The U.S. government is closed. This site will not be updated; however, NOAA websites and social media channels necessary to protect lives and property will be maintained. To learn more, visit commerce.gov.
For the latest forecasts and critical weather information, visit weather.gov.
For the latest forecasts and critical weather information, visit weather.gov.
Site Section
Document
Using Salinity Data to Develop a Coastal Salinity Index
Document Author
Paul Conrads / U.S. Geological Survey, South Atlantic Water Science Center
Document File
Document Date
Document Type
Reports
Document Description
Coastal droughts have a different dynamic from upland droughts, which are typically characterized by agricultural, hydrologic, meteorological, and (or) socioeconomic impacts. The location of the freshwater-saltwater interface in surface-water bodies is an important factor in the ecological and socioeconomic dynamics of coastal communities. Because of the uniqueness of drought impacts on coastal ecosystems, a Coastal Salinity Index (CSI) was developed using an approach similar to the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). Instead of using precipitation data, as the SPI does, the CSI utilizes salinity data.
Document Preview
DEWS Region(s)
Coastal Carolinas Climate Region(s)
Southeastern Climate Region