Spatial and temporal behavior of annual maximum sub-hourly rainfall intensities from 15-minute to 24-hour durations in central Chile

Maximum rainfall intensity is an interesting factor to analyze when determining whether temporal and spatial changes have occurred. Data gathered from 11 rain gauges were used to determine annual maximum rainfall intensities for the Maule Region (central Chile), for durations from 15-minute to 24-hour durations, between 1974 and 2009. Statistical tests of position and dispersion were applied to this dataset, along with the non-parametric Mann-Kendall test to identify tendencies. Results showed that the highest intensities occurred at gauging stations with greater orographic influence and in areas near bodies of water. Additionally, the statistical analysis revealed that maximum rainfall intensities did not seem to show spatial or temporal tendencies through time. Instead, results suggest that intensities have remained stable within historic ranges and have not manifested important changes.