Streamflow Drought Index (SDI)

Streamflow Drought Index (SDI) 

Index name: Streamflow Drought Index (SDI).

Ease of use: Yellow.

Origins: Developed by Nalbantis and Tsakiris using the methodology and calculations of SPI as the basis for their work.

Characteristics: Uses monthly streamflow values and the methods of normalization associated with SPI for developing a drought index based upon streamflow data. With an output similar to that of SPI, both wet and dry periods can be investigated, as well as the severity of these occurrences.

Input parameters: Monthly streamflow values and a historical time series for the streamflow gauge.

Applications: Used to monitor and identify drought events with reference to a particular gauge, which may or may not represent larger basins.

Strengths: The program is widely available and easy to use. Missing data are allowed, and the longer the streamflow record, the more accurate the results. As with SPI, various timescales can be examined.

Weaknesses: A single input (streamflow) does not take into account management decisions and periods of no flow can skew the results.

Resources: It is described in the literature with mathematical examples provided. Calculations can be developed starting from the SPI code (available on the National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) website). Additional information on SDI can be found on DrinC.

References: Nalbantis, I. and G. Tsakiris, 2009: Assessment of hydrological drought revisited. Water Resources Management, 23(5): 881–897. DOI 10.1007/s11269-008-9305-1. (For more information on this paper, please contact the IDMP HelpDesk).

5 Responses

  1. It will be better if you improve the site with the calculation equations for each drought index. Because some drought indices have multiple nicknames (like : Streamflow Drought Index (SDI) = Standardized Streamflow Index (SSFI)), so they have multiple versions of formulas. As well as some references are paid!!! you cannot check the version you want before purchasing the item.

Leave a Reply to Abdullahi Danmagaji Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Translate »