The Change in Rainfall from Tropical Cyclones Due to Orographic Effect of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range in Luzon, Philippines
Philippine Journal of Science 145 (4): 313-326, December 2016 ISSN 0031 - 7683 Date Received: ?? Feb 20?? The Change in Rainfall from Tropical Cyclones Due to Orographic Effect of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range in Luzon, Philippines Bernard Alan B. Racoma1,2*, Carlos Primo C. David1, Irene A. Crisologo1, and Gerry Bagtasa3 1National Institute of Geological Sciences, College of Science, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines 2Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines 3Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, College of Science, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines This paper discusses the Sierra Madre Mountain Range of the Philippines and its associated influence on the intensity and distribution of rainfall during tropical cyclones. Based on Weather and Research Forecasting model simulations, a shift in rainfall was observed in different portions of the country, due to the reduction of the topography of the mountain. Besides increasing the rainfall along the mountain range, a shift in precipitation was observed during Tropical Storm Ondoy, Typhoon Labuyo, and Tropical Storm Mario. It was also observed that the presence of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range slows down the movement of a tropical cyclones, and as such allowing more time for precipitation to form over the country. Wind profiles also suggest that the windward and leeward sides of mountain ranges during Tropical Cyclones changes depending on the storm path. It has been suggested that in predicting the distribution of rainfall, the direction of movement of a tropical cyclones as well as its adjacent areas be taken into great consideration.
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