Temporal and spatial variations in annual rainfall distribution in Erbil province

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the best fit probability distribution of annual maximum rainfall using data from nine stations within Erbil province using different statistical analyses. Nine commonly used probability distribution functions, namely Normal, Lognormal (LN), one-parameter gamma (1P-G), 2P-G, 3P-G, Log Pearson, Weibull, Pareto, and Beta, were assessed. On the basis of maximum overall score, obtained by adding individual point scores from three selected goodness-of-fit tests, the best fit probability distribution was identified. Results showed that the 2P-G distribution and LN distribution were the best fit probability distribution functions for annual rainfall for the region. The analysis of annual rainfall records in Erbil city spanning from 1964 to 2013, covering three periods, also revealed significant temporal changes in the shape and scale parameter patterns of the fitted gamma distribution. Based on the reliable annual rainfall data in the region, the shape and scale parameters were then regionalized, hence it is possible to find the parameter values for any desired location within the study area. The Mann–Kendall test results indicated that there was a decreasing trend in rainfall over most of the study area in recent decades.