A scPDSI‐based global data set of dry and wet spells for 1901–2009

Global maps of monthly self‐calibrating Palmer Drought Severity Index (scPDSI) have been calculated for the period 1901–2009 based on the CRU TS 3.10.01 data sets. This work addresses some concerns with regard to monitoring of global drought conditions using the traditional Palmer Drought Severity Index. First, the scPDSI has a similar range of variability in diverse climates making it a more suitable metric for comparing the relative availability of moisture in different regions. Second, the more physically based Penman‐Monteith parameterization for potential evapotranspiration is used, calculated using the actual vegetation cover rather than a reference crop. Third, seasonal snowpack dynamics are considered…

• NA
  National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• SR
  Sight Research UK

  Award: NE/G018863/1
• OO
  Office of Science
• NE
  Natural Environment Research Council

  Awards: NE/G018863/1, NE/G018863/1
• CN
  Comisión Nacional de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica
• BA
  Biological and Environmental Research
• CP
  Climate Program Office