Spatial Patterns of Drought and other Natural Hazards in the U.S.

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Investigator(s): Daniela Spade, Mark Shafer, Kirsten de Beurs
Research Dates: 2018 - 2020
Affiliate Organization(s): University of Oklahoma

SCIPP utilized the data archives of the United States Drought Monitor and FEMA to examine a frequency-based analysis of drought and weather-related disaster declarations throughout the contiguous United States using Geographic Information Systems. The purpose of the analyses was twofold: First, a geographic assessment of the frequency of each category of drought in the contiguous United States was performed to address several common questions that arise when a region is experiencing a drought or is attempting to plan for future water resources, such as the frequency and average duration of drought in the region. Second, a spatial comparison was made between the dual frequencies of weather-related disaster declarations and drought, placing a spatial context in the ways in which droughts compare to other weather and climate extremes. This analysis covered the 2000 – 2017 time period at roughly the county level.

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