Use of Paleoclimate Rainfall Data to Detect Mega Drought Signals

Abstract

This study aimed to provide a historical mega drought information of Korea using the long-term precipitation for longer than 300 years that were observed by the Korean Meteorological Administration (KMA) during 1908– 2015, and paleo-climate data by the Korea’s ancient rain gauge (Chuk-Woo-Kee) during 1777–1907 and future climate change scenario from 2017 to 2099. The statistical analysis results showed that annual average precipitation were considerably different between records by the Chuk-Woo-Kee and records by the KMA. Precipitation data by the Chuk-Woo-Kee has seriously decreasing trends but KMA observed data show significant increasing trends because of climate change effect. Through the analysis of drought using paleoclimatic data observed by Chuk-Woo-Kee, mega drought on the Korean Peninsula lasting for 20 years at the end of the 19th century could be confirmed. It can also be concluded that extreme drought, which began in 2014, may be the beginning of another; the mega drought on the Korean peninsula based on the drought periodicity analysis.