An objective classification of homogeneous rainfall regimes in Sri Lanka

Summary Homogeneous rainfall regimes in Sri Lanka have been devised through multivariate statistical techniques. The nature of previous subjective classifications are reviewed and the need for an objective classification is stressed. Each of the major classifications of rainfall regimes, micro, meso and macro, throw new light on our understanding of the climates of Sri Lanka. New boundaries between dry/wet and dry/arid zones have emerged and are compared with previous examples. Three rainfall dominance regimes are also identified. Finally a brief account of the micro scale rainfall regimes is given.With 5 Figures