Rainfall kinetic energy and its relationship to intensity in the Mediterranean climate

In this paper the erosive characteristics of rainfalls recorded in the Medi terranean areas Alt-Penedes and Anoia (Barcelona Province, Spain) are analy sed. From the drop size of rainfall recorded at 1-minute intervals using a Joss-Waldvogel disdrometer, the rainfall intensity and the kinetic energy w ere calculated. The relationship between the intensity and the kinetic ener gy for the study area were calculated and compared with the results obtaine d in other areas. The results show that the equations obtained in other geo graphical areas underpredict the energy for high intensities, down to 20% l ess, and indicate the need for local information in order to establish rain fall erosivity accurately.