Abstract
The standardized precipitation index (SPI) provides reliable estimations about the intensity, magnitude and spatial extent of droughts in a variety of time scales based on long-term precipitation series. In this work, we assess the evolution of monthly precipitation in the Barbate River basin (S. Iberian Peninsula) between 1910/11 and 2017/18 through the generation of a representative precipitation series for the 108-year period and the subsequent application of the SPI. This extensive series was obtained after processing all the precipitation data (67 stations) available within and nearby the basin and subsequent complex gap-filling stages. The SPI identified 26 periods of drought, 12 of them severe and 6 extreme, with return periods of 9 and 18 years, respectively. Complementary analysis evidenced changes in precipitation cyclicity, with periodicities of 5 and 7–8 years during the first and second half of the study period, respectively. Additionally, the amplitude of pluviometric oscillations increased during the second half of the period, and extreme events were more frequent. While the decade 1940–1950 was very dry, with precipitation 11% below the basin’s average, 1960–1970 was very humid, with precipitation 23% above average. Contrary to the results of climate change projections specific to this area, a clear downward trend in precipitation is not detected.
Highlights
Droughts are extreme climatic events associated with the spatiotemporal variability of precipitation regimes and have profound impacts on natural and socioeconomic systems.These natural hazards pose a threat to water security and food production, cause property damage, loss of life and displacement of communities, and affect a vast range of ecosystem services
We present a workflow for the elaboration of a 108-year monthly precipitation series and its characterization from the point of view of the occurrence, magnitude and duration of droughts using the standardized precipitation index (SPI)
The temporal evolution of the annual precipitation was obtained for the 108-year study period
Summary
Droughts are extreme climatic events associated with the spatiotemporal variability of precipitation regimes and have profound impacts on natural and socioeconomic systems. These natural hazards pose a threat to water security and food production, cause property damage, loss of life and displacement of communities, and affect a vast range of ecosystem services. Change (IPCC) [2] as periods of abnormally dry weather long enough to cause a serious hydrological imbalance The reason for this lack of a unified definition is that droughts must be defined according to the characteristics of each climatic regime, sectors affected or the application intended for the definition [3]. Droughts can be classified into four main categories (meteorological, hydrological, agricultural and socioeconomic) [4,5], and their negative effects can be exacerbated by numerous factors, such as the demand placed on water resources or their management strategy
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