Iberian autumnal precipitation characterization through observed, simulated and reanalysed data

Abstract

A 44-year (1958–2001) homogeneous Mediterranean high-resolution atmospheric database was generated through dynamical downscaling within the HIPOCAS Project framework. The present work attempts to provide a validation of the monthly 41-autumnal (1961–2001) HIPOCAS precipitation over the Iberian Peninsula, being also provided an evaluation of its improvement versus current global reanalysis data sets. A statistical comparative analysis between observed, HIPOCAS and global reanalyses precipitation data sets was carried out, highlighting the noticeable agreement existing between the observed and the HIPOCAS precipitation data sets in terms of not only time and spatial distribution, but also in terms of total amount of precipitation. A principal component analysis is carried out showing that the patterns derived from the HIPOCAS data largely capture the main characteristics of the studied field. Moreover, it is worth to note that the HIPOCAS patterns reproduce accurately the observed regional characteristics linked to the main orographic features of the study domain.