Generation of spatially consistent rainfall data

A common approach for continuous flow simulation, is to develop a continuous simulation model for rainfall, and to route its output through runoff models to obtain simulated flow sequences. In this framework, rainfall simulations that are appropriate for hydrological application are discussed. Initially, we present the development of models that can be calibrated using radar rainfall data. Such data represent an important source of information regarding the fine-scale structure of spatial rainfall fields. However, recognising their current limitations with respect to accuracy and record length, we subsequently describe some alternative methods that can be used when radar data are scarce, unreliable or absent.