Determination of Climatic Changes in Düzce Province Using Three Different Climate Classification Methods

Abstract

Aim of this study is to determine the climate characteristics of Düzce province referring to different climate classification systems. The study was carried out in Düzce province. Climate characteristics and climatic changes were analyzed by using De Martonne, Köppen, and Thornthwaite classification methods. The study utilized 60 years of precipitation and temperature data recorded by the General Directorate of Meteorology. Data analyses were conducted within five-year intervals. According to the results, the average annual temperature of Düzce province has been on the rise since 1994, and the average precipitation data for the last 10 years exceeded the 60-year average. In the simple linear regression analysis, it was determined that there was an increase in both average temperature and annual average total precipitation values. According to De Martonne climate classification, the province lies within the semi-humid climate class. Examining the data of the last 10 years, it was determined to be within the Cfak (Hot summer, cool winters, subtropical humid climate) climate class according to the Köppen-Trewartha climate classification and within the B1rB2'b4' (Humid, second-degree mesothermal region with almost no water deficit, and under the influence of oceanic climate) climate class according to the Thornthwaite climate classification. For Düzce province, both the change in climate types according to Köppen-Trewartha and Thorntwaite classifications and the changes in temperature and precipitation data in recent years may indicate climate change.