Abstract
Turkish annual precipitation regimes are analysed to provide large-scale perspective and redefine precipitation regions. Monthly total precipitation data are employed for 107 stations (1963–2002). Precipitation regime shape (seasonality) and magnitude (size) are classified using a novel multivariate methodology. Six shape and five magnitude classes are identified, which exhibit clear spatial structure. A composite (shape and magnitude) regime classification reveals dominant controls on spatial variability of precipitation. Intra-annual timing and magnitude of precipitation is highly variable due to seasonal shifts in Polar and Subtropical zones and physiographic factors. Nonetheless, the classification methodology is shown to be a powerful tool that identifies physically-interpretable precipitation regions: (1) coastal regimes for Marmara, coastal Aegean, Mediterranean and Black Sea; (2) transitional regimes in continental Aegean and Southeast Anatolia; and (3) inland regimes across central and Eastern Anatolia. This research has practical implications for understanding water resources, which are under ever growing pressure in Turkey.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 234-249 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Hydrological Sciences Journal |
Volume | 55 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2010 |
Keywords
- Glacier
- Glaciality index
- Snow
- rainfall
- ARISE
- Macroinvertebrate
- Turkey
- regionalization
- regimes
- Alpine
- Stream
- classification
- precipitation climatology
- Arctic