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ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Front. Environ. Sci.
Sec. Atmosphere and Climate
Volume 12 - 2024 | doi: 10.3389/fenvs.2024.1489662

Temporal-spatial characteristics of climate drought and its effects on grain yield in Hunan province, China

Provisionally accepted
Ruei-Yuan Wang Ruei-Yuan Wang 1Xu Lirong Xu Lirong 1Zhu Weiming Zhu Weiming 2Yin Pengfei Yin Pengfei 2QIAOHUA HAN QIAOHUA HAN 2*Li Taohui Li Taohui 3*
  • 1 Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming, Guangdong, China
  • 2 Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
  • 3 Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

    The examination of the spatiotemporal characteristics and developmental trends of drought is crucial for enhancing water resource management, bolstering drought resistance, and improving disaster prevention capabilities. This study employs the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and grain yield data across various time scales, in conjunction with methodologies such as Run Theory, Mann-Kendall, and Standardized Yield Residual Series, to conduct an in-depth investigation into the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of meteorological drought in Hunan Province and its impact on grain yield. The findings suggest that: (1) Since 1960, the likelihood of seasonal drought occurrence in Hunan Province has been ranked as autumn > winter > spring > summer, with mild drought occurring most frequently, followed by moderate drought, while the frequency of severe and extreme drought remains low. (2) Meteorological drought in Hunan Province exhibits spatial differences at the seasonal scale, with the overall drought changes in spring and summer displaying a non-significant upward trend; the western and southern regions exhibit a trend of aridification in autumn; and in winter, the Zhangjiajie and Xiangxi regions show an insignificant downward trend. (3) From 1960 to 2022, grain production in Hunan Province has demonstrated a pattern of fluctuation and increase. The meteorological yield of grain crops displays a high-low-high spatial distribution from south to north. Concurrently, there is a positive correlation between short-term climate change and meteorological output, while long-term climate change is not evident. (4) El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a significant circulation factor affecting meteorological drought in Hunan Province, and the meteorological drought in autumn and winter in Hunan Province is significantly influenced by ENSO. The research findings can provide reference significance and a scientific basis for drought research and comprehensive management in Hunan Province, and offer data and theoretical support for promoting economic development.

    Keywords: Hunan Province, Run theory, meteorological drought, atmospheric circulation, temporal and spatial characteristics, teleconnection

    Received: 01 Sep 2024; Accepted: 17 Oct 2024.

    Copyright: © 2024 Wang, Lirong, Weiming, Pengfei, HAN and Taohui. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

    * Correspondence:
    QIAOHUA HAN, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, 650092, Yunnan Province, China
    Li Taohui, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China

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