rainy, but also significant in quantity or effect.

Descriptive Detail

In geology, 'pluvial' refers to specific times in history with much rainfall, not general weather patterns.

Geological Time

Use 'pluvial' to discuss historical climates, especially in research and academic writing.

Historical Research

'Pluvial' times often coincide with rising sea levels, a link worth mentioning in relevant discussions.