Method for seasonal precipitation reconstruction derived from snow and rainfall archives in Qing Dynasty: A case study in Shijiazhuang *

Abstract

Abstract Two methods to reconstruct seasonal precipitation are developed in terms of the soil surface water balance and field infiltration experiment by artificial rainfall. Seasonal and annual precipitation for the period of 1736–1910 are reconstructed from snow and rainfall archives in the Qing Dynasty through both methods. The seasonal precipitation series from 1736 to 2000 is also established. The results show that the time series of seasonal precipitation obtained from both methods are statistically significant and consistent, implying that the seasonal precipitation can be reconstructed accurately from snow and rainfall archives in the Qing Dynasty by the above two methods, and thus the Chinese precipitation data in a large area would be extended to the early 18th century from 20th century (instrumental observation period).