Geog 1900N: Extreme Weather and Climate
Overview I: Extreme weather and climate
Our planet earth
The earth’s climate system Atmosphere 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
Sheng Mao (~1300AD): Sitting and watching clouds passing by ( 盛懋 : 坐看云起图 )
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
Weather-related Disasters: Tornadoes U.S. Annual mean fatalities 56, annual mean loss $777 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 El Nino: 1.Australia-Drought and devastating brush fires 2.Indonesia, Philippines-Crops fail, starvation follows 3.India, Sri Lanka-Drought,fresh water shortages 4.Tahiti-6 tropical cyclones 5.South America-Fish industry devastated5.South America-Fish industry devastated - decrease in nutrients off Peru- fewer fish (anchovy) 6.Across the Pacific-Coral reefs die 7.Colorado River basin-Flooding, mud slides 8.Gulf states-Downpours cause death, property damage 9.Peru, Ecuador-Floods, landslides 10.Southern Africa-Drought, disease, malnutritiondisease
Climate-related Disasters over the world Example 2: Global Warming
Global warming is a critical issue we are facing right now
Effects on society Video: Hurricane Sandy in
Weather/Climate and Public Health - New diseases appear on Tibet and other regions due to global warming
Weather/Climate and Psychology/Social Work
Weather/Climate and Economy - 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.
Weather/Climate and economy - 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
Weather/Climate and History/Politics - Collapse of Maya civilization and Chinese ancient dynasties Droughts
Weather/Climate and Education Passing 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 public health, transportation, agriculture, business, international relationships, history, science, philosophy, education, …