ASSESSMENT OF HYDROLOGICAL DROUGHTS BASED ON THE RESULTS OF LONG-TERM HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL DATA OF THE ZHAIYK-CASPIAN WATER BASIN

The article considers the problem of effective detection of the beginning and end of hydrological drought in the territory of Zhayk-Caspian water basin. Standardized Precipitation index (SPI) recommended by the World Meteorological Organization selected as drought predictor indicator. Based on the SPI Generator Application determined the characteristics of severe and extreme droughts from the beginning of instrumental observations to 2020 year. The results of the studies showed the effectiveness of the SPI index in detecting dry periods of the area under consideration, which allowed a differentiated diagnosis of hydrological droughts and their timing. The findings have practical relevance for agriculture and other water-dependent industries, information on the types and timing of droughts can be used to develop effective strategies to manage the water resources of the region and minimize the negative impacts of hydrological droughts.