Detection of droughts in the central region of the state of San Luis Potosí using monthly rainfall records

Abstract

The origin of regional droughts and a practical definition are briefly presented. The central portion of the state of San Luis Potosí is geographically defined in terms of the municipalities included in the region. Available pluviometric information and the method used to estimate missing annual and monthly data are offered. A homogeneity analysis, based on the annual precipitation, is then described, and twelve statistical tests applied. The Foley, and Gibbs Maher methods, used for the detection drought periods, are described. This section also includes the probabilistic analysis of monthly precipitation sequences that begin with each month. The results are summarized and study conclusions provided.