Performance of Drought Indices for Ecological, Agricultural, and Hydrological Applications

• DOI: 10.1175/2012ei000434.1
• Publication Date: 2012-06-27T19:11:29Z
• Authors: Sergio M. Vicente...; Santiago Beguería; Jorge Lorenzo-Lacruz; Jesús Julio Camarero; Juan I. López-Moreno; Cesar Azorin-Molina; Jesús Revuelto; Enrique Morán-Tejeda; Arturo Sanchez-Lo...
• Keywords: 2. Zero hunger; drought index; 0207 environmental engineering; drought vulnerability; Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI); 02 engineering and technology; 15. Life on land; 6. Clean water; Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI); 13. Climate action; dendrochronology,; hydrological droughts; Agricultural droughts; Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI)

Abstract In this study, the authors provide a global assessment of performance different drought indices for monitoring impacts on several hydrological, agricultural, and ecological response variables. For purpose, they compare [the standardized precipitation index (SPI); four versions Palmer severity (PDSI); evapotranspiration (SPEI)] to predict changes in streamflow, soil moisture, forest growth, crop yield. The found superior capability SPEI SPI indices, which are calculated time scales than capture aforementioned They detected small differences comparative but was that best captured responses assessed variables summer, season more drought-related recorded is critical. Hence, shows improved identify as compared with SPI. conclusion, it seems reasonable recommend use if interest not known priori.