Fundamental characteristics of rainfall in Brazil

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to calculate the averages maximum intensities of rainfall by means of determination of parameters of mathematical equation which relates the fundamental characteristics: intensity, (in mm/hour) duration (in minutes) and return period (in years). To generate basic information to engeneering and hydrological studies is the aim, mainly for soil conservation projects. Through the adjustment of mathematical equations using linear regression, the rainfall characteristics of eighty meteorological stations throughout the country were calculated. To determine the best adjustment, the maximum coefficient of multiple determination was used. The parameters for each site, its geographic characteristics (latitude and longitude), as well as the period of observation and the coefficient of multiple determination are presented.