Persistent extreme precipitation events in China during 1951-2010

Persistent extreme precipitation events (PEPEs) in China are investigated in the context of a new definition that considers both the persistence and the extremity of daily precipitation at individual stations. An identification method for regional PEPEs is designed based on joint application of this definition and a spatial contiguity criterion. Between 1951 and 2010, individual-station-based PEPEs occurred mainly in Central-Eastern China (26-34 degrees N) and South China (south of 26 degrees N). Relatively few PEPEs were observed in the northern part of China (north of 34 degrees N). Individual-station-based PEPEs in Central-Eastern China and South China were also typically of higher intensity and longer duration than those observed in the northern part of China. Altogether, 74 regional events are identified. The stations involved in these regional events correspond to the centers of intense precipitation associated with the event. These areas are prone to severe flooding. Of the 74 identified PEPEs, 70 occurred in the central and southern parts of eastern China (primarily the Yangtze-Huai River Valley and South China). Only 4 events occurred in the northern part of China. Regional PEPEs occurred more frequently after 1990, with higher mean intensity, longer mean duration, and larger affected areas. The 74 regional PEPEs are classified and analyzed according to occurrence time, geographical location, and the influence of typhoons.