SOIL 415 & on Zoom
Join us Wednesdays at 3:30 for our fall departmental seminar series. This week's guest is Kenneth Blumenfeld, PhD, Senior Climatologist at the Minnesota State Climatology Office.
Title: "Understanding Hydroclimatic Changes in Minnesota"
Abstract: In the past several decades, Minnesota has experienced trends towards increased precipitation, more intense rain and snow events, along with substantial warming, especially during winter and at night. Winter rain is now more common than at any other time on record, which, combined with warmer winters and despite general increases in seasonal snowfall, has decreased the average depth and duration of snow cover. Significant dry spells during the early 2020s (so far) have marked a major shift from the record wetness of the 2010s, but without reversing ongoing trends towards more precipitation and towards decreased frequency, severity, and areal extent of drought. All of these changes, trends, and patterns only become more complicated upon deeper examination, with a few examples provided during the seminar.
Dr. Kenneth (“Kenny”) Blumenfeld is a climate scientist who grew up in Minnesota with a love for storms, blizzards, and being outside. He works for the Minnesota State Climatology Office (DNR ), where he provides the state’s agencies, communities, and citizens with updated and relevant information about Minnesota’s changing and variable climate. He also holds an adjunct appointment with the University of Minnesota Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, works closely with the Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership and with others in the department and in Extension who use climate data and information. Kenny enjoys talking to Minnesotans about their weather, and often does it long after the workday is done.