Haines Index (also known as Lower Atmosphere Severity Index) is a weather index developed by meteorologist Donald Haines in 1988 that measures the potential for dry, unstable air to contribute to the development of large or erratic wildland fires. [1] The index is derived from the stability (temperature difference between different levels of the atmosphere) and moisture content ( dew point depression) of the lower atmosphere. These data may be acquired with a radiosonde or simulated by a numerical weather prediction model. The index is calculated over three ranges of atmospheric pressure: low elevation (950-850 millibars (mb)), mid elevation (850-700 mb), and high elevation (700-500 mb). [2]
A Haines Index of 6 means a high potential for an existing fire to become large or exhibit erratic fire behavior, 5 means medium potential, 4 means low potential, and anything less than 4 means very low potential. [3] [4]
References
- ^ "Haines Index". USA Forest Service. Archived from the original on April 16, 2014. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
- ^ Noaa
- ^ Winkler, Julie A.; Potter, Brian E.; Wilhelm, Dwight F.; Shadbolt, Ryan P.; Piromsopa, Krerk; Bian, Xindi (2007). "Climatological and statistical characteristics of the Haines Index for North America". International Journal of Wildland Fire. 16 (2): 139–152. CiteSeerX 10.1.1.486.1768. doi: 10.1071/WF06086.
- ^ Haines index definition
See also
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