A Study of Change in Rainfall Pattern in Dhatarwadi Reservoir Catchment, Amreli, Gujarat

The impact of climate change on water resources have received much attention globally especially in last 30 years. Rainfall, the main driver of the hydrological cycle, has been varying in part of the world in various ways. Rainfall is the main source of water. But rainfall is scares and erratic in Gujarat especially in Saurashtra region. So, its preservation and conservation has become the most important aspect in relation to the water resources development planning. Its magnitude, variation and distribution plays important role in hydrological response of the area. The analysis of rainfall records for long period provides information about rainfall pattern and variability. And also rainfall studies are utmost utility for understanding nature and behavior of climate change. In this study, trends in rainfall, maximum rainfall intensity and rainy day for 1961-2011 were examined for Dhatarwadi reservoir catchment, Amreli and also decade wise monthly rainfall variation were examined. Linear regression technique were used to determine climatic trends and conclusions are derived.