Abstract

In a day and age where the impacts of climate change on the global scale have varying repercussions upon society, it is crucial that we gain an understanding of the dynamic relationships changing the ocean-atmosphere interactions and their implications on the weather in a given geographic area.

In Northeastern Ohio, climate change is most evident in the rise in precipitation variability, marked by a pluvial, or wet period. To examine the possible drivers of this change in precipitation, a statistical analysis was performed, determining the relationships between precipitation and two climate indices that capture aspects of the ocean-atmosphere system: the Pacific North American Pattern and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. Wooster, OH was used to broadly represent the region, as spatial correlations indicate that observational precipitation data from the Wooster Experimental Station is strongly correlated with much of the Northeast Ohio region. The results of this analysis support the existing literature, as both climate indices were found to have a notable impact on total fall and winter precipitation. These analyses illuminate the need to utilize more detailed climate investigations that consider the external and internal forcings within the global climate system.

Managing pluvial conditions in the region, specifically relating to stormwater management is a major challenge for Northeast Ohio communities. The importance of this field of study in regions experiencing unprecedented rates of rainfall and runoff is illustrated by outlining the guiding principles of this growing, lucrative, business. Furthermore, the study considered projections for the future of the pluvial, emphasizing the relationship between stormwater management and increasing stormwater flows that are a result of heavier precipitation. Some areas in Northeast Ohio have already begun to adapt to the risks posed by a strengthening pluvial and this research here suggests communities need to be even more vigilant moving forward, reevaluating the current water management measures in place.

Advisor

Wiles, Greg

Department

Earth Sciences

Disciplines

Atmospheric Sciences | Climate | Environmental Design | Hydrology | Meteorology | Natural Resources Management and Policy | Urban, Community and Regional Planning | Water Resource Management

Keywords

climate, climate indices, Pacific North American Pattern, Pacific Decadal Oscillation, stormwater management, pluvial, best management practices, climatological analysis

Publication Date

2023

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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