Influence of ENSO on Droughts and Vegetation in a High Mountain Equatorial Climate Basin

Several studies have assessed droughts and vegetation considering climatic factors, particularly El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) at different latitudes. However, there are knowledge gaps in the tropical Andes, a region with high spatiotemporal variability. This research analyzed relationships between droughts, vegetation, ENSO from 2001–2015. Meteorological drought was using Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) for 1, 3 6 months. Normalized Difference Vegetation (NDVI) used to evaluate indexes were as climate drivers. The Wavelet coherence method establish time-frequency relationships. approach applied Machángara river sub-basin Southern Ecuadorian Andes. results showed significant negative correlations during 2009–2013 SPEI NDVI, SPEI6 lagging by nine months return period of 1.5 years. ENSO–SPEI presented highest 2009–2014 three years, leading relationship around fourteen ENSO-NDVI positive 2004–2008 one year, continually delayed approximately month. These could be benchmark developing advanced hazards.