Climate Change-Driven Snowpack Loss from Mid-Winter Thaws in Vermont
Conference Year
January 2022
Abstract
Here we quantify how mid-winter thaw events are increasing in frequency in Vermont. Such events, often characterized by above-freezing temperature, high dew points (humidity), rain, and strong southerly winds can be tied to changes in atmospheric circulation patterns related to global climate change. Increased frequencies and intensities of these discrete events can be a dominant mechanism of seasonal snowpack loss. By comparing the changes in meteorological variables that occur within these anomalous periods, insight on the nature of mid-winter thaws can be acquired. Through the characterization of mid-winter thaws, we advance the mechanistic understanding of climate change impacts on Vermont snowpack.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Arne Bomblies
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
Program/Major
Environmental Engineering
Primary Research Category
Engineering & Physical Sciences
Climate Change-Driven Snowpack Loss from Mid-Winter Thaws in Vermont
Here we quantify how mid-winter thaw events are increasing in frequency in Vermont. Such events, often characterized by above-freezing temperature, high dew points (humidity), rain, and strong southerly winds can be tied to changes in atmospheric circulation patterns related to global climate change. Increased frequencies and intensities of these discrete events can be a dominant mechanism of seasonal snowpack loss. By comparing the changes in meteorological variables that occur within these anomalous periods, insight on the nature of mid-winter thaws can be acquired. Through the characterization of mid-winter thaws, we advance the mechanistic understanding of climate change impacts on Vermont snowpack.