Climatic and Geographic Patterns of Spatial Distribution of Precipitation in Siberia

Abstract

The spatial–temporal distribution of precipitation is a function of atmospheric circulation and the orography of the terrain. Due to these factors the spatial–temporal distribution of precipitation differs on global, regional and local levels. Three vast Siberian ecoregions (Western Siberia, Central Siberia and Eastern Siberia) are differing in their space-temporal patterns of precipitation distribution. The spatial distribution of precipitation over West Siberia follows a geographical zonation: precipitation changes from 300 mm in the south to 400–500 mm in the forest zone. The areas of Central and East Siberia with extreme continental climates and mountain relief differ in precipitation and moisture characteristics to a great extent. In Central Siberia precipitation varies between 325 and 525 mm, in East Siberia between 250 and 330 mm. Climatic and geographic patterns of the spatial precipitation distribution in Central Siberia are studied on a regional level. Computer models of spatial precipitation distribution were developed for the Yenisei Mountain Chain, Eastern Sayan, and the South-eastern Trans-Baikal region. Owing to irregular spatial distribution of precipitation three groups of landscapes were defined: (1) slopes of west, north-west and south-west aspect with orographic precipitation; (2) shadow slopes in mountain regions; (3) plain landscapes. Obtained equations show correlations between the amount of precipitation and altitude, geographical latitude, distance from barrier ridge and other parameters.