Climate change detection in penang island using deterministic interpolation methods

Abstract

This paper presents detection of climate change in Penang Island by using precipitation data based on interpolation technique. Climate change brings about vast and everlasting effects on all living creatures on the Earth. These effects are especially detrimental towards heritage sites, landscapes and businesses based in Penang Island, Malaysia. This study focuses mainly on investigating the indication of climate change in Penang Island over the period of 2003-2018 by utilising sound application procedures of proven analysis methods. Two deterministic interpolation methods are used to produce new estimation points based on the precipitation data to enrich the monitoring network of rainfall stations in Penang Island. Monthly and monthly-average precipitation maps for Penang Island are produced by using inverse distance weighting interpolation method. Results reveal that seven out of twelve months of a year show increasing precipitation trends over the period of study and March is the only month that shows a decreasing trend in precipitation. Monthly-average precipitation in Penang Island also displays a gradual trend of precipitation increase over the period of study, further conforming the finding of monthly precipitation increase over the period of study. The finding of this study provides insight for local agriculturists and ministry to make better decision in response to climate change in Penang.