DOCSLIB.ORG

Wmo:An'nual Report 1994

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

The World Meteorological Organization The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), of which 178'" States and Territories are Members, is a specialized agency of the United Nations. The purposes ofthe Organization are: (a) To facilitate world-wide cooperation in the establishment of networks of stations for the making of meteorological observations as well as hydrological and other geophysical observations related to meteorology, and to promote the establishment and maintenance of centres charged with the provision of meteorological and related services; (b) To promote the establishment and maintenance ofsystems for the rapid exchange of meteorological and related information; (c) To promote standardization of meteorological and related observations and to ensure the uniform pub­ lication of observations and statistics; (d) To further the application of meteorology to aviation, shipping, water problems, agriculture and other human activities; (e) To promote activities in operational hydrology and to further close cooperation between Meteorological and Hydrological Services; and (f) To encourage research and training in meteorology and, as appropriate, in related fields and to assist in coordinating the international aspects of such research and training. (Convention ofthe World Meteorological Organization, Article 2) The Organization consists of the following: The World Meteorological Congress, the supreme body of the Organization, brings together the delegates of Members once every four years to determine general policies for the fulfilment of the purposes of the Organization, to approve long-term plans, to authorize maximum expenditures for the following financial period, to adopt Technical Regulations relating to international meteorological and operational hydrological practice, to elect the President and Vice-Presidents ofthe Organization and members ofthe Executive Council and to appoint the Secretary-General; The Executive Council, composed of 36 directors of national Meteorological or Hydrometeorological Services, meets at least once a year to review the activities of the Organization and to implement the programmes approved by Congress; The six regional associations (Africa, Asia, South America, North and Central America, South-West Pacific and Europe), composed of Members, coordinate meteorological and related activities within their respective Regions; The eight technical commissions, composed of experts designated by Members, study matters within their specific areas of competence (technical commissions have been established for basic systems, instruments and methods of observation, atmospheric sciences, aeronautical meteorology, agricultural meteorology, marine meteorology, hydrology, and climatology); The Secretariat, headed by the Secretary-General, serves as the administrative, documentation and information centre of the Organization. It prepares, edits, produces and distributes the publications ofthe Organization, carries out the duties specified in the Convention and other Basic Documents and provides secretariat support to the work of the constituent bodies ofWMO described above. ';' On 31 December 1994 ANNUAL REPORT 1994 I WMO - No. 824 I Secretariat of the World Meteorological Organization - Geneva - Switzerland 1995 © 1995, World Meteorological Organization ISBN 92-63-10824-2 NOTE The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the World Meteorological Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Foreword by the Secretary-General ....... .. .................. .......... .. .... ..... ..... .................................... 1 Overview ...................................................................................................... ............................... 2 Climate change and environmental issues .............................................................. ................ 6 The global climate system in 1994 ............................ .................................................... .. ........ 10 International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction ...................... .................................... 14 World Weather Watch Programme ........... ... ............................ ............ .. .. ........ ... ........ .. .. ......... 15 World Climate Programme .... .... ... ............ .. ......... ... ...................................................... ..... ...... 21 Atmospheric Research and Environment Programme ................... ... .. .. ... ..... .......... .............. 25 Applications of Meteorology Programme ... ..... ... ........ .. ....................... ..... ... .... .. .... ..... ... .. .... ... 28 Hydrology and Water Resources Programme ..... .................. .............. .................................... 32 Education and Training Programme .......... ........................................... ......... .. .......... ... .......... 36 Technical Cooperation Programme .................................................................................... .... 40 Regional Programme ........................................... .... .. ... .... ..... ................................................... 44 Finance ... ............ ..... .... .... ........... ... ..... ....... .. ....... .. ................................. ............................. .... ... 47 Personnel ........... ... .. .... .............. ........................ .... ..... .. ...................................... ............. .. ... .... 48 Annexes I Members of the World Meteorological Organization .......... ...... .. .. .... .......................... 50 II Membership of the Executive Council and officers of regional associations and technical commissions ................ .. ................................. ......................................... 51 III Technical assistance provided in 1994 (summary) .............................. ..... ... .. ............. 53 IV Publications issued in 1994 ....................................... ............. ... ..................... .............. 58 V Abbreviations .................. .... ........ .. ... ..... ......................................................................... 60 Cover: National Meteorological and Hydrological Services contribute to a nation's economy; through benefits gained by; e.g., the energy; transport, irrigation, tourism and agricultural sectors (Water Resources Branch, Inland Waters Directorate, Environment Canada and the International Fund for Agricultural Development) The year 1994 witnessed several major events of interest perched on top of Mount Waliguan in China, and the to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Two of second is located at the southernmost tip of South the more important among them relate to the follow-up America, in Ushuaia, Argentina. to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Another important milestone for the Organization Development and its Agenda 21, namely the entry into was the launching of the World Hydrological Cycle force on 21 March of the UN Framework Convention on Observing System (WHYCOS). Initiated by WMO with Climate Change (UNIFCCC) and the opening for signa­ the support of the World Bank, WHYCOS will address ture on 14 October of the International Convention to the growing concerns about the lack of accessible Combat Desertification. WMO continues to provide information on the scarcity of freshwater resources and effective support to these Conventions, mainly by provid­ their sustainability in many parts ofthe globe. ing personnel and technical support to their Secretariats Through their support to the foregoing achievements and the scientific information that is required by policy­ and numerous others in the fields of meteorology and and decision-makers. The WMOIUNEP Intergovern­ operational hydrology, the national Meteorological and mental Panel on Climate Change completed during 1994 Hydrological Services contribute an estimated US $20 to its Special Report to the first Conference of the Parties 40 billion each year to the economies of countries world­ to the UN/FCCC to be held in Berlin, Germany, in wide. This was a major conclusion of the global March-April 1995. Conference on the Economic Benefits of Meteorological This year was also the mid-point of the International and Hydrological Services, the largest conference ever Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction, and WMO held on the subject, which took place in Geneva from actively participated in the World Conference on 19 to 23 September 1994. Although the services provided Natural Disaster Reduction in Yokohama, Japan, in May are undervalued in most countries, over 250 experts 1994. Although the world today is a safer place because from 127 countries reached broad consensus that these the capability exists to forecast impending disasters and economic benefits amounted to five to ten times the to warn target populations of these events, this capabil­ budgets expended by the NMHSs of Member countries of ity is limited to only certain types of disasters and for WMO. specific areas ofthe globe. WMO's message at Yokohama During 1994, WMO also welcomed to its fold four new was that "warning systems for all" by the end of this Members, namely Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, century is an achievable goal with only a modest invest­ the Kyrgyz Republic and
Recommended publications
  • Climatology, Variability, and Return Periods of Tropical Cyclone Strikes in the Northeastern and Central Pacific Ab Sins Nicholas S

    Climatology, Variability, and Return Periods of Tropical Cyclone Strikes in the Northeastern and Central Pacific Ab Sins Nicholas S

    Louisiana State University LSU Digital Commons LSU Master's Theses Graduate School March 2019 Climatology, Variability, and Return Periods of Tropical Cyclone Strikes in the Northeastern and Central Pacific aB sins Nicholas S. Grondin Louisiana State University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses Part of the Climate Commons, Meteorology Commons, and the Physical and Environmental Geography Commons Recommended Citation Grondin, Nicholas S., "Climatology, Variability, and Return Periods of Tropical Cyclone Strikes in the Northeastern and Central Pacific asinB s" (2019). LSU Master's Theses. 4864. https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/4864 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at LSU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in LSU Master's Theses by an authorized graduate school editor of LSU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. CLIMATOLOGY, VARIABILITY, AND RETURN PERIODS OF TROPICAL CYCLONE STRIKES IN THE NORTHEASTERN AND CENTRAL PACIFIC BASINS A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of the Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in The Department of Geography and Anthropology by Nicholas S. Grondin B.S. Meteorology, University of South Alabama, 2016 May 2019 Dedication This thesis is dedicated to my family, especially mom, Mim and Pop, for their love and encouragement every step of the way. This thesis is dedicated to my friends and fraternity brothers, especially Dillon, Sarah, Clay, and Courtney, for their friendship and support. This thesis is dedicated to all of my teachers and college professors, especially Mrs.
  • Extension of the Systematic Approach to Tropical Cyclone Track Forecasting in the Eastern and Central North Pacific

    Extension of the Systematic Approach to Tropical Cyclone Track Forecasting in the Eastern and Central North Pacific

    NPS ARCHIVE 1997.12 BOOTHE, M. NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL Monterey, California THESIS EXTENSION OF THE SYTEMATIC APPROACH TO TROPICAL CYCLONE TRACK FORECASTING IN THE EASTERN AND CENTRAL NORTH PACIFIC by Mark A. Boothe December, 1997 Thesis Co-Advisors: Russell L.Elsberry Lester E. Carr III Thesis B71245 Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. DUDLEY KNOX LIBRARY NAVAl OSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA 93943-5101 REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188 Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instruction, searching casting data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302, and to the Office of Management and Budget, I'aperwork Reduction Project (0704-0188) Washington DC 20503. 1 . AGENCY USE ONLY (Leave blank) 2. REPORT DATE 3. REPORT TYPE AND DATES COVERED December 1997. Master's Thesis TITLE AND SUBTITLE EXTENSION OF THE SYSTEMATIC 5. FUNDING NUMBERS APPROACH TO TROPICAL CYCLONE TRACK FORECASTING IN THE EASTERN AND CENTRAL NORTH PACIFIC 6. AUTHOR(S) Mark A. Boothe 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDR£SS(ES) PERFORMING Naval Postgraduate School ORGANIZATION Monterey CA 93943-5000 REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESSEES) 10. SPONSORING/MONTTORIN G AGENCY REPORT NUMBER 11. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES The views expressed in this thesis are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense or the U.S.
  • Notable Tropical Cyclones and Unusual Areas of Tropical Cyclone Formation

    Notable Tropical Cyclones and Unusual Areas of Tropical Cyclone Formation

    A flood is an overflow of an expanse of water that submerges land.[1] The EU Floods directive defines a flood as a temporary covering by water of land not normally covered by water.[2] In the sense of "flowing water", the word may also be applied to the inflow of the tide. Flooding may result from the volume of water within a body of water, such as a river or lake, which overflows or breaks levees, with the result that some of the water escapes its usual boundaries.[3] While the size of a lake or other body of water will vary with seasonal changes in precipitation and snow melt, it is not a significant flood unless such escapes of water endanger land areas used by man like a village, city or other inhabited area. Floods can also occur in rivers, when flow exceeds the capacity of the river channel, particularly at bends or meanders. Floods often cause damage to homes and businesses if they are placed in natural flood plains of rivers. While flood damage can be virtually eliminated by moving away from rivers and other bodies of water, since time out of mind, people have lived and worked by the water to seek sustenance and capitalize on the gains of cheap and easy travel and commerce by being near water. That humans continue to inhabit areas threatened by flood damage is evidence that the perceived value of living near the water exceeds the cost of repeated periodic flooding. The word "flood" comes from the Old English flod, a word common to Germanic languages (compare German Flut, Dutch vloed from the same root as is seen in flow, float; also compare with Latin fluctus, flumen).
  • MASARYK UNIVERSITY BRNO Diploma Thesis

    MASARYK UNIVERSITY BRNO Diploma Thesis

    MASARYK UNIVERSITY BRNO FACULTY OF EDUCATION Diploma thesis Brno 2018 Supervisor: Author: doc. Mgr. Martin Adam, Ph.D. Bc. Lukáš Opavský MASARYK UNIVERSITY BRNO FACULTY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE Presentation Sentences in Wikipedia: FSP Analysis Diploma thesis Brno 2018 Supervisor: Author: doc. Mgr. Martin Adam, Ph.D. Bc. Lukáš Opavský Declaration I declare that I have worked on this thesis independently, using only the primary and secondary sources listed in the bibliography. I agree with the placing of this thesis in the library of the Faculty of Education at the Masaryk University and with the access for academic purposes. Brno, 30th March 2018 …………………………………………. Bc. Lukáš Opavský Acknowledgements I would like to thank my supervisor, doc. Mgr. Martin Adam, Ph.D. for his kind help and constant guidance throughout my work. Bc. Lukáš Opavský OPAVSKÝ, Lukáš. Presentation Sentences in Wikipedia: FSP Analysis; Diploma Thesis. Brno: Masaryk University, Faculty of Education, English Language and Literature Department, 2018. XX p. Supervisor: doc. Mgr. Martin Adam, Ph.D. Annotation The purpose of this thesis is an analysis of a corpus comprising of opening sentences of articles collected from the online encyclopaedia Wikipedia. Four different quality categories from Wikipedia were chosen, from the total amount of eight, to ensure gathering of a representative sample, for each category there are fifty sentences, the total amount of the sentences altogether is, therefore, two hundred. The sentences will be analysed according to the Firabsian theory of functional sentence perspective in order to discriminate differences both between the quality categories and also within the categories.
  • On Tropical Cyclones

    On Tropical Cyclones

    Frequently Asked Questions on Tropical Cyclones Frequently Asked Questions on Tropical Cyclones 1. What is a tropical cyclone? A tropical cyclone (TC) is a rotational low-pressure system in tropics when the central pressure falls by 5 to 6 hPa from the surrounding and maximum sustained wind speed reaches 34 knots (about 62 kmph). It is a vast violent whirl of 150 to 800 km, spiraling around a centre and progressing along the surface of the sea at a rate of 300 to 500 km a day. The word cyclone has been derived from Greek word ‘cyclos’ which means ‘coiling of a snake’. The word cyclone was coined by Heary Piddington who worked as a Rapporteur in Kolkata during British rule. The terms "hurricane" and "typhoon" are region specific names for a strong "tropical cyclone". Tropical cyclones are called “Hurricanes” over the Atlantic Ocean and “Typhoons” over the Pacific Ocean. 2. Why do ‘tropical cyclones' winds rotate counter-clockwise (clockwise) in the Northern (Southern) Hemisphere? The reason is that the earth's rotation sets up an apparent force (called the Coriolis force) that pulls the winds to the right in the Northern Hemisphere (and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere). So, when a low pressure starts to form over north of the equator, the surface winds will flow inward trying to fill in the low and will be deflected to the right and a counter-clockwise rotation will be initiated. The opposite (a deflection to the left and a clockwise rotation) will occur south of the equator. This Coriolis force is too tiny to effect rotation in, for example, water that is going down the drains of sinks and toilets.
  • Variations in the Stable Isotope Compositions of Water Vapor and Precipitation in New Mexico : Links to Synoptic-Scale Weather Mel Strong

    Variations in the Stable Isotope Compositions of Water Vapor and Precipitation in New Mexico : Links to Synoptic-Scale Weather Mel Strong

    University of New Mexico UNM Digital Repository Earth and Planetary Sciences ETDs Electronic Theses and Dissertations 7-6-2012 Variations in the stable isotope compositions of water vapor and precipitation in New Mexico : links to synoptic-scale weather Mel Strong Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/eps_etds Recommended Citation Strong, Mel. "Variations in the stable isotope compositions of water vapor and precipitation in New Mexico : links to synoptic-scale weather." (2012). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/eps_etds/85 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Electronic Theses and Dissertations at UNM Digital Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Earth and Planetary Sciences ETDs by an authorized administrator of UNM Digital Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Mel Strong Candidate Earth and Planetary Sciences Department This dissertation is approved, and it is acceptable in quality and form for publication: Approved by the Dissertation Committee: David Gutzler , Chairperson Zachary Sharp Deirdre Kann Peter Fawcett Joe Galewsky i VARIATIONS IN THE STABLE ISOTOPE COMPOSITIONS OF WATER VAPOR AND PRECIPITATION IN NEW MEXICO: LINKS TO SYNOPTIC-SCALE WEATHER by MEL STRONG B.S., Geology, CSU Sacramento, 1998 M.S., Geology, Washington State University 2001 DISSERTATION Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCES The University of New Mexico Albuquerque, New Mexico May 2012 ii Preface This dissertation investigates the stable isotope composition (δD and/or δ18O) of water vapor and precipitation in New Mexico. Water vapor and precipitation samples were collected and analyzed for stable isotope compositions over a 30 month period between 2005 and 2007.
  • ANNUAL SUMMARY Eastern North Pacific Hurricane Season of 1999

    ANNUAL SUMMARY Eastern North Pacific Hurricane Season of 1999

    1036 MONTHLY WEATHER REVIEW VOLUME 132 ANNUAL SUMMARY Eastern North Paci®c Hurricane Season of 1999 JOHN L. BEVEN II AND JAMES L. FRANKLIN Tropical Prediction Center, NWS, NOAA, Miami, Florida (Manuscript received 11 February 2003, in ®nal form 20 October 2003) ABSTRACT The 1999 hurricane season in the eastern North Paci®c is summarized, and individual tropical storms and hurricanes are described. Producing only nine named storms, the season tied 1996 as the second least active on record. Hurricane Dora was the strongest and longest-lived cyclone of the season. Hurricane Greg, the only cyclone to make landfall during the season, weakened to a tropical storm just before moving ashore in Baja California, Mexico. Fifteen deaths resulted from the tropical cyclones. 1. Introduction central Paci®c basin, with Dora later crossing the in- The eastern North Paci®c hurricane basin covers the ternational date line into the western North Paci®c ba- area north of the equator and east of 1408W longitude sin. to Central and North America. Nine tropical storms One can speculate on the reasons for the inactive formed in this basin during the 1999 hurricane season. season. One possibility is the active 1999 Atlantic sea- Of these, six became hurricanes and two became major son (Lawrence et al. 2001), which featured 16 tropical hurricanesÐcategory 3 or higher (maximum sustained cyclones (TCs). Climatologically, most eastern North winds of 97 kt or greater) on the Saf®r±Simpson Hur- Paci®c cyclones can be traced to disturbances (tropical ricane Scale (Simpson 1974); the 1966±98 averages waves) that cross Central America from the Caribbean are 16 tropical storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major hur- (Simpson et al.
  • Eastern North Pacific Hurricane Season of 2006

    Eastern North Pacific Hurricane Season of 2006

    VOLUME 137 MONTHLY WEATHER REVIEW JANUARY 2009 Eastern North Pacific Hurricane Season of 2006 RICHARD J. PASCH,ERIC S. BLAKE,LIXION A. AVILA,JOHN L. BEVEN,DANIEL P. BROWN, JAMES L. FRANKLIN,RICHARD D. KNABB,MICHELLE M. MAINELLI,JAMIE R. RHOME, AND STACY R. STEWART Tropical Prediction Center/National Hurricane Center, NOAA/NWS/NCEP, Miami, Florida (Manuscript received 20 December 2007, in final form 20 May 2008) ABSTRACT The hurricane season of 2006 in the eastern North Pacific basin is summarized, and the individual tropical cyclones are described. Also, the official track and intensity forecasts of these cyclones are verified and evaluated. The 2006 eastern North Pacific season was an active one, in which 18 tropical storms formed. Of these, 10 became hurricanes and 5 became major hurricanes. A total of 2 hurricanes and 1 tropical depres- sion made landfall in Mexico, causing 13 direct deaths in that country along with significant property damage. On average, the official track forecasts in the eastern Pacific for 2006 were quite skillful. No appreciable improvement in mean intensity forecasts was noted, however. 1. Overview speeds in knots every 6 h for all tropical and subtropical cyclones while at or above tropical storm strength. The After three consecutive below-average hurricane ACE for 2006 in the eastern North Pacific was 120 ϫ seasons, tropical cyclone activity in the eastern North 104 kt2, or about 107% of the long-term (1971–2005) Pacific basin was above average in 2006. A total of 18 mean. Although the ACE value for 2006 was just tropical storms developed, and 10 of these strengthened slightly above average, it was the highest observed since into hurricanes (Table 1; Fig.
  • ANNUAL SUMMARY Eastern North Pacific Hurricane Season of 1999

    ANNUAL SUMMARY Eastern North Pacific Hurricane Season of 1999

    1036 MONTHLY WEATHER REVIEW VOLUME 132 ANNUAL SUMMARY Eastern North Paci®c Hurricane Season of 1999 JOHN L. BEVEN II AND JAMES L. FRANKLIN Tropical Prediction Center, NWS, NOAA, Miami, Florida (Manuscript received 11 February 2003, in ®nal form 20 October 2003) ABSTRACT The 1999 hurricane season in the eastern North Paci®c is summarized, and individual tropical storms and hurricanes are described. Producing only nine named storms, the season tied 1996 as the second least active on record. Hurricane Dora was the strongest and longest-lived cyclone of the season. Hurricane Greg, the only cyclone to make landfall during the season, weakened to a tropical storm just before moving ashore in Baja California, Mexico. Fifteen deaths resulted from the tropical cyclones. 1. Introduction central Paci®c basin, with Dora later crossing the in- The eastern North Paci®c hurricane basin covers the ternational date line into the western North Paci®c ba- area north of the equator and east of 1408W longitude sin. to Central and North America. Nine tropical storms One can speculate on the reasons for the inactive formed in this basin during the 1999 hurricane season. season. One possibility is the active 1999 Atlantic sea- Of these, six became hurricanes and two became major son (Lawrence et al. 2001), which featured 16 tropical hurricanesÐcategory 3 or higher (maximum sustained cyclones (TCs). Climatologically, most eastern North winds of 97 kt or greater) on the Saf®r±Simpson Hur- Paci®c cyclones can be traced to disturbances (tropical ricane Scale (Simpson 1974); the 1966±98 averages waves) that cross Central America from the Caribbean are 16 tropical storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major hur- (Simpson et al.
  • Chapter 11 Hurricanes

    Chapter 11 Hurricanes

    Chapter 11 Hurricanes Few phenomena in nature compare to the destructive force of a hurricane. Called the greatest storm on Earth, a hurricane is capable of annihilating coastal areas with sustained winds over 100 mph, intense areas of rainfall, flooding ocean waters, and huge waves. In fact, during its life cycle a hurricane can expend as much energy as 10,000 nuclear bombs!1 The term hurricane is derived from Huracan, a god of evil recognized by the Mayan civilization in Central America and the Tainos of the Caribbean.2 Beyond the soft winds and tranquil north shore waters of Hawaii, the late summer and fall ushers in threatening tropical storms and hurricanes. Hurricanes, tropical storms, and typhoons are collectively known as tropical cyclones. These disturbances are among the most devastating, naturally occurring hazards in coastal areas of the tropics and middle latitudes. Constant media reminders that it is “Hurricane Season” keep us all on guard and stimulate a somewhat closer watch among residents on the weather forecast portion of the evening news. Tropical cyclones3 are classified as follows: Hurricane - An intense tropical weather system with a well-defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of seventy-four miles per hour or higher. In the western Pacific, hurricanes are called typhoons. Similar storms in the Indian Ocean are called cyclones. Chapter 11 Hurricanes 1 Tropical Storm - An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of thirty-nine to seventy-three mph. Tropical Depression - An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with defined circulation and maximum sustained winds of thirty-eight mph or less.
  • The Record-Setting 2018 Eastern North Pacific Hurricane Season

    The Record-Setting 2018 Eastern North Pacific Hurricane Season

    RESEARCH LETTER The Record‐Setting 2018 Eastern North Pacific 10.1029/2019GL083657 Hurricane Season Key Points: Kimberly M. Wood1 , Philip J. Klotzbach2 , Jennifer M. Collins3 , and Carl J. Schreck4 • The eastern North Pacific set records for hurricane activity in 2018 with 1Department of Geosciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA, 2Department of Atmospheric relatively little influence from 3 El Niño‐Southern Oscillation Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA, School of Geosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, • Combined above (below)‐average FL, USA, 4Cooperative Institute for Climate and Satellites – NC (CICS‐NC), North Carolina State University, Asheville, sea surface temperatures and NC, USA moisture (shear) during August and September contributed to the record season The extremely active 2018 eastern North Pacific (ENP) hurricane season set records for number • The strongly positive Pacific Abstract Meridional Mode also supported the of hurricane days, major hurricane days, and accumulated cyclone energy (ACE). The Western increase in eastern North Pacific Development Region (116°W–180°) was especially active, shattering its prior record for ACE set in 2015. In hurricane activity addition, Hawaii was impacted by Hurricane Lane in August and Tropical Storm Olivia in September. Despite above‐normal sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and below‐normal vertical wind shear in 2018, Supporting Information: • Supporting Information S1 large‐scale conditions were generally less conducive for tropical cyclone (TC) formation than in 2015. However, the strong subtropical ridge in August and September of 2018 enhanced westward steering flow, thereby keeping TCs over hurricane‐favorable conditions and preventing recurvature toward lower SSTs and Correspondence to: higher vertical wind shear.
  • El Niño Watch Highlights for Hawaii and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands

    El Niño Watch Highlights for Hawaii and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands

    Hawaii and U.S. Quarterly Climate Impacts and Outlook Affiliated Pacific Islands November 2018 Significant Events – For August 2018-October 2018 Hurricane Lane and Tropical Storm Olivia affected the Hawaiian Four typhoons Islands. affected Guam and Very wet CNMI this quarter. conditions across northern RMI. Abnormally dry conditions developing in Yap and Palau. Mass coral bleaching in parts of the Central Pacifc. Above normal rains in American Samoa. Shading indicates each Island’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). El Niño Watch Highlights for Hawaii and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands • Super Typhoon Yutu made a direct hit on Tinian and Saipan in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana’s this quarter with maximum sustained winds over 180 mph; highest winds to affect any U.S. territory since 1935. • Super Typhoon Jebi made a direct hit the northernmost islands in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana’s this quarter. • Typhoon Mangkhut brought torrential rains to Guam as it passed over Rota in the CNMI. • Hurricane Lane, a Category 5 storm at its peak, came within 40 miles of Honolulu, Hawaii this quarter. All islands received above normal rainfall, especially the Big Island. • Significant rainfall has also fallen across the Republic of the Marshall Islands this quarter while abnormally dry conditions have developed in the western parts of the Federated States of Micronesia. • Sea-levels in parts of the Federated States of Micronesia, Yap, and Guam have fallen dramatically this quarter in response to the developing El Niño. • “Taimasa”, a Samoan word meaning stinky low tides, were observed in American Samoa. John Marra ([email protected]) Michael Kruk ([email protected]) http://apdrc.soest.hawaii.edu/Hawaii_USAPI_Climate_Summary/dashboard Climate Overview – For August 2018–October 2018 The 1 November Niño 3.4 region anomaly was +1.1°C, but the overall coupled ocean-atmosphere system reflects ENSO neutral.