Drought Analysis of the Seyhan Basin by Using Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and L-moments

The aim of this study is to monitor drought in the Seyhan Basin by using Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) based on a long term monthly precipitation of 11 meteorological stations and secondly, to also carry out regional frequency analysis using the index flood procedure coupled with the L-moments method based on recorded precipitation data of the most drought month for each year acquired from Standardized Precipitation Index method for each station. The SPI values of each station for 3, 6, 9 and 12-month time scales were calculated. According to the results, all stations are on the boundary of drought. Research results show that the wettest station is Ulukisla and the most drought station is Karaisali with respect to the average SPI values. According to the drought frequency values, however, the station having the highest drought occurrence frequency is the Karaisali station, whereas the station having the lowest drought frequency is the Tufanbeyli station. Results show that the Seyhan Basin is on the boundary of drought and mildly wet. Drought occurrence frequency is 47.7%. L-moments method was used to define homogenous regions. Homogenous regions for 3 and 6-month time scales minimum precipitation series couldn't be obtained while homogenous regions for 9-month time scale minimum precipitation series were obtained only by dividing the whole basin into two parts. The whole basin is homogenous for the 12-month time scale minimum precipitation series. The Pearson Type 3 distribution is found to be most suitable for two homogenous sub-basins regarding 9-month time scale minimum precipitation series, whereas the Generalized Normal distribution is found to be most suitable for the whole basin with respect to 12-month time scale minimum precipitation series.