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Volcanic Ash: Introduction
Provides a concise introduction to volcanic ash through the examples of the Mt. Pinatubo and Eyjafjallajökull eruptions. This is the introduction to a four-part series on Volcanic Ash.
Flash Flood Processes: International Edition
Flash floods can occur in nearly any area of the world. A rainfall-induced flash flood is a truly hydrometeorological event: one that depends on both hydrologic and meteorological conditions. Forecasting flash floods involves a detailed understanding of the local hydrologic features and continual monitoring of the current meteorological situation. This module examines both the hydrologic and meteorological processes that often contribute to the development of flash flooding. Common tools and technologies that are used in flash flood monitoring and forecasting, from manual gauging systems to co ...
Flood Forecasting Case Study: International Edition
This module allows users to explore the flood forecasting process by assuming the role of a visiting hydrologist intern at the National Hydrologic Service in Main Country. Fictional senior hydrologists guide the intern through an idealized flooding event that takes place over Main Country's Mainstem river basin and its tributary basins, each with varying landscapes and observation systems. Users will examine how these variations impact the quality and type of forecast that can be achieved. Users will also learn about common problems encountered in flood forecasting, and how to adjust forecasts ...
Flash Flood Early Warning System Reference Guide
The Flash Flood Warning System Reference Guide is intended to promote the implementation of flash flood early warning systems based upon proven and effective methods already in use in flash-flood prone nations around the world. Both governmental and non-governmental decision makers can use it to better understand flash floods and the elements that constitute a robust, end-to-end flash flood early warning system. The guide includes chapters on Flash Flood Science, Flash Flood Forecasting Methods, Monitoring Networks, Technology Infrastructure, Warning Dissemination and Notification, and Communi ...
Introduction to Tropical Meteorology, 2nd Edition, Chapter 3: Global Circulation
The chapter begins with a review of the general principles of atmospheric motion including scale analysis of tropical motions. An overview of the general circulation of the atmosphere and ocean is presented including stratospheric general circulation. Special emphasis is given to the Hadley circulation including its maintenance, seasonal migration, northern and southern hemispheric differences, and the contrast between tropical and midlatitude wind systems. Tropical circulations are examined in a theoretical framework as responses to heating at the equator. Regional monsoons, their conceptual ...
Volcanic Ash: Volcanism
This module is the second in the four-part Volcanic Ash series. It provides information about the geological, and geophysical processes related to volcanic activity and volcanic ash in the atmosphere and on the ground. It discusses four types of volcanic eruptions and describes six major volcanic hazards: Tephra Pyroclastic flow Lahar Lava flow Volcanic gas Tsunami
Flood Management Tool Series, Technical Document, 12. Management of Sediment-Related Risks
Sediment-related disasters, which are caused by debris flows, slope failures and landslides, have different characteristics from water-related disasters. That is, disasters sites, timing of occurence, and hazard levels are difficult to predict accurately. This Tool explains practical approaches of identifying debris flows and landslides areas and introduces good practices of mitigation measures to minimize human loss. For example, disaster prevention maps containing hazard areas, sage refuges and evacuation routes are as essential and effective means as flood hazard maps.
Flood Management Tool Series, Technical Document, 11. Flood Emergency Planning
This tool provides basic information on preparation and implementation of flood emergency management, which breaks down into three stages: preparedness, response, and recovery. By reducing exposure to flooding at each stage, flood emergency management contributes to flood risk reduction, which is an important objective of Integrated Flood Management. To this end, flood hazard maps help users understand hazard information through the process of planning, preparing and responding to flood. Emergency exercises (e.g. role playing drill) also strengthen stakeholders’ capacity to smoothly conduct em ...
Flood Management Tool Series, Technical Document, 10. IFM as an Adaptation Tool for Climate Change: Case Studies
This Tool introduces strategies for climate change adaption and implementation of the strategies in the context of flood management. Nine case studies are extracted from the following countries and a regional organization, namely US, UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Japan, China, South Korea, and EU. The adaptation strategies are described especially from the point of flood risk assessment. Based on the projected impacts of climate change, each country formulates their own adaption measures and designates responsible agencies for their implementation.
Flood Management Tool Series, Technical Document, 05. Reservoir Operations and Managed Flows
This tool aims to provide guidance for reservoir operations and managing flows that optimize the benefits from ecosystems in the flood plains and socio-economic activities on those. It provides guidance on the issues that need to be addressed in designing and operating reservoirs to meet the requirements of various users and uses along with the ecological needs . The tool highlights various aspects of reservoir operation and discusses possibilities how flows can be managed successfully to minimize their adverse impacts. As this tool exists in the second edition, it has been revised in order to ...
Diagnosis of September-November Droughts/Floods over Uganda and the associated circulation anomalies
Uganda has experienced a number of extreme weather and climate events in the form of floods and droughts. In a number of cases, flood events associated with heavy rainfall have been followed immediately by droughts that tend to persist for several seasons. These events have always had devastating impacts on various sectors of the country's economy. The impacts include destruction of infrastructure, loss of life and property and many other far reaching socio-economic impacts. The impact of these extreme events can be greatly reduced through good understanding of previous climatic events and the ...
United Nations Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction (GAR 2011)
United Nations, 2011The 2011 Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction was prepared while disasters have continued to wipe out the lives and livelihoods of millions. The impacts of the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti in January 2010 and floods in Pakistan in July 2010 show how disaster risk and poverty are closely interlinked. Meanwhile, in 2011, floods in Australia, the earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, and the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster wreaking havoc in north-eastern Japan as this report goes to press are a stark reminder that developed countries are also very exposed. Less visi ...
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الدليل المنزلي = Lebanon disaster guide
UN/ISDR, 2011This disaster preparedness guide provides general information to help general public prepare for natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, land slides, storms, floods and fires. The booklet gives a brief orientation on what to do before, during and after a disaster strikes and identifies useful procedures and emergency tools that can be used in the event of an emergency.
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Planning and costing adaptation of perennial crop farming systems to climate change: Coffee and banana in Rwanda
The study objective of evaluating and costing the most suitable climate change adaptation measures responding to the Rwandan Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy, 2008-2012, in which climate change and its adverse impacts were recently identified as a high priority. The EDPRS highlights the establishment of criteria for secure settlements in the areas that are exposed to meteorological hazards, as well as the development and implementation of early warning systems to improve drought and food security. This study has particularly focused on coffee and banana farming systems and a ...
A preliminary analysis of flood and storm disaster data in Viet Nam
This research paper aims to provide a brief overview of the frequency, distribution and impact of floods and storms in Viet Nam through a preliminary analysis of the historical disaster damage and loss database over the past twenty years. It is a first attempt to describe a number of spatial disaster patterns and trends over time in Viet Nam. It strongly makes the case for more in-depth spatial, temporal and geographical analysis of disaster patterns and trends combined with practical policy recommendations. The paper also highlights the need for disaggregated data up to district level for mor ...
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Integrated Urban Flood Management Manual
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) ; Global Water Partnership (GWP); United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) - WMO, 2011This training manual addresses a broad spectrum of relevant issues in this emerging field of integrated urban flood management. It is expected to provide course participants and practitioners with best practice concepts and application with the intention to further inform and engage stakeholders in promoting integrated and cooperative approaches in water management in general. The manual integrates expertise from disciplines such as hydrology, sociology, economics, architecture, urban design, construction and water resources engineering and management. The subject is approached from an interna ...
Introduction to disaster risk reduction
This document gives an introduction to the concepts related to disaster risk reduction (DRR): disaster, risk, hazard, vulnerability, copying capacity, resilience, emergency and disaster management, DRR and disaster risk management. It describes the interaction between hazards, vulnerability and disaster risk, then presents a detailed explanation of these concepts. It also introduces a framework for DRR and addresses cross-cutting issues such as development, governance, gender and climate change adaptation.
A disaster resilient future: mobilising communities and institutions for effective disaster risk reduction - Baseline study for the sixth DIPECHO action plan
NARRI, 2011This study intends to identify the baseline reference points to depict the existing scenario of the community people in light of all the indicators set forth in the sixth DIPECHO Action Plan for South Asia in Bangladesh undertaken by NARRI Consortium. It clusters three zones based on prominent hazards and highlights significant differences in the knowledge and practice of preparedness and mitigation measures, awareness and responses to warning signals in cyclone, flood-prone and earthquake prone areas. The study presents a set of recommendations in order to strengthen the programme and project ...
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Policy Research Working Paper, 5617. How economic growth and rational decisions can make disaster losses grow faster than wealth
Assuming that capital productivity is higher in areas at risk from natural hazards (such as coastal zones or flood plains), this paper shows that rapid development in these areas -- and the resulting increase in disaster losses -- may be the consequence of a rational and well-informed trade-off between lower disaster losses and higher productivity. With disasters possibly becoming less frequent but increasingly destructive in the future, average disaster losses may grow faster than wealth. Myopic expectations, lack of information, moral hazard, and externalities reinforce the likelihood of thi ...
Health response to the earthquake in Haiti - January 2010 : lessons to be learned for the next massive sudden-onset disaster
This book presents lessons to be learned from Haiti with the aim of improving the health sector’s response in major, sudden-onset disasters in the future. It also identifies opportunities provided by the disaster for making significant changes in health services in Haiti. One of the key lessons of the Haiti tragedy is that coordination can only be effective where national authorities are equipped to assume leadership and establish relief and recovery priorities.
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Land, Water, and Forests: Assets for Climate resilient Development in Africa
GEF, 2011One third of all African people live today in drought-prone areas, and 250 million are exposed to drought every year. "Land, Water, and Forests" is a publication that covers the topics of land degradation, deforestation, desertification and water scarcity in the cases of the Congo Basin, Lake Chad and the Sahel region.
Children and disasters: building resilience through education
UN/ISDR, 2011This publication focuses on the importance of education in disaster prevention and makes recommendations on how to support and build on local and national initiatives to reduce the risk of disasters through education. It provides a brief overview of major hazards and disaster risks in Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States. It presents a snapshot of national disaster risk reduction structures and key legislations. It also briefly outlines disaster risk reduction activities related to education undertaken by national agencies and activities by UNISDR and UNICEF.
Drought vulnerability in the Arab region: case study - Drought in Syria, ten years of scarce water (2000-2010)
UN/ISDR, 2011This report addresses drought, which is considered the major disaster occurring in the Arab region, where the total people affected between the years 1970-2009 by drought is of about 38.09 million. The report focuses on Syria, considered one of the most economically affected countries by drought in the region. The case study provides information on historical droughts in the country between 2000-2010, including data on frequency, vulnerabilities and lessons learned with drought impacts.
Regional workshop on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in urban settings : from theory to practice
Aragón-Durand Fernando; Adaptation Fund Board (AFB); European Commission ; et al. - European Commission, 2011These proceedings outline the outcomes and conclusions of the regional workshop addressing disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, inlcuding: panel discussions on a) Governability and development planning, b) Risk reduction measures and climate change adaptation, c) Post-disaster recovery; a field visit to the landslide risk areas in Tegucigalpa City; round-tables on experiences and lessons corresponding to the three discussion panels that were carried out in the City of Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
Assessement of selected global models in short range forecasting over West Africa: case study of Senegal
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) ; ANAMS ; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - WMO, 2011Severe weather events in West Africa are associated mainly with meso-scale thunderstorms and squall lines. Forecasting such severe weather to reduce the risk of hazards is one of the challenges faced by many met services. However, the recent progress in the area of numerical weather prediction has enabled some countries to forecast these events in a better way.
Due to lack of capacity, many of the West African countries were not able to use numerical weather prediction systems effectively in their day to day forecasting activities. The CPC/African Desk has been playing big role in buil ...
Contributions by the World Meteorological Organization to the Millenium Development Goals
For developing countries, particularly LDCs (Least Developed Countries), this publication provides guidelines on enhancing the contribution of WMO and NMHSs (National Meteorological and Hydrological Services) to the achievement of the MDGs (Millenium Development Goals). Benefiting from the GFCS (Global Framework for Climate Services), NMHSs should be encouraged to use these guidelines, among others, to mainstream their activities, including generation and effective delivery of relevant weather-, climate- and water-related information and services into national sustainable development strategie ...
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UN/ISDR Briefing Note, 04. Effective measures to build resilience in Africa to adapt to climate change
UN/ISDR, 2011
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Climate Change and Environmental Risk Atlas
UNFCCC, 2011Maplecroftís Climate Change and Environmental Risk Atlas provides analysis of the key risks to business in the four areas of: climate change vulnerability and adaptation; emissions and energy use; environmental regulation; and ecosystem services. Interactive maps and indices enable the identification, evaluation and comparison of risks, whilst subnational maps pinpoint vulnerability down to a 25km² scale.
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Weather Index Insurance for drought risk in Thailand
UNFCCC, 2011Since 2007 Sompo Japan has been carrying out research on risk finance methods to respond to climate change together with organizations including Japan Bank for International Cooperation. As a result, Sompo Japan began offering Weather Index Insurance in Khon Kaen Province in northeast Thailand in January 2010. This product, which is one method of adaptation to climate change, aims to reduce damage caused by droughts for rice farmers who rely heavily on rainfall, by linking compensation to precipitation.
Des économies vertes aux sociétés vertes - L'engagement de l'UNESCO pour le développement durable
UNESCO, 2011UNESCO’s recently published report “From Green Economies to Green Societies” serves as an important contribution to the preparatory process of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio +20), to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 4-6 June 2012. It provides the Organization’s vision for Rio+20 and gives concrete examples demonstrating the Organization’s work to promote sustainable development. It also provides a roadmap for future action on how to build equitable, inclusive, green societies through education, the sciences, culture and communication and information.”
From Green Economies to Green Societies: UNESCO's Commitment to Sustainable Development
UNESCO, 2011UNESCO’s recently published report “From Green Economies to Green Societies” serves as an important contribution to the preparatory process of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio +20), to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 4-6 June 2012. It provides the Organization’s vision for Rio+20 and gives concrete examples demonstrating the Organization’s work to promote sustainable development. It also provides a roadmap for future action on how to build equitable, inclusive, green societies through education, the sciences, culture and communication and information.”
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Children and Climate Change: Children’s Vulnerability to Climate Change and Disaster Impacts in East Asia and the Pacific
UNICEF, 2011
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White Paper | Science and Impacts Program. Extreme Weather and Climate Change : understanding the Link, Managing the Risk
Typically, climate change is described in terms of average changes in temperature or precipitation, but most of the social and economic costs associated with climate change will result from shifts in the frequency and severity of extreme events.[1] This fact is illustrated by a large number of costly weather disasters in 2010, which tied 2005 as the warmest year globally since 1880.[2] Incidentally, both years were noted for exceptionally damaging weather events, such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the deadly Russian heat wave in 2010. Other remarkable events of 2010 include Pakistan’s bigge ...
TCP. WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones - Thirty-eighth session : final report
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) ; Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) - WMO, 2011
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The impact of climate change on global tropical storm damages
This paper constructs an integrated assessment model of tropical cyclones in order to quantify the impact that climate change may have on tropical cyclone damages in countries around the world. The paper relies on a tropical cyclone generator in each ocean and several climate models to predict tropical cyclones with and without climate change. A damage model is constructed to compute the resulting damage when a cyclone strikes each country. Economic development is expected to double global tropical cyclone damages because more will be in harm's way. Climate change is expected to double global ...
AGM, 12. Towards a compendium on national drought policy : proceedings of an expert meeting
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) ; George Mason University ; Environmental Science and Technology Center (ESTC); et al. - WMO, 2011Droughts produce a large number of socio-economic impacts which may arise from the interaction between natural conditions and human factors. There is growing evidence that the frequency and extent of drought has increased as a result of global warming. Some information on the current droughts in 2011 around the world in the Horn of Africa, China, Texas in the US, and England and Wales is presented. The context of current droughts calls for pro-active future actions to cope with droughts. National governments must adopt policies that engender cooperation and coordination at all levels ...
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Tenth Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 10) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) - Summary report
IISD, 2011
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Global Drylands : a UN system-wide response
United Nations, 2011More than two billion people depend on the world’s arid and semi-arid lands. Preventing land degradation and supporting sustainable development in drylands has major implications for food security, climate change and human settlement. This report, issued at the beginning of the United Nations Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification, sets out a shared strategy by UN agencies to rise to the challenge of addressing the special needs of these vital zones. Our focus is twofold: tackling the underlying causes of land degradation, and strengthening the capacity of dryland populations ...
Challenges in Estimating and Understanding Recent Changes in the Frequency and Intensity of Extreme Climate and Weather Events
This paper briefly reviews some aspects of the current status of research on changes in climate extremes, identifying gaps and issues that warrant additional work. This paper focuses primarily on the historical instrumental record, giving a sense of the nature of the results that have been obtained, challenges that arise from observational, methodological and climate modelling uncertainties and discussing the extent to which detection and attribution research has been able to link observed changes to external forcing of the climate system. It also very briefly discusses projections for the 21s ...
Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction in Europe : a review of Risk Governance
UN/ISDR, 2011This study aims to analyse climate related disasters risk reduction governance in the European context. There will be a particular focus on the flow of information from researchers to policy makers and the way in which the decision-making process in climate adaptation and risk reduction is commonly managed. The study will confine itself to Europe and will look into practical cases of European regional and national adaptation strategies. It will also investigate specific projects and initiatives addressing Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
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Pastoral pathways : climate change adaptation lessons from Ethiopia
A key aim of the Norwegian Development Fund is to increase the adaptive capacity of marginalised rural poor farmers and pastoralists in the South. The focus country of this project study, Ethiopia, has a legacy of variable and unpredictable rainfall, causing frequent droughts and heavy floods, undermining local as well as national food and water security. The analysis in this paper is based mainly on interview data collected in two sites in Afar as well as insights from past studies in the region as documented in published literature. Some of the key issues identified for Afar are followed u ...
Attribution of Weather and Climate-Related Extreme Events
Unusual or extreme weather and climate-related events are of great public concern and interest, yet there are often conflicting messages from scientists about whether such events can be linked to climate change. There is clear evidence that climate has changed as a result of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, and that across the globe some aspects of extremes have changed as a result. But this does not imply that the probability of occurrence (or, given a fixed damage, risk) of a specific type of recently observed weather or climate event has changed significantly as a result of human in ...
WorldRiskReport 2011 : Focus - Governance and civil society
United Nations, 2011Earthquakes, floods, droughts, storms: disasters seem to occur unexpectedly and with unimaginable force. But why do some countries better succeed than others to cope with extreme natural events? The WorldRiskReport 2011 helps to evaluate the vulnerability of societies to natural hazards. On behalf of Alliance Development Works, UNU-EHS has developed the WorldRiskIndex and calculated risk values for 173 countries worldwide.
Manual on flood forecasting and warning
The Manual on Flood Forecasting and Warning provides the basic knowledge and guidance to develop or to set up an appropriate and tailored system for any case in which a flood forecasting and warning system is required. The aim is to provide a succinct but comprehensive overview of the basic knowledge and information that the relevant personnel of the National Meteorological or Hydrometeorological Services or other flood management service should require.
At the crossroads : climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in Asia and the Pacific
UN/ISDR, 2011This report was prepared to provide a snapshot of how disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) are undertaken and integrated, if at all, in the Asia Pacific region. It does so by taking stock of past and ongoing regional initiatives and by looking into the role of certain organizations in the implementation process. It also discusses key developments in three areas—political, policy and institutional—which are instrumental in facilitating the integration of DRR and CCA agendas in the region. Concluding remarks and next steps to push the integration forward are presente ...
Environment and security in the AMU Darya Basin
UNEP, 2011The report highlights water, agriculture, energy and climate change issues in Central Asia’s Amu Darya River Basin.
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Third Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction : summary of Meeting
IISD, 2011On Friday, 13 May, Margareta Wahlström, UN Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, introduced in plenary the Chair's Summary, which highlighted the consensus points from the discussions that had taken place over the course of the week. She said the next challenge is to assist countries and communities in implementing disaster risk reduction.
United Nations Global Assessment Report on Risk Reduction
United Nations, 2011The Report is the second biennial global assessment of disaster risk reduction prepared in the context of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR). The ISDR, launched in 2000, provides a framework to coordinate actions to address disaster risks at the local, national, regional and international levels. The Hyogo Framework for Action for Action 2005-2015 (HFA), endorsed by 168 UN member states at the World Conference on Disaster Reduction in Kobe, Japan in 2005, urges all countries to make major efforts to reduce their disaster risk by 2015
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AGM, 11. Agricultural drought indices : proceedings of an expert meeting
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) ; Motha Raymond P.; Wilhite Donald A.; et al. - WMO, 2011 (WMO/TD-No. 1572)The Murcia Expert Meeting is based on the outcomes of the Regional Workshop on Indices and Early Warning Systems for Drought which was held at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in December, 2009. At the Lincoln workshop, drought experts examined what indices are used for meteorological, agricultural and hydrological drought and developed the Lincoln Declaration on Drought Indices. There was a consensus agreement that the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) should be used to characterize meteorological droughts by all NMHSs around the world. Several other of the recommendations formt eh Lin ...
Weather extremes in a changing climate : hindsight on foresight
Devastating climate and weather-related events recorded in recent years have captured public interest. This brochure provides a sample of extreme events for the past decade (2001-2010), including an A3 map, and reviews whether these extreme events are consistent with scientific assessments of climate.
Global Risks 2011 Sixth Edition : an initiative of the Risk Response Network
World Economic Forum, 2011There are three “clusters” of risks that will create significant liabilities during the coming decade, according to the report, which was compiled after a survey of about 580 respondents and will form a starting point for risk-based discussions at the upcoming WEF meeting of global business and political leaders at Davos and Klosters, Switzerland, later this month.
Those clusters are macroeconomic risks, including unfunded social liabilities and weak financial markets; the illegal economy, including organized crime and corruption; and limits to growth caused by lack of resources ...
Manuel sur la prévision et l'annonce des crues
Le Manuel sur la prévision et l’annonce des crues présente les éléments de connaissance et d’orientation indispensables au développement ou à la création d’un système approprié et adapté, quel que soit le cas où un système de prévision et d’annonce de crues s’impose. Il propose un tour d’horizon, à la fois succinct et fouillé, des connaissances et des renseignements dont pourrait avoir besoin le personnel compétent des Services météorologiques et hydrologiques nationaux ou d’autres services de gestion des crues. Il s’appuie sur les résultats d’importantes missions de recherche et de consultati ...
Contributions de l'Organisation météorologique mondiale aux objectifs du millénaire pour le développement
Pour les pays en développement, en particulier les PMA (Pays les moins avancés), cette publication fournit des lignes directrices visant à renforcer la contribution de l'OMM et des SMHN (Services météorologiques et hydrologiques nationaux) à la réalisation des OMD (Objectifs du Millénaire pour le développement). Bénéficiant du CMSC (Cadre mondial pour les services climatologiques), les SMHN devraient être encouragés à se fonder sur ces lignes directrices pour notamment inscrire leurs activités, y compris la production et la fourniture effective d'informations et de services météorologiques, ...
Экстремальные явления погоды в условиях изменяющегося климата : От ретроспективы к предвидению
Связанные с погодой и климатом разрушительные события, зарегистриро-ванные в последние годы, привлекли внимание широкой общественности, правительств и средств массовой информации. В настоящей брошюре приводится ряд примеров экстремальных явлений, произошедших за по- следнее десятилетие (2001-2010 гг.). Некоторые из этих явлений были сравнимы с наиболее значительными событиями прошлых лет или превос- ходили их по интенсивности, продолжительности или географической про- тяженности.
Los extremos meteorológicos y el cambio climático : retrospectiva de las predicciones
Ciertos fenómenos climáticos y meteorológicos devastadores registrados en los últimos años han atraído la atención del público en general, de los gobiernos y de los medios de comunicación. En el presente folleto se ofrece una muestra de los fenómenos extremos des último decenio (2001-2010). Algunos de ellos han sido equiparables -o más graves incluso en intensidad, duración o extensión geográfica- a los históricamente más importantes.
Extrêmes météorologiques et changements climatiques : retour sur les projections
Les catastrophes d’origine climatique et météorologique qui secouent la planète depuis quelques années attirent l’attention du public, des gouvernements et des médias. La présente brochure donne un aperçu des phénomènes extrêmes qui ont eu lieu au cours de la dernière décennie (2001–2010). Certains se comparent aux événements les plus importants survenus dans l’histoire, voire les dépassent en intensité, durée ou étendue.
Manual sobre predicción y avisos de crecidas
El Manual sobre predicción y avisos de crecidas ofrece los conocimientos y la orientación básicos necesarios para elaborar o implantar un sistema de predicción y aviso de crecidas adecuado y adaptado a cada situación. El objetivo es describir, de manera resumida pero completa, la información y los conocimientos básicos que debe tener el personal competente de los Servicios Meteorológicos e Hidrológicos Nacionales u otro servicio de gestión de crecidas. El Manual se basa en la información más reciente obtenida en actividades de primera línea de investigación y asesoría de todo el mundo e incluy ...
تقرير التقييم العاملي بشأن احلد من خماطر الكوارث لعام2011 :الكشف عن املخاطر وإعادة تعريف التنمية
الأمم المتحدة, 2011إن اإلصدار الثاني من تقرير التقييم العاملي بشأن احلد من مخاطر الكوارث الصادر عن األمم املتحدة يعتبر مصدراً لفهم وحتليل اخملاطر العاملية للكوارث في احلاضر واملستقبل. وتواصل الكوارث الكبيرة والصغيرة، من كارثة زلزال هايتي في يناير/كانون الثاني 2010 لتأثيرات الفيضانات األخيرة في بلدان مثل بنني والبرازيل، توضيح العالقة الوثيقة بني الكوارث والفقر
Informe de evaluación global sobre la reducción del riesgo de desastres (GAR 2011) : revelar el riesgo, replantear el desarrollo
Naciones Unidas, 2011Esta segunda edición del Informe de evaluación global sobre la reducción del riesgo de desastres de las Naciones Unidas proporciona un recurso para comprender y analizar el riesgo global de desastres hoy y en el futuro. Los desastres grandes y pequeños, desde la catástrofe de Haití en enero de 2010 hasta los impactos recientes de las inundaciones en países como Benín o Brasil, siguen demostrando la estrecha relación que existe entre los desastres y la pobreza.
Indicadores de riesgo de desastre y gestión de riesgos: El Salvador
IDB, 2011Este documento contiene los indicadores de riesgos de desastres y gestión del riesgo calculados para El Salvador (IDD, IVP, IDL e IGR) según la metodología desarrollada por el Banco. Este documento se refiere forma el Sistema de Indicadores cubre diferentes perspectivas de la problemática de riesgos de El Salvador y tiene en cuenta aspectos como: condiciones de daño o pérdidas potenciales debido a la probabilidad de eventos extremos, desastres o efectos sufridos de manera recurrente, condiciones socio-ambientales que facilitan que se presenten desastres, capacidad de recuperación macroeconómic ...
Informe especial del IPCC. Gestión de los riesgos de fenómenos meteorológicos extremos y desastres para mejorar la adaptación al cambio climático: resumen para responsables de políticas
Organización Meteorológica Mundial (OMM); Panel Intergubernamental sobre Cambio Climático (IPCC); Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo (PNUD) - IPCC, 2011
Rapport spécial du GIEC. Gestion des risques de catastrophes et de phénomènes extrêmes pour les besoins de l'adaptation au changement climatique: résumé à l'intention des décideurs
Organisation météorologique mondiale (OMM); Groupe d'Experts Intergouvernemental sur l'Evolution du Climat (GIEC); Programme des Nations Unies pour l'environnement (PNUE) - GIEC, 2011
Réduction des risques de catastrophe: Bilan mondial (GAR 2011)
Nations Unies, 2011La deuxième édition du Bilan mondial sur la réduction des risques de catastrophe des Nations Unies est une ressource permettant de comprendre et d’analyser les risques de catastrophe à l’échelle mondiale aujourd’hui et à l’avenir. Des catastrophes plus ou moins graves, du séisme survenu en Haïti en janvier 2010 aux impacts récents des inondations dans des pays comme le Bénin ou le Brésil, continuent à mettre en évidence les rapports étroits entre les catastrophes et la pauvreté.
Управление рисками экстремальных явлений и бедствий для содействия адаптации к изменению климата: Резюме для политиков
IPCC, 2011
UNESCO 2010
UNESCO, 2011
UNESCO 2010
UNESCO, 2011
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- Winter 2009/2010 - Climate change: looking beyong Copenhagen
is an issue of Options. IIASA, 2010Contains:
- Cutting emissions by 2020 Pages 16-17
- Energy and climate change Pages 14-15
- Insurance for extreme climatic events Pages 12-13
- Stopping deforestation Pages 9, 21
Development of a Nonhydrostatic Version of the Mesoscale-Convection-Resolving Model and its Application to the Eyewall and Spiral Rainbands of Tropical Cyclones
Journal of the Meteorological Society of Japan, Vol. 88. No 4. Yamasaki Masanori - Meteorological Society of Japan, 2010A numerical model in which the effects of cumulus convection are incorporated as the subgrid-scale and mesoscale organized convection is resolved by the grid (mesoscale-convection-resolving model, MCRM) was developed in the 1980s with an intention of improving the parameterization schemes for moist convection, which had been used since the 1960s. As in many numerical models with parameterization in the 1980s, hydrostatic equilibrium was assumed. The present paper describes a nonhydrostatic version of the MCRM, with some modifications of the subgrid-scale effect formulation used in the hydrosta ...
Terrain Effects on an Afternoon Heavy Rainfall Event, Observed over Northern Taiwan on 20 June 2000 during Monsoon Break
Journal of the Meteorological Society of Japan, Vol. 88. No 4. Chen Ching-Sen; Liu Che-Ling; Yen Ming-Cheng - Meteorological Society of Japan, 2010An afternoon heavy rainfall event in northern Taiwan, observed on June 20, 2000 during the monsoon break, is investigated using surface observation and Doppler radar data and a nonhydrostatic model with a horizontal grid spacing of 1.33 km. Heavy rainfall was brought majorly by two precipitation systems, namely A and B. System A was initiated and developed in Taipei Basin, associated with a local wind convergence line. System B was formed on the western slopes south of Taipei Basin, extended northward of the Taipei Basin, and lasted for 4 h. The formation and maintenance mechanisms of the two ...
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Simulation of the Bare Soil Surface Energy Balance at the Tongyu Reference Site in Semiarid Area of North China
The performance of a 1-D soil model in a semiarid area of North China was investigated using observational data from a cropland station at the Tongyu reference site of the Coordinated Enhanced Observing Period (CEOP) during the non-growing period, when the ground surface was covered with bare soil. Comparisons between simulated and observed soil surface energy balance components as well as soil temperatures and water contents were conducted to validate the soil model. Results show that the soil model could produce good simulations of soil surface temperature, net radiation flux and sensible he ...
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Further Study of Typhoon Tracks and the Low-Frequency (30-60 Days) Wind-Field Pattern at 850 hPa
Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters, Volume 3 Number 6. Tian Hua; Li Chong-Yin - Science Press, 2010The association of typhoon tracks over the western Pacific with the low-frequency wind-field pattern of atmospheric intraseasonal (30-60 days) oscillation at 850 hPa is further studied by using observational data analyses. Comparative analyses of the composite wind fields at 850 hPa, contrasting the atmospheric intraseasonal oscillation (ISO) with the original circulation, show that the typhoon tracks are closely related to the wind pattern of the ISO but are not obviously related to the original wind fields. Case studies of two typhoons in 2006 also show that the low-frequency wind-field patt ...
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Preliminary Study of Sensitive Areas for Several Tropical Cyclone Track Prediction Cases in 2007
Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters, Volume 3 Number 6. Tan Xiao-Wei; Wang Dong-Liang - Science Press, 2010Conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation (CNOP) obtained by the ensemble-based calculation method is employed to find possible sensitive areas for improving 48-h or more than 48-h tropical cyclone (TC) track predictions in several cases affecting China in 2007. These sensitive areas are examined by observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs). Results show that these sensitive areas improve TC track predictions for 48 h or more to different extents. Further analysis is performed to determine the distribution characteristics of sensitive areas in these cases. Results show that areas south ...
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Vol. 88. No 3 - June 2010
is an issue of Journal of the Meteorological Society of Japan. Meteorological Society of Japan, 2010Contains:
- Mechanisms of Temporary Improvement and Rapid Changes in Visibility in Fogs
- Changes in Potential Intensity of Tropical Cyclones Approaching Japan due to Anthropogenic Warming in Sea Surface and Upper-Air Temperatures
- Convective Boundary Layer above a Subtropical Island Observed by C-band Radar and Interpretation using a Cloud Resolving Model
- Role of Large-Scale Circulation in Triggering Foehns in the Hokuriku District of Japan during Midsummer
- Diurnal Variations in Lower-Tropospheric Wind over Japan ...
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Tropical Cyclone Initialization with Dynamical Retrieval from a Modified UWPBL Model
Journal of the Meteorological Society of Japan, Vol.88 No.5. Ma Lei-Ming; Tan Zhe-Min - Meteorological Society of Japan, 2010A new scheme, termed Vortex Initialization with the Assimilation of Retrieved Variables (VIRV), is presented to improve the initialization of regional numerical model for Tropical Cyclone (TC) prediction. In this scheme, the horizontal winds in Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) and the sea level pressure (SLP), retrieved from Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) data obtained using a modified University of Washington Planetary Boundary Layer (UWPBL) model, are assimilated with a cycled three-dimensional variational (3DVAR) technique to produce the initialized analysis. The procedures of retrieval are i ...
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Temporal Variations of the Frontal and Monsoon Storm Rainfall during the First Rainy Season in South China
Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters, Volume 3 Number 5. Yuan Fang; Wei Ke; Chen Wen; et al. - Science Press, 2010The temporal variations in storm rainfall during the first rainy season (FRS) in South China (SC) are investigated in this study. The results show that the inter-annual variations in storm rainfall during the FRS in SC seem to be mainly influenced by the frequency of storm rainfall, while both frequency and intensity affect the inter-decadal variations in the total storm rainfall. Using the definitions for the beginning and ending dates of the FRS, and the onset dates of the summer monsoon in SC, the FRS is further divided into two sub-periods, i.e., the frontal and monsoon rainfall periods. T ...
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A Comparison Study of the Contributions of Additional Observations in the Sensitive Regions Identified by CNOP and FSV to Reducing Forecast Error Variance for the Typhoon Morakot
The sensitive regions of conditional nonlinear optimal perturbations (CNOPs) and the first singular vector (FSV) for a northwest Pacific typhoon case are reported in this paper. A large number of probes have been designed in the above regions and the ensemble transform Kalman filter (ETKF) techniques are utilized to examine which approach can locate more appropriate regions for typhoon adaptive observations. The results show that, in general, the majority of the probes in the sensitive regions of CNOPs can reduce more forecast error variance than the probes in the sensitive regions of FSV. Thi ...
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Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layers Associated with Summer Monsoon Onset over the South China Sea in 1998
Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters, Volume 3 Number 5. Wang Dong-Xiao; Zhou Wen; Yu Xiao-Li; et al. - Science Press, 2010The variations of the marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL) associated with the South China Sea Summer Monsoon were examined using the Global Positioning System (GPS) sounding datasets obtained four times daily during May-June 1998 on board Research Vessels Kexue 1 and Shiyan 3. The MABL height is defined as the height at the lowest level where virtual potential temperature increases by 1 K from the surface. The results indicate that the MABL height decreased over the northern South China Sea (SCS) and remained the same over the southern SCS, as sea surface temperature (SST) fell for the no ...
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Analysis of South Asian Monsoons within the Context of Increasing Regional Black Carbon Aerosols
Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters, Volume 3 Number 4. Mahmood Rashed; Yao Jin-Feng - Science Press, 2010South Asian monsoons were analyzed within the context of increasing emissions of black carbon (BC) aerosols using a global atmospheric general circulation model. The BC aerosols were allowed to increase only over the south Asian domain to analyze the impacts of regional black carbon over the climatological patterns of monsoons. The black carbon significantly absorbed the incoming short wave radiation in the atmosphere, a result that is consistent with previous studies. Pre-monsoon (March-April-May) rainfall showed positive anomalies, particularly for some coastal regions of India. The summer ( ...
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Possible Impact of the Boreal Spring Antarctic Oscillation on the North American Summer Monsoon
This study examined the relationship between the boreal spring (April-May) Antarctic Oscillation (AAO) and the North American summer monsoon (NASM) (July-September) for the period of 1979-2008. The results show that these two systems are closely related. When the spring AAO was stronger than normal, the NASM tended to be weaker, and there was less rainfall over the monsoon region. The opposite NASM situation corresponded to a weaker spring AAO. Further analysis explored the possible mechanism for the delayed impact of the boreal spring AAO on the NASM. It was found that the tropical Atlantic s ...
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Volume 3 Number 4 - 16 July 2010
is an issue of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters. Science Press, 2010
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Volume 3 Number 3 - 16 May 2010
is an issue of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters. Science Press, 2010Contains:
- Analysis of a Beijing Heavy Snowfall Related to an Inverted Trough in November 2009
LI Jin,ZHAO Si-Xiong,YU Fei
- Comparative Studies of Different Mesoscale Convection Parameterization Schemes in the Simulation of Mei-Yu Front Heavy Rain
PING Fan,LUO Zhe-Xian
- An Improved Atmospheric Vector Radiative Transfer Model Incorporating Rough Ocean Boundaries
FAN Xue-Hua,CHEN Hong-Bin,HAN Zhi-Gang,LIN Long-Fu
- A Case Study of the Impacts of Dust Aerosols on Surface Atmospheric Variables and Energy Budgets in ...
Approaches for generating climate change scenarios for use in drought projections : a review
Kirono G.C.; Hennessy Kevin; Mpelasoka Freddie; et al. - Centre for Australian Weather and Climate Research, 2010 (CAWCR Technical Report-No. 034)This report describes approaches used for constructing climate projections from a set of climate model simulations for use in drought projections, particularly in Australia. The description includes the pros and cons of each approach with respect to the calculation process, data that are produced, and discussion of the main sources of uncertainty. Although the main focus is on research and approaches that are applied in Australia, the report also briefly discusses approaches applied elsewhere in the world.
Inaugural Meeting Scientific Advisory Group on Volcanic Ash (VA-SAG) : Final Report
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) ; International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG); International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) - WMO, 2010
5th International Workshop on Volcanic Ash : Report
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) ; International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO); Dirección General de Aeronautica Civil - WMO, 2010
Introduction to Tropical Meteorology, 2nd Edition, Chapter 8: Tropical Cyclones
Tropical cyclones are the deadliest tropical weather systems. This chapter describes their seasonal and geographic variability and controls, decadal cycles, and history of naming conventions. Tropical cyclogenesis is explored in depth and the core and balance solutions for regions of the cyclone are examined. Intensity is considered in terms of inner-core dynamics, large-scale environmental controls, limits on potential intensity, satellite interpretation techniques, and classification by wind speed. Factors that influence motion are investigated. Extratropical transition is described in terms ...
Tsunamis
This lesson introduces the science of tsunamis: their causes, initiation process, properties, propagation, inundation, and long-term effects. Through numerous animations, historical images, video, and interactive exercises, learners discover the ways tsunamis interact with and affect the world. The lesson is intended for Weather Forecast Office staff — particularly National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologists — who desire a better understanding of tsunamis in their role as issuers of tsunami warning-related messages. But it will also benefit anyone wanting to learn more about h ...
Tsunami Warning Systems
Tsunami Warning Systems describes the processes involved in anticipating, detecting, and warning for a tsunami by summarizing data collection, modeling, analysis, and alert procedures used at NOAA's Tsunami Warning Centers. A simulated event and past tsunami occurrences are used to highlight warning system processes for determining the tsunami threat based on seismic and sea level data and tsunami forecast models. Message communication and local response are also addressed as final components of any warning system. The module is intended for Weather Forecast Office staff and emergency managers ...
Distributed Hydrologic Models for Flow Forecasts - Part 2
Distributed Hydrologic Models for Flow Forecasts Part 2 is the second release in a two-part series focused on the science of distributed models and their applicability to different flow forecasting situations. Presented by Dr. Dennis Johnson, the module provides a more detailed look at the processes and mechanisms involved in distributed hydrologic models. It examines the rainfall/runoff component, snowmelt, overland flow routing, and channel response in a basin as represented in a distributed model. Calibration issues and situations in which distributed hydrologic models might be most appropr ...
QPF Verification: Challenges and Tools
This module looks at the common challenges and tools with respect to verification of quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPF). Through the use of rich illustrations, animations, and interactions, this module provides an introduction to a variety of methods and approaches for assessing the quality of QPFs. The module examines the need for, and the challenges of verifying precipitation forecasts. An overview is then presented of three verification programs available to most NWS forecast offices: the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (HPC) verification, the National Precipitation Verificati ...
River Ice Processes - Short Version
This module provides information on flooding associated with river ice jams. Based on a presentation by Dr. Kate White, a nationally-recognized expert on river ice, this webcast explores basic river ice processes including the formation, growth, breakup, and transport of river ice and how it can become jammed, triggering floods. This shorter version of the previously published module "River Ice Processes", has less focus on the US National Weather Service, making it more broadly applicable, including to an international audience.
Community Hurricane Preparedness, 2nd Edition
The purpose of this course is to provide emergency managers who face threats from tropical cyclones and hurricanes with basic information about: How tropical cyclones form The hazards they pose How the NWS forecasts future hurricane behavior What tools and guiding principles can help emergency managers prepare their communities The course is not intended to take the place of courses sponsored by FEMA, the National Hurricane Center, and/or state agencies. However, it will provide a good background for those who either plan to attend those courses or cannot attend them. The original module was p ...
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