Rainfall kinetic energy in eastern Australia.

Abstract

Rainfall kinetic energy is a commonly used climatic parameter for the prediction of soil erosion by water. Such a parameter is difficult to measure and is usually estimated from relationships established between rainfall energy and rainfall intensity. Previous studies have shown a wide variation in energy-intensity relationships throughout the world. This paper reports the results of measurements of rainfall intensity and rainfall energy using distrometers at 4 widely separated locations in E Australia. These data demonstrate little geographic variation and support the conclusion that the energy of rain is substantially constant at intensities exceeding 100mm h-1.-Author