Kevin Brinson

A comparison of extreme precipitation event frequency and magnitude using a high‐resolution rain gage network and NOAA Atlas 14 across Delaware

2020

Extreme precipitation events are arguably one of the most important natural hazards in many areas of the globe, impacting nearly every societal sector. In the Northeastern United States, extreme precipitation events have been shown to be increasing with several recent events garnering national attention (i.e., Ellicott City Maryland 2018; Tropical Storm Lee 2011). The NOAA Atlas 14 product is the nation's standard for estimating the magnitude and frequency of site‐specific extreme precipitation events, containing both precipitation frequency estimates, as well as associated confidence intervals. The Atlas uses surface stations, primarily from the National Weather Service Cooperative Observer Program, and statistical methodologies to provide point‐based precipitation exceedance probability estimates for several durations and potential recurrence intervals.

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Toward the standardization of mesoscale meteorological networks

2020

Although they share many common qualities in design and operation, mesonetworks across the United States were established independently and organically over the last several decades. In numerous instances, the unique ways each network matured and developed new protocols has led to important lessons learned. These experiences have been shared in informal ways among various network operators over the years to promote reliable operation. As existing networks begin to introduce new sensors and technologies, and as new networks come online, there is a common need for guidance on best practices. This paper aims to formally provide recommendations to improve and harmonize the various aspects of operating a “mesonet,” including siting, sensors, maintenance, quality assurance, and data processing.

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Influence of synoptic weather conditions on atmometers on the Delmarva Peninsula, USA

2023

Reference evapotranspiration data from atmometers at three locations on the Delmarva Peninsula (USA) were compared to Penman-Monteith reference evapotranspiration (ETo) data across two growing seasons. Atmometer reference evapotranspiration (ETa) was found to underestimate ETo by 22.8% in 2016 and 30.4% in 2017. Stepwise linear regression was used to examine the relationship between both ET datasets and local meteorological conditions measured by Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS) mesonet stations that were co-located with the atmometers. Variability of ETa and ETo are well explained (R2 equal to 0.890 and 0.956, respectively) by a combination of meteorological variables, though the R2 in 2017 (R2 = 0.754) was notably lower than in 2016 (R2 = 0.890).

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“Implementation of an Operational Low-cost Flood Sensing System in Delaware,”

Delaware Dept. of Transportation

3/6/23 – 8/31/24

"Life-Cycle Assessment Sustainability Framework for Transportation Infrastructure in Delaware"

Delaware Dept. of Transportation

9/26/23 – 9/25/25

“Improved Usability of the Delaware Irrigation Management System”

Delaware Dept. of Agriculture

10/1/23 – 6/30/24

Special Service Award, National Weather Service

2015

University of North Carolina Asheville

BS

Atmospheric Science

2002

University of Delaware

MS

Geography

2006

University of Delaware

PhD

Climatology

2023

“Weather Decision Support in Agriculture in Delaware”

(2018) 24th Annual Mid-Atlantic Crop Management School  Ocean City, MD

“A Comparison of Extreme Precipitation Event Frequency and Magnitude Using a HighResolution Rain Gauge Network and NOAA Atlas 14 across Delaware”

(2019) AASC Annual Meeting  Santa Rosa, CA

“Estimating Irrigated Water Usage in Delaware”

(2022) AASC Annual Meeting  Durham, NH