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Student Worksheet Thermal Energy, Water Cycle and OH Climate Change

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Student Worksheet Thermal Energy, Water Cycle and OH Climate Change

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Student Worksheet Water Cycle + Climate Change

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Ohio's mid-latitude, interior location and the lack of mountains to the north or south expose the state to incursions of very cold air masses from the Arctic in the winter and warm, humid air masses from the Gulf of Mexico in the summer. Lake Erie also has a significant influence on the local climate. Near-shore locations are considerably warmer during the winter and cooler during the summer than locations farther away from the shores. Lake-effect snow, caused by the warming and moistening of arctic air masses over the Great Lakes, is a hazard along the southeastern shoreline of Lake Erie.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, temperatures in Ohio have risen more than 1.5°F, and temperatures in the 2000s and 2010s were warmer than in any other historical period (Figure 1). The warming has not been steady. The 1930s through the mid-1950s were generally above the long-term average but were followed by the coldest period on record: the 1960s and 1970s. Since the 1970s, annual average temperature has risen more than 2°F. Based on observations through 2020, 1998 was the hottest year on record, with an annual average temperature for the state of 54.1°F. The second hottest year was 2012, with an average temperature of 54.0°F. This warming has been concentrated in the winter and spring. Summer days have not warmed substantially in the state, a feature characteristic of much of the Midwest. This lack of summer warming is reflected in a below average occurrence of very hot days (Figure 2a). However, in addition to the overall higher summer average nighttime temperatures, the state has experienced an increase in the number of warm nights (Figure 3). Both Cleveland and Columbus have experienced statistically significant increases in the number of warm nights since 1950. Since 2000, Cleveland and Columbus have averaged 17 and 22 warm nights, respectively, per year, compared to an average of 8 and 9 nights, respectively, in the 1950s through 1970s. Although both cities also experienced a higher frequency of warm nights in the 1930s, this was mostly due to extreme high daytime temperatures. While Ohio generally experienced a near to below average number of very cold nights between 1990 and 2020, very high values occurred in 2014 and 2015, when the so-called "polar vortex" pattern dominated winter weather in the eastern U.S. (Figure 2b).

Annual precipitation varies regionally, with the northwestern part of the state averaging 32 inches each year and the southern part of the state averaging 42 inches each year. Statewide total annual precipitation has ranged from a low of 26.8 inches in 1963 to a high of 56.0 inches in 2011. The driest multiyear periods were 1930-1934 and 1960-1964, and the wettest multiyear periods have occurred since 2000 (Figure 2c). Annual average precipitation during the driest and wettest consecutive 5 years has ranged from a low of 33.6 inches for the 1930-1934 period to a high of 43.3 inches for the 2015-2019 interval. Snowfall also varies across the state. The northern portion of the state along the southern shores of Lake Erie receives 60 inches or more annually, and the southern portion of the state receives less than 16 inches annually.

Ohio has experienced a significant increase in the number of 2-inch extreme precipitation events since the mid-1990s (Figure 4). Past episodes of heavy rains have caused severe flooding in the state. The Great Flood of 1913 was one of the deadliest floods in U.S. history and Ohio's greatest weather disaster. From March 23 to 26, heavy rains caused extreme runoff from soils saturated from winter storms. Levees along the Great Miami River failed, flooding the entire Great Miami River watershed. Downtown Dayton was hit particularly hard, with floodwaters reaching depths of 20 feet. The flooding caused more than $2 billion in damages, and more than 400 people died. One of the worst floods in recent decades occurred in March 1997. Between March 1 and 3, 6-12 inches of rain fell in parts of southern Ohio, causing serious flooding, particularly along Brush Creek and the Scioto and Great Miami Rivers. Levels on the main stem of the Ohio River were the highest in more than 30 years. Seventeen counties were declared federal disaster areas, and more than 5,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, resulting in almost $300 million in damages.

Dangerous storms can occur in every season and can cause major impacts, including loss of life, property damage, and disruptions to economic activity. Winter can bring snowstorms and ice storms, while convective storms (including thunderstorms, flood-producing rainstorms, hail, and tornadoes) are common in the warmer months. Although Ohio does not experience as many tornadoes as other states in the Midwest and Great Plains, the state has experienced several deadly tornado outbreaks. On June 28, 1924, Ohio's deadliest tornado struck the towns of Sandusky and Lorain, killing 85 people and causing more than a billion dollars in damages. Other notable storms include the Palm Sunday Outbreak on April 11, 1965, which produced 10 tornadoes in the state (4 of which were F4 intensity) and caused 60 deaths; the Xenia tornado (F5 intensity) in the Super Outbreak of 1974 that killed 34 people; and the outbreak of April 8-9, 1999, which produced 54 tornadoes, including an F4 intensity tornado in Blue Ash and Montgomery that killed 4 people.

Agriculture is an important component of Ohio's economy, and this sector is particularly vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. In 2007, unusually warm March temperatures were followed by a hard freeze in April, which devastated much of the state's apple crop. This scenario was again observed in 2012, when March temperatures were 9° to 15°F above average for the state but a cool April followed, with hard freezes. Seasonal precipitation can vary, with no real trend in winter or summer precipitation (Figures 2d and 2e). In 2012, an intense drought throughout the Midwest had severe impacts on Ohio. Rainfall totals for the summer were several inches below average. In addition to low precipitation, the period from January to June was the warmest in 120 years of record, with the warm temperatures compounding the dry conditions. By the end of the year, 86 of Ohio's 88 counties had been declared drought disaster areas.

Under a higher emissions pathway, historically unprecedented warming is projected to continue through this century (Figure 1). Even under a lower emissions pathway, annual average temperatures are projected to most likely exceed historical record levels by the middle of this century. However, a large range of temperature increases is projected under both pathways, and under the lower pathway, a few projections are only slightly warmer than historical records. Increases in extreme heat are a particular concern for Cincinnati, Columbus, and other urban areas, where the urban heat island effect raises summer temperatures. High temperatures combined with high humidity can create dangerous heat index values. From July 17 to 24, 2011, the Ohio River Valley experienced a prolonged heat wave. With temperatures above 90°F for several days in a row and dewpoints in the mid to upper 70s (°F), heat index values rose to between 100° and 110°F during the day. These occurrences are likely to become more common as temperatures continue to rise. However, there have been exceptionally cold winters in recent years. During the winters of 2013-2014 and 2014-2015, persistent weather patterns brought frigid air southward from the Arctic, causing temperatures from December to February to be more than 3°F below average. Although the state averages approximately 6 very cold nights annually, these two winters averaged 18 very cold nights. The intensity of such events is projected to decrease in the future.

Although annual precipitation projections are uncertain, winter and spring precipitation is projected to increase (Figure 5). In addition, extreme precipitation is projected to increase, potentially causing more frequent and intense floods. Heavier precipitation and higher temperatures increase the risk of springtime flooding, posing a threat to Ohio's agricultural industry by delaying planting and resulting in a loss of yield.

The intensity of future droughts is projected to increase. Even if precipitation increases in the future, rising temperatures will increase the rate of loss of soil moisture during dry spells. Thus, future summer droughts, a natural part of the Ohio climate, are likely to be more intense.

Lead Authors

Rebekah Frankson, Cooperative Institute for Satellite Earth System Studies (CISESS)

Kenneth E. Kunkel, Cooperative Institute for Satellite Earth System Studies (CISESS)

Contributing Authors

Sarah M. Champion, Cooperative Institute for Satellite Earth System Studies (CISESS)

David R. Easterling, NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information

Recommended Citation

Frankson, R., K.E. Kunkel, S.M. Champion, and D.R. Easterling, 2022: Ohio State Climate Summary 2022. NOAA Technical Report NESDIS 150-OH. NOAA/NESDIS, Silver Spring, MD, 5 pp.

RESOURCES

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Ohio's mid-latitude, interior location and the lack of mountains to the north or south expose the state to incursions of very cold air masses from the Arctic in the winter and warm, humid air masses from the Gulf of Mexico in the summer. Lake Erie also has a significant influence on the local climate.

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Careers in agriculture are diverse, rewarding, and in demand. USDA offers employment opportunities for students and recent graduates to work in the agricultural, science, technology, math, environmental, management, business, and other fields. Visit our USDA Agencies Career Grid (PDF, 79 KB) to see…

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Environmental Education Council of Ohio STEM Careers

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Environmental Education Council of Ohio STEM Careers

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Are you looking for environmental career connections?

Do you want to know about the specialized training and skills needed for these careers?

Do you want to see how what you are learning is connected to real world jobs?

Ohio Environmental Career Ambassadors are ready to help!

These environmental professionals can:

Give you great information about specific jobs and careers.

Provide shadowing opportunities and internships.

Mentor you as you select a career and plan what to do after high school.

To connect with an environmental professional contact the EECO Director at director@eeco-online.org

Choose a job that fits your educational needs and interests - from a HS diploma to advanced training (could be a professional certificate or a two/four year college degree or post-graduate work). Fields include:

*Air Quality

*Environmental Health and Safety

*Green energy

*Water Quality

*Recreation and Parks

*Fish and Wildlife

*Soil Quality

*Sustainable Development

NEW Career Chat Virtual Field Trips! Click on the person's name for the video.

Career Chat Videos - Click the person's name to see the video.

Jan'net Graham, MSW, LSW - jgraham@impactca.org,

Senior Manager - Energy Advocacy for IMPACT Community Action

Katie Corr, krc@clevelandmetroparks.com, Education Specialist with the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Joshual Simon, jjsimon@metroparks.net, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator for Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks

Marylouise Hoessle, mhoessle@newalbanyohio.org, City Forester for the City of New Albany, Ohio.

Dianne S Sumego, dsumego@dmswatersolutions.com, President of dms water solutions co. llc

Mike Angle, mike.angle@dnr.ohio.gov, Division Chief and State Geologist

Greg Orr: greg.orr@epa.ohio.gov Environmental Scientist for Ohio Environmental Protection Agency

Beth Whipple: bwhipple@holdenfg.org, Horticulturist for Holden Forests and Gardens; Holden Arboretum

Roberta Washburn, CoO of Third Sun Solar

Land Steward at United Plant Savers (UpS Americorps). Contact Julian Narvaez-Wiener, Manager@unitedplantsavers.org for volunteering and shadowing opportunities. Our website for those who want to visit, hike, or get involved in a different way: https://unitedplantsavers.org

Kelly Capuzzi, Environmental Specialist with the Division of surface water, Ohio EPA

Kelli Herrick: kelli@tinkerscreekwatershed.org Watershed Coordinator for Tinkers Creek Watershed Partners

Julie Berbari: jberbari@summitoh.net; Summit Soil & Water Conservation District Stormwater Specialist

Marilyn Dufour: Marilyn.Dufour@toledo.oh.gov; City of Toledo Division of Environmental Services; Environmental Specialist;

https://www.stemjobs.com/5-top-stem-environment-careers/

Students who are looking for a career in Science and Research here is a great site: https://kids.niehs.nih.gov/topics/environment-health/meet-the-scientist/lab-coat/index.htm

Program sponsored by

Environmental Education Council of Ohio

Ohio EPA, Office of Environmental Educ ation

The Ohio State School of Environment and Natural Resources

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Environmental Education Council of Ohio - Students: STEM Careers

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Are you looking for environmental career connections? Do you want to know about the specialized training and skills needed for these careers? Do you want to see how what you are learning is connected to real world jobs? Ohio Environmental Career Ambassadors are ready to help!

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H2Ohio | An Ohio Partnership for better water statewide

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Below are links to dashboards showing the progress of H2Ohio projects and overall phosphorus reduction estimates. Simply click on the links below to be redirected to the dashboards on the DataOhio Portal.

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Climate Change

All water on Earth follows a cycle of evaporation, condensation, precipitation and collection, but climate change is accelerating this water cycle. Image: Unsplash/Anastasia Taioglou

Freelance Reporter, Ecowatch

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Global Agenda

The Agenda Weekly

A weekly update of the most important issues driving the global agenda

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Climate crisis is speeding the water cycle, satellite data reveals

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Climate Change All water on Earth follows a cycle of evaporation, condensation, precipitation and collection, but climate change is accelerating this water cycle. Image: Unsplash/Anastasia Taioglou Freelance Reporter, Ecowatch Stay up to date: Climate Change Follow Discover What's the World Economic Forum doing about climate change?

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Ohio Environmental Council - Project Climate Adaptation Costs 2050

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Ohio Environmental Council - Project Climate Adaptation Costs 2050

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Three main elements used in fertilizers.

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Three main elements used in fertilizers.

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9th Grade Physical Science - Elements as Essential Macronutrients for Plant Growth by Laura Manns | This newsletter was created with Smore, an online tool for creating beautiful newsletters for educators, nonprofits, businesses and more

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Drinking Water Treatment Lab Student Worksheet

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Drinking Water Treatment Lab Student Worksheet

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Drinking Water Treatment Process, pp 52-53, Pearsons Physical Science Concepts in Action

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Drinking Water Treatment Process, pp 52-53, Pearsons Physical Science Concepts in Action

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What are the trends in the quality of drinking water and their effects on human health?

Importance of Drinking Water

The average American consumes 1 to 2 liters of drinking water per day. Virtually all drinking water in the United States comes from fresh surface waters and ground water aquifers.

Drinking Water Quality

Surface waters and aquifers can be contaminated by various chemicals, microbes, and radionuclides. Disinfection of drinking water has dramatically reduced the prevalence of waterborne diseases (such as typhoid, cholera, and hepatitis) in the United States. Other processes may also be used to treat drinking water depending on the characteristics of and contaminants in the source water.

Common sources of drinking water contaminants include:

Industry and agriculture. Organic solvents, petroleum products, and heavy metals from disposal sites or storage facilities can migrate into aquifers. Pesticides and fertilizers can be carried into lakes and streams by rainfall runoff or snowmelt, or can percolate into aquifers.

Human and animal waste. Human wastes from sewage and septic systems can carry harmful microbes into drinking water sources, as can wastes from animal feedlots and wildlife. Major contaminants include Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and E. coli.

Treatment and distribution. While treatment can remove many contaminants, it can also leave behind byproducts (such as trihalomethanes) that may themselves be harmful. Water can also become contaminated after it enters the distribution system, from a breach in the piping system or from corrosion of plumbing materials made from lead or copper.

Natural sources. Some ground water is unsuitable for drinking because the local underground conditions include high levels of certain contaminants. For example, as ground water travels through rock and soil, it can pick up naturally occurring arsenic, other heavy metals, or radionuclides.

Effects on Human Health

If drinking water contains unsafe levels of contaminants, it can cause health effects, such as gastrointestinal illnesses, nervous system or reproductive effects, and chronic diseases such as cancer. Factors that can influence whether a contaminant will lead to health effects include the type of contaminant, its concentration in the water, individual susceptibility, the amount of water consumed, and the duration of exposure.

Health effects of chemical exposure. Chemical exposure through drinking water can lead to a variety of short- and long-term health effects. Exposure to high doses of chemicals can lead to skin discoloration or more severe problems such as nervous system or organ damage and developmental or reproductive effects. Exposure to lower doses over long periods of time can lead to chronic, longer-term conditions such as cancer. The effects of some drinking water contaminants are not yet well understood.

Health effects of consuming water with disease-causing microbes. Most life-threatening waterborne diseases caused by microbes (such as typhoid fever or cholera) are rare in the United States today. The more common illnesses caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites can result in stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, and kidney failure. Infectious diseases such as hepatitis can also occur. Hepatitis may be severe in people with weakened immune systems (e.g., infants and the elderly) and sometimes fatal in people with severely compromised immune systems (e.g., cancer and AIDS patients).

ROE Indicators

The ROE presents one Drinking Water indicator based on violations of drinking water standards that states report to EPA. This indicator covers community water systems, which served 94 percent of the U.S. population in 2017.

The ROE does not provide information about the quality of drinking water from private wells, which the federal government does not monitor. It also does not discuss the quality of bottled water, which is regulated separately by the Food and Drug Administration.

The ROE does not yet include any indicators related to the connection between drinking water and health. Although contaminated drinking water can lead to waterborne diseases, these illnesses are often under-reported and the route of exposure cannot always be determined.

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The average American consumes 1 to 2 liters of drinking water per day. Virtually all drinking water in the United States comes from fresh surface waters and ground water aquifers. Surface waters and aquifers can be contaminated by various chemicals, microbes, and radionuclides.

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How Do Wastewater Treatment Plants Work?

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How Do Wastewater Treatment Plants Work?

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How Do Wastewater Treatment Plants Work?

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Jackson Pike Wastewater Treatment Plant - 2019

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The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is providing educators and students in grades 6-12 with hands-on teaching and learning experiences through the new H2Ohio Take Action program.

The program encourages students to apply what they learn to positively impact the environment. Real-world, student-led investigations challenge learners to adapt to the changing world and present opportunities for students to develop critical-thinking and leadership skills. The program focuses on wetland restoration projects implemented under the state's H2Ohio initiative.

When seasonally appropriate, students can kayak through the waters that play an important role in the Great Lakes ecosystem to learn about ecology, watersheds, natural history, human impacts on the water and more. Educators can visit this link to sign up.

Learn more about the program and the importance of teaching the next generation how to care for natural resources. Connect with Kara Freimark, H2Ohio naturalist, at kara.freimark@dnr.ohio.gov with questions.

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H2Ohio Take Action program provides hands-on learning experiences

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The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is providing educators and students in grades 6-12 with hands-on teaching and learning experiences through the new H2Ohio Take Action program. The program encourages students to apply what they learn to positively impact the environment.

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Ohio Environmental Council- Projected Climate Adaptation Full Report

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Ohio Environmental Council- Projected Climate Adaptation Full Report