Rankings of extreme and widespread dry and wet events in the Iberian Peninsula between 1901 and 2016

Abstract. Extensive, long-standing dry and wet episodes are two of the most frequent climatic extreme events in Iberian Peninsula. Here, a method for ranking regional extremes persistent, widespread drought is presented, considering different timescales. The based on multi-scalar Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) gridded dataset Climatic Research Unit (CRU) data used to compute SPEI between 1901 2016 by means log-logistic probability distribution function. potential evapotranspiration (PET) computed using Penman–Monteith equation. classification assessment magnitude an event, which obtained after both area affected respective dryness or wetness – defined values over certain threshold its intensity each grid point. A sensitivity analysis impact thresholds define also performed. For periods, this simple yet robust tool allows identification well-known extensive periods at comprehensive rankings extreme, prolonged, Peninsula presented aggregated timescales 6, 12, 18, 24 months. Results show that no region more prone occurrence any these long-term (dry and/or wet) events. Finally, it highlighted application methodology other domains represents important extensive, long-standing, event worldwide.