Variability and trends in global drought
June 1, 2015
Monthly precipitation (P) and potential evapotranspiration (PET) from the CRUTS3.1 data set are used to compute monthly P minus PET (PMPE) for the land areas of the globe. The percent of the global land area with annual sums of PMPE less than zero are used as an index of global drought (%drought) for 1901 through 2009. Results indicate that for the past century %drought has not changed, even though global PET and temperature (T) have increased. Although annual global PET and T have increased, annual global P also has increased and has mitigated the effects of increased PET on %drought.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2015 |
|---|---|
| Title | Variability and trends in global drought |
| DOI | 10.1002/2015EA000100 |
| Authors | Gregory J. McCabe, David M. Wolock |
| Publication Type | Article |
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Series Title | Earth and Space Science |
| Index ID | 70189347 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | National Research Program - Central Branch |