Spatial and temporal analysis of droughts in the Iberian Peninsula (1910-2000)

The evolution of droughts in the Iberian Peninsula from 1910 to 2000 is analysed. Fifty-one monthly precipitation series, distributed homogeneously over the region were examined. Drought analysis was carried out by means of the standardized precipitation index, at a 12-month temporal scale. The main drought episodes were identified at the scale of the entire Iberian Peninsula, with the most intense droughts recorded in the 1940s, 1950s, 1980s and 1990s. However, the spatial distribution of drought episodes can be very diverse. The Peninsula was divided into four homogeneous areas according to drought history. These areas are well-defined spatially as the north, northeast, southeast and central/western areas. The main drought episodes Usually affected wide areas of the Iberian Peninsula, but sometimes a drought episode affects one region, whilst other areas are subject to humid conditions. The possible causes of the spatial differences in temporal drought behaviour are discussed, and the usefulness of drought regionalization in the context of drought management schemes is highlighted.