Masters Theses

Date of Award

8-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Geography

Major Professor

Karen E. King

Committee Members

Kelsey N. Ellis, Anna E. Marshall, Gabe Schwartzman

Abstract

Changes to the frequency and severity of hydrologic extremes, such as flooding, are among the greatest threats that rural, mountainous communities in the southeastern United States face due to anthropogenic climate change. In July 2022, southeastern Kentucky experienced a deadly flood event in which 13 counties declared a state of emergency. Despite the high prevalence of flood-related hazards in this region, instrumental records of hydrologic extremes are spatially and temporally limited. However, evaluating biological and cultural records can help reduce uncertainties about long-term environmental change and inform future strategies for mitigating climate-related hazards. In the project presented below, I demonstrate how tree-ring data and oral histories can be used together to lengthen the time scale of climate information for a rural region in eastern Kentucky: the lower Kentucky River Basin. This research extends understanding of hydroclimate changes using methods that offer a valuable supplement to the short-term observational records typically used to assess climate change and its impacts. By reconstructing past flood events and streamflow variability using a mixed-methods approach, this project aims to improve risk assessments and provide communities with critical insights into how their hydroclimate has changed over time. Combining tree-ring data with oral history offers a more complete picture of long-term climate variability, helping Appalachian communities better prepare for future hazards. Results demonstrate the successful application of a network of precipitation-sensitive tree-ring data for reconstructing water-year streamflow from 1539–2022 CE. These estimates provide insight into the frequency and severity of flooding beyond the limits of instrumental records. Qualitative data from oral history interviews highlight community experiences and observations of flooding and climate-related hazards. Together, these findings show the value of integrating ecological and cultural records to understand environmental change and its impacts on vulnerable communities. This work also highlights the utility of mixed methods to address temporal and contextual data gaps and reduce uncertainty. Lastly, I frame this research within a critical physical geography lens, remaining aware of my positionality and reflecting on power dynamics, community engagement, and the potential for research to unintentionally replicate extractive practices.

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