Mediterranean cyclone characteristics related to precipitation occurrence in Crete, Greece

Abstract

Abstract. The characteristics of the cyclone tracks that caused precipitation events of variable intensity for the period 1979-2011 over the island of Crete are presented. The data set used for cyclone identification is the 0.5 • × 0.5 • , 30 years European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ERA-Interim mean sea-level pressure. Cyclone characteristics are calculated with the aid of the Melbourne University algorithm (MS scheme). Daily precipitation data from a dense gauging network over the island of Crete are also used for the classification of the precipitation events in terms of rain accumulation (intensity). Daily precipitation is classified in three categories and the associated cyclones are chosen according to their distance from Crete island. The seasonal and annual cycle of the physical characteristics of the cyclone tracks are investigated with respect to the cyclones' relative position to the island of Crete. It was found that cyclones affecting Crete most frequently approach from the western side of the island and the actual cyclone centers associated with precipitation events are usually located northwest and southeast of the Crete domain. Cycloneinduced rainfall increases in function to cyclones' depth, radius and propagation velocity increase as well as cyclones' pressure decrease. Spring cyclones that affect Crete with rainfall present lower pressures and higher cyclone propagation velocity in contrast to the ones associated with winter and autumn precipitation events. The examination of the relation between cyclone characteristics and precipitation occurrence provides valuable information related to forecasting potential and management of the water resources and the rainfall extremes.

Climate Change Impact on the Frequency of Hydrometeorological Extremes in the Island of Crete

“…Several studies have extensively analysed in the past extreme hydro-meteorological phenomena attributed to extreme flow and extreme precipitation in several Mediterranean watersheds in Crete. Iordanidou et al [3] found that the characteristics of cyclone tracks are strongly correlated with variable intensity precipitation in Mediterranean, providing valuable forecasting information on rainfall extremes, which are subsequently strongly related to flood occurrence [4]. Flocas et al [5] analysed the seasonality of historical floods' hydro-meteorological characteristics in Crete, revealing valuable information within the context of flood occurrence in the island.…”

Multidecadal Changes in the Relationship of Storm Frequency over Euro-Mediterranean Region and ENSO During Boreal Winter

“…This scheme was chosen because of its proven reliability in capturing the storm centers (closed and open) in the EuroMediterranean region (Simmonds and Keay 2002;Pinto et al 2005;Flocas et al 2010;Syed et al 2010;Nissen et al 2010Nissen et al , 2013Iordanidou et al 2015;Almazroui et al 2016). The MS scheme is used to identify and track storm centers which are having a life cycle of equal or more than 1 day and then performs statistical analysis.…”

Analysis of a Flash Flood in a Small Basin in Crete

“…Plenty of studies have focused on hydro-meteorological characteristics of precipitation events [6][7][8][9], as well as on the analysis of flash floods' impacts [10,11], on the island of Crete. Climate change effect is expected to produce more intense and more frequent heavy precipitation events [12].…”