Interactions between precipitation, evapotranspiration and soil-moisture-based indices to characterize drought with high-resolution remote sensing and land-surface model data

Abstract. The Iberian Peninsula is prone to drought due the high variability in Mediterranean climate with severe consequences for drinking water supply, agriculture, hydropower and ecosystem functioning. Because of complexity relevance droughts this region, it necessary increase our understanding temporal interactions precipitation, evapotranspiration soil moisture that originate from within Ebro basin, northeastern Spain, as study region. Remote sensing land-surface models provide high-spatial-resolution high-temporal-resolution data characterize anomalies detail. increasing availability these datasets has potential overcome lack situ observations moisture. In study, remote MOD16A2 SMOS1km well SURFEX-ISBA model are used calculate deficit index (ETDI) (SMDI) period 2010–2017. compares time series ETDI SMDI ones estimated using SURFEX-ISBA, including standardized precipitation (SPI) computed at a weekly scale. focuses on analysis lags between indices identify synchronicity memory Lag results demonstrate capabilities SPI, scale give information about mechanisms propagation distinct levels land–atmosphere system. Relevant feedback both antecedent subsequent conditions identified, preeminent role link rainfall Both show capability events, specific advantages drawbacks datasets. Results underline value analyzing dedicated indices, preferably scale, better quick self-intensifying mitigating governing drought, which relevant monitoring semi-arid areas.