Publications

Siasar, H; Salari, A; Bahrami, M; Hamidifar, H (2025). Integrating remote sensing and meteorological analysis for monitoring drought conditions in arid regions: a case study from Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iran. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED CLIMATOLOGY, 156(5), 291.

Abstract
Drought is a recurring natural hazard that poses significant challenges to ecosystems, agriculture, and water resources, necessitating effective monitoring and assessment through advanced technologies such as remote sensing. This study explores drought patterns using satellite imagery from Google Earth Engine in Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iran, as a case study. Based on MODIS satellite imagery, the study employs various indices, including VCI, TCI, VHI, SVI, and SPI. Drought index maps were first generated, followed by the categorization of dry years. Drought severity was then assessed using SPI and rainfall data from a local synoptic station. The results revealed severe drought events in 2002, 2006, 2008, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2021, with approximately 70% of the region experiencing very severe or severe drought conditions. The VHI index indicated the presence of very severe, severe, and moderate drought in different areas of the study region. Correlation analysis between the three-month SPI and the VCI, TCI, and VHI indices showed values of -0.57, 0.80, and 0.64, respectively. The findings underscore the dominance of severe and very severe drought in the region. The methodology presented in this study could be applied to other dry and arid regions, providing a valuable tool for drought monitoring and management in similar environments worldwide.

DOI:
10.1007/s00704-025-05527-7

ISSN:
1434-4483