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The present study proposes a method for estimating the distribution of short-duration (e.g., 1 hour) extreme rainfalls at sites where data for the time interval of interest do not exist, but rainfall data for longer-duration (e.g., 1 day) are available (partially-gaged sites). The proposed method is based on the recently developed “scale-invariance” (or “scaling”) theory. In this study, the scaling concept implies that statistical properties of the extreme rainfall processes for different temporal scales are related to each other by a scale-changing operator involving only the scale ratio. Further, it is assumed that these hydrologic series possess a simple scaling behaviour. The suggested methodology has been applied to extreme rainfall data from a network of 14 recording raingages in Quebec (Canada). The Generalised Extreme Value (GEV) distribution was used to estimate the rainfall quantiles. Results of the numerical application have indicated that for partially-gaged sites the proposed scaling method is able to provide extreme rainfall estimates which are comparable with those based on available at-site rainfall data.

This study proposes two alternative methods for estimating the distribution of extreme rainfalls for sites where rainfall data are available (gaged sites) and for locations without data (ungaged sites). The first method deals with the estimation of short-duration rainfall extremes from available rainfall data for longer durations using the "scale-invariance" concept to account for the relationship between statistical properties of extreme rainfall processes for different time scales. The second method is concerned with the estimation of extreme rainfalls for ungaged sites. This method relies on a new definition of homogeneous sites. Results of the numerical application using data from a network of 10 recording rain gauges in Quebec (Canada) indicate that the proposed methods are able to provide extreme rainfall estimates that are comparable with those based on observed at-site rainfall data.

Apple cultivation is one of the most important sources of livelihood in Indian side of the Himalayas. The present study focuses on the apple orchards of Himachal Pradesh, a state within the Himalayan Mountains, a major apple producers of India. In the study, it is found that the optimum apple growing conditions in the region have been consistently shifting and farmers are shifting their orchards to the higher altitudes. For example, orchards have shifted to 1500-2500 meters in the 2000s compared to the cultivated elevation of 1200-1500 meters during 1980s. As of 2014, apples are being cultivated at an elevation of more than 3500 meters, for example, the newly developed orchards of Leo village in upper Kinnaur and Keylong area of Lahul and Spiti districts. Chilling hours for different districts are calculated. The trend of temperature during the growth period, winter session and annual rainfall have been analysed using Mann-Kendall and Sen's slope test. Data catalogued from different time periods indicates that the northward shift (towards higher altitude) is due to changes in chilling hours, total annual rainfall and mean surface temperature during the apple growing season. The mean surface temperature in all the districts has increased by almost 0.5˚C during last 2000-2014. These changes are directly related to global warming. While the changing climate is reducing the apple production in low altitudinal regions of the state, it is creating new opportunities for apple cultivation in higher altitudes as conditions are getting more favourable for apple growth in those higher regions. The associated socioeconomic changes are posing new societal issues for the local farmers.