Drought analysis of Antalya province by standardized precipitation index (SPI)

Abstract

Drought is occurring as a result of global warming in our country and as well as over the world and defined as the precipitation deficit in a certain time period which is lower than that of the normal. It affects negatively all of the living being. Many drought indices have been developed to define the severity and characteristics of drought over time and space. In this study, drought characteristics have been evaluated by using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) in meteorological stations located in Alanya, Antalya, Demre, Elmalı, Finike, Gazipaşa, Korkuteli and Manavgat having long term data (1974-2014). According to 3-, 6-, 12- and 24- months time scales, the trend in SPI values are not decreasing and the SPI values were found to be between 0.99 (normal) and ~-0.99 (drought close to normal). It is concluded that drought can occur in summer as well as in winter.

Keywords

• Drought
• Standardized precipitation index
• Climate
• Precipitation