Research Article - (2018) Volume 6, Issue 4
Received Date: Oct 12, 2018 / Accepted Date: Nov 16, 2018 / Published Date: Nov 23, 2018
The rainy season stretches from July to the end of September in Indian sub-continent. During this period, the South-West Monsoons pick up moisture from the Bay of Bengal and blow over the state of West Bengal. Most of the annual average rainfall of 175 cm about 125 cm occurs during this period. Heavy rainfall of above 250 cm is observed in the Darjeeling, erstwhile Jalpaiguri (from 2014 the district has been divided into two administrative unit viz Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar) and Cooch Behar district. Among these districts, Jalpaiguri district is the only district of West Bengal, situated in the foothill region of eastern Himalaya. The total areal extent of this district is 6227 km2. Taking consideration about the areal extent IMD (Indian Meteorological Development) has been established total eight metrological station within this district. Theissen Polygon has been applied to manage these eight station to find out the exact rainfall pattern in this spatial extend. Present paper is to represent the variation of monsoon rainfall in respect of depth, volume and probability in same physiographic condition within large areal extend.
Keywords: Monsoon rainfall; Depth; Volume; Probability
The climate of the district is Cwg as per Koppen’s analysis of Indian climate. Cwg refers to monsoon type climate with dry winter. It is mesothermal climate with average temperature the cold months being less than 18°C (10.8°C) in Jalpaiguri. The maximum temperature is recorded in July-August when it is 30.9°C. It is situated on an extensive piedmont plain lying on the windward side of southern Himalayan forelands.
Rainfall is high particularly from June to the middle of October due to south-west monsoons. The winter receives scattered rains from north-east monsoons having no influence on any flood hazard event. The atmosphere is highly humid throughout the year. Highest average rainfall is 3110 mm and it is associated with the occurrence of floods.
In order to evaluate the spatial and temporal rainfall quantity, Thiessen Polygon is one of the widely used techniques and important method. Its calculation method is fast, simple and somewhat accurate. With this method, the calculation of rainfall is simple, in a way that only the station’s rainfall amount and the calculated station weight, the area of the influence of each station (also called Theissen Constant or Area Factor) are required. Thiessen Polygon method is a standard method for computing mean areal precipitation (MAP) for the area having more or less homogeneous topographic as well as meteorological features [1]. As the district has large areal extent and having more or less homogeneous topography with variation in monsoon rainfall, Thiessen Polygon is a most appropriate technique to follow the spatial and temporal variation of monsoon rainfall within the district.
The study area comprises erstwhile Jalpaiguri districts of West Bengal which is situated in the foothill of eastern Himalaya in West Bengal. The district is geographically situated from 26°16'35'' North to 26°59'30'' North and from 88°04’59’’East to 89°55'20'' East and comprising an area of 6227 km2 [Jalpaiguri’-District Gazetteer].
In West Bengal, Jalpaiguri district occupies the southern flanks of the foothills of the Himalaya. Jalpaiguri district is bounded on the north by Darjeeling district of West Bengal and Bhutan, on the south by Uttar Dinajpur and Coochbehar districts of West Bengal, on the west by Uttar Dinajpur and Darjeeling districts of West Bengal and Purnea district of Bihar, while Assam occurs on the east. The R. Sankosh separates Jalpaiguri from the Goalpara district of Assam (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Location map.
Administratively, as per the 2011 Census records, Jalpaiguri district consists of three sub-divisions, viz. Sadar, Mal, and Alipurduar. These subdivisions consist of 13 Community Development (CD Blocks), 17 police stations, 756 mouzas and 4 Municipalities [2]. From 2014, the erstwhile Jalpaiguri district has been divided into-Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts.
Objectives
The main objectives of this paper are:
• To find out the probability of monsoon rainfall in a different zone
• To find out the depth of monsoon rainfall in different parts of the district
• To find out the monsoon volume of rainfall in different parts of the district
• To find out the actual spatial distribution of Isohyet condition of the district
Thiessen Polygon method is an interpolation method used for analysis of rainfall distribution data. It uses point datasets [3,4]. It helps to find out rainfall depth or area-weighted rain for a set of rainfall stations. The depth of rainfall is a ratio of rainfall vis-a-vis respective polygonal area covering a concerned region. Here polygon method has been applied to find out the pattern of area-weighted rainfall on the basis of rainfall data for eight IMD stations in Jalpaiguri district. For this purpose, the rain-gauge locations are plotted on a map. Straight lines are drawn joining the adjacent rain gauge locations to form triangles. Perpendicular bisectors are described to each side of all the triangles. These bisectors define a set of polygons one for each station. The polygonal area around each rain-gauge station is measured. The average weighted rainfall P is computed as follows:
P = (A1P1+A2P2+……AnPn / A1+A2+……..An)……….Eq. 1
where, P1, P2………………Pn is the amount of rainfall recorded at the respective rain-gauge station;
A1, A2………………An is the polygonal area of the concerned raingauge station.
Since, A1+A2+…………..An=A, that is an area of the basin;
Therefore, Eq. 1 can be written as follows:
P = (A1/A) × P1 + (A2/A) × P2 +…..(An/A) × Pn...........Eq. 2
The factors (A1/A),(A2/A),…………..(An/A) are known as Thiessen Weights.
Thiessen polygon gives equal weight to all the rain-gauge stations regardless of their locations. The study area represents eight Thiessen polygons having one rain-gauge station each (Table1). These eight polygons are denoted as A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H. The orographic diversity of the area, however, has not been taken into account in delineating the polygons. Isohyets have also been drawn for the district on the basis of the average rainfall of different IMD stations (Figure 2).
| Station | Thiessen polygon reference |
Average rainfall(mm) Pi |
Area of Thiessen Polygon (sq km)Ai |
Depth of rainfallpi × (Ai/A) |
Rank on depth of rainfall |
| Sevoke | A | 3433.2 | 576.6 | 317.9 | 5 |
| Nagrakata | B | 3212.77 | 637.5 | 328.91 | 2 |
| Diana | D | 3256.98 | 473.7 | 247.76 | 8 |
| Nh 31 | E | 2348.82 | 844.3 | 318.46 | 4 |
| Hasimara | F | 3093.5 | 1065.4 | 529.27 | 1 |
| Chepan | G | 3068.89 | 655.9 | 323.25 | 3 |
| Barobhisa | H | 2662.25 | 649 | 277.46 | 7 |
| Jalpaiguri | C | 3117.18 | 1324.5 | 281.72 | 6 |
| (i) Average Area Weighted Rainfall P=∑ [Pi × Ai/A]=3006.08 mm; (ii) Average of Depth of Rainfall for 08 rain gauge stations=328.09 mm |
Σ6226.9 km2 | Volume of rain water =18718869.14 mm/km2 | |||
Table 1: Average rainfall, Area of Thiessen polygon and Depth of rainfall at eight IMD stations of Jalpaiguri; Source: Computed by author and data provided by IMD, Jalpaiguri. (Source: Computed by Author and Data Provided by IMD, Jalpaiguri).
Figure 2: Actual amount of rainfall in different stations; Source: IMD, Jalpaiguri.
The district of Jalpaiguri received the maximum amount of rainfall in the monsoon season. The intensity of rainfall varies throughout the district. As the district is 6227 sq.km and extended in east-west stretch rainfall and temperature vary one corner to another corner [5]. To reduce such variation IMD (Indian Meteorological Department) has established eight stations throughout the district. The stations are Sevoke, Nagrakata, Diana, NH-31, Hasimara, Barobhisa, and Jalpaiguri. These IMD stations are situated over different drainage basin.
The actual amount of monsoon rainfall from of this eight IMD station are given in Figure 2, from this Figure 2 the monsoon rainfall from 1998 to 2012 is given which show the variation in rainfall but it is not clear the actual depth, volume of monsoon rainfall in different IMD station. For these eight IMD stations, Thiessen Polygon Method has been applied to find out the proper depth and volume of the rainfall over the district.
Table 1 states that Jalpaiguri covers the largest Thiessen polygonal area (1324.5 km2) followed by Hasimara (1065.4 km2), NH 31 (844.3 km2) and others and also have the least area under Diana rain-gauge station (473.7 km2). But by the depth of rainfall Hasimara (the only observation station for the Torsa) ranks 1st (529.27 mm) while Jalpaiguri (one of the two observation stations for the Tista) ranks 6th (281.72 mm). The inconsistent nature is further reflected when Figures 3 and 4 are compared. The actual isohyetal distribution indicates more rainfall to the NW of the study area [rainfall above 3200 mm] (where the Sevok rain-gauge station registers maximum rainfall of 3433.2 mm) while by depth of rainfall Hasimara in the north-east (near the Buxa hills adjacent to Bhutan border) and Nagrakata in the north (adjacent to Darjeeling and Bhutan border) experience more intense rainfall (Figure 3).
Figure 3: Thiessen polygon, isohyets, and distribution of mean monsoon rainfall at different IMD stations in Jalpaiguri District. (Source: Prepared by the author).
Figure 4: Distribution of equal depth of rainfall in Jalpaiguri district. (Source: Prepared by the author).
These explain Hasimara and Nagrakata as the two most latent transmission pockets of rainwater in the district which deliver huge overland flow. It may further be mentioned here that the average of area-weighted rainfall for the district is P=Σ [Pi × Ai/A]=3006.08 mm, which is a high amount of rain. Secondly, the average rain depth with reference to the 08 rain gauge stations of Jalpaiguri is 328.09 mm. Thirdly, the volume of rainwater=Σ [Pi × Ai]=18718869.14 mm/ km2=87188.69 × 105 m3.
The SD and CV of the depth of rainfall have further being calculated followed by their probabilities to show the nature of inherent diversities in the distribution of depth of water as well as their possibility of occurrence [6]. These values have been shown in Tables 2 and 3.
| IMD Stations | Thiessen polygon reference | Depth Of Rainfall |
SD | CV (%) |
| Sevoke | A | 317.9 | 76.44 | 24.07 |
| Nagrakata | B | 328.91 | 41.74 | 13.1 |
| Diana | D | 247.76 | 34.15 | 13.8 |
| Nh-31 | E | 318.46 | 49.37 | 15.52 |
| Hasimara | F | 529.27 | 89.38 | 16.9 |
| Chepan | G | 323.25 | 61.75 | 19.11 |
| Barobhisa | H | 277.46 | 65.31 | 23.54 |
| Jalpaiguri | C | 281.72 | 143.68 | 21.64 |
Table 2: Computation of SD and CV of Depth of rainfall; Source: Computed by author.
| IMD Stations | Probability 68.27% | Probability 95.46% |
| Sevoke | P(241.46 ≤ x ≤ 394.34) | P(165.02 ≤ x ≤ 470.78) |
| Nagrakata | P(287.17 ≤ x ≤ 370.65) | P(245.43 ≤ x ≤ 412.39) |
| Diana | P(213.61 ≤ x ≤ 281.91) | P(179.46 ≤ x ≤ 316.06) |
| Nh-31 | P(269.09 ≤ x ≤ 367.83) | P(219.72 ≤ x ≤ 417.2) |
| Hasimara | P(439.89 ≤ x ≤ 618.65) | P(350.51 ≤ x ≤ 708.03) |
| Chepan | P(261.5 ≤ x ≤ 385) | P(199.75 ≤ x ≤ 446.75) |
| Barobhisa | P(212.15 ≤ x ≤ 342.77) | P(146.84 ≤ x ≤ 408.08) |
| Jalpaiguri | P(138.04 ≤ x ≤ 425.4) | P(-5.64 ≤ x ≤ 569.08) |
Table 3: Computation of probability of depth of rainfall; Source: Computed by author.
The depth of rainfall at 8 IMD stations has a bearing on the volume of rainfall that each drainage basin of the study area might receive. The computed values of the volume of rainfall have been shown in Table 4.
| Station | Average rainfall (mm) |
Area (sq km) | Rainfall volume km2/mm=Pi × Ai |
| Pi | Ai | ||
| Sevoke | 3433.2 | 576.6 | 1979583 |
| Nagrakata | 3212.77 | 637.5 | 2048141 |
| Diana | 3256.98 | 473.7 | 1542831 |
| Nh 31 | 2348.82 | 844.3 | 1983109 |
| Hasimara | 3093.5 | 1065.4 | 3295815 |
| Chepan | 3068.89 | 655.9 | 2012885 |
| Barobhisa | 2662.25 | 649 | 1727800 |
| Jalpaiguri | 3117.18 | 1324.5 | 4128705 |
Table 4: Computations of Volume of rainfall; Source: Computed by the author.
It appears from the Figure 3 that isohyets divide the district into four isohyets zones of rainfall zones as follows (Table 5).
| Isohyet Zone or Rainfall Zone | Rainfall (mm) | Area (sq km) |
| Zone I | > 3300 | 382.35 |
| Zone II | 3300-2900 | 3633.42 |
| Zone III | 2900-2600 | 1392.8 |
| Zone IV | <2600 | 815.22 |
Table 5: Isohyet zones: Jalpaiguri district; Source: Computed by the author.
Table 5 and Figure 3 state that maximum area of the district goes to Zone II (3633.42 km2) where annual rainfall ranges from 3300-2900 mm. Next to Zone II is Zone III (1392.8 km2) having rainfall 2900-2600 mm. By areal extension Zone IV (815.22 km2) ranks 3rd with annual rainfall less than 2600 mm and finally Zone I (382.35 km2) where annual rainfall is more than 3300 mm.
Rainfall data recorded from 1998-2012 at Sevoke, Nagrakata, Diana, NH-31, Hasimara, Chepan, Barobhisa, and Jalpaiguri have been worked out for a 15-year average (Mean), Standard Deviation (SD), Co-efficient of Variation (CV) and other associated measures and the result have been given in Table 6.
| Station | Drainage basin | Thiessen Polygon reference | Mean rainfall (mm) | SD (mm) | CV (%) | Mean-1Sd | Mean+1Sd | Mean-2Sd | Mean+2Sd |
| Sevoke | Tista | A | 3433.2 | 826.4 | 24.07 | 2606.8 | 4259.59 | 1780.41 | 5085.99 |
| Nagrakata | Jaldhaka | B | 3113.6 | 408.06 | 13.1 | 2705.53 | 3521.66 | 2297.47 | 3929.73 |
| Diana | Jaldhaka | D | 3256.98 | 449.45 | 13.8 | 2807.53 | 3706.43 | 2358.1 | 4155.88 |
| Nh 31 | Jaldhaka | E | 2348.83 | 364.42 | 15.52 | 1984.4 | 2713.24 | 1619.98 | 3077.66 |
| Hasimara | Torsa | F | 3093.5 | 522.71 | 16.9 | 2570.79 | 3616.21 | 2048.8 | 4138.92 |
| Chepan | Kaljani-Raidak | G | 3068.9 | 586.5 | 19.11 | 2482.38 | 3655.4 | 1895.88 | 4241.91 |
| Barobhisa | Raidak-Sankosh | H | 2662.25 | 626.78 | 23.54 | 2035.47 | 3289.03 | 1408.69 | 3915.81 |
| Jalpaiguri | Tista | C | 3117.18 | 674.57 | 21.64 | 2442.61 | 3791.75 | 1768.03 | 4466.32 |
Table 6: Computation of mean, Standard Deviation (SD) and Co-efficient of Variation (CV) of rainfall at eight IMD stations in Jalpaiguri district; Source: Data provided by IMD and Compiled by author.
By drainage basin, Jaldhaka has the largest basin area and it is represented by 3 IMD stations at Nagrakata, Diana, and NH 31 followed by Raidak with 2 IMD stations located at Chepan and Barobhisa, the Tista having 2 IMD stations at Sevoke and Jalpaiguri, while the Torsa basin has the minimum share of area and it is represented by one IMD station at Hasimara. All drainage basins and their corresponding IMD stations have been shown in Table 6.
It further appears that Sevoke has the highest mean rainfall of 3433.2 mm among the 8 IMD stations in the study area. Its SD of rainfall is 826.39 mm and CV is 24.07%. 68.27% probability for this station is P (2606.80 ≤ × ≤ 4259.59) while 95.46% probability amounts to P (1780.40 ≤ × ≤ 5085.99) (Table 7).
| IMD Stations | Thiessen polygon reference | Probability 68.27% | Probability 95.46% |
| Sevoke | A | P(2606.80 ≤ x ≤ 4259.59) | P(1780.40 ≤ x ≤ 5085.99) |
| Nagrakata | B | P(2705.53 ≤ x ≤ 3521.66) | P(2297.46 ≤ x ≤ 3929.73) |
| Diana | D | P(2807.53 ≤ x ≤ 3706.43) | P(2358.08 ≤ x ≤ 4155.88) |
| Nh 31 | E | P(1984.40 ≤ x ≤ 2713.24) | P(1619.98 ≤ x ≤ 3077.66) |
| Hasimara | F | P(2570.78 ≤ x ≤ 3616.21) | P(2048.07 ≤ x ≤ 4138.92) |
| Chepan | G | P(2428.38 ≤ x ≤ 3655.40) | P(1895.88 ≤ x ≤ 4241.91) |
| Barobhisa | H | P(2035.47 ≤ x ≤ 3289.03) | P(1408.6 ≤ x ≤ 3915.81) |
| Jalpaiguri | C | P(2445.60 ≤ x ≤ 3791.75) | P(1768.03 ≤ x ≤ 4466.32) |
Table 7: Probability of Rainfall at eight IMD stations of Jalpaiguri; Source: Computed by the author.
The minimum mean of rainfall out of 8 IMD stations occur at NH-31(2348.82 mm). The respective SD and CV are 364.42 mm and 15.52%. The 68.27% probability and 95.46% probabilities are P (1984.40 ≤ × ≤ 2713.24) and P (1619.98 ≤ × ≤ 3077.66) respectively (Table 7).
The research sought to find the applicability of the Thiessen polygon method, as recommended by hydro-meteorologists and climatologists, for the purpose of estimating area rainfall probability, depth and volume in the Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, India. The rationale behind the research is multi-faceted. One of the most important weather and climate elements in Jalpaiguri is rainfall, which is the source of water as well as the source of the flood in the district. Therefore, there is a need to know, and also estimate, the mean rainfall amounts, volume, and the probability of rainfall in and around the IMD stations of the district.
The Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal is selected for study because; here flood is the recurrence event. Almost every year flood hit the district and devastates a massive. Due to its physiographic position the area receives the maximum amount of monsoon rainfall.
The map showing IMD station point values gives the rainfall at points that represent the vast area. Such a result is unacceptable, for example, for planning purpose. The Theissen polygon method was therefore used to create territorial boundaries for each of the rainfall stations. The polygon so created involved the division of the catchment into a number of separate territories, each of which was focused on a single rainfall station.
