This dataset represents the wetness index within individual local NHDPlusV2 catchments and upstream, contributing watersheds based on the Composite Topographic Index (See Supplementary Info for Glossary of Terms). The Composite Topographic Index (CTI) is based on contributing area, slope, and overland flow and has been developed internally at the EPA for the EnviroAtls (http://edg.epa.gov/data/Public/ORD/EnviroAtlas/National/). As defined for use in EnviroAtlas datasets and as used here, “wet areas are typically created by runoff from natural land cover when rain falls on saturated soil. Surface and rill (or small channel) runoff carries excess water to lowland depressions or wet areas. Runoff collects in wet areas until they fill and overflow downstream. In this way, stream networks can be extended into new areas that would not be hydrologically connected during drier times. Wet area expansion and watershed hydrological connectivity differ between humid temperate and semi-arid and arid climates (where drought and soil crusts limit infiltration and produce flashier runoff)” (from https://enviroatlas.epa.gov/enviroatlas/datafactsheets/pdf/ESN/PercentForestonWetAreas.pdf). The Mean Composite Topographic Index (CTI)[Wetness Index] were summarized to produce local catchment-level and watershed-level metrics as a continuous data type.

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