Berhanu F. Alemaw^*, Ron T. Chaoka

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Department of Geology, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
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Abstract: A regional analysis of design storms, defined as the expected rainfall intensity for given storm duration and return period, is conducted to determine storm Rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) relationships. The ultimate purpose was to determine IDF curves for homogeneous regions identified in Botswana. Three homogeneous regions were identified based on topographic and rainfall characteristics which were constructed with the K-Means Clustering algorithm. Using the mean annual rainfall and the 24 hr annual maximum rainfall as an indicator of rainfall intensity for each homogeneous region, IDF curves and maps of rainfall intensities of 1 to 24 hr and above durations were produced. The Gamma and Lognormal probability distribution functions were able to provide estimates of rainfall depths for low and medium return periods (up to 100 years) in any location in each homogeneous region of Botswana.

Keywords: IDF Curves, Design Storm, Probability Distributions, Clustering, Regionalization

Cite this paper: Alemaw, B. and Chaoka, R. (2016) Regionalization of Rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) Curves in Botswana. Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 8, 1128-1144. doi: 10.4236/jwarp.2016.812088.

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