Coherence of global hydroclimate classification systems

Abstract. Climate classification systems are useful for investigating future climate scenarios, water availability, and even socioeconomic indicators as they relate to dynamics. There several that apply energy variables create zone boundaries, although there has yet be a simultaneous comparison of the structure function multiple existing schemes. Moreover, presently no frameworks include evapotranspiration (ET) rates governing principle. Here, we developed new system based on precipitation potential well three ET rates, which were all compared against four previously established systems. The within-zone similarity, or coherence, long-term hydroclimate was evaluated each premise interpretation application framework should correspond most coherent. Additionally, shape complexity boundaries assessed system, assuming drawn efficiently such simplicity coherence balanced meaningful boundary implementation. frequently used Köppen–Geiger, generally had high but also complexity. When Köppen–Geiger framework, Water-Energy Clustering introduced here showed overall improved equivalent variables, yielded lower spatial complexity, required only 2, 24, parameters its construction.