The scaling technique in Palmer Drought Severity Index; generalized calibration and modification

Pak J Biol Sci. 2008 Mar 1;11(5):702-10. doi: 10.3923/pjbs.2008.702.710.

Abstract

The scaling technique in calculating Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) has specific properties, which is considered in details, in this study. The Palmer scaling method contains a physically-based weighting factor called climatic characteristic coefficient, K. This factor, is the ratio of average moisture demand to average supply in a regional water balance, whose related coefficients and involved equation parameters should be calibrated according to any special case study. Therefore, in this study, the generalizing procedure of obtaining K-value with no dependency on particular area, in addition to some modifications in the process was analytically developed. The generalized procedure has an appropriate potential for various purposes such as; correctly identifying analytical K-formula, simplifying its application, recognizing its limitations and moreover it can be used in other researches for developing its advantages. The proposed procedure and its modifications also applied for a case study (e.g., Maharlue catchment, Fars province, Iran). The outputs of the application validated the suggested modifications; therefore, the obtained K-values can be used for other studies in the region.

MeSH terms

  • Calibration
  • Disasters*
  • Forecasting
  • Geography
  • Iran
  • Models, Chemical
  • Models, Statistical
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Seasons
  • Time Factors