Winter Environment of the Ohio River Valley
Abstract
A general survey of the winter environment of the Ohio River Valley that is relevant to river ice formation is described. Included are hydrology, topography, hydraulics and climatic conditions. The long-term monthly discharges steadily increases on the Ohio River throughout the winter season. Inspection of the charges for each day shows that it has a large short term variability during the winter, with peaks being four to six times the base water flow, and generally coinciding with higher atmospheric temperature. River water temperatures follow a yearly cycle that can be closely described by a sinusoidal curve. The river water temperatures have their minimum in January, and also exhibit January thaws. Ice conditions on the Ohio River are quite variable. The number of days with each winter has gradually and erratically decreased from 1902 to 1975. The cause of this decrease cannot be determined, by there is a direct correlation with watershed development, as indicated by watershed population. Average air temperatures show a good correlation with elevation. Other points discussed are mean minimum air temperatures, freezing-degree days and precipitation (including rainfall and snow).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA232134
Entities
People
- Michael A. Bilello
- Roy E. Bates
- Steven F. Daly
Organizations
- Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory