Research from Pusan National University Yields Evapotranspiration-Based Drought Predictor

BUSAN, South Korea /PRNewswire/ — Water shortages can adversely affect the existence of all living forms. However, as never-ending human activities continue to threaten our climate, we are likely to face several calamities in the near future. Such drastic climatic disturbances can have a major impact on the agricultural sector and economy, underscoring the need for accurate climate prediction models.

Conventionally, climate scientists have relied on soil moisture and precipitation measurements to predict droughts. However, increasing evidence supports the role of atmospheric water vapor deficit as a crucial determinant of the water status of an ecosystem. This is measured in terms of “evapotranspiration” (ET), that accounts for the water lost to the atmosphere through evaporation from the soil surface and transpiration from plant surfaces. An objective quantification of ET, however, remains a mystery.

To resolve this problem, researchers from Pusan National University, South Korea have developed a drought prediction model based on the ET deficit, which is the difference between water vapor consumption and demand (ET-Ep).  Professor Kyung-Ja-Ha, corresponding author of their article published in Earth’s Future, states, “The stress of atmospheric dryness could amplify potential impacts of water deficiency in plants. This can significantly decrease vegetation productivity, leading to crop price volatility and threatening food security.”

The researchers used an integrative complementary relationship approach that enables combined assessment of water deficit stress and water demand by considering land-atmosphere interactions. Their study area included the East Asian region.

Using this model, they could successfully validate ET estimates that were highly consistent with archived reference data on past droughts from as far back as 1980. They also estimated projections for future droughts up to the end of the 21^st century. The study takes into consideration the impact of rising carbon dioxide-induced warming on water level stress. This provides a more accurate prediction: one that accounts for the changing climate dynamics.

Their findings reflect a persistent and rising trend of Ep, suggesting that water demand is bound to surpass plant water consumption in the near future. This increase in atmospheric dryness can negatively impact agricultural yields and trigger wildfires that pose a major threat to life.

“Atmospheric water vapour stress combined with soil water stress could significantly amplify drought severity compared to predictions based solely on soil moisture and precipitation. Our model highlights atmospheric dryness as an independent risk variable for future droughts,” surmises Prof. Ha.

Knowing is half the battle, and the team’s highly accurate future drought predictions will help humanity be better prepared for the worsening climate crisis.