Phys. Geog. Geom. 2026, 49(1): 15–21

https://doi.org/10.17721/phgg.2026.1/131.02

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Annual cycle of atmospheric precipitation in Chernihiv region: modern state and changes

Vasyl I. Zatula 

Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, 64/13, Volodymyrska St., Kyiv, 01601, Ukraine

 

Abstract

The pattern of atmospheric precipitation is a key part of the geographical characteristics of a territory. Not only the annual amount of atmospheric precipitation is important, but also its distribution throughout the year. The geographical features of precipitation distribution and changes in its pattern in the context of contemporary climate change are of considerable interest. This primarily concerns characteristics based on specific indicators of annual precipitation distribution. This article examined in detail the characteristics of annual cycle of atmospheric precipitation in the Chernihiv region. The information base for the study was provided by data from ground observations of monthly and annual precipitation at all seven weather stations in the Chernihiv region for the periods 1961–1990 and 1991–2020. The reliability of the research results is ensured by the use of methods of statistical processing of meteorological information. The statistical characteristics of the series of annual precipitation in the region were analyzed. Considerable attention was paid to comparing the parameters of variability of these series in different observation periods. The dependence of the annual amount of precipitation on the geographical location of the region's weather stations: latitude, longitude, and absolute altitude are described. Scatter plots and paired regression equations for annual precipitation at weather stations in the Chernihiv region depending on their geographical location for the last two standard climatological periods are presented. It has been established that in recent decades there has been a significant decrease in the linear trend coefficients for all regression models. Significant differences in the intensity of seasonal changes in atmospheric precipitation in the region have been identified. It has been noted that recently, the period of maximum dryness at weather stations in the Chernihiv region has increasingly occurred in early and mid-spring, when the lack of atmospheric moisture can severely hamper the development of agricultural crops. The characteristics of the annual cycle of atmospheric precipitation are supplemented by an analysis of two climatological indices. The current state and changes in the climate continentality index and rainfall seasonality index, as well as the relationship between them, are considered in detail. The current dynamics of continentality indicate a clear drift toward a milder climate, which requires further research.

Keywords

annual cycle; total precipitations; rainfall seasonality index; degree of climate continentality; climate change; regional climate system.

 

Received: March 3, 2026 / Accepted: April 6, 2026 / Published online: May 8, 2026