Spatial variations in typhoon activities and precipitation trends over the Korean Peninsula

Abstract

Global warming has caused changes in air temperatures, ocean heat content, and sea levels, and these changes might strengthen tropical cyclones (TCs) around the Korean Peninsula and exacerbate the damage that these storms can have on both coastal and inland communities. Therefore, there is an urgent need in this region to update hazard mitigation plans for TCs and improve community resilience measures to cope with the corresponding damage. In accordance with such efforts, this study aims to build quantitative statistical datasets about typhoons in the northwestern Pacific Ocean that approach the Korean Peninsula and use these data to analyze the characteristics of typhoon activity (e.g., TC genesis location, TC path, recurving position, and intensity) and the accompanying spatio-temporal changes in rainfall. During 1966 to 2009, significant changes in the timing, paths, and frequencies of strong summer typhoons were observed along with increases in the intensity of summer typhoon rainfall over portions of the Han River basin and the Nakdong River basin. We hope that these findings will provide foundational information for disaster prevention efforts and assist natural resource managers to protect river basins and secure water resources.