Clustering of Precipitation in the Black Sea Region with by Fuzzy C-Means and Silhouette Index Analysis

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of disasters caused by the effects of global climate change. In this context, various studies are carried out in our country and in the world in order to reduce the effects of climate change. The classification of regions affected by climate change into similar classes in terms of climate parameters is important in terms of applying similar methods in studies to be carried out in these regions. Thus, a correct strategy will be determined in the studies to be carried out in order to reduce the effects of climate change. The observation records evaluated within the scope of the study were used from 31 stations in the Black Sea Region of the Turkish State Meteorological Service, covering the period between 1982 and 2020. Cluster analysis was carried out using the Fuzzy C-Means. As a result of the study, the optimum cluster among the clusters formed by Fuzzy C-Means was determined by Silhouette index analysis. The optimal number of clusters is suggested as 4.