In 2018, the central part of Europe, especially Germany, experienced the warmest April-to-July months since 1880 (Supplementary Fig. Prolonged major droughts with severe impacts, such as those recorded in 20 have highlighted Europe’s vulnerability to this natural hazard and alerted governments, stakeholders, and operational agencies about the disastrous effects droughts may have on the society and economy, including the need for mitigation measures 8, 9, 10. If the deficit in precipitation is combined with high evapotranspiration losses, then it can lead to a deficit in soil moisture and subsequently can manifest itself as a hydrological drought, i.e., deficits in streamflow and groundwater 7. This type of hydroclimatic extreme can affect all components of the hydrological cycle and it is, usually, associated with significant socio-economic losses 6. Since the beginning of the 21st century, Europe has experienced a series of long-lasting dry and hot summers (2003, 2010, 2013, 2015, and 2018) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Drought is one of the most expensive and damaging natural disasters, which commonly affects large areas and can last for several months to years.
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