The Rise of Atmospheric Evaporative Demand Is Increasing Flash Droughts in Spain During the Warm Season
Noguera I., Vicente-Serrano S.M.,Domínguez-Castro F., (2022). The Rise of Atmospheric Evaporative Demand Is Increasing Flash Droughts in Spain During the Warm Season. Geophysical Research Letters 49(11), e2021GL097703. https://doi.org/10.1029/2021GL097703
Flash drought is a complex phenomenon characterized by rapid development and intensification, which increases potential impacts on natural and socio-economic systems. Nowadays, little is known about the role played by the meteorological drivers involved in triggering this type of events. In this study, we analyze the influence of these drivers on the development and intensification of flash droughts in Spain over the last six decades. We show that atmospheric evaporative demand (AED) plays a minor role compared to precipitation deficits. However, the contribution of the AED to flash drought development has increased notably in recent years. Our findings highlight the importance of AED role in explaining the occurrence of the latest flash droughts in Spain and how this type of event can be more and more related to global warming.
Flash drought is a complex phenomenon characterized by rapid development and intensification, which increases potential impacts on natural and socio-economic systems. Nowadays, little is known about the role played by the meteorological drivers involved in triggering this type of events. In this study, we analyze the influence of these drivers on the development and intensification of flash droughts in Spain over the last six decades. We show that atmospheric evaporative demand (AED) plays a minor role compared to precipitation deficits. However, the contribution of the AED to flash drought development has increased notably in recent years. Our findings highlight the importance of AED role in explaining the occurrence of the latest flash droughts in Spain and how this type of event can be more and more related to global warming.