SDSI: A More Accurate Tool for Assessing Dry Salinity Severity in Estuaries

This study suggests that the SDSI may provide a more accurate representation of the severity of dry salinity events in estuaries. The severity of SDSI was graded according to different thresholds, revealing that moderate composite dry salinity events occurred most frequently among all estuarine events, while exceptional composite events were the least frequent. Additionally, serious composite dry salinity events (i.e. severe, extreme, and exceptional) were observed more frequently in the SDSI compared to the single SRI index. The ability to accurately assess the severity of dry salinity events is important in understanding the potential impacts on estuarine ecosystems and the associated economic and social consequences. Therefore, the SDSI may be a useful tool for managers and decision-makers in developing effective strategies for mitigating the impacts of dry salinity events in estuaries.