Alli came to CMMAP this summer as a senior at Florida State University where
she is a meteorology major. Her research interests are climate variability and
tropical meteorology. She worked with Professor Russ Schumacher to determine
what effects the Balcones Escarpment has on flooding in a part of Texas.
Flooding causes extensive damage as well as loss of life and property. According
to NOAA, the United
States 2003 to 2012 average of deaths due to flooding was 76 people per year.
Total precipitation is proportional to the rate and duration of rainfall. It is
also associated with the speed of movement and the size of the system causing
the event. These variables are difficult to accurately predict. South Central
Texas is susceptible to flooding. San Antonio is located along the Balcones
Escarpment, a fault that separates the hill country from the coastal plains of
Texas. Moist air often flows in from the Gulf of Mexico and ascends over the
escarpment. Heavy rain and flash flooding is often attributed to the terrain
and urban areas.
Alli investigated two flash flood cases and used a forecast model to try to
determine how important the Balcones Escarpment is in determing the rainfall
intensity and location of heavy rain events in South Central Texas. Her
research poster is here:
The effect of the Balcones
Escarpment on forecasting major South Central Texas rainfall events.
Alli calls Miami, Florida her hometown. She enjoys running, exploring the
outdoors, baking, and attending school sporting events and concerts.
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