Precipitation barycenter and relationship to the spatial distribution of station networks on the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, China

Abstract

Abstract A precipitation barycenter reflects the overall spatial distribution and long-term evolution of regional precipitation. Understanding the changes in precipitation barycenter has significant implications for drought management, flood control, and water resource management. This paper analyzed the distribution and transfer of monthly, interannual, and interdecadal precipitation barycenter on the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain (‘3H’ Plain). We also discussed the influence of the station network spatial distribution on the changes in precipitation barycenter. The results were as follows: (1) The trajectory of the monthly precipitation barycenter on the ‘3H’ Plain was generally ‘8’-shaped. The rainy and dry season precipitation barycenters were located in the upper and lower parts of the ‘8’-shaped, respectively. (2) In the past 60 years, the interannual precipitation barycenter had a trend of moving southwest, but the trend was not apparent. (3) Station network density and uniformity dominated the changes in precipitation barycenter, showing positive correlations. When the station network density was large and exceeded a certain range, the influence of station network density on the changes in precipitation barycenter decreased.