The analysis of the atmospheric humidification indexes for the agroclimatic zoning of the territory of Belarus

   The aim of the study was to analyze data on the moisture conditions of the territory of Belarus, obtained through assessments of various moisture indicators and to justify the choice of a moisture indicator for interpreting the characteristics of droughts in agroclimatic zoning.

   An analysis was conducted of atmospheric moisture indices for Belarus for the periods 1991–2020 (May – September) and 2000–2022 (May – June). It was found that a high correlation between various indices does not ensure a uniform interpretation of the characteristics of drought events. The values of evaporation calculated using various methods are presented and analyzed. Based on the conducted studies, it is proposed that the aridity index for May – June, which reflects the ratio of precipitation totals to evaporation, be used as an index for atmospheric moisture assessment at this stage of agroclimatic zoning. Aridity index values have been calculated for observation stations and agroclimatic regions; they have been evaluated taking into account adapted moisture gradations, and the characteristics of the aridity index distribution throughout the year have been identified.

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