Changes in Drought Characteristics over China Using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index

• DOI: 10.1175/jcli-d-14-00707.1
• Publication Date: 2015-04-14T19:54:42Z
• Authors: Huopo Chen; Jianqi Sun
• Keywords: Aridity index

Abstract The standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) is computed and compared in China using reference calculated the Thornthwaite (TH) approach Penman–Monteith (PM) equation. analysis reveals that SPEI_PM outperforms SPEI_TH with regard to drought monitoring during period 1961–2012 over China, especially arid regions of China. Furthermore, also performs better observed variations soil moisture streamflow Thus, changes characteristics are detected on basis SPEI_PM. results indicate droughts exhibit pronounced decadal past 50 yr, more frequent severe occurring before 1980s 2000s 1990s. Since late 1990s, have become across some northern Concurrently, consecutive events increased This suggests dry conditions been enhanced recent years. Further analyses illustrate temperature anomalies different roles detecting which primarily due magnitude their climate variability. Considering perturbations, relatively larger responses fluctuations southern