Abstract
Understanding the patterns and mechanisms of precipitation variations is important for assessing flood and drought risks and for ensuring sustainable water use. Here, we analyzed the characteristics of annual precipitation changes in eight subregions of China using the Mann–Kendall test based on daily precipitation data from 774 rain gauge stations during 1961–2017. Then, we used the monthly precipitation concentration index (PCI) and daily concentration index (CI) to analyze precipitation concentrations. The results are as follows: (1) PCI and CI in northern China generally decreased with time, indicating a uniform precipitation distribution. Notably, the annual precipitation increased significantly in Xinjiang and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, which could alleviate future drought. (2) PCI increased and CI decreased in the plain regions of the Yangtze River and Southeast China, exhibiting high CI values with marked increases of annual precipitation. Such heavy rainfall events combined with high rainfall concentrations could increase the flood risk. (3) A significant PCI increase and CI decrease occurred in Southwest China, where annual precipitation decreased significantly. Regular rainfall decreased notably, which could increase the likelihood of drought hazards. (4) Overall, both indices showed negative trends at most stations; precipitation distribution was generally more uniform over China. These findings improve our understanding of extreme rainfall evolution and water resource distribution over China. Furthermore, PCI and CI can serve as warning tools for disaster control and water resource management.
Highlights
Precipitation is a key component of the global water cycle
We analyzed the spatial distribution of annual precipitation in China from 1961 to 2017 for 774 stations (Figure 1b)
Precipitation variations is important for scientific reference value and for guiding water conservation
Summary
Precipitation is a key component of the global water cycle. Changes in rainfall intensity, quantity, and spatiotemporal patterns often lead to extreme events such as droughts and floods. With the intensification of global climate change, changes in both global and regional natural precipitation characteristics [1,2] have negatively affected the human living environment, economic and social development, and many other aspects [1,3,4]. The trend of significant increases or decreases in daily or monthly precipitation in most countries is directly related to changes in the same signs of the amount of precipitation during heavy and extreme precipitation events [5,6]. The number of regions exhibiting a significant increase in extreme precipitation events is more than those exhibiting a significant decrease [7], and the growth rate of short-duration extreme precipitation may be greater than that of long-duration extreme precipitation.
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