Management of Natural Ecosystems

Management of Natural Ecosystems

Assessment of Drought Conditions Using Ground-Based and Remote Sensing Indicators (Case Study of Isfahan City)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Hadi Siasar 1
negar nourmahnad 2
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Agriculture, Payame Noor University. Tehran, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Agriculture, Payame Noor University. Tehran, Iran
10.22034/emj.2025.726155
Abstract
Since drought has widespread impacts on water resources, agriculture, and ecosystems, accurate assessment of drought and the use of appropriate tools for its monitoring and management are essential. This study investigated and analyzes drought in Isfahan city between 2000 and 2022 using various indices including TCI (Temperature Condition Index), VCI (Vegetation Condition Index), VHI (Vegetation Health Index), AAI (Agricultural Appropriateness Index), PCI (Precipitation Condition Index), SMCI (Soil Moisture Condition Index), SPI (Standardized Precipitation Index), SPEI (Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index), EVI (Enhanced Vegetation Index), SDI (Surface Drought Index), and OMDI (Overall Multivariate Drought Index).These indicators were analyzed on monthly, seasonal, and annual scales to assess the changes and fluctuations of drought in the region The results indicate that the SPEI index was higher in during the warm seasons compared to the cold seasons. This index also recorded the lowest and highest values in 2003 and 2005, respectively, over the past two decades. Based on the PCI and SPI indices, more than 80% of the region was experiencing precipitation deficits in 2000. The SDI also showed that from 2000 to 2020, drought stresses increased, with over 90% of Isfahan's areas facing severe drought stress. The VHI index indicated that in 2000 and 2017, approximately 82% and 67% of vegetation cover were damaged due to temperature stress, significantly reducing its health. Finally, the results of this study show that drought has occurred as a multidimensional phenomenon in Isfahan with different intensities during the last two decades and this region continues to face persistent drought These results can help in management decision-making to reduce the effects of drought and improve the management of water resources and agriculture.
Keywords
Drought indices
Vegetation cover
Water resources
Agriculture
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 15 April 2025
  • Revise Date 12 June 2025
  • Accept Date 16 June 2025