ABSTRACT In semi-arid regions, the use of drought and aridity indices in order to establish diagnoses and prognoses that help in water resources management is crucial, above all, for the evaluation of long-term water availability, and monitoring hydrological extreme events. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the trends of extreme events to determine susceptibility to desertification in the Brígida river basin, by Drought (RAI, SPI and PDSI) and Aridity (MIA, AI and AIASD) Indices. The results of these indices submitted to statistical analysis (Tukey Test) and to the evaluation of the climate trend (TREND software). The Tukey Test indicated that the PDSI and RAI method are the most suitable for drought analysis, while AI is most appropriate for aridity. The results indicated that regardless of the indices employed, the stations presented significant results in the trend analysis, suggesting intensification of these events over time. Therefore, concluded that drought and aridity indices could help water resources management by managing bodies, indicating the evolution of extreme hydrological phenomena, suggesting the adoption of preventive and mitigating actions regarding the use of water priority. In conclusion, these indices can be used as a tool for indicating areas susceptible to the desertification process.
Assessing hydrological extreme events with geospatial data and models
