Developing Intensity-Duration-Frequency Curves in Scarce Data Region: An Approach using Regional Analysis and Satellite Data

Ayman G. Awadallah, Mohamed ElGamal, Ashraf ElMostafa, Hesham ElBadry

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DOI: 10.4236/eng.2011.33025                

Abstract

The availability of data is an important aspect in frequency analysis. This paper explores the joint use of lim- ited data from ground rainfall stations and TRMM data to develop Intensity Duration Frequency (IDF) curves, where very limited ground station rainfall records are available. Homogeneity of the means and variances are first checked for both types of data. The study zone is assumed to be belonging to the same region and checked using the Wiltshire test. An Index Flood procedure is adopted to generate the theoretical regional distribution equation. Rainfall depths at various return periods are calculated for all stations and plotted spatially. Regional patterns are identified and discussed. TRMM data are used to develop ratios between 24-hr rainfall depth and shorter duration depths. The regional patterns along with the developed ratios are used to develop regional IDF curves. The methodology is applied on a region in the North-West of Angola.

Keywords

Rainfall Frequency Analysis, Regional Analysis, Intensity Duration Frequency, TRMM, Angola

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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