1. What is the Aridity Index?

The Aridity Index is a numerical indicator of the degree of dryness of the climate at a given location. It quantifies the relationship between water availability through precipitation and water loss through evapotranspiration.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Aridity Index formula:

Where:

• \( PET \) — Daily Potential Evapotranspiration (m³/s)
• \( E_{act} \) — Actual Evapotranspiration (m³/s)

Explanation: The formula calculates the percentage of potential evapotranspiration that is not met by actual evapotranspiration, indicating the degree of aridity.

3. Importance of Aridity Index Calculation

Details: The Aridity Index is crucial for climate classification, agricultural planning, water resource management, and understanding regional drought conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter Daily Potential Evapotranspiration and Actual Evapotranspiration values in m³/s. Both values must be valid (PET > 0, Eact ≥ 0 and ≤ PET).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a high Aridity Index indicate?
A: A high Aridity Index indicates drier conditions where potential evapotranspiration significantly exceeds actual evapotranspiration.

Q2: What are typical Aridity Index ranges?
A: Values range from 0% (humid conditions) to 100% (extremely arid conditions), with higher values indicating greater aridity.

Q3: How is Potential Evapotranspiration calculated?
A: PET is typically calculated from climate parameter data including temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation.

Q4: What factors affect Actual Evapotranspiration?
A: Actual evapotranspiration is influenced by soil moisture availability, vegetation type, and meteorological conditions.

Q5: How is this index used in practice?
A: The Aridity Index is used in climate classification systems, agricultural water management, and drought monitoring programs.