The Spatio-Temporal Evolution of the Average Drought Affecting Georgia

Author(s)
Meentemeyer, Vernon
Soulé, Peter T.
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
Hatcher, Kathryn J.
Associated Organization(s)
Supplementary to:
Abstract
At the end of June 1988, portions of northern Georgia were experiencing a meteorological drought with a recurrence interval in excess of 100 years (Soulé and Meentemeyer, 1989a). This drought persisted through the autumn and winter months of 1988-1989, causing extremely low lake and well levels. Specific drought events are often studied (e.g. Cook, et al. 1988) as well as a state's or region's drought climatology (e.g. Eder and Davis, 1987; Henry and Dicks, 1984; van Bavel and Carreker, 1957). Nevertheless little is known about temporal and spatial development of the average drought affecting a specific area or region. The primary purpose of this study is: (1) to determine whether droughts affecting Georgia originate in the state versus expanding into the state "from another region; and (2) to compare the temporal and spatial development of Georgia's average drought with moisture patterns across the entire 48 United States. Finally we examine the possibility that droughts originating in other portions of the country can be used to predict drought in Georgia. Results from this work should prove useful to individuals or organizations responsible for drought contingency planning in Georgia.
Sponsor
Sponsored by U.S. Geological Survey, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the University of Georgia, Georgia State University, and Georgia Institute of Technology.
Date
1989-05
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Proceedings
Rights Statement
Rights URI