The FORGEX method of rainfall growth estimation I: Review of requirement

Abstract. A growth factor is the ratio of the T-year extreme value to an index extreme value such as the mean of annual maxima. Whereas a record length of ten or more years may suffice to estimate the index variable, it is generally necessary to blend data from several sites if estimates of exceptional extreme values are to be obtained. Methods of rainfall growth estimation are reviewed, including traditional methods which extend frequency curves to long return period by a distributional assumption, and methods which study spatial dependence in extreme rainfalls. It is desirable that estimates at neighbouring sites, and across different durations and return periods, are internally consistent. The review concludes that rather special techniques may be required if this goal of estimation extreme rainfall depth consistently is to be met. The motivation of the Focused Rainfall Growth Extension (FORGEX) method is presented.