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Regional frequency analysis of extreme rainfalls using partial L moments method

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Abstract

An approach based on regional frequency analysis using L moments and LH moments are revisited in this study. Subsequently, an alternative regional frequency analysis using the partial L moments (PL moments) method is employed, and a new relationship for homogeneity analysis is developed. The results were then compared with those obtained using the method of L moments and LH moments of order two. The Selangor catchment, consisting of 37 sites and located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, is chosen as a case study. PL moments for the generalized extreme value (GEV), generalized logistic (GLO), and generalized Pareto distributions were derived and used to develop the regional frequency analysis procedure. PL moment ratio diagram and Z test were employed in determining the best-fit distribution. Comparison between the three approaches showed that GLO and GEV distributions were identified as the suitable distributions for representing the statistical properties of extreme rainfall in Selangor. Monte Carlo simulation used for performance evaluation shows that the method of PL moments would outperform L and LH moments methods for estimation of large return period events.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Informatics, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, PO box 21300, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia

    Zahrahtul Amani Zakaria

  2. Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, PO box 81310, Skudai, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

    Ani Shabri

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  1. Zahrahtul Amani Zakaria
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  2. Ani Shabri
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Correspondence to Zahrahtul Amani Zakaria.

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Zakaria, Z.A., Shabri, A. Regional frequency analysis of extreme rainfalls using partial L moments method. Theor Appl Climatol 113, 83–94 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00704-012-0763-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00704-012-0763-2

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