HR: 13:40h
AN: H53J-01    [Abstracts]
TI: The Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX) and Mountain Hydroclimatology
AU: * Lawford, R G
EM: lawford@umbc.edu
AF: International GEWEX Project Office, Suite 450, 1010 Wayne Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910 United States
AB: The contribution of mountains to the world's water supply is a primary motivator for research related to the effects of mountains on the distribution of moisture in the form of precipitation and runoff. The Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX) places considerable emphasis on understanding and modeling terrestrial and atmospheric processes occurring in areas of complex terrain. GEWEX addresses these problems mainly through its Continental Scale Experiments (CSEs). In nearly every case the geographical areas that have been chosen for these CSEs have a mountain range either on a boundary or within their area(s) of study. These mountains exert a significant influence on the moisture transport and precipitation patterns in the region. On the synoptic scale these mountains play a significant role in regional atmospheric dynamics, the development of low level jets and moisture transport within the basins. On the meso scale, they affect local hydrological processes and the timing and predictability of processes such as precipitation, snow melt and runoff. This presentation will review some highlights of GEWEX research related to the role of mountains in regional moisture transport, understanding and modeling of land-atmosphere interactions and water supply. Areas of scientific uncertainty will be outlined and remaining research needs related to mountain hydrometeorology will be identified.
DE: 1840 Hydrometeorology
DE: 1854 Precipitation (3354)
DE: 1863 Snow and ice (0736, 0738, 0776, 1827)
DE: 1876 Water budgets
SC: Hydrology [H]
MN: Fall Meeting 2005