Rainfall Kinetic Energy in Eastern Australia

Abstract Rainfall kinetic energy is a commonly used climatic parameter for the prediction of soil erosion by water. Such a parameter is difficult to measure and is usually estimated from relationships established between rainfall energy and rainfall intensity. Previous studies have shown a wide variation in energy-intensity relationships throughout the world. This paper reports the results of measurements of rainfall intensity and rainfall energy using distrometers at four widely separated locations in eastern Australia. These data demonstrate little geographic variation and support the conclusion that the energy of rain is substantially constant at intensifies exceeding 100 mm h−1.