Assouline, S., Hebrew Univ of Jerusalem, Israel
Mualem, Y., Hebrew Univ of Jerusalem, Israel

The hypothesis of uniform random fragmentation of rain drops, assuming that the probability of a drop breakup is proportional to its relative volume, leads to a drop size distribution identical to the Weibull function. The proposed model implies that similarity exists between local rainfalls of different intensities. Validation tests were carried out using data sets from five different locations. For each site, the different drop size distributions were uniquely described on a dimensionless scale by a single function. This result considerably simplified the simulation of regional rainfall. The calibrated model was also used to calculate rainfall kinetic energy as a function of its intensity. The results reflect the differences and similarities among rainfalls at these five different locations.