Trends in climatic and hydrological parameters in the Ajora-Woybo watershed, Omo-Gibe River basin, Ethiopia

Abstract

The identification of hydro-meteorological trends is essential for analyzing climate change and river discharge at the watershed level. The Ajora-Woybo watershed in Ethiopia was studied for long-term trends in rainfall, temperature, and discharge at the annual, monthly, and seasonal time scales. The rainfall and temperature data extend 1990 to 2020, whereas the discharge data span from1990 to 2015. The Pettitt and Standard Normal Homogeneity Test (SNHT) tests were used to determine homogeneity. The Mann–Kendall and Sen's slope tests, as well as numerous variability measures, were then employed for trend analysis. The degree of relationship between climate variables and river discharge was determined using Pearson correlation coefficients (r). Inhomogeneity was discovered in annual rainfall data from the Angacha and Areka stations. Rainfall and discharge showed insignificant trends over time, with increasing and decreasing variability across stations. Monthly rainfall decreasing trends were observed to be significantly falling in February and March. Rainfall and runoff increase just insignificantly during the Kiremt season. On the other hand, minimum, maximum, and mean annual temperatures showed significant trends with annual increases of 0.01 °C, 0.04 °C, and 0.025 °C, respectively. In this study, the relationships between discharge and temperature and rainfall were found to be moderate and minimal, respectively. Generally, the results of the long-term examination of the hydrological and climate parameters in the watershed show that water resources vary throughout and over time. As a result, designing strategies require due attention. Article highlights Hydrological and meteorological parameters are essential for analyzing trends in water resource and climate change at the watershed level. Mann-Kendall and Sen's slope tests, along with a number of variability measures, were utilized in conjunction with the time series analysis approach for trend analysis. The analysis of the rainfall, temperature, and discharge in the watershed's data generally demonstrates how the availability of water resource varies over time. Designing suitable plans for water resource management and sustainable development in the watershed is therefore essential.