Drought Cycle Analysis to Evaluate the Influence of a Dense Network of Small Reservoirs on Drought Evolution

Abstract Drought‐affected regions often contain high densities of small reservoirs, usually informally built, as drought‐coping mechanism. These structures influence socio‐hydrological dynamics and have the potential to alter hydrological processes relevant drought emergence development. This study aimed analyze a concentration reservoirs on intensification evolution events. We present an innovative method, which we call “Drought Cycle Analysis”, that tracks concomitance precipitation water storage deficit associates this with four stages: Wet Period, Meteorological drought, Hydro‐meteorological Hydrological period. The methodology was tested for Riacho do Sangue River watershed located in semi‐arid region northeast Brazil. used combination satellite imagery (Landsat 5, 7 8) empirical equation estimate volume stored dense network reservoirs. Using Drought Analysis, show unmonitored induced modified events, extending duration average by 30%. Furthermore, extension can double specific Analysis method proved useful monitoring comparing different addition being applicable auxiliary tool improvement resources management large demonstrates importance considering resource strategy development drought‐prone regions.