Spatial modeling of rainfall patterns and groundwater on the coast of northeastern Brazil

The objective of this study was to characterize the patterns of monthly rainfall in the mesoregions of Zona da Mata and Metropolitan of Recife in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, based on geostatistical techniques and multivariate analysis, in addition to establishing rain flow strategies in urban centers and alerting of possible impacts on local aquifers. The meteorological data are from a 20-year time series (2000-2019). Maps of the projection of aquifers, hydrochemical and hydrogeological for the study region were established. The pluviometric data were submitted to descriptive, geostatistical, and multivariate analysis. The Gaussian model was the one that best fitted (R2 >= 0.84). The Atlantic interhemispheric sea surface temperature gradient together with Easterly Wave Disturbances, Intertropical Convergence Zone, sea breezes circulations, and trade winds interfered in the dynamics of coastal rains, especially on the Northeast Brazilian coast. The hydrogeological formation of groundwater on the coast, of the porous type, justified the higher flows of groundwater associated with the greater rainfall. Kriging maps were consistent in the spatialization of rains on the coast of Pernambuco and, thus, making it possible to assess the dynamics of rains and the creation of socio-economic strategies, to minimize the impacts during the period of heavy rains and major floods.

Automated summary

This study focused on characterizing the patterns of monthly rainfall in the mesoregions of Zona da Mata and Metropolitan of Recife in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Geostatistical techniques and multivariate analysis were used to analyze meteorological data from a 20-year time series, revealing the influence of oceanic and topographical factors on rainfall dynamics.