Application of Palmer Drought Severity Index to Observed and Enhanced Greenhouse Conditions using CSIRO Mk3 GCM Simulations

During the past century some parts of Australia have experienced extended severe droughts affecting Australia’s landscape, agricultural production and water resources. In addition, recent studies by CSIRO show that most Global Climate Models simulate decreases in future mean rainfall for most areas in Australia, with increases in variability and near-surface air temperature under enhanced greenhouse conditions. The erratic change in climate is likely to be visible in the cycle and intensity of extreme events such as droughts. In this study, first, we investigate spatial and temporal characteristics of drought duration, frequency and severity over Australia using Palme