RESEARCH ON TROPICAL RAINFALL PATTERNS AND ASSOCIATED MESOSCALE SYSTEMS.
Abstract
Selected rainstorms in Nicaragua and Guatemala are studied as to size and movement. Some relationships of the synoptic and mesoscale activity are identified. A method of studying month to month percentage changes in rainfall is described which yields consistent and analyzable patterns for Central America. Each monthly map is shown. An analysis of the daily rainfall records for several stations was completed using power spectrum analysis. The average spectrum based on the spectrum estimate from each of the stations indicated spectral peaks near 3 1/2 and 5 1/2 day periods. The monthly totals of rainfall at all stations were compared using coherence. The general results showed that stations 20 to 30 miles distance had the poorest relationship, until distances of over 80 miles were reached. The long period rainfall series of the national observatories of Venezuela and Ecuador are used to determine rainfall similarities and differences between two locations which vary greatly in circumstances. A preliminary analysis of some West Indian stations having long periods of record indicates that pronounced skewness occurs in the distribution. This would render the assumption of normality suspect unless modifications are made. The rainfall series for Guayaquil, Ecuador, which began in 1915, is discussed with specific attention given to the revision of records which was made for the period 1915-1943. Finally, a set of revised monthly rainfall maps of Panama are included. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0642861
Entities
People
- John F. Griffiths
- John S. Cornett
- L. Glen Cobb
- Walter K. Henry
Organizations
- Texas A&M University