Extreme weather events in the upper Midwest: Implications on flood risk, crop yield, and water quality

Khan, Manas

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129654 Copy

Description

Title

Extreme weather events in the upper Midwest: Implications on flood risk, crop yield, and water quality

Author(s)

Khan, Manas

Issue Date

2024-12-06

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Bhattarai, Rabin

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Bhattarai, Rabin

Committee Member(s)

• Chu, Maria Librada
• Markus , Momcilo
• Chen, Liang
• Oliveira, Luciano Alves de

Department of Study

Engineering Administration

Discipline

Agricultural & Biological Engr

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• Extreme events
• Midwest
• Flood risk
• Probabilistic assessments
• Heat stress

Abstract

This dissertation presents a comprehensive analysis of extreme weather events in the Upper Midwest, focusing on their impacts on flood risk, crop yield, and water quality. Through a series of interconnected studies, the research provides critical insights into the complex effects of extreme precipitation and temperature events, offering valuable guidance for management and adaptation strategies in the context of climate change. The study reveals significant increasing trends in extreme precipitation and heat stress across the region, with notable spatial variations. Probabilistic assessments and regime shift analyses highlight the non-stationary nature of these events, emphasizing the need to update traditional risk estimation methods. The research also identifies an increasing trend in compound extreme events, particularly precipitation events preceded by extreme heat stress, which pose heightened risks to vulnerable populations and infrastructure. Investigations into agricultural impacts demonstrate the crucial role of weather variables, especially precipitation and temperature, on corn yield variability in key Midwestern states. Additionally, the study explores the relationship between extreme precipitation and nutrient transport, revealing increased risks of nutrient losses under intensified precipitation scenarios. This comprehensive research provides valuable insights for enhancing community resilience, improving agricultural management, and developing climate-adaptive strategies. It underscores the importance of prioritizing socially vulnerable populations in disaster planning, updating infrastructure design standards, and implementing climate-resilient nutrient management practices to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events in the Upper Midwest.

Graduation Semester

2025-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129654

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2024 Manas Khan

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