Application of Angot precipitation index in the assessment of rainfall erosivity: Vojvodina Region case study (North Serbia)

Abstract

The paper aims to provide an overview of the most important parameters (the occurrence, frequency and magnitude) in Vojvodina Region (North Serbia). Monthly and annual mean precipitation values in the period 1946–2014, for the 12 selected meteorological stations were used. Relevant parameters (precipitation amounts, Angot precipitation index) were used as indicators of rainfall erosivity. Rainfall erosivity index was calculated and classified throughout precipitation susceptibility classes liable of triggering soil erosion. Precipitation trends were obtained and analysed by three different statistical approaches. Results indicate that various susceptibility classes are identified within the observed period, with a higher presence of very severe rainfall erosion in June and July. This study could have implications for mitigation strategies oriented towards reduction of soil erosion by water.

Detailed Analysis of Spatial–Temporal Variability of Rainfall Erosivity and Erosivity Density in the Central and Southern Pannonian Basin

“…For northern Serbia (Vojvodina), variability of calculated RE values display certain contrasts between lowland (500-750 MJ•mm•ha −1 •h −1 ) and mountainous/hilly areas, which exibit the highest susceptibility to rainfall erosivity during the observed period of 1961-2014 (1000-1250 MJ•mm•ha −1 •h −1 ). These results are in good agreement with the study of Lukić et al [61], who outlined that highest rainfall erosivity values can be seen for southeastern parts of the Vojvodina Region (Banat Region with Vršac weather station). Authors also emphasised that, as the altitude decreases, severe and very severe erosivity class values are approximately equally distributed on a multiannual basis.…”

“…Analysed stations, such as Osijek, Szeged, Debrecen, and Kikinda, have a significant correlation varying between −0.27 and −0.34 at the 95% level of significance. Obtained results correlate well with the findings of Lukic et al [61], who emphasised that the negative correlation coefficient could indicate the wetting effect on the RE and ED parameters. According to the findings of Lukić et al [8], the annual total precipitation (when it exceeds the 95th percentile (R95p)) is increasing in the investigated area, except for the Budapest meteorological station.…”

“…During the past few decades, an increasing number of extreme hydrometeorological events (heat waves, droughts, heavy precipitation, etc.) have been reported [8,[56][57][58][59][60][61], favouring increased rainfall erosivity for most of the investigated area, except in the northwestern parts. Using four pluvial indices, Lukić et al [8] showed that precipitation extremes have been rising in terms of totals and intensities.…”

“…On the boxen plots for gridded data (Figure 4e,f), this value is well above the median for July (see also Figure 4a,b in the last decade of station data for summer). This value should not be interpreted as an outlier, since it stands as an extreme event recorded by a few previous studies [8,61], as well as by the Republic Hydrometeorological Institute of Serbia [81]. Interesting to notice is the boxen plot shape from May to October.…”

“…Many recent studies [61,76,77,92] have highlighted that North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) has a prominent impact on the rainfall amount, and, since RE and ED are based on precipitation amounts, NAO has a certain influence on them as well. As highlighted by Bice et al [90], NAO has a strong influence on winter precipitation in the Pannonian Basin, with negative NAO phases corresponding to periods of high precipitation.…”