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Classification of atmospheric rivers and their impacts in New Zealand
  • +2
  • Jingxiang Shu,
  • Conrad Zorn,
  • Tiejian Li,
  • Asaad Shamseldin,
  • Bruce Melville
Jingxiang Shu
The University of Auckland Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Conrad Zorn
The University of Auckland Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
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Tiejian Li
State Key Laboratory of Hydroscience and Engineering Tsinghua University
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Asaad Shamseldin
The University of Auckland Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
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Bruce Melville
The University of Auckland Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
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Abstract

Atmospheric rivers (ARs) are an important component of the global water cycle, and AR-related hydrological hazards are across the midlatitudes, including New Zealand. The ability to classify the strength and potential impact of ARs has shown benefits to water resource management in western U.S. regions. In New Zealand, the topography means that the impact of ARs may vary significantly on either side of mountainous areas. In this study, we evaluate whether ARs dominate monthly heavy rainfall events and investigate characteristics of AR events that contribute to heavy rainfall as well as the performance of an AR impact ranking scale concerning orientations for these AR events. We found that different geographical regions favour ARs with different orientations for heavy rainfall generation, and northwesterly ARs are more likely to deliver higher rainfall at certain classification levels. Furthermore, we showed cases where ARs classified at the level could result in different benefits and hazards in different locations. Future research should focus on a more descriptive AR ranking scale regarding hydrometeorological benefits and hazards, considering factors such as the correspondence cyclones and topography.
17 Jul 2023Submitted to Hydrological Processes
17 Jul 2023Submission Checks Completed
17 Jul 2023Assigned to Editor
18 Jul 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
11 Aug 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
29 Sep 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
05 Oct 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major
14 Nov 20231st Revision Received
24 Jan 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
29 Jan 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Major