Drought Analysis via the Use of Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI): A Case Study of the Eastern Economic Corridor

Polpech Samanmit; Jutithep Vongphet; Ketvara Sittichok; Sasiwimol Khawkomol; Songsak Bhattrawuhichai

Authors

Polpech Samanmit Irrigation Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhonpathom, Thailand
Jutithep Vongphet Irrigation Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhonpathom, Thailand
Ketvara Sittichok Irrigation Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhonpathom, Thailand
Sasiwimol Khawkomol Irrigation Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhonpathom, Thailand
Songsak Bhattrawuhichai Irrigation Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhonpathom, Thailand

Keywords:

Eastern Economic Corridor, Drought indices, Drought

Abstract

The objective of the present research was to analyze the severity level of drought by using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) through the analysis of the climate data from meteorological stations covering the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) over a period of 30 years (1990 – 2019). SPEI indices were analyzed in 3 forms viz. SPEI3, SPEI6 and SPEI12, which considered the moving averages over 3-month, 6-month and 12-month periods, respectively. The results showed that the average SPEI indices in 3 forms were between 0.00 and 0.24, which were near normal. The minimum and maximum values of SPEI were at levels of drought conditions, both the severe to extreme drought and severe to extreme wet. However, when considering the average duration of moderate drought, severe drought and extreme drought, the values were 10.24, 4.02 and 0.81. Based on SPEI3 analysis, the index values were 10.58, 4.30 and 1.05; based on SPEI6 analysis, the index values were 9.83, 4.05 and 0.92; and based on SPEI12 analysis, the index values were 10.32, 3.73 and 0.47, respectively. SPEI analysis revealed that the drought situation during most of the period of study was normal. However, there were some different levels of drought in the study area. The results of this research can serve as information to support effective water management to alleviate drought conditions in the study area.

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