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Causes and Changes of Drought in China: Research Progress and Prospects

  • Advances in Meteorological Research and Operation Since the Founding of The People’s Republic of China
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Abstract

Drought is one of the most serious and extensive natural hazards in the world. Subject to monsoon climate variability, China is particularly influenced by drought hazards, especially meteorological drought. Based on a comprehensive understanding of the current status of international drought research, this paper systematically reviews the history and achievements of drought research in China since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, from four main perspectives: characteristics and spatiotemporal distribution of historical and recent drought events, drought formation mechanism and change trend, drought hazard risk, and the particular flash drought. The progress and problems of drought research in China are analyzed and future prospects are proposed, with emphasis on the multi-factor synergetic effect for drought formation; the effect of land-atmosphere interaction; identification, monitoring, and prediction of flash drought; categorization of drought and characteristics among various types of drought; the agricultural drought development; drought response to climate warming; and assessment of drought hazard risks. It is suggested that strengthening scientific experimental research on drought in China is imperative. The present review is conducive to strategic planning of drought research and application, and may facilitate further development of drought research in China.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lanzhou Institute of Arid Meteorology of China Meteorological Administration (CMA), and Key Laboratory of Arid Climate Change and Disaster Reduction of Gansu Province and CMA, Lanzhou, 730020, China

    Qiang Zhang, Yaohui Li, Zhilan Wang, Su** Wang, Ying Wang & Yu Zhang

  2. Gansu Provincial Meteorological Service, Lanzhou, 730020, China

    Qiang Zhang

  3. Lanzhou Resources & Environment Voc-Tech College, Lanzhou, 730021, China

    Yubi Yao

  4. College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China

    Jian** Huang

  5. Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Bei**g, 100029, China

    Zhuguo Ma

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  1. Qiang Zhang
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Correspondence to Yubi Yao.

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Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41630426 and 41575149) and China Meteorological Administration Special Public Welfare Research Fund (GYHY201506001-6).

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Zhang, Q., Yao, Y., Li, Y. et al. Causes and Changes of Drought in China: Research Progress and Prospects. J Meteorol Res 34, 460–481 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13351-020-9829-8

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