Dataset
NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
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NSW Aridity Index - High resolution (30 meter)

The aridity index, also known as the Budyko radiative index of dryness, is a dimensionless parameter that represents the long-term balance between net radiation and precipitation. The method used to generate the high-resolution aridity index layer across New South Wales was developed by Nyman et al., 2014. To create the high-resolution (30 m) aridity index layer for New South Wales, the following parameters were used: 1 arc second monthly net radiation and shortwave radiation ratio, 30 years of historical data encompassing precipitation and surface temperature from the period 1992 to 2021, 30-meter Shuttle Radar Topography Mission digital elevation model, and 30-meter Leaf Area Index layer which provides insights into the density and distribution of vegetation across the region. The aridity index layer is a high-resolution dataset that allows identification of finer-scale variations in local moisture balance related to aspect unlike existing aridity index layers. This dataset serves as a valuable tool for understanding and managing water resources, assessing environmental conditions, and informing decision-making in a wide range of applications related to water management, land use, and climate change adaptation.

The Aridity Index factsheet provides more information about the method and some potential application of the layer.

Data and Resources

Metadata Summary What is metadata?

Field Value
Language English
Edition 1
Purpose Fire management planning
Frequency of change Unknown
Keywords HAZARDS-Fire
Metadata Date 2023-06-05
Date of Asset Creation 2023-03-14
Date of Asset Revision 2023-05-27
Date of Asset Publication 2023-07-13
License Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
Geospatial Topic
  • Climatology meteorology atmosphere
  • Environment
Extent

Dataset extent
Temporal Coverage From 1992-01-01 - 2021-12-31
Datum GDA94 / NSW Lambert
Legal Disclaimer Read
Attribution NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water asserts the right to be attributed as author of the original material in the following manner: "© State Government of NSW and NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water 2023"