Which index is used to represent drought code?

• A. Fine Fuel Moisture Code
• B. Duff Moisture Code
• C. Drought Code
• D. Build Up Index

Answer: (C)

The Drought Code is the index used to represent drought conditions. It measures the moisture of the deeper organic layer and soil, reflecting how dry things are after extended dry weather. Because it responds slowly to rain and lingers as a drought develops, it tracks long-term drying and the potential for deep-seated or smoldering fires. That makes it the best indicator of drought.

By contrast, surface Fine Fuel Moisture Code looks at the moisture of fine surface fuels, Duff Moisture Code targets the intermediate duff layer, and the Build Up Index combines information from DMC and DC to estimate overall fuel availability for combustion.