The objective of this research is to estimate the annual and seasonal rainfall erosivity over Jordan based on three different regression models. Readily available annual and seasonal precipitation data with long records (40 - 53 years) pertaining to 40 weather stations were utilized to estimate rainfall erosivity. The spatial distribution of rainfall erosivity over Jordan is controlled largely by morphological (relief) and climatic factors. The lowest R -values (28 MJ mm.ha -1 .h -1 .yr- 1 ) are found in the arid zone, where the average annual rainfall is below 100 mm , whereas the highest R -values are found in the northern highlands (505 MJ mm.ha -1 .h -1 .yr -1 ) where the average annual rainfall approaches 650 mm. The correlation between annual and seasonal precipitation (mm) and annual erosivity exhibits a very strong relationship ( R varies from 0.964 to 1.0, and all correlations are significant at 0.01 level [2-tailed test]). Moderate positive correlations were achieved between latitude (N) and the mean annual/seasonal precipitation ( R range s from 0.407 to 0.642, and all correlations are significant at 0.01 level [2-tailed test]). Spatial differences observed in erosivity, afforded a substantial source of information and maps for predicting erosion in Jordan. According to the present analysis, two parameters proved to be useful to predict rainfall erosivity on a national level. These parameters are t he average annual precipitation, and latitude.
KeywordsRainfall ErosivityRegression ModelsPearson CorrelationAnnual and Seasonal PrecipitationSoil Erosion
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