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Title: Drought monitoring: Historical and current perspectives

Author
item HAYES, MICHAEL - University Of Nebraska
item SVOBODA, MARK - University Of Nebraska
item WARDLOW, BRIAN - University Of Nebraska
item Anderson, Martha
item KOGAN, FELIX - National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/15/2011
Publication Date: 4/24/2012
Citation: Hayes, M.J., Svoboda, M.D., Wardlow, B., Anderson, M.C., Kogan, F. 2012. Drought monitoring: Historical and current perspectives. In: Wardlow, B.D, Anderson, M.C. and Verdin, J.P., editors, Remote Sensing for Drought: Innovative Monitoring Approaches. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group. p. 1-19.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Given the complex dimensions of drought and the challenges they pose for routine drought monitoring, it is essential that we continue to find innovative and robust ways to quantify and more effectively communicate the impacts of this hazard as part of an operational Drought Early Warning System. This chapter highlights the complex nature of drought and the challenges it presents for effective monitoring and early warning efforts. The historical evolution of traditional drought monitoring techniques is discussed, as well as the emergence of drought early warning systems (DEWS). Finally, the role—both past and present—of satellite remote sensing in drought monitoring is introduced, along with opportunities for improved monitoring capabilities provided by the new tools presented in this book.