Cluster analysis identified rainfall homogeneous regions in Tocantins state, Brazil

Abstract

Identifying homogeneous regions regarding the monthly rainfall is relevant in agricultural planning, especially in relation to the installation of crops. Thus, the aim of this study was to apply the cluster analysis using Ward's algorithm to identify homogeneous regions in Tocantins State. Rainfall database of 34 stations (sites) of Tocantins, from 1976 to 2012, it were obtained of the Database of the Agência Nacional de Águas, Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia and Serviço Meteorológico do Brasil. Thus, were formed 408 time series (12 months × 34 sites) wherein AA technique was applied in conjunction with Ward's algorithm. Three homogeneous regions in relation to monthly rainfall were identified. Group 1, located in the extreme north of the state, has intermediate average values (135.58 mm) to the other groups. Group 2 showed the greatest variance (13,543.68 mm²) and higher average (162.19 mm) for the studied period. On the other hand, group 3 has the lowest average rainfall (117.93 mm) among the homogeneous groups. Separating the groups followed a north-south alignment which suggests that latitude is the physiographic factor that most influences the occurrence of monthly rainfall in the State of Tocantins.

Keywords

• ward
• monthly rainfall
• spatial variability
• temporal variability.