Drought analysis for the Seyhan Basin with vegetation indices and comparison with meteorological different indices

Abstract

Various drought indices have been developed to monitor drought, which is a result of climate change, and mitigate its adverse effects on water resources, especially in agriculture. Vegetation indices determined by remote sensing were examined by many recent studies and shed light on drought risk management. In the current study, one of the 25 drainage basins in Turkey—the Seyhan Basin, located in the south of the country—was investigated. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Vegetation Condition Index (VCI) are the most widely used vegetation indices and are very useful because they give results only based on satellite images. This study examined the Seyhan Basin using satellite data in which the vegetation transformation occurring due to the decline of agricultural and forest areas was seen. An increase in drought frequency was detected in the Seyhan Basin using the NDVI and VCI indices and compared with different indices. The results obtained revealed that climate change and drought is increasing with a linear uptrend. It is recommended that decision-makers take the necessary measures by considering the drought risk maps. Long-term drought management plans should also be prepared and implemented.