Downscaling Techniques for High-Resolution Climate Projections

Downscaling Techniques for High-Resolution Climate Projections

Author: Rao Kotamarthi

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2021-02-11

Total Pages: 213

ISBN-13: 1108587062

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Downscaling is a widely used technique for translating information from large-scale climate models to the spatial and temporal scales needed to assess local and regional climate impacts, vulnerability, risk and resilience. This book is a comprehensive guide to the downscaling techniques used for climate data. A general introduction of the science of climate modeling is followed by a discussion of techniques, models and methodologies used for producing downscaled projections, and the advantages, disadvantages and uncertainties of each. The book provides detailed information on dynamic and statistical downscaling techniques in non-technical language, as well as recommendations for selecting suitable downscaled datasets for different applications. The use of downscaled climate data in national and international assessments is also discussed using global examples. This is a practical guide for graduate students and researchers working on climate impacts and adaptation, as well as for policy makers and practitioners interested in climate risk and resilience.


Book Synopsis Downscaling Techniques for High-Resolution Climate Projections by : Rao Kotamarthi

Download or read book Downscaling Techniques for High-Resolution Climate Projections written by Rao Kotamarthi and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2021-02-11 with total page 213 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Downscaling is a widely used technique for translating information from large-scale climate models to the spatial and temporal scales needed to assess local and regional climate impacts, vulnerability, risk and resilience. This book is a comprehensive guide to the downscaling techniques used for climate data. A general introduction of the science of climate modeling is followed by a discussion of techniques, models and methodologies used for producing downscaled projections, and the advantages, disadvantages and uncertainties of each. The book provides detailed information on dynamic and statistical downscaling techniques in non-technical language, as well as recommendations for selecting suitable downscaled datasets for different applications. The use of downscaled climate data in national and international assessments is also discussed using global examples. This is a practical guide for graduate students and researchers working on climate impacts and adaptation, as well as for policy makers and practitioners interested in climate risk and resilience.


Downscaling Techniques for High-Resolution Climate Projections

Downscaling Techniques for High-Resolution Climate Projections

Author: Rao Kotamarthi

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2021-02-11

Total Pages: 213

ISBN-13: 110847375X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

A practical guide to understanding, using and producing downscaled climate data, for researchers, graduate students, policy makers and practitioners.


Book Synopsis Downscaling Techniques for High-Resolution Climate Projections by : Rao Kotamarthi

Download or read book Downscaling Techniques for High-Resolution Climate Projections written by Rao Kotamarthi and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2021-02-11 with total page 213 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A practical guide to understanding, using and producing downscaled climate data, for researchers, graduate students, policy makers and practitioners.


Empirical-statistical Downscaling

Empirical-statistical Downscaling

Author: Rasmus E. Benestad

Publisher: World Scientific

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 228

ISBN-13: 9812819126

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Empirical-statistical downscaling (ESD) is a method for estimating how local climatic variables are affected by large-scale climatic conditions. ESD has been applied to local climate/weather studies for years, but there are few ? if any ? textbooks on the subject. It is also anticipated that ESD will become more important and commonplace in the future, as anthropogenic global warming proceeds. Thus, a textbook on ESD will be important for next-generation climate scientists.


Book Synopsis Empirical-statistical Downscaling by : Rasmus E. Benestad

Download or read book Empirical-statistical Downscaling written by Rasmus E. Benestad and published by World Scientific. This book was released on 2008 with total page 228 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Empirical-statistical downscaling (ESD) is a method for estimating how local climatic variables are affected by large-scale climatic conditions. ESD has been applied to local climate/weather studies for years, but there are few ? if any ? textbooks on the subject. It is also anticipated that ESD will become more important and commonplace in the future, as anthropogenic global warming proceeds. Thus, a textbook on ESD will be important for next-generation climate scientists.


Statistical Downscaling and Bias Correction for Climate Research

Statistical Downscaling and Bias Correction for Climate Research

Author: Douglas Maraun

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2018-01-18

Total Pages: 365

ISBN-13: 1107066050

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

A comprehensive and practical guide, providing technical background and user context for researchers, graduate students, practitioners and decision makers. This book presents the main approaches and describes their underlying assumptions, skill and limitations. Guidelines for the application of downscaling and the use of downscaled information in practice complete the volume.


Book Synopsis Statistical Downscaling and Bias Correction for Climate Research by : Douglas Maraun

Download or read book Statistical Downscaling and Bias Correction for Climate Research written by Douglas Maraun and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2018-01-18 with total page 365 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A comprehensive and practical guide, providing technical background and user context for researchers, graduate students, practitioners and decision makers. This book presents the main approaches and describes their underlying assumptions, skill and limitations. Guidelines for the application of downscaling and the use of downscaled information in practice complete the volume.


Second Assessment of Climate Change for the Baltic Sea Basin

Second Assessment of Climate Change for the Baltic Sea Basin

Author: The BACC II Author Team

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2015-04-03

Total Pages: 501

ISBN-13: 3319160060

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

​This book is an update of the first BACC assessment, published in 2008. It offers new and updated scientific findings in regional climate research for the Baltic Sea basin. These include climate changes since the last glaciation (approx. 12,000 years ago), changes in the recent past (the last 200 years), climate projections up until 2100 using state-of-the-art regional climate models and an assessment of climate-change impacts on terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. There are dedicated new chapters on sea-level rise, coastal erosion and impacts on urban areas. A new set of chapters deals with possible causes of regional climate change along with the global effects of increased greenhouse gas concentrations, namely atmospheric aerosols and land-cover change. The evidence collected and presented in this book shows that the regional climate has already started to change and this is expected to continue. Projections of potential future climates show that the region will probably become considerably warmer and wetter in some parts, but dryer in others. Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems have already shown adjustments to increased temperatures and are expected to undergo further changes in the near future. The BACC II Author Team consists of 141 scientists from 12 countries, covering various disciplines related to climate research and related impacts. BACC II is a project of the Baltic Earth research network and contributes to the World Climate Research Programme.


Book Synopsis Second Assessment of Climate Change for the Baltic Sea Basin by : The BACC II Author Team

Download or read book Second Assessment of Climate Change for the Baltic Sea Basin written by The BACC II Author Team and published by Springer. This book was released on 2015-04-03 with total page 501 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ​This book is an update of the first BACC assessment, published in 2008. It offers new and updated scientific findings in regional climate research for the Baltic Sea basin. These include climate changes since the last glaciation (approx. 12,000 years ago), changes in the recent past (the last 200 years), climate projections up until 2100 using state-of-the-art regional climate models and an assessment of climate-change impacts on terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. There are dedicated new chapters on sea-level rise, coastal erosion and impacts on urban areas. A new set of chapters deals with possible causes of regional climate change along with the global effects of increased greenhouse gas concentrations, namely atmospheric aerosols and land-cover change. The evidence collected and presented in this book shows that the regional climate has already started to change and this is expected to continue. Projections of potential future climates show that the region will probably become considerably warmer and wetter in some parts, but dryer in others. Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems have already shown adjustments to increased temperatures and are expected to undergo further changes in the near future. The BACC II Author Team consists of 141 scientists from 12 countries, covering various disciplines related to climate research and related impacts. BACC II is a project of the Baltic Earth research network and contributes to the World Climate Research Programme.


The Urban Heat Island

The Urban Heat Island

Author: Iain D. Stewart

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2021-05-25

Total Pages: 184

ISBN-13: 0128156902

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The Urban Heat Island (UHI) is an area of growing interest for many people studying the urban environment and local/global climate change. The UHI has been scientifically studied for 200 years and, although it is an apparently simple phenomenon, there is considerable confusion around the different types of UHI and their assessment. The Urban Heat Island—A Guidebook provides simple instructions for measuring and analysing the phenomenon, as well as greater context for defining the UHI and the impacts it can have. Readers will be empowered to work within a set of guidelines that enable direct comparison of UHI effects across diverse settings, while informing a wide range of climate mitigation and adaptation programs to modify human behaviour and the built form. This opens the door to true global assessments of local climate change in cities. Urban planning and design strategies can then be evaluated for their effectiveness at mitigating these changes. Covers both on-surface and near-surface, or canopy, measurements and impacts of Urban Heat Islands (UHI) Provides a set of best practices and guidelines for UHI observation and analysis Includes both conceptual overviews and practical instructions for a wide range of uses


Book Synopsis The Urban Heat Island by : Iain D. Stewart

Download or read book The Urban Heat Island written by Iain D. Stewart and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2021-05-25 with total page 184 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Urban Heat Island (UHI) is an area of growing interest for many people studying the urban environment and local/global climate change. The UHI has been scientifically studied for 200 years and, although it is an apparently simple phenomenon, there is considerable confusion around the different types of UHI and their assessment. The Urban Heat Island—A Guidebook provides simple instructions for measuring and analysing the phenomenon, as well as greater context for defining the UHI and the impacts it can have. Readers will be empowered to work within a set of guidelines that enable direct comparison of UHI effects across diverse settings, while informing a wide range of climate mitigation and adaptation programs to modify human behaviour and the built form. This opens the door to true global assessments of local climate change in cities. Urban planning and design strategies can then be evaluated for their effectiveness at mitigating these changes. Covers both on-surface and near-surface, or canopy, measurements and impacts of Urban Heat Islands (UHI) Provides a set of best practices and guidelines for UHI observation and analysis Includes both conceptual overviews and practical instructions for a wide range of uses


The Climate of the Mediterranean Region

The Climate of the Mediterranean Region

Author: P. Lionello

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2012-04-19

Total Pages: 593

ISBN-13: 0124160425

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The Mediterranean region contains a diverse and interesting climate ranging from areas with permanent glaciers to areas of subtropical, semiarid regions. The region is potentially sensitive to climate change and its progress has environmental, social, and economic implications within and beyond the region. Produced by the Mediterranean Climate Variability and Predictability Research Networking Project, this book reviews the evolution of the Mediterranean climate over the past two millennia with projections further into the twenty-first century as well as examining in detail various aspects of the Mediterranean region's climate including evolution, atmospheric variables, and oceanic and land elements. Integrated with this, the book also considers the social and economic problems or vulnerabilities associated with the region. Written and reviewed by multiple researchers to ensure a high level of information presented clearly, Mediterranean Climate Variables will be an invaluable source of information for geologists, oceanographers, and anyone interested in learning more about the Mediterranean climate. Written by leading experts in the field Presents clear, compelling, and concise evidence Includes the latest thinking in Mediterranean climate research


Book Synopsis The Climate of the Mediterranean Region by : P. Lionello

Download or read book The Climate of the Mediterranean Region written by P. Lionello and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2012-04-19 with total page 593 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Mediterranean region contains a diverse and interesting climate ranging from areas with permanent glaciers to areas of subtropical, semiarid regions. The region is potentially sensitive to climate change and its progress has environmental, social, and economic implications within and beyond the region. Produced by the Mediterranean Climate Variability and Predictability Research Networking Project, this book reviews the evolution of the Mediterranean climate over the past two millennia with projections further into the twenty-first century as well as examining in detail various aspects of the Mediterranean region's climate including evolution, atmospheric variables, and oceanic and land elements. Integrated with this, the book also considers the social and economic problems or vulnerabilities associated with the region. Written and reviewed by multiple researchers to ensure a high level of information presented clearly, Mediterranean Climate Variables will be an invaluable source of information for geologists, oceanographers, and anyone interested in learning more about the Mediterranean climate. Written by leading experts in the field Presents clear, compelling, and concise evidence Includes the latest thinking in Mediterranean climate research


A Standardized Framework for Evaluating the Skill of Regional Climate Downscaling Techniques

A Standardized Framework for Evaluating the Skill of Regional Climate Downscaling Techniques

Author: Katharine A. Hayhoe

Publisher:

Published: 2010

Total Pages:

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Regional climate impact assessments require high-resolution projections to resolve local factors that modify the impact of global-scale forcing. To generate these projections, global climate model simulations are commonly downscaled using a variety of statistical and dynamical techniques. Despite the essential role of downscaling in regional assessments, there is no standard approach to evaluating various downscaling methods. Hence, impact communities often have little awareness of limitations and uncertainties associated with downscaled projections. To develop a standardized framework for evaluating and comparing downscaling approaches, I first identify three primary characteristics of a distribution directly relevant to impact analyses that can be used to evaluate a simulated variable such as temperature or precipitation at a given location: (1) annual, seasonal, and monthly mean values; (2) thresholds, extreme values, and accumulated quantities such as 24h precipitation or degree-days; and (3) persistence, reflecting multi-day events such as heat waves, cold spells, and wet periods. Based on a survey of the literature and solicitation of expert opinion, I select a set of ten statistical tests to evaluate these characteristics, including measures of error, skill, and correlation. I apply this framework to evaluate the skill of four downscaling methods, from a simple delta approach to a complex asynchronous quantile regression, in simulating daily temperature at twenty stations across North America. Identical global model fields force each downscaling method, and the historical observational record at each location is randomly divided by year into two equal parts, such that each statistical method is trained on one set of historical observations, and evaluated on an entirely independent set of observations. Biases relative to observations are calculated for the historical evaluation period, and differences between projections for the future. Application of the framework to this broad range of downscaling methods and locations is successful in that: (1) the downscaling method used is identified as a more important determinant of data quality than station location or GCM; and (2) key differences between downscaling methods are made apparent. For tests focusing on the general distribution of the variable, all methods except bias correction are relatively successful in simulating observed climate, suggesting that if an impact is most sensitive to changes in the mean, even a relatively simple downscaling approach such as 0́−delta0́+ will significantly improve simulation of local-scale climate. For tests that focus on the tails of the distribution, however, differences do arise between simple vs. quantile-based downscaling methods. Specifically, the latter appears less sensitive to location and more consistently able to reproduce observed climate. In terms of future projections, the most notable differences between downscaling methods becomes apparent at the right-hand tail of the distribution, where simple methods tend to simulate much greater increases (up to double the extreme heat days, for some locations) than more complex downscaling methods. I conclude by discussing how a standardized evaluation framework may advance our understanding of regional climate impact studies in understanding biases and limitations in results, as well as providing critical input into the selection of downscaling methods for future assessments. Given the potential exhibited by this initial test, I explore how this evaluation framework could be expanded in the future to make it even more useful: to the regional scale, for example, by including tests for spatial correlations and forcing relationships; or across variables, to capture interactions directly relevant to impact studies, such as heat waves (a function of temperature and humidity, affecting human health, energy demand, and agriculture) or snow amounts (a function of precipitation and temperature, affecting infrastructure and ecosystems); or to evaluate a broader selection of climate variables, downscaling methods, and predictor fields.


Book Synopsis A Standardized Framework for Evaluating the Skill of Regional Climate Downscaling Techniques by : Katharine A. Hayhoe

Download or read book A Standardized Framework for Evaluating the Skill of Regional Climate Downscaling Techniques written by Katharine A. Hayhoe and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Regional climate impact assessments require high-resolution projections to resolve local factors that modify the impact of global-scale forcing. To generate these projections, global climate model simulations are commonly downscaled using a variety of statistical and dynamical techniques. Despite the essential role of downscaling in regional assessments, there is no standard approach to evaluating various downscaling methods. Hence, impact communities often have little awareness of limitations and uncertainties associated with downscaled projections. To develop a standardized framework for evaluating and comparing downscaling approaches, I first identify three primary characteristics of a distribution directly relevant to impact analyses that can be used to evaluate a simulated variable such as temperature or precipitation at a given location: (1) annual, seasonal, and monthly mean values; (2) thresholds, extreme values, and accumulated quantities such as 24h precipitation or degree-days; and (3) persistence, reflecting multi-day events such as heat waves, cold spells, and wet periods. Based on a survey of the literature and solicitation of expert opinion, I select a set of ten statistical tests to evaluate these characteristics, including measures of error, skill, and correlation. I apply this framework to evaluate the skill of four downscaling methods, from a simple delta approach to a complex asynchronous quantile regression, in simulating daily temperature at twenty stations across North America. Identical global model fields force each downscaling method, and the historical observational record at each location is randomly divided by year into two equal parts, such that each statistical method is trained on one set of historical observations, and evaluated on an entirely independent set of observations. Biases relative to observations are calculated for the historical evaluation period, and differences between projections for the future. Application of the framework to this broad range of downscaling methods and locations is successful in that: (1) the downscaling method used is identified as a more important determinant of data quality than station location or GCM; and (2) key differences between downscaling methods are made apparent. For tests focusing on the general distribution of the variable, all methods except bias correction are relatively successful in simulating observed climate, suggesting that if an impact is most sensitive to changes in the mean, even a relatively simple downscaling approach such as 0́−delta0́+ will significantly improve simulation of local-scale climate. For tests that focus on the tails of the distribution, however, differences do arise between simple vs. quantile-based downscaling methods. Specifically, the latter appears less sensitive to location and more consistently able to reproduce observed climate. In terms of future projections, the most notable differences between downscaling methods becomes apparent at the right-hand tail of the distribution, where simple methods tend to simulate much greater increases (up to double the extreme heat days, for some locations) than more complex downscaling methods. I conclude by discussing how a standardized evaluation framework may advance our understanding of regional climate impact studies in understanding biases and limitations in results, as well as providing critical input into the selection of downscaling methods for future assessments. Given the potential exhibited by this initial test, I explore how this evaluation framework could be expanded in the future to make it even more useful: to the regional scale, for example, by including tests for spatial correlations and forcing relationships; or across variables, to capture interactions directly relevant to impact studies, such as heat waves (a function of temperature and humidity, affecting human health, energy demand, and agriculture) or snow amounts (a function of precipitation and temperature, affecting infrastructure and ecosystems); or to evaluate a broader selection of climate variables, downscaling methods, and predictor fields.


Floods in a Changing Climate

Floods in a Changing Climate

Author: Ramesh S. V. Teegavarapu

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2012-11-22

Total Pages: 289

ISBN-13: 1139851659

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Measurement, analysis and modeling of extreme precipitation events linked to floods is vital in understanding changing climate impacts and variability. This book provides methods for assessment of the trends in these events and their impacts. It also provides a basis to develop procedures and guidelines for climate-adaptive hydrologic engineering. Academic researchers in the fields of hydrology, climate change, meteorology, environmental policy and risk assessment, and professionals and policy-makers working in hazard mitigation, water resources engineering and climate adaptation will find this an invaluable resource. This volume is the first in a collection of four books on flood disaster management theory and practice within the context of anthropogenic climate change. The others are: Floods in a Changing Climate: Hydrological Modeling by P. P. Mujumdar and D. Nagesh Kumar, Floods in a Changing Climate: Inundation Modeling by Giuliano Di Baldassarre and Floods in a Changing Climate: Risk Management by Slodoban Simonović.


Book Synopsis Floods in a Changing Climate by : Ramesh S. V. Teegavarapu

Download or read book Floods in a Changing Climate written by Ramesh S. V. Teegavarapu and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2012-11-22 with total page 289 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Measurement, analysis and modeling of extreme precipitation events linked to floods is vital in understanding changing climate impacts and variability. This book provides methods for assessment of the trends in these events and their impacts. It also provides a basis to develop procedures and guidelines for climate-adaptive hydrologic engineering. Academic researchers in the fields of hydrology, climate change, meteorology, environmental policy and risk assessment, and professionals and policy-makers working in hazard mitigation, water resources engineering and climate adaptation will find this an invaluable resource. This volume is the first in a collection of four books on flood disaster management theory and practice within the context of anthropogenic climate change. The others are: Floods in a Changing Climate: Hydrological Modeling by P. P. Mujumdar and D. Nagesh Kumar, Floods in a Changing Climate: Inundation Modeling by Giuliano Di Baldassarre and Floods in a Changing Climate: Risk Management by Slodoban Simonović.


Urban Climates

Urban Climates

Author: T. R. Oke

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2017-09-14

Total Pages: 549

ISBN-13: 1108179363

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Urban Climates is the first full synthesis of modern scientific and applied research on urban climates. The book begins with an outline of what constitutes an urban ecosystem. It develops a comprehensive terminology for the subject using scale and surface classification as key constructs. It explains the physical principles governing the creation of distinct urban climates, such as airflow around buildings, the heat island, precipitation modification and air pollution, and it then illustrates how this knowledge can be applied to moderate the undesirable consequences of urban development and help create more sustainable and resilient cities. With urban climate science now a fully-fledged field, this timely book fulfills the need to bring together the disparate parts of climate research on cities into a coherent framework. It is an ideal resource for students and researchers in fields such as climatology, urban hydrology, air quality, environmental engineering and urban design.


Book Synopsis Urban Climates by : T. R. Oke

Download or read book Urban Climates written by T. R. Oke and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2017-09-14 with total page 549 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Urban Climates is the first full synthesis of modern scientific and applied research on urban climates. The book begins with an outline of what constitutes an urban ecosystem. It develops a comprehensive terminology for the subject using scale and surface classification as key constructs. It explains the physical principles governing the creation of distinct urban climates, such as airflow around buildings, the heat island, precipitation modification and air pollution, and it then illustrates how this knowledge can be applied to moderate the undesirable consequences of urban development and help create more sustainable and resilient cities. With urban climate science now a fully-fledged field, this timely book fulfills the need to bring together the disparate parts of climate research on cities into a coherent framework. It is an ideal resource for students and researchers in fields such as climatology, urban hydrology, air quality, environmental engineering and urban design.