Satellite-based Evapotranspiration Analysis for Agricultural Drought Assessment in Dharwad, Karnataka

This study analyzes satellite-based evapotranspiration (ET), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and Land Surface Temperature (LST) derived from MODIS data for the Dharwad district, India, over the period 2010-2020. The analysis reveals significant climatedriven patterns and anomalies, highlighting severe drought conditions in 2012, 2016, and 2018. ET peaks during the monsoon season (July-September) and declines during the dry periods (October-May). NDVI and LST exhibit seasonal variations, with higher NDVI values and lower LST during the monsoon season, indicating healthy vegetation and cooler temperatures. Anomaly analysis reveals significant deviations from the long-term average, particularly in 2012 and 2016, characterized by severe moisture deficits and vegetation stress, especially during the Kharif and Rabi seasons. These findings underscore the need for effective drought mitigation strategies, such as improved water management practices, early warning systems, and the adoption of drought-resistant crop varieties.