Comparison of different drought monitoring indices in different climatic conditions in Iran

Abstract

This study evaluates drought in different climate zones (Rasht, Shiraz, and Birjand) in Iran, using meteorological, agricultural, and remote sensing drought indices. For this purpose, NDVI, SAVI, and SR were extracted from Landsat images for 2002 and 2014-2020. Then, these indices were compared with the SPI, SPEI, and PDSI. The results indicate an increase in drought and a decrease in vegetation cover in the study area. In Rasht, where the vegetation cover is high, NDVI and SAVI were equal. In Shiraz and Birjand, where the soil effect is more significant, the distance between these two indices increased, which shows that SAVI performs better than NDVI for Shiraz and Birjand. The results also show that the drought severity could grow with decreasing rainfall and more water demand due to temperature increases, according to SPI, SPEI, and PDSI criteria. The comparison of drought indices showed that the highest correlations were between NDVI plus SAVI and SPI in Rasht, SR and SPEI in Shiraz, and NDVI and SPEI in Birjand. Based on the results of the Mann-Kendall test, the increasing trend of drought in the studied area is confirmed based on the SPI, SPEI, and PDSI. Therefore, it is suggested that remote sensing techniques combined with drought indices can be considered a suitable tool for optimal management of water resources, land use planning, and reduction of costs due to drought.