Review of cycles and indices of drought and their effect on water resources, ecological, biological, agricultural, social and economical issues in Iran

Abstract

This paper assesses the cycles and indices of drought in Iran and prepares general maps of the region, which are affected by droughts with 10‐ and 30‐year reversible periods frequency of 1 and 3 years by utilizing statistical methods. To study the condition of drought, some indices have been applied in Yazd Province over a 48‐year statistical period (1925–2000). Then with regard to existing statistics (1998–2001), the effect of drought on various issues during the most recent drought cycle have been assessed.