Drought index

Definition of Drought Index

A drought index quantifies drought severity by assigning it a numerical value. This measure encapsulates a range of contributing factors, including precipitation levels, temperatures, and soil moisture, as well as evapotranspiration rates. The purpose of a drought index is to determine potential effects on water resources, agriculture, and ecosystems. The nature of the index may influence its effectiveness in addressing various facets of drought, rendering some indices more useful for specific purposes than others.

Common Drought Indices

Different drought indices have been established to monitor and assess drought severity. Some notable indices are:
Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) : This prevalent drought index measures the soil's moisture surplus or deficit over time. It considers precipitation and temperature data, together with local soil properties, to approximate drought severity. The scale used ranges from -6, indicating an extreme drought, to +6, signaling extremely wet conditions.

Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) : Relying solely on precipitation data, this straightforward index computes the relative deficit or surplus of precipitation against the long-term average for a particular location and period. Typically, the period under consideration spans 1 to 48 months. SPI values range from -3, denoting extreme drought, to +3, representing extremely wet conditions.

Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) : Predominantly used to evaluate wildfire risk under drought conditions, the KBDI estimates soil moisture deficit using daily maximum temperature and precipitation data. Index values range from 0, indicating no drought, to 800, signifying extreme drought.

Applications of Drought Indices

Drought Monitoring: Drought indices serve as valuable instruments for tracking and recognizing the commencement, duration, and intensity of droughts across diverse regions. They contribute to the identification of areas suffering abnormal dryness or wetness, facilitating early warnings of potential drought-associated repercussions.

Water Resource Management: Drought indices aid water resource management by identifying potential water shortages or surpluses. This data assists in strategizing water distribution, promoting conservation efforts, and formulating drought contingency plans.

Agriculture and Irrigation: Drought indices assist farmers and agricultural planners in gauging potential drought impacts on crop yields and irrigation needs. Monitoring drought conditions enables informed decision-making regarding planting, irrigation strategies, and the employment of drought-resistant crops or cultivation methods.

Limitations of Drought Indices

Data Availability: The dependability and accuracy of drought indices are reliant on the quality and accessibility of the input data, including precipitation, temperature, and soil moisture data. In regions with scarce or inconsistent data, drought indices may not accurately or comprehensively depict drought conditions.

Regional Variability: The performance of drought indices might not be consistent across all regions or types of droughts. Some indices may be more suitable for specific climates or environments, necessitating careful selection of the appropriate index for a particular location and objective.

Multidimensional Nature of Drought: Drought is a multifaceted phenomenon that encompasses physical, environmental, and socioeconomic dimensions. No single drought index can capture all elements of drought, necessitating the usage of multiple indices or their integration with other indicators for a more comprehensive understanding of drought conditions and impacts.