Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Meteorological Drought Using GIS in Bangladesh
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajgt.v5i1.6608Keywords:
Drought, SPI, SPEI, GIS Techniques, Temporal Variations, Spatial ScalesAbstract
The meteorological definition of drought is a prolonged condition of subnormal precipitation that results in significantly reduced soil moisture and an impaired water supply to crops and to the world’s population. Standardized drought indices, such as the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) are commonly used to monitor drought. Aggregating SPI and SPEI analysis were done to explore temporal and spatial patterns of drought in different geomorphic regions of Bangladesh. The study considered 42 years (1980–2022) of monthly precipitation and temperature data from 35 meteorological stations for drought intensity, severity, occurrence pattern, as well as a geographic information systems (GIS) platform to draw a map of the drought-prone areas. Results showed that droughts took place every 2-3 years in different areas of the country. More severe droughts were experienced in North Centre and East relative to South West, South East, South Centre and North West, implying a graduating susceptibility to water stress from central zones towards the east. There is also a declining trend of drought in the hilly eastern zone and an opposite trend from southern to northern zones, with high magnitude observed largely over northwestern parts. The spatial–temporal patterns suggest that in some regions, no short- or medium-term droughts (3- and 6-month SPI) were recorded, but long-term drought (12-month SPI), whereas the opposite was true for other areas. From January to May, a positive relationship between increased mean temperature and precipitation was identified, followed by the intensification of monsoon from June to August and subsequent decreases until December. In conclusion, the research contributes to the drought evaluation process, enabling hazard control and development of agricultural disaster mitigation policies in Bangladesh.
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