Dataset Overview

Extract of SPEI growing season (April-Sept) drought index values for the Northeast with the long-term mean (1951-present).

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Purpose

While mild, short-term droughts are not an uncommon event in Vermont, with higher temperatures resulting from continued climate change, we may see more severe or longer-duration droughts. Lack of water, particularly during the growing season, can result in short-term changes in our forests, for example, a tree will halt photosynthesis and growth until there is sufficient water. But droughts can also result in more serious consequences to forests, like lack of a viable seed crop or large die-offs of vulnerable species, locations, or age classes. Seedlings are particularly vulnerable to drought due to their shallow root systems. Further, droughts can increase the chance of forest fire -- to which many of our tree species are not adapted. Insect pest outbreaks can also be more destructive when they occur with or following drought.

Data Collection Status

Data collection for this dataset is ongoing

Start date

1951-04-01

Contents

483 records with 6 fields

Data Availability

This dataset is downloadable from the FEMC, and available to download from another site.

Data License

Third party determines data license

Preferred Citation

Not provided

Update Frequency

Unknown

Maintenance Plan

Not provided

Links

No links available for this dataset

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