Author(s): Dao Nguyen Kho; Nguyen Van Trung
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Climate change; Meteorological drought; SPI; SDSM; Srepok watershed
Abstract: In recent years, drought has significantly affected environmental and socio-economic conditions in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Understanding the characteristics of meteorological drought will benefit water resource managers because it will provide insight into possible impacts of future climate change. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of climate change on meteorological drought in the Srepok watershed (Central Highlands of Vietnam). The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) were used to assess drought conditions in the study area. Projected changes in precipitation and temperature for three future periods (2010-2039,2040-2069, and 2070-2099) were downscaled by using the Statistical Downscaling Model version 4.2 (SDSM 4.2). The large scale climate variables for the A2 and B2 scenarios obtained from the Had CM3 GCM were used. The impact of climate change on the drought was assessed by comparing the present and future drought conditions. Results of this study suggested increasing frequency and severity of extreme drought in the future.
Year: 2014