Analysis of aridity of the Central Ciscaucasia territory based on a standardized precipitation index

The aim of the study is to analyze the aridity of the Central Ciscaucasia territory using the standardized precipitation index (SPI) for further development of measures to adapt agricultural production to changing climate conditions. According to long-term precipitation data obtained at 16 weather stations of the Stavropol Territory SPI values were determined and various periods (1961-1990 and 1991-2020) of moisture content of the territory of the studied region were analyzed.It has been established that the duration of mild droughts has decreased over the last 30 years. At the same time, periods of other types of moisture deficiency and so-called "optimal", that is, conditions close to normal, have increased. The duration of extreme droughts (when calculated for the whole year) has increased by 2.06 times. There is a tendency to increase their intensity. The analysis by seasons showed that the duration of extreme droughts has increased in winter by 1.43, in spring – by 2.91, in summer – by 3.91, in summer – by 1.38 times. Using SPI allows you to take into account long-term changes in precipitation. The analysis of the moving 10-year average values of the standardized precipitation index based on long-term monthly data indicates the cyclicity in intracecular fluctuations of moisture in the Stavropol Territory with the cycle duration of about 60 years (30 – arid and 30 – wetter). Since 2018, a new period of aridity has begun, which requires the development of effective strategies for adapting agricultural production to changing climate conditions.