Development of a Surface-Water Index of Permanence to Assess Surface-Water Availability for Ecohydrological Refugia

Fact Sheet 2023-3045
By: , and 

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Abstract

Surface-water availability has major implications for the environment and society in the 21st century. With climate change, increased drought severity, and altered water and land use, future water availability is predicted to continue to decline in many areas, including much of the western United States. An understanding of where and when water will be available at multiple scales is crucial for the planning and management of wildlife health, recreation, and energy development. Currently, indices describing water presence and permanence exist for specific surface-water components (for example, streams and wetlands); however, a general surface-water permanence index that includes all major surface-water components is lacking. Developing a Surface-Water Index of Permanence can provide a reliable metric to understand future river reach- to region-scale surface-water permanence and availability and inform land management and policy decisions.

Suggested Citation

Martin, A., Sando, R., Thurman, L., McLean, K., Wurster, P., Jones, J., and Sarbanes, A., 2023, Development of a Surface-Water Index of Permanence to assess surface-water availability for ecohydrological refugia: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2023–3045, 2 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20233045

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)

Table of Contents

  • SWIPe Development
  • Links to Explore
  • SWIPe Highlights
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Development of a Surface-Water Index of Permanence to assess surface-water availability for ecohydrological refugia
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2023-3045
DOI 10.3133/fs20233045
Year Published 2023
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center
Description 2 p.
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details