Drought Change Trend Using MODIS TVDI and Its Relationship with Climate Factors in China from 2001 to 2010

Changes in drought trends and its relationship with climate change in China were examined in this study. The temperature vegetation drought index (TVDI) datasets recorded during 2001 to 2010 in China were constructed by using the moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, and the temporal and spatial variations in drought were analyzed. In addition, the mean temperature, mean precipitation, mean relative humidity, and mean sunshine duration data collected from 557 local weather stations in China were analyzed. The relationships between drought and these climate factors were also analyzed by using correlation analysis and partial correlation analysis. Changes in drought tendency were shown to differ among four regions throughout the country. The fluctuations in climate in the regions of northeastern China, Qinling-Huaihe, and central Qinghai were caused by the increase in soil moisture, and that in southern Tibet was caused by the intensification of drought. Meteorological factors exhibited varied effects on drought among the regions. In southern China, the main influential factor was temperature; other factors only showed minimal effects. That in the northern and northwestern regions was sunshine duration, and those in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau were relative humidity and temperature.