ARIDITY VARIABILITY EXPRESSED THROUGH ECO-CLIMATIC INDICES AND ITS IMPACT ON BIODIVERSITY

Ala DONICA,Rodica COJOCARI,Universitatea de Stat din Moldova

Abstract

Aridity variability, expressed through eco-climatic indices (De Martonne Aridity Index, UNEP Aridity Index and Dry Period Index) refers to the changes in time and space of dryness/aridity conditions (lack of water, low precipitati- on, high evapotranspiration), being influenced by physical-geographic and climatic factors (temperature, precipitation, latitude, altitude). Through the analyzed eco-climatic indices (data from 16 meteorological stations, period 1980-2020), the driest territories on the Republic of Moldova territory were identified and mapped; the climatic favorability of the territories for a certain type of ecosystem was determined; and the impact of climate change on plant development was expressed, in temporary terms. Scientific research based on the interpretation of eco-climatic index has particular applicability in the sustainable development of agriculture, monitoring of degraded lands, water management, forestry, conservation of local biodiversity and natural ecosystems. Keywords: climate change, eco-climatic indices, UNEP aridity index, De Martonne aridity index, Dry days index, natural and human ecosystems. DOI: https://doi.org/10.59295/sum1(191)2026_30