Mapping of climatic data in Northeast Thailand: Temperature and solar radiation

Abstract

Average air temperature and solar radiation over the past 20 years in Northeast Thailand were mapped using climatic databases, constructed with the daily measurements at meteorological stations, interpolations and GIS tools. The maps made it possible to visualize annual and regional variations in air temperature and solar radiation over a long period. Generally, regional variation in the monthly average of daily mean, maximum and minimum air temperatures, and diurnal air temperature range was small in Northeast Thailand, but in the southern lowland areas and undulating plains, which cover most of this area, were slightly hotter than the northern areas. Solar radiation also showed small regional and yearly variation. Relatively uniform characteristics of air temperature and solar radiation may be one of the reasons for the homogeneous distribution of natural vegetation and agricultural land use in the lowlands and undulating plains of Northeast Thailand, whereas in the mountainous and hilly regions of this area factors other than air temperature and solar radiation may be determinants of its diversified vegetation. Relatively stable and high solar radiation and the warm climate of this region are reasons for its high potential for agricultural productivity, if properly managed.