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ClimateRainfall
Photo:Coomera River - DERM
Photo: - DERM Annual mean precipitation is moderate to high throughout the province, with a mean of 916 mm and a maximum of 3081 mm. An obvious east to west gradient exists for annual mean precipitation, with areas in close proximity to the coast receiving the highest rainfall. The values for the driest quarter precipitation are high throughout the province, with a mean of 109 mm. Areas in the north-west of the province have slightly lower values (with a minimum of 73 mm recorded) in comparison to the coastal and southern parts of the province. Rainfall erosivity, the potential for rainfall induced soil loss (Stein, 2005) ranges from low to high throughout the province, with rainfall erosivity decreasing as distance from the coast increases. Areas of the province that receive the highest annual mean precipitation have the highest rainfall erosivity values. Precipitation results in lateral runoff from the surrounding catchments into rivers, supplying water, sediment, nutrients and debris (allochthonous inputs) to the system. The moderate to high volume of rainfall in this province suggests a moderate to high potential rate and volume of input.
Summary Maps of Province Rainfall State Rainfall Map Temperature
Photo:Jardine River - DERM
Photo: Yabba Creek - DERM The annual mean temperature for the South-East FBP ranges from cool to cold, with the warmer areas located near the coast. Values for the highest weekly mean maximum temperature are similar throughout the province. The highest value for this statistic recorded in the province is 32.6 °C. Values for the lowest mean minimum temperature ranged throughout the province from low to moderate. There appears to be a gradient related to distance from the coast, with the coastal areas of the province experiencing higher temperatures than those further inland. The ratio of hottest weekly maximum to coldest weekly minimum values was variable throughout the province. Seasonality in temperature is not pronounced in the coastal areas, but is pronounced further inland.
Summary Maps of Province Temperature State Temperature Map Water Balance
Photo: Mullet - DERM Mean annual runoff in most of the province, particularly the inland areas is low; suggesting most of the rainfall is lost as evaporation. Mean annual runoff along the coast and in the southern sections of the province ranges from low to high.
Information about water balance
Last updated: 21 February 2012 |
— Department of Environment and Resource Management
