GIS-based assessment of aridity over Punjab Province, Pakistan, by using climatic indices

Abstract

Aridity is a severe concern for agricultural countries including Pakistan. For the assessment of aridity, the climate indices such as temperature, precipitation, and rainfall were used to estimate the aridity level worldwide. Similarly, a comprehensive analysis was conducted during 1980 to 2016 using Thornthwaite’s, Erinc, and Global aridity indices to examine aridity in Pakistan. For this, data from twelve metrological stations was used to analyze the variation and distribution of aridity using ArcGIS 10.5. The examined results showed that the aridity trend shifted from southern to northern Punjab gradually. Furthermore, temporal analysis and calculated values of selected indices showed that 32.91% area is covered by arid region. In addition, 6.99% area of observed station lied in the humid region whereas 35.09% area recorded in semi-arid regions during 36 years. Moreover, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahwalnagar, and Dera Ghazi Khan were evaluated as hyper-arid region, while Multan and Faisalabad stations were covered with 12.93% area of the arid region. On the other hand, Lahore and Multan cities were observed under humid region with the area of 27.56%. In addition, Mangla, Rawalpindi, and Murree consisted of 0.68% area and noted as very humid region. Findings of current study showed that increasing trend of aridity is the fluctuation in mean annual temperature and decreasing trends of rainfall. Thus, this research would be helpful to facilitate researchers and policy makers to contribute to use natural terrestrial water resources in sustainable manner to protect ecosystem.