Drought analysis using multi-scale standardized precipitation index in the Han River Basin, China

Regional drought analysis provides useful information for sustainable water resources management. In this paper, a standardized precipitation index (SPI) at multiple time scales was used to investigate the spatial patterns and trends of drought in the Han River Basin, one of the largest tributaries of Yangtze River, China. It was found that, in terms of drought severity, the upper basin of the Han River is the least, while the growing trend is the most conspicuous; a less conspicuous growing trend can be observed in the middle basin; and there is an insignificant decreasing trend in the lower basin. Meanwhile, the impact of drought on the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project was investigated, and it is suggested that water intake must be reduced in times of drought, particularly when successive or simultaneous droughts in the upper and middle basins of the Han River Basin occur. The results can provide substantial information for future water allocation schemes of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project.