Probable maximum precipitation for a 2-day duration over the Indian Peninsula

• DOI: 10.1007/bf00865518
• Publication Date: 2004-12-23T16:55:35Z
• Authors: P. R. Rakhecha; N. R. Deshpande; M. K. Soman
• Keywords: 13. Climate action; 01 natural sciences; 0105 earth and related environmental sciences

For the purpose of providing information to hydrologists for designing costly and large hydraulic structures, estimates of probable maximum precipitation (PMP) for a 2-day duration for stations in the Indian Peninsula lying between 8° N to 20° N were calculated using the Hershfield statistical techniqe. Maximum annual 2-day rainfall data of 80 years from 1901 for 131 stations in the region were used. In order to obtain values of PMP, an enveloping frequency factor (km) curve based on the actual rainfall data of stations in the region was developed. The enveloping curve was then utilised to estimate 2-day PMP values of all the 131 stations. Based on these PMP estimates, a generalised chart showing the spatial distribution of 2-day PMP was prepared. It was found that 2-day PMP estimates over the Indian peninsula varied from 40 to 95 cm and the average ratio of 2-day PMP to the highest observed 2-day rainfall was found to be 1.76.