Spatial Diversity of Monthly and Annual Rainfall in Sudan: Using Rainfall Predictions and Geographical Information System (GIS) to Produce Rainfall Maps

Abstract

This study presents mapping of rainfall predictions over Sudan using spatial analysis of climatological data. Geographic Information System ArcGIS provides the means to produce climatological surfaces for the entire Sudan between the years 2000–2012. The temporal resolution of the maps is monthly and annual. Spatial data were obtained from Central Bureau of Statistics Sudan for three levels (towns, states and regions). This study provides a deeper analysis of rainfall phenomenon in Sudan. Monthly and Annual variation in rainfall for 13 years was visualized in rainfall maps. Also analysis been made for rain at the same level for different months. Finally we analyzed rainfall with the most influenced variables such as temperature and relative humidity for different months and levels. Results from this study reveal the ability of GIS to explain and extract general patterns of rain phenomenon and its distribution over different geographical areas in Sudan.