Assessment of rainfall patterns and meteorological drought in northern dry agro climatic zone of Karnataka

Rainfall Assessment and meteorological Drought assessment is very essential in identifying climate and water supply trends and thus to detect the probability of occurrence and the anticipated severity of drought. Drought occurs when precipitation is lower than normal. When this phenomenon extends over longer period of time, precipitation is inadequate to demand of human activities. To assess the meteorological drought Percentage of Departure is carried through Thiessen-polygon method and Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI)are useful index for drought monitoring based monthly precipitation data. Talukwise precipitation data were analysed to derived meteorological drought condition in the Northern Dry Agro Climactic zone of Karnataka. Geographical information system the powerful tools is used to drawn and represent the results. Northern Dry zone an Agro Climactic zone of Karnataka indicate severe dryness and hence, the irrigation requirement can be evaluated on the rainfall deficits & its severity. Northern dry agro climatic zones of Karnataka is one of major agriculture based region the rainfall pattern and occurrence of meteorological drought plays an important role in agriculture production in Karnataka stat