Flooding in Hazard, KY
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Sophomore
Major
Geology
Minor
Cell Biology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Haluk Cetin
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Flooding is a brutal and costly disaster and is becoming more common each year in Kentucky. In Hazard, KY there was a recent major flooding event, in February 15-16th of 2025. During the flood in Hazard, KY about 2.5 inches of rainfall. Within the mountainous regions of Eastern Kentucky, they are prone to flash floods and major damage. In this project I use a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) to show low elevation areas at high-risk for flooding. I then looked at historic crest in the North Fork Kentucky River and created a graph showing the trend in crest height, as well as, what occurred during the time of each crest. Then I use graphs made by NOAA to explain how severe storms and flooding have become more prevalent because of climate change. Overall, I found that climate change does increase the severity of storms which then leads to other disasters such as flooding. In Hazard where it might have once just been a storm has become much more severe due to climate change and the rapid heating of our planet.
Fall Scholars Week 2025
Earth and Environmental Sciences Poster Session
Flooding in Hazard, KY
Flooding is a brutal and costly disaster and is becoming more common each year in Kentucky. In Hazard, KY there was a recent major flooding event, in February 15-16th of 2025. During the flood in Hazard, KY about 2.5 inches of rainfall. Within the mountainous regions of Eastern Kentucky, they are prone to flash floods and major damage. In this project I use a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) to show low elevation areas at high-risk for flooding. I then looked at historic crest in the North Fork Kentucky River and created a graph showing the trend in crest height, as well as, what occurred during the time of each crest. Then I use graphs made by NOAA to explain how severe storms and flooding have become more prevalent because of climate change. Overall, I found that climate change does increase the severity of storms which then leads to other disasters such as flooding. In Hazard where it might have once just been a storm has become much more severe due to climate change and the rapid heating of our planet.