Detecting Heat Waves: Comparison of Various Heat Wave Definitions with Excess Mortality

Author

Lance Elliott Watkins

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Kalkstein, Adam J.

Committee Member

Mercer, Andrew E.

Committee Member

Dixon, P. Grady

Date of Degree

8-15-2014

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Geospatial Sciences

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Geosciences

Abstract

Four different heat wave definitions (as outlined by Hajat et al, 2006; D’lppoliti et al, 2010; Anderson and Bell, 2011; Nairn and Fawcett, 2013) were used to characterize heat wave mortality across the United States. The goal was to identify if certain definitions perform better or worse than others. Overall every definition performed poorly, resulting in high False-Alarm Ratios and low Heidke Skill Scores. However, the Nairn and Fawcett (2013) and Anderson and Bell (2011) definitions performed consistently better than the other definitions. Despite several limitations, the results of this study indicate that the heat wave definitions need refinement. Additionally, the Nairn and Fawcett (2013) definition could be one of the best definitions for assessing heat waves and heat-related mortality.

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11668/19748

Recommended Citation

Watkins, Lance Elliott, "Detecting Heat Waves: Comparison of Various Heat Wave Definitions with Excess Mortality" (2014). Theses and Dissertations. 1328.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/1328