Spatial characterization of droughts in the Conchos River Basin based on bivariate frequency analysis

Abstract

The spatial characterization of droughts in the Conchos River Basin, which includes the regional drought recurrence and areal coverage, was performed to provide information for integrated water resources management in the basin. The application presented in this study was based on the semi-nonparametric model and the nonparametric bivariate frequency analysis developed for characterizing droughts in a basin. The drought characterization curves constructed in this study describe the spatial and recurrent pattern of droughts in the basin with respect to drought severities and return periods. Based on the synthetic Palmer Drought Severity Index, historical droughts were evaluated The results show that the 1990s drought has affected large areas with longer durations and greater severities than the 1960s drought.