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Conference theme & topics

Conference theme

High impact weather and hydrological hazards: from observation to impact mitigation.

Applications of meteorology (ECAM): chaired by Will Lang (UK MetOffice) and Ekaterina Batchvarova (NIMH Bulgaria)

The considerable socio-economic costs of severe weather (such as intense precipitation, extreme temperatures and strong winds) and its impacts (including flooding, droughts, destruction of infrastructure, or forest fires) across Europe each year are increasingly apparent. The benefits of effective forecasting and warning are clear and quantifiable: lives are saved, communities are protected, and governments and businesses can take action to manage and mitigate risks. The ECAM theme for 2015 explores the end-to-end process of modern weather and flood risk forecasting. We will discuss optimising use of observations and NWP, through to the changing way meteorological information is presented to, and used by, forecasters, decision-makers and other end-users. In particular we will examine the emerging concept of 'Big Data' and its application to operational meteorology.

Measurements and observations (OBS)

Observations are the basis for understanding, monitoring and forecasting the state, trends and sudden events of the complex Earth system and its interacting subsystems such as the atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, biosphere and pedosphere. Various measurement techniques and strategies estimate different parameters, properties and scales of the Earth system. Moreover, the eve -increasing resolution of models requires the continuous evolution of the representativeness of observing data assimilated into models in order to cope with the necessity of representing more processes and interactions but at the same time less parametrisations and more direct simulations.

It is thus essential to establish a multi-disciplinary dialogue between observation providers, technology developers and users of observations for more accurate, comparable and better targeted observations for the benefit of atmospheric, meteorological, climate and related sciences. Sessions under this programme group intend to bridge this gap and promote new developments in the field.

Numerical weather prediction (NWP): chaired by Andrea Montani (ARPA-SIMC, Italy)

The emphasis of the NWP programme is on the development and operational use of numerical models:

• Studies on efficient and robust numerical schemes in super-computing environments, modelling of processes relevant to weather forecasting, data assimilation, the use of observations, as well as probabilistic techniques.
• Use of tools developed for specific downstream applications of NWP forecasts.
• Operational interpretation and use of NWP outputs, including automatic interpretation algorithms, interpretation by forecasters and challenges connected with the provision of high resolution products to users.

NWP activities include both research and operational aspects. The operational aspects involve the forecasters and increasingly end-users.

The atmospheric system and its interactions (ASI): chaired by Renate Hagedorn (DWD Germany)

The ASI session programme is a platform addressing our understanding, observing and modelling capacities of atmospheric processes, the water cycle and physiographic surface conditions at all scales, including the various feedback mechanisms and an integrated earth system approach.

The ASI sessions thus mostly cover basic scientific activities upstream of those addressed in the NWP, OBS, ECAM and CL programmes, but without forgetting potential applications for a broad range of services and sectors. The ASI sessions also provide plenty of interfaces for related sciences and applications: hydrology, agrometeorology, air quality and atmospheric composition, biometeorology, space weather, renewable energy potential, urban development, etc.

Communication and education (CE): chaired by Tanja Cegnar (SEA Slovenia)

The CE programme provides a platform for discussions on the provision and dissemination of meteorological and climate information to society. This includes strategic issues such as the development of adaptation strategies and communication within and through all types of media. Far-reaching challenges will also be discussed such as the role of meteorology and atmospheric sciences in education and training, and important aspects of career development.

Communication and interpretation of uncertainty in seasonal prediction and climate projections will also be addressed.

Climate: chaired by Inge Auer (ZAMG Austria)

The CL programme will provide a forum for exchange and sharing knowledge on climate monitoring and prediction and the development of climate services.

In line with the Global Framework of Climate Services (GFCS) these initiatives are increasingly developed through partnerships and dialogue, between scientists, developers, providers and end-users, the primary aim being to support society to cope with high impact climate extremes.

As the development of climate and meteorological services, in particular on early warning systems, is increasingly conducted seamlessly interconnections with the ECAM and ASI sessions will be coordinated.