Cuantificación de los errores al estimar la intensidad de precipitación en el páramo y la ciudad, ocasionados por la tecnología de monitoreo y el método de cálculo

Abstract

The strong influence of precipitation on urban and high mountain ecosystems requires a study of the error involved in estimating the intensity of precipitation. Commonly, precipitation intensities are estimated from punctual precipitation measurements, where rain gauges are extensively used. The aim of the investigation is to evaluate these errors in both the páramo and the city, considering the effects of the calculation method, the timescale of the recorded data and the influence of rainfall intensities of each study area. To quantify the error, results from tipping bucket gauge measurements are compared with the most accurate measurement sensor available in each study area (a laser disdrometer for the páramo). The evaluation was performed using a statistical analysis from which the absolute bias is highlighted, often being the specification that characterizes rain gauges (manufacturer's manual). Considering all the parameters mentioned above, a table of errors expected for the páramo and the city is presented with the purpose of providing a reliable guideline for determining the optimal equipment and type of analysis for different projects involving the development of hydric resources. This would enable the user to define the requirements for calculating intensity of precipitation in similar areas, with confidence levels of 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%.