Simple linear algorithm to estimate the space-time variability of precipitable water in the Araucanía Region, Chile

this work proposes a linear algorithm which relates precipitable water (pw) with altitude and distance from the coast, on a regional scale. for precipitable water, the era-interim (ecmwf) database for the period 1989-2010 was used, while a digital elevation model was used for the geographical variables. the results obtained indicate statistical significance between the two variables (p< 0.01), with a confidence level of 99%. the model makes it possible to describe the mean monthly space-time variability of precipitable water, stratifying the study area into clearly differentiated zones.