Spatial interpolation of monthly mean climate data for China

Spline interpolation techniques are used to develop a gridded climate database for China at a resolution of 0.01° in latitude and longitude. A digital elevation model (DEM) was developed at the same resolution to improve the accuracy of interpolation based upon the general spatial dependence of climate on topography. Climate data for the period 1971-2000 from meteorological stations in China were used to develop thin-plate smoothing spline surfaces for monthly mean temperature and precipitation. A regularly gridded climate database was produced by coupling the spline surfaces with the underlying DEM. The summary statistics show interpolation errors for monthly temperatures varying within 0.42-0.83 °C and 8-13% for monthly precipitation. These estimates are superior to results produced by methods commonly used in China. The fine-resolution spatial climate database has many potential applications in natural resource management. For example, it can be used as a baseline for climate change studies, in which potential distributions of flora and fauna can be predicted under the impact of climate change and priority areas for biodiversity conservation can be identified.