Geog 1900: Extreme Weather and Climate
Overview I: Extreme weather and climate
Our planet earth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6D5FwFSOJf8
The earth’s climate systemAtmosphere
Land
Ocean
Sea ice
Some basic concepts
• Atmosphere: A mixture of gas molecules, microscopically small particles of solid and liquid, and falling precipitation
• Meteorology: The study of the atmosphere and the processes that form weather
• Weather: The state of the atmosphere at a given time and place
• Climate: The statistical properties of the atmosphere. (i.e. averages and variability)
The mission of the atmospheric sciences is to understand and predict weather, climate, and
related disasters
Fair weather
Monet: Waterlillies (the clouds) 1903
Sitting and watching clouds passing
Weather-related Disasters: Tropical Cyclones(Hurricanes, Typhoons, Cyclones)
Weather-related Disasters: Tropical Cyclones(Hurricanes, Typhoons, Cyclones)
Global distribution of the paths of major tropical cyclones during the last 150 years. On average, ~ 80 per year around the world.
U.S. Fatalities: normal year 21, Katrina 1836 U.S. Property loss: normal year $5400 million, Katrina $84000 million
Weather-related Disasters: Tornadoes
Global Occurrence of Tornadoes
Weather-related Disasters: Tornadoes U.S. Annual mean fatalities 56,
annual mean loss $777 million
Weather-related Disasters: Winter Storms
Weather-related Disasters: Winter Storms U.S. Annual mean fatalities
57, annual mean loss $329 million
Summary: Weather-related Disasters in US
Hurricanes
Blizzards Extreme cold
Flooding Lightning Fire Tornadoes
Hails
Summary: Weather-related Disasters in US
Climate-related Disasters over the world Example 1: El Nino
Disastrous effects of 1982-1983 El Nino:1.Australia-Drought and devastating brush fires 2.Indonesia, Philippines-Crops fail, starvation follows3.India, Sri Lanka-Drought,fresh water shortages4.Tahiti-6 tropical cyclones5.South America-Fish industry devastated - decrease in nutrients off Peru- fewer fish (anchovy)6.Across the Pacific-Coral reefs die7.Colorado River basin-Flooding, mud slides8.Gulf states-Downpours cause death, property damage9.Peru, Ecuador-Floods, landslides10.Southern Africa-Drought, disease, malnutrition
Climate-related Disasters over the world Example 2: Global Warming
Global warming is a critical issue we are facing right now
Effects on society
Hurricane Sandy in 2012http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeaG1jRLIBw
Weather/Climate and Business- Insurance companies
History of Atlantic hurricane activity
The $15 billion insurance loss of Hurricane Andrew in 1992 led to the insolvency of 12 insurance companies and significant market disruption.
Climate Change & Economy/Engineering
- Green Economy
• Renewable energy• Green buildings• Clean transportation• Water management• Waste management• Land management
Weather/climate and International Relationships: Water conflict
From The African Water Page
Six nations share the watershed of the Mekong, which is affected by unconstrained development, natural droughts, and climate change
Climate and History/Politics- Collapse of Maya civilization
and Chinese ancient dynasties
Droughts
Weather/Climate and Basic Science/ Philosophy: Teleconnection and
Interaction
Climate change and public health- New diseases appear on Tibet and
other regions due to higher temperature
Weather/Climate and Psychology/Social Work
Climate change and EducationPassing the message to the kids
Summary• Atmosphere: A mixture of gas molecules,
microscopically small particles of solid and liquid, and falling precipitation
• Meteorology: The study of the atmosphere and the processes that form weather
• Weather: The state of the atmosphere at a given time and place
• Climate: The statistical properties of the atmosphere. (i.e. averages and variability)
• Weather- and climate-related disasters: tropical cyclones, tornados, floods, droughts, winter storms, extreme heat, extreme cold, lightning, El Nino, global warming
• Impacts of weather/climate on agriculture, business, international relationships, history, science, philosophy, public health, psychology, social work, education, …