Spatial analysis of variations in precipitation intensity in the USA

Robert C. Balling; Gregory B. Goodrich

doi:10.1007/s00704-010-0353-0

Theoretical and Applied Climatology

June 2011, Volume 104, Issue 3, pp 415–421

Spatial analysis of variations in precipitation intensity in the USA

Authors
Authors and affiliations

Robert C. BallingJr.Email author
Gregory B. Goodrich

Original Paper

First Online:: 16 October 2010

Received:: 11 August 2010
Accepted:: 05 October 2010

DOI: 10.1007/s00704-010-0353-0

Cite this article as:: Balling, R.C. & Goodrich, G.B. Theor Appl Climatol (2011) 104: 415. doi:10.1007/s00704-010-0353-0

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Abstract

In this study, we used various spatial analytical methods to examine variations and trends in precipitation intensity in the conterminous USA. We found that three different measures of precipitation intensity were highly correlated; intensity increased in a spatially coherent fashion in the northeastern quarter of the USA and generally decreased in the center portion of the western USA. Evidence is presented that spatial and temporal patterns in the trends of precipitation intensity are related to the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation. Our results are generally in agreement with others who are reporting an upward trend in precipitation intensity during a period when the planet appears to have warmed.

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Authors and Affiliations

Robert C. BallingJr.
- 1
Email author
Gregory B. Goodrich
- 2

1.School of Geographical Sciences and Urban PlanningArizona State UniversityTempeUSA
2.Department of Geography and GeologyWestern Kentucky UniversityBowling GreenUSA

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Spatial analysis of variations in precipitation intensity in the USA

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