Detecting Drought Variability by using Two-Dimensional Correlation Analysis

Abstract

The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) has been recognized as the standard index that should be used for quantifying and reporting meteorological drought. This study aims to present the application of the two-dimensional correlation method for determining the spatial and temporal variability of drought among the SPI series. Heatmaps were used as a new way of visualizing SPI series which enables visual inspection of dry and wet periods. The developed method was applied on 13 meteorological stations in Central Anatolia. Significant variations in drought behaviour were found in the investigated region even for the stations close to each other.