Introduction

Chapter 1 introduces the reader to the drought hazard and to the scope of the book. How to define drought and the need to distinguish between different types of drought are discussed, underlining the wide range - and often devastating - impacts that drought may cause. An overview of key characteristics of hydrological drought, including low flow and drought deficit characteristics, such as drought duration, is presented and their dependency on the type of hydrological regime highlighted. Drought is considered a natural phenomenon; however, the influence of human interventions and climate change cannot be disregarded. A warming climate has led to a higher awareness of the drought hazard, increased focus on drought research and the need for improved water management and drought preparedness. With this background, a brief history of the advance of drought research and management in Europe over the last decades is provided with reference to major international studies and initiatives. The chapter closes with an overview of the structure of the textbook, including a brief summary of each chapter.