Urbanization Effects on Precipitation over the Pearl River Delta Based on Satellite Data

The urbanization effects on precipitation over the Pearl River Delta area based on TRMM and QuikSCAT data are studied. It is found that: 1) The Pearl River Delta area is a rainfall centre where there is more precipitation than its surrounding area. It is suggested that the urbanization may result in the increase in precipitation over the Pearl River Delta area. 2) The increase in precipitation over the Pearl River Delta area exhibits significant seasonal variabilities. The urbanization-induced precipitation is most remarkable during the first rainy season over South China. 3) The urbanization-induced precipitation is closely related to the wind field. The rainfall centre is located over the leeward area of the city group. 4) The urbanization leads to the strengthening in the intensity of precipitation and the reduction in the rainfall frequency over the Pearl River Delta area. 5) Urbanization seems to affect significantly the convection rainfall rather than the stratiform rainfall.