Water Lecture 11

Water Vapor

Increased with higher temperatures due to climate change.

Temperature Increase

US temperatures rose over the last 120 years.

Winter Warming

Winters in the US have become significantly warmer.

Precipitation Trends

Western US has less; Eastern US also less precipitation.

Map A

Shows precipitation on the heaviest 1% of days.

Extreme Rainfall Events

Highlighted by Map A's data on heavy downpours.

Map B

Displays maximum daily precipitation over five years.

Five-Year Maximum

Identifies trends in extreme weather patterns.

Map C

Annual maximum daily precipitation recorded each year.

Annual Variability

Assesses yearly changes in maximum rainfall events.

Eastern US Precipitation

Increased precipitation noted over the last 65 years.

Temperature Change in NY

NY temperatures increased by 1.4℃ since 1900.

Amplified Temperature Increase

NY experiences more temperature rise than global averages.

Climate Change Effects

More precipitation and warmer winters expected with climate change.

Susquehanna River Flooding

Flooding impacts Chesapeake Bay; peaks in spring.

Flood Height Record

Susquehanna reached 33.66 ft in June 2006.

August Dryness

Typically the driest month in the region.

Rainfall During Irene

Binghamton/Vestal recorded 1 ft of rain.

Flood Characteristics

Flooded rivers carry fine suspended sediment.

Flooding Consequences

Major floods led to underwater landmarks and rentals.

Insurance Issues

Many homeowners lacked flood insurance post-flood.