Rain gauge network evaluation and optimal design using spatial correlation approach in arid and semi-arid regions of Iran

The present study is aimed at evaluation of a rain gauge network in order to optimize a network design. In this regard, point rainfall estimations were assessed using a spatial correlation approach in the Kerman region, Iran. This approach was implemented based on monthly rainfall data for existing 117 rain gauge stations in the study area. The results revealed that the regular arrangement of rain gauges could provide the reliable values for accurate rainfall estimation. Low density of rain gauge combined with the low rainfall values may result in strong increase of the interpolation errors. Based on the existing rain gauge network, the relative mean error of observed rainfalls ( E a ) is less than 5 % over the study area. The spatial interpolation errors ( E i ) were considered to optimize the design of rain gauge network at the confidence level of 85 %, where the mean errors were exhibited from 8.5 to 14 % in districts A and B, respectively. On this basis, about 46 locations were proposed for allocation of new stations. Therefore, it was suggested to relocate about 20 existing stations in order to achieve an accurate design.