Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Geosciences
Date of Award
8-2016
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Andrew Joyner
Committee Members
Ingrid Luffman, Michael Whitelaw
Abstract
Tornado intensity and impacts vary drastically across space, thus spatial and statistical analyses were used to identify patterns of tornado severity in the Southeastern United States and to assess the vulnerability and estimated recurrence of tornadic activity. Records from the Storm Prediction Center's tornado database (1950-2014) were used to estimate kernel density to identify areas of high and low tornado frequency at both the regional- and state-scales. Return periods (2-year, 5-year, 10-year, 25-year, 50-year, and 100-year) were calculated at both scales as well using a composite score that included EF-scale magnitude, injury counts, and fatality counts. Results showed that the highest density of tornadoes occur in Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas, while the highest return period intensities occur in Alabama and Mississippi. Scaledependent analysis revealed finer details of density and intensity for each state. Better communication of high hazard areas and integration into existing mitigation plans is suggested.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Bradburn, Michelle, "Tornado Density and Return Periods in the Southeastern United States: Communicating Risk and Vulnerability at the Regional and State Levels" (2016). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 3132. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/3132
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
Included in
Atmospheric Sciences Commons, Climate Commons, Geographic Information Sciences Commons, Longitudinal Data Analysis and Time Series Commons, Spatial Science Commons