Precipitation homogenization and trends in the Usumacinta River Basin ( Mexico‐Guatemala ) over the period 1959–2018

The precipitation variability and trends were investigated in the Usumacinta River Basin (URB) for the period 1959–2018, based on imputed and homogenized data records from 60 meteorological stations in Mexico and Guatemala. The homogenization process played a crucial role in enhancing the quality of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of climatology 2024-01, Vol.44 (1), p.108-125
Main Authors: Jupin, Johanna L. J., Garcia‐López, Alan A., Briceño‐Zuluaga, Francisco J., Sifeddine, Abdelfettah, Ruiz‐Fernández, Ana Carolina, Sanchez‐Cabeza, Joan‐Albert, Cardoso‐Mohedano, José Gilberto
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Climate variations
Drought
Economic activities
El Nino
El Nino phenomena
El Nino-Southern Oscillation event
Environmental impact
Extreme weather
Homogenization
Maximum precipitation
Orographic effects
Precipitation
Precipitation variability
River basins
Rivers
Sciences of the Universe
Southern Oscillation
Statistical analysis
Trends
Variability
Weather stations
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Summary:The precipitation variability and trends were investigated in the Usumacinta River Basin (URB) for the period 1959–2018, based on imputed and homogenized data records from 60 meteorological stations in Mexico and Guatemala. The homogenization process played a crucial role in enhancing the quality of the original precipitation series, reducing regional inconsistencies and improving temporal and spatial coherence. The dataset reliably captured large‐scale climate variations, revealing three regions with similar precipitation variability and trends in the URB. Notably, maximum precipitation occurred at 636 m a.s.l., while minimum precipitation was at 1531 m a.s.l., indicating an orographic effect in the region. Extreme precipitation events were linked to El Niño–Southern Oscillation. Although the Mann–Kendall test showed statistically significant negative trends in only 18% of the stations, integration of Sen's slope analysis and 30‐year normals and dry year occurrences highlighted a progressive shift towards dryer conditions throughout the study period in the URB. These drier conditions could notably affect regions with higher precipitation, requiring special attention due to possible socioeconomic impacts associated with drought events. By identifying these vulnerable regions, policymakers and stakeholders can proactively plan and execute adaptive measures to mitigate the potential impacts of droughts on communities, ecosystems, and economic activities within the basin.
ISSN:0899-8418
1097-0088
DOI:10.1002/joc.8318