KBDIS

The Keetch and Byram drought index (KBDI) is a valuable tool for estimating flammability in forest and wild land areas within the United States. Developed by Keetch and Byram in 1968, the index utilizes daily precipitation and daily maximum temperature data to describe moisture deficiency within the upper soil layer. Originally designed for the southeastern forest of the US, KBDI has since been extensively used for fire potential assessments throughout the country.

The index is based on three meteorological parameters: daily precipitation, daily maximum temperature, and mean annual precipitation, and outputs a value between 0 and 800. A value of 0 indicates soil saturation, while 800 indicates the most severe drought. The output is categorized into four classes with 200 intervals, each representing a specific concept.

For those looking to calculate KBDI as a drought index, we recommend the use of the Keetch-Byram Drought Index Software (KBDIS). This software allows users to import their data as an excel file and calculate KBDI in various time formats, such as yearly, seasonally, monthly, and daily. Users can also create linear, columnar, and box-plot graphs to better visualize their data. Additionally, users can easily determine the field capacity option within the tool.

Overall, KBDIS is a valuable software for calculating the Keetch-Byram drought index and assessing fire potential in forest and wild land areas throughout the United States. For more detailed information on the index calculations, we recommend consulting the original research by Keetch and Byram (1968) and Janis et al. (2002).