Satellite Sensing of Droughts in Indian Arid and Semiarid Zones,

Abstract

In spite of the phenonmenal technological advancement during recent years, drought continues to be a major factor of uncertainity in Indian agriculture, which is even today largely dependent on the monsoons. The occurrence of frequent droughts in Indian arid and semiarid zones, covering a sizeable portion of the country, requires special attention to be paid to timely drought monitoring and mitigation measures. Remote Sensing techniques, using space borne sensors, can provide the regional perspective that the problem obviously demands. Landsat monitoring of drouhgt indicators such as depletion in surface water storage, lowering of ground water table and reduction in cropped area seem feasible. Baseline information on drought prone areas in regard to land and water resources can be generated to formulate meaningful drought mitigation measures. Systematic and sustained efforts are called for to transform this potential benefit into operational reality.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1982
Accession Number
ADP002051

Entities

People

  • S. Thiruvengadachari

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Environment
  • Groundwater
  • Monitoring
  • Natural Resources
  • Remote Sensing
  • Surface Waters
  • Water
  • Water Resources

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Economics
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space