The distribution and relative intensity of the 1977 drought in the southeastern United States / by Lynne M. Petterson.
| Author/creator | Petterson, Lynn M. author. |
| Other author | Steila, Donald, 1939- degree supervisor. |
| Other author | East Carolina University. Department of Geography. |
| Format | Theses and dissertations |
| Production | 1980. |
| Description | 87 leaves : illustrations, maps ; 28 cm |
| Supplemental Content | Access via ScholarShip |
| Subjects |
| Subject | The purpose of this study is to determine the intensity of the 1977 drought in the Southeastern United States. An additional major aim is to establish the severity of 1977 moisture deficiencies relative to past droughts. Finally, this study will investigate some aspects of drought damage incurred in primary activities. Precipitation and temperature data were used in Thomthwaite Water Budget calculations to establish moisture demand and supply in the Southeastern United States for the 47 years of climatological records (1931-1977). The Shear-Steila Drought Index was applied to computations developed with the Thomthwaite model. The Index provided quantitative measures of both actual and expected environmental moisture and related them to drought intensity. Figures of mean moisture status established normal conditions of environmental moisture in the Southeastern United States. The calculations were used as a basis for determining the presence and intensity of the 1977 drought. Examination of pertinent climatic data revealed the drought of 1977 was widespread, intense and persistent. Dry conditions were generated in some climatic divisions of the region which surpassed all previous droughts in severity. Patterns in drought distribution and intensity were present during 1977. Similar areal characteristics were exhibited during three periods. From January through March, the distribution of drought was dispersed, intensity was light and dry conditions shifted southward. In the five months from April to August, dryness spread, drought intensified and notable dryness recurred particularly in Florida and along the Gulf Coast. Dry conditions from September to December faded from interior sections, lessened in intensity and maintained an orientation along the Atlantic Coast. Moisture deficiencies during 1977 often exceeded past droughts in severity. Thirty-three cases of drought unequaled in intensity by past droughts occurred during 1977 within piedmont, delta and peninsular areas. In the four months from May through August, 43 divisions were drier than 90 percent of past periods. Some notable impacts of the drought were evident in agriculture and forestry. Major declines occurred in com production and yields per acre. Parched pastures and dry, stagnant ponds forced farmers to provide supplemental feeding with winter grain reserves or to cull herd sizes. Millions of trees were killed during 1977 by drought and drought-induced problems of insects and forest fires. Moisture deficiencies caused an upsurge in the incidence of forest fires. |
| Local note | Joyner-"Presented to the faculty of the Department of Geography ... in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degreee Master of Arts in Geography." |
| General note | Presented to the Faculty of the Department of Geography |
| General note | Advisor: Donald Steila |
| Dissertation note | M.A. East Carolina University 1980 |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 82-87). |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Thèses et écrits académiques. |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joyner | University Archives | ASK AT SPECIAL COLLECTIONS DESK | ✔ Available | Request Material |
| Electronic Resources | Access Content Online | ✔ Available |