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Learn More About Super Drought

Jun 06, 2023

In recent years, the world has witnessed an alarming increase in the occurrence and severity of catastrophic droughts across various regions. While extensive research has been dedicated to understanding extreme droughts, a fundamental question has remained overlooked: What truly defines an extreme drought? Unraveling this complex phenomenon requires addressing its multiscalar nature.

Recently, Dr. WANG Lin from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences introduces the concept of "super drought." This theoretical framework, published in Bulletin of the American Meteorological Societyhighlights the simultaneous occurrence of extreme droughts at multiple time scales, shedding light on the compound dry extremes that impact water resources and result in significant water storage loss. It acts as a vital differentiator, separating high-impact droughts from those with milder consequences.
"To provide a quantitative representation of this concept, we have developed the Comprehensive Multiscalar Index (CMI) using the innovative vine copula framework," said Dr. WANG. "The CMI offers a pioneering approach to monitor super droughts, representing a significant advancement in our understanding of extreme events within the context of drought. Its potential applications are wide-ranging."
For international collaboration and global accessibility, Dr. WANG has launched the website superdrought.com. This platform provides near-real-time monitoring of global super drought events, enabling users to stay informed about the latest developments. Additionally, it serves as a comprehensive historical data repository, offering invaluable insights to researchers, policymakers, and interested individuals.
"Our goal is to empower individuals and organizations with necessary tools to navigate the challenges posed by super droughts," said Dr. WANG "Together, we can work towards improved anticipation and mitigation strategies, safeguarding our water resources and communities."
Contact

LIN Zheng

Institute of Atmospheric Physics

E-mail:

Super drought under global warming: concept, monitoring index and validation

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