Australian Average Annual Wetness Index

Abstract

This dataset was derived by the Bioregional Assessment Programme from the BOM supplied Average Annual Rainfall data for the period 1961-1990 and BOM supplied Areal Potential Evapotranspiration data for the same period, 1961-1990. You can find a link to the parent datasets in the Lineage Field in this metadata statement. The History Field in this metadata statement describes how this dataset was derived.

The wetness index is the ratio between precipitation and potential evapotranspiration (rainfall / potential evapotranspiration). An index of 1 indicates areas where rainfall and evapotranspiration are equal. Index above 1 indicates a wet are where rainfall exceeds evapotranspiration and below 1 indicates a dry area where evapotransipiration is potentially greater than the rainfall for that area.

Dataset History

This dataset was created using the raster calculator tool in ArcMap with the following calculation:

Wetness Index = [rainfall] / [potential evapotranspiration].

The rainfall input was the BOM supplied Average Annual Rainfall data for the period 1961-1990 and the potential evapotranspiration input was the BOM supplied Areal Potential Evapotranspiration data for the same period, 1961-1990.

Dataset Citation

Bioregional Assessment Programme (2013) Australian Average Annual Wetness Index. Bioregional Assessment Derived Dataset. Viewed 09 October 2017, http://data.bioregionalassessments.gov.au/dataset/e4a7604e-d17f-4be0-b8a6-2a91d540fb72.

Dataset Ancestors

• Derived From BOM, Australian Evapotranspiration Data from 1961 to 1990

• Derived From BOM, Australian Average Rainfall Data from 1961 to 1990