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3 - The spatial distribution of severe convective storms and an analysis of their secular changes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 September 2009

By
Harold E. Brooks  and
Nikolai Dotzek
Edited by
Henry F. Diaz  and
Richard J. Murnane
Harold E. Brooks
Affiliation:
NOAA, National Severe Storms Laboratory, 1313, Halley Circle, Norman, OK 73069, USA
Nikolai Dotzek
Affiliation:
DLR-IPA, Department of Atmospheric Dynamics, Oberpfaffenhofen, 82234, Wessling, Germany
Henry F. Diaz
Affiliation:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, District of Columbia
Richard J. Murnane
Affiliation:
Bermuda Biological Station for Research, Garrett Park, Maryland
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Summary

Condensed summary

Severe convective storms are responsible for billions of US dollars in damage each year around the world. They form an important part of the climate system by redistributing heat, moisture, and trace gases, as well as by producing large quantities of precipitation.

Reporting of severe convection varies from country to country, however, so determining their distribution from the reports alone is difficult, at best. Evidence does exist that the intensity of some events, particularly tornadoes, follows similar distributions in different locations, making it possible to build statistical models of occurrence. Remote sensor observations provide some insight, but the relationships between the observable parameters and the actual events of interest limit the quality of the estimates. Another approach is to use observations of the larger-scale environments.

As has been stated, the relationship between the observation and the event limits the estimate, but global coverage is possible. Time series of the favorable environments can also be developed from such data. In order to improve the estimates, the most pressing need is for better observational data on events. Very few countries have formal systems for collecting severe thunderstorm reports. A new effort by a consortium of researchers in Europe to develop a continent-wide database offers the possibility of a significant improvement in data for that part of the world.

Introduction

Convective storms play a vital role in weather and climate. They act to redistribute heat, moisture, and trace gases in the vertical and in the horizontal.

Type
Chapter
Information
Climate Extremes and Society , pp. 35 - 53
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2008

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