Vicky Lin
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Mohammed Ombadi
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering / Engineering
Program:
Authors:
Session: Session 6: 3:40 pm – 4:30 pm
Poster: 52
Abstract
Natural disasters are unavoidable occurrences, yet understanding their patterns is crucial for predicting and mitigating their impacts. Our research delves into the effects of drought on soil moisture in Ohio spanning the last four decades. Given that droughts may manifest with varying frequency and severity across different regions, it’s imperative to account for regional disparities that could influence their impact on soil moisture levels. Moreover, factors such as climate and vegetation can further complicate the relationship between precipitation and soil moisture. To analyze these dynamics, we utilized standardized precipitation indices (SPI) and standardized soil moisture indices (SMI), comparing 12-month precipitation accumulations to the climatological mean from 1980 to 2020. This approach allowed us to identify anomalies and fluctuations in soil moisture levels. By applying a specific SPI threshold, we pinpointed periods of drought and examined their effects on soil moisture in Ohio. Our findings reveal that severe droughts typically affect the entire state of Ohio, irrespective of regional rainfall variations. Additionally, the correlation between SMI and SPI ranges from 0.2 to 0.8 depending on the region and month within Ohio, underscoring significant spatial and seasonal variations in drought impacts on soil moisture.
