Multi-annual drought episodes in the Mediterranean (Valencia region) from 1950-1996. A spatio-temporal analysis

In the early 1990s, the Valencia region suffered a severe drought episode that led the scientific community to suspect that the Iberian Peninsula was heading towards generalized desertification. However, an analysis of the last 40 years shows that the Valencia region has experienced several drought episodes of different intensities, but always with important economic and social consequences. This paper studies the episodes occurring since 1950, with regard to their intensity, duration and spatial distribution. By using recurrence analysis, four such episodes have been identified: 1952–1955, 1963–1964, 1978–1985, 1993–1995. Despite Valencia being a relatively small region, intra-regional variations in the intensity and spatial and temporal distribution of drought episodes can be observed.