Analysis of the Droughts in the Southern coastal areasof the Caspian Sea.

In order to analyze the statistical and synoptic characteristics of the droughts inthe Southern Coastal region of the Caspian Sea, the monthly precipitation data wereanalyzed for the period 1961-99. The drought was identified according to deciles and Zindices. The synoptic origin was determined from The surface and 500 hPa NCEPdigital data. The results showed:1. The two month drought periods are frequent and most of the droughts are severand widespread.2. Three weather types responsible for the droughts are: zonal type, High pressureover the Caspian Sea, and low pressure system. All these types prevented the northerlyor northeasterly cold rain bringing winds over the Caspian Sea.