The rainfall characteristics determine erosivity, which is an important factor in the cause - effect relationship in soil erosion. The characterization of rainfall is therefore of fundamental importance for conservation planning. The present study aimed to evaluate the distribution of rainfall characteristics (depth, duration, kinetic energy, maximum intensity in 30 min) and erosivity indexes (EI30 and KE > 25) in relation to the months of the year and to precipitation patterns for a series of pluviographic data in the region of Ribeirão das Lajes, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The data were analysed by univariate variance analysis in a completely randomized design in a 12 (months) x 3 (precipitation patterns) factorial scheme, as well as by principal component multivariate analysis (PCA). Results led to the conclusion that: 81.3 % of the total annual EI30 of 6,772.04 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 was concentrated in the period from November to March. In agreement with the ACP technique, the rainfall characteristics and erosivity index that most closely correlated with the months and precipitation patters were kinetic energy, EI30, KE > 25, depth, and maximum intensity in 30 min. The patterns of early and delayed rainfall predominated in the moist and in the dry periods, respectively; The PCA showed a clear separation of rainfall characteristics and erosivity along the year, and rainfall patterns for the region of Ribeirão das Lajes.
water erosion; EI30; KE > 25
