Based on the precipitation anomaly percentage index (Pa), the relative moisture index (MI), the standardized precipitation index (SPI), and the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI), the regional applicability was examined in Chongzuo over the period 1961to 2012. The results showed that: (1) The MI and Pa significantly underestimated severe drought and extreme drought at annul time scale. The monitoring result of annual SPEI and SPI was accurate and more close to the actual drought level. (2) The frequency range of different drought class is close to actual level for the SPI and SPEI at different time scale. The severe and extreme drought seldom occurred using Pa and MI monitoring results, the adaptability and reliability of MI were relatively lower in Chongzuo. (3) The annual MI and Pa showed smaller coverage with the severity of moderate and above drought than statistical results of SPI and SPEI in Chongzuo. (4) The SPI was found more sensitive to precipitation changes than the SPEI at 1-month scale in dry period. SPI and SPEI can be properly used for the monitoring as well.
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