Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Dyer, Jamie L.

Committee Member

Mercer, Andrew E.

Committee Member

Gutter, Barrett F.

Date of Degree

5-10-2024

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Geoscience (Professional Meteorology/Climatology)

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Geosciences

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the spatial and temporal characteristics of instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) over the Southern Appalachian Region from 2008 to 2023, utilizing Meteorological Terminal Aerodrome Report (METAR) stations across six USGS-defined physiographical provinces. IMC is defined as visibility less than three statute miles and/or cloud ceiling heights less than 1,000 feet above ground. Percentage of hours reporting IMC are considered on an annual, seasonal, and hourly basis. The greatest increase in IMC over the period occurs in the Piedmont province, and the greatest decrease in the Interior Low Plateaus province. All provinces experience the greatest amount of IMC in wintertime, and the season with the fewest IMC hours varies by province. All provinces see a maximum hour of IMC within three hours following sunrise except summertime in the Interior Low Plateaus, which experiences the highest frequency of IMC within two hours prior to sunset.

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