"A study of the diurnal variation of rainfall in New Zealand"

Abstract

This is a study of the diurnal variation of rainfall in New Zealand - a phenomenon which undoubtedly plays an important role in the activities of man. In most parts of the world, much information is available on numerous aspects of rainfall. Tables are available showing the amounts of rainfall occurring during the twentyfour hour day, during the months, and during the seasons and years. In addition, information is available as to the intensity and duration of rainfall. However, apart from a few places (see Chapter two) little attempt has been made to calculate or account for the diurnal variation of rainfall. It nevertheless seems reasonable to suggest that the amount of rain occurring during the night and day, is as important as the amount of rain occurring during the winter and the summer months. The areas of the world having a dry summer and a wet winter are fairly well known, but how much of the world has a maximum of rain during the day? An initial study of the diurnal variation of rainfall at sixteen stations in New Zealand has therefore been attempted in the hope that it will be a contribution to an aspect of rainfall which in most parts of the world is still unknown.