Iranian Journal of Irrigation & Drainage

Iranian Journal of Irrigation & Drainage

Assessment and monitoring of hydrological and agricultural drought using single and multiple indicators MIDI, OMDI and SDI (Tehran case study)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Hadi Siasar 1
mahboube ebrahimi 2
1 Department of agricultural Payame Noor university, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Agricultural Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/idj.2025.526786.2596
Abstract
Drought is one of the most important natural hazards that deeply affects the environment, agriculture, water resources and economy. Accurate information about its intensity, duration and extent is essential for reducing vulnerability and managing risks. This study was conducted to compare drought monitoring indicators with remote sensing data in Tehran city. In particular, this study used composite drought indicators such as the Synthesized Drought Index (SDI), the Integrated Microwave Drought Index (MIDI) and the Optimized Meteorological Drought Index (OMDI). In order to calculate the aforementioned indicators, Google Earth Engine satellite data was used and for their evaluation, ground data (precipitation and soil moisture) were used in the period from 2000 to 2022. The individual remote sensing indices used to calculate the composite or multiple indices included the temperature condition index (TCI), vegetation condition index (VCI), precipitation condition index (PCI), and soil moisture condition index (SMCI). Different time scales of the standardized precipitation index (SPI) were also used to evaluate the satellite remote sensing indices with real ground data. The results showed that drought fluctuates on monthly, seasonal, and annual scales. The composite indices, especially MIDI and OMDI, provide more accuracy and comprehensiveness about the severity and duration of drought due to the integration of several effective factors. The trend analysis shows that the years 2007 to 2010 had moderate and severe droughts, with February, July, November, and the summer months having the most drought, and April, October, and the winter months having a better situation. These findings emphasize that the composite indices provide an accurate and comprehensive picture of drought in Tehran and provide a reliable basis for planning water resources management, agriculture, and early warning systems.
Keywords
Drought
Tehran County
MIDI
OMDI
SDI
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Iranian Journal of Irrigation & Drainage
Volume 19, Issue 6 - Serial Number 115
March and April 2026
Pages 898-909