Song et al. (2025) Analysis of Flash Drought Occurrence Characteristics in Gangwon Region Considering Meteorological Factors

Identification

• Journal: Korean Society of Hazard Mitigation
• Year: 2025
• Date: 2025-08-27
• Authors: Youngseok Song, Hayong Kim, Seungcheol Choi, Byung Sik Kim
• DOI: 10.9798/kosham.2025.25.4.161

Research Groups

• Konkuk University, Department of Fire and Disaster Prevention
• Land & Housing Institute, Department of Construction Environment Research
• Kangwon National University, AI for Climate & Disaster Management Center
• Kangwon National University, Department of Electronic and AI System Engineering
• Kangwon National University, Graduate School of Disaster Prevention

Short Summary

This study analyzed the occurrence characteristics of flash droughts and general droughts in the Gangwon-do region of Korea from 2015 to 2024 using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), finding that flash droughts constitute approximately 41% of all droughts and are strongly correlated with general droughts, occurring more frequently in inland areas.

Objective

• To analyze the occurrence characteristics of flash droughts and general droughts in the Gangwon-do region of Korea, considering meteorological factors, and to propose a quantitative evaluation standard for flash droughts applicable to the region.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Gangwon-do region, Republic of Korea, utilizing data from 11 Automated Synoptic Observing System (ASOS) stations.
• Temporal Scale: 10-year period, from 2015 to 2024, with weekly data.

Methodology and Data

• Models used: Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) for drought assessment. Potential Evapotranspiration (PET) calculated using the Thornthwaite method. Log-logistic distribution applied for SPEI calculation.
• Data sources: Weekly rainfall and temperature data from 11 Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) ASOS stations in Gangwon-do.

Main Results

• A total of 39 flash droughts and 96 general droughts were identified across the 11 ASOS stations in Gangwon-do over the 10-year period.
• Flash droughts accounted for approximately 41% of all identified drought events.
• A strong positive linear correlation (Pearson's r = 0.82) was found between the occurrence frequencies of flash droughts and general droughts, suggesting a structural linkage.
• Flash droughts occurred more frequently in inland areas (e.g., Wonju, Cheorwon, Hongcheon with 73%, 67%, 50% flash drought ratios, respectively) compared to coastal or high-altitude areas (e.g., Sokcho, Daegwallyeong, Donghae with 0%, 14%, 13% flash drought ratios, respectively).
• The year 2018 recorded the highest number of flash droughts (12 events), accounting for about 31% of the total flash droughts, coinciding with a period of severe nationwide drought.
• Wonju (Station 114) experienced the highest number of both flash droughts (8 events) and general droughts (11 events), while Sokcho (Station 90) recorded no flash droughts and the fewest general droughts (6 events).

Contributions

• Provides a quantitative and empirically validated definition and evaluation criteria for flash droughts tailored for the Korean context, utilizing SPEI and local meteorological data.
• Offers a systematic analysis of the spatial and temporal occurrence characteristics of flash droughts in the Gangwon-do region, a climatically sensitive area.
• Establishes a strong statistical relationship between flash droughts and general droughts, suggesting that flash droughts can serve as precursors to broader drought conditions, which is valuable for developing early warning systems.
• Highlights the significant role of complex meteorological, evapotranspiration, and topographical factors in influencing flash drought occurrence, particularly the higher susceptibility of inland regions.

Funding

• Korea Meteorological Industry Technology Institute (KMITI) through the "Meteorological and Climate Data Convergence Analysis Specialized Graduate School Project" funded by the government (Korea Meteorological Administration).

Citation

@article{Song2025Analysis,
  author = {Song, Youngseok and Kim, Hayong and Choi, Seungcheol and Kim, Byung Sik},
  title = {Analysis of Flash Drought Occurrence Characteristics in Gangwon Region Considering Meteorological Factors},
  journal = {Korean Society of Hazard Mitigation},
  year = {2025},
  doi = {10.9798/kosham.2025.25.4.161},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.9798/kosham.2025.25.4.161}
}