Spatial and temporal scales in rainfall analysis : Some aspects and future perspectives

Aspects of spatial and temporal rainfall variability and rainfall analysis in relation to some water management problems are surveyed and discussed. It is concluded that relevant modelling of hydrological processes in which the rainfall is a driving force is vital with respect to possibilities of finding solutions to increasing environmental problems following urbanization and industrialization. However, modern computer methods and our knowledge of the spatial and dynamic properties of rainfall fields are seldom used in practical engineering applications. This causes errors and uncertainties in the calculated output. Bridging the gaps between researchers and engineers may overcome some of these problems. It is also argued that experimental studies in a variety of climates and physiographical conditions using an interdisciplinary approach are needed in order to further investigate the scale and dynamics of spatial rainfall variability