Quantitative analysis of the human intervention impacts on hydrological drought in the Zayande-Rud River Basin, Iran

Abstract In a human-dominated world, access to sustainable water resources has led complex management policies that affect hydrological droughts. Applying the best approach assess contribution of these human-made changes droughts is still underexplored. this study, individual and joint impacts dam inter-basin transfer projects are quantified for characteristic drought using developed data-based framework were tested in semi-arid, data-scarce basin central Iran. The proposed combines upstream–downstream comparison method individual–station–drought analysis. This could properly contributions projections making aggravations or alleviations drought. It identified with by 66 55%, respectively, as most effective human intervention alleviate duration gives flexibility form different comparative analyses types flow data interventions. also applicable other regions quantify point-based interventions comprehensive knowledge solutions adverse can reduce damage water-stressed regions.