A monthly precipitation database for Spain (1851–2008): reconstruction, homogeneity and trends

Abstract

The compilation and reconstruction of a dataset integrated by 66 long monthly precipitation series, covering mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands, is presented. The reconstruction is based on the hypothesis that the cessation of data recording at one observatory is followed by the establishment of a new observatory very close to the closed one. In order to detect and adjust for possible multiple change points or shifts that could exist in the precipitation series, the R-package CLIMATOL V2.0 is used. This method enables to take advantage of the whole historical Spanish precipitation network in the detection and correction of inhomogeneities. The analysis of annual precipitation trends indicate a high temporal variability. Negative trends dominate for the period 1951–2008 but not for all observatories. On the other hand, positive trends can be detected in the northern Spain for 1902–2008.