Climate Change Research

Climate Change Research

Comprehensive assessment of drought severity with multi-indicator approach in Saravan city-Sistan and Baluchistan province

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 MSc, Graduate, Desert Management and Control, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources. University of Saravan, Saravan, Iran
2 Associate Professor of Desert Management and Control, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources. University of Saravan, Saravan, Iran
3 Assistant Professor of Desert Management and Control, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resource . University of Saravan, Saravan, Iran
4 Assistant Professor of Desert Management and Control, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources. University of Saravan, Saravan, Iran
Abstract
Natural Drought, a natural phenomenon that ranks foremost among all natural disasters in its impact on communities, demands a comprehensive study utilizing appropriate drought indices given its significance and detrimental effects on diverse regions, including Iran. Effective drought management strategies hinge on accurate identification of drought periods using suitable indices. Saravan County has experienced recurrent droughts in recent years, with severe consequences for agriculture, water resources, and socioeconomic conditions. Identifying drought's effects on environmental sustainability in this county and proposing effective measures to mitigate environmental degradation is crucial. This study employed eight drought indices to assess drought severity in Saravan County: Decile Precipitation Index (DPI), Percent of Normal Precipitation Index (PNPI), Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI), Standardized Water Supply Index (SWSI), Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Crop Moisture Index (CMI), Rainfall Anomaly Index (RAI),Effective Drought Index (EDI). The analysis revealed that areas experiencing drought conditions occupy the most extensive area in the region, with this category spanning vast areas in the central, western, northwestern, and eastern parts. The severe drought category encompasses a portion of the northern and northeastern region. The findings highlight the need for adopting a comprehensive approach to drought management in Saravan County, incorporating multiple drought indices to accurately assess drought severity and implement effective mitigation strategies. By understanding the spatiotemporal distribution of drought, policymakers and stakeholders can develop targeted interventions to safeguard the region's agricultural productivity, water resources, and environmental sustainability.
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