Droughts: Macroscopic Indicators and Climate Analysis

This lecture by the instructor covers the macroscopic indicators of drought, such as base flow and drought flow, and the practical importance of predicting base flow in the absence of precipitation. It delves into the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) and its use in evaluating meteorological anomalies. The lecture also discusses the impact of droughts on advanced agricultural societies, the role of tropical Pacific Ocean sea surface temperatures in drought formation over North America, and the reconstruction of past droughts using tree-ring chronologies. Additionally, it explores the dynamics of soil moisture, evapotranspiration, and soil salinization in the context of irrigation practices.