Geospatial Modeling for Spatial Analysis of Climatic Elements: In search of Climatic Classification Map for Bangladesh

Abstract

Abstract: The present study attempts to develop a scientific climatic classification map of Bangladesh using the daily climatic data of rainfall, relative humidity, mean sea level pressure and surface wind speed of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. There are only two climate classification maps (Koppen-Geiger and Rashid) available for Bangladesh. Rashid relies on a single variable to identically represent a climate zones. In Koppen-Geiger map two weather variables namely Rainfall and Temperature were employed. The Geostatistical tool of ArcMap 10.5 was employed to produce a spatial dataset of the climate classes. In the present climatic classification map, there were three major classes of Dry, Temperate and Humid Temperate and seven sub-classes of Extreme Dry, Dry Low Humid, Temperate with Humidity, Moist Temperate, High Humid and Moisture, Humid Temperate and High Wind Temperate identified. Low annual value of the selected variables found in western and north western part of the country where higher values were found for the south and southeastern part of the country. This research will help to understand the climatic zones and spatial pattern of climatic variables. This will also helpful for future climate, climate risk, hydrological and agricultural research of the country. Keywords: Bangladesh; Climate Variables; Geo-Statistics; Climate Classification; Climate Sub-classes