Characteristics of long-term variability of precipitation in selected river catchment areas in India based on GPCC data for the years 1901–2010

Abstract

This study contains an analysis of mean monthly precipitation values, covering multiple profiles, in 13 Indian river catchment areas: Brahmaputra, Indus, Ganga, Mahi, Narmada, Tapti, Damodar, Brahmani, Krishna, Penner, Cauvery, Mahanadi and Godavari. The analysis covers data for the period 1901–2010 with a spatial resolution of 0.5°x°0.5° of geographic longitude and latitude (GPCC data). The data is analysed in monthly and calendar year profiles. The periodical nature of precipitation is assessed and the trends in climate changes calculated. The characteristics of trend in climate changes are described by linear equations with indicated boundary values of coefficients determined at a 5% significance level. The analyses discussed confirm spatial and temporal variability of precipitation in the key river catchment areas in India, feeding the country's surface and underground water resources. The statistics contained in this study demonstrate the regional nature of water supply, indicate the need to complete regional analyses of temporal and spatial variations in the volumes of water feeding Indian resources, and confirm that regional and local plans must be developed to adapt to climate change, based on the accepted scenarios aimed to compensate climate change effects.