Characteristics of the distribution of total annual precipitation by drainage areas of the arctic and their variations

Abstract

In an effort to determine the variation of precipitation within the Arctic region, average precipitation is calculated for large drainage basins using mapped isohyets. Data for the mean precipitation depth (in mm) are given for these drainage basins, and the distribution of precipitation is examined in relation to atmospheric circulation and other factors. Regions with similar precipitation patterns can be identified for the continental and insular parts of the Arctic, and turn out to come close to a climatic regionalization.