Detecting the sensitivity of water content and deficiency rainfall during positive Indian Ocean Dipole events

Abstract

This study aimed to detect the water content in peatland and cropland associated with rainfall deficiencies and positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) events. The condition of water content is a biological indicator of peatland ecosystems that commonly contributes to hot spots in Sumatra. The water content and rainfall data were processed using the spatial average at two study areas, and the variabilities were analyzed with the Indian Ocean Dipole index (DMI). From 2015 until 2020, this study employed the Dipole Mode Index to evaluate five positive IOD events. The analysis of the water content conditions and deficiency rainfall correlated to positive IOD events. In the peatland, the water content was a sensitive parameter, and even though the value decreased by a small amount, it potentially inflamed. Even if the water content was low in cropland areas, it did not trigger forest fires. The effect of rainfall deficiency was related to land response to water content conditions. Different land types will have different sensitivities. Understanding the correlation between deficiency rainfall with water content can be helpful for an early warning system.