Articles | Volume 19, issue 7
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-19-1319-2019
© Author(s) 2019. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-19-1319-2019
© Author(s) 2019. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Flood risk in a range of spatial perspectives – from global to local scales
Zbigniew W. Kundzewicz
Institute for Disaster Risk Management (iDRM), School of Geographical Sciences, Nanjing University of Information
Science and Technology (NUIST), Nanjing, China
Institute for Agricultural and Forest Environment, Polish Academy
of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Potsdam, Germany
Buda Su
Institute for Disaster Risk Management (iDRM), School of Geographical Sciences, Nanjing University of Information
Science and Technology (NUIST), Nanjing, China
National Climate Center, China Meteorological Administration,
Beijing, China
Yanjun Wang
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Institute for Disaster Risk Management (iDRM), School of Geographical Sciences, Nanjing University of Information
Science and Technology (NUIST), Nanjing, China
Guojie Wang
Institute for Disaster Risk Management (iDRM), School of Geographical Sciences, Nanjing University of Information
Science and Technology (NUIST), Nanjing, China
Guofu Wang
National Climate Center, China Meteorological Administration,
Beijing, China
Jinlong Huang
Institute for Disaster Risk Management (iDRM), School of Geographical Sciences, Nanjing University of Information
Science and Technology (NUIST), Nanjing, China
Institute for Disaster Risk Management (iDRM), School of Geographical Sciences, Nanjing University of Information
Science and Technology (NUIST), Nanjing, China
Related authors
Abdelkader Mezghani, Andreas Dobler, Jan Erik Haugen, Rasmus E. Benestad, Kajsa M. Parding, Mikołaj Piniewski, Ignacy Kardel, and Zbigniew W. Kundzewicz
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 9, 905–925, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-9-905-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-9-905-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Projected changes estimated from an ensemble of nine model simulations showed that annual means of temperature are expected to increase steadily by 1 °C until 2021–2050 and by 2 °C until 2071–2100 assuming the RCP4.5, which is accelerating assuming the RCP8.5 scenario and can reach up to almost 4 °C by 2071–2100. Similarly to temperature, projected changes in regional annual means of precipitation are expected to increase by 6 to 10 % and by 8 to 16 % for the two future horizons and RCPs.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Fred Fokko Hattermann, Shaochun Huang, Olaf Burghoff, Peter Hoffmann, and Zbigniew W. Kundzewicz
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 16, 1617–1622, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-16-1617-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-16-1617-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
We report that a considerable increase in flood-related losses can be expected in Germany in a future warmer climate. The general significance of the study is supported by the fact that the outcome of an ensemble of global climate models (GCMs) and regional climate models (RCMs) was used as a climate driver for a hydrological model considering more than 3000 river basins in Germany.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
P. Matczak, J. Lewandowski, A. Choryński, M. Szwed, and Z. W. Kundzewicz
Proc. IAHS, 369, 195–199, https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-369-195-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-369-195-2015, 2015
Z. W. Kundzewicz and P. Matczak
Proc. IAHS, 369, 181–187, https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-369-181-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-369-181-2015, 2015
Z. W. Kundzewicz
Proc. IAHS, 369, 189–194, https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-369-189-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-369-189-2015, 2015
G. Blöschl, A. Bárdossy, D. Koutsoyiannis, Z. W. Kundzewicz, I. Littlewood, A. Montanari, and H. Savenije
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 2433–2435, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-2433-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-2433-2014, 2014
Zhenjie Li, Buda Su, Jinlong Huang, Peni Hausia Havea, Runhong Xu, Cheng Jing, Yu Gong, and Tong Jiang
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1169, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1169, 2024
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for The Cryosphere (TC).
Short summary
Short summary
Use the soil zero-degree layer as an index to investigate the changes in permafrost and the active layer thickness. The observed and projected permafrost and active layer thickness were estimated by the summer, revealed that the active layer thickness is deeper in summer across the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The active layer thickness was increased of 53.9 % during observed period, and it will continue to increase in the future.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Jiao Lu, Guojie Wang, Tiexi Chen, Shijie Li, Daniel Fiifi Tawia Hagan, Giri Kattel, Jian Peng, Tong Jiang, and Buda Su
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 13, 5879–5898, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-13-5879-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-13-5879-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
This study has combined three existing land evaporation (ET) products to obtain a single framework of a long-term (1980–2017) daily ET product at a spatial resolution of 0.25° to define the global proxy ET with lower uncertainties. The merged product is the best at capturing dynamics over different locations and times among all data sets. The merged product performed well over a range of vegetation cover scenarios and also captured the trend of land evaporation over different areas well.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Xikun Wei, Guojie Wang, Donghan Feng, Zheng Duan, Daniel Fiifi Tawia Hagan, Liangliang Tao, Lijuan Miao, Buda Su, and Tong Jiang
Earth Syst. Sci. Data Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2021-418, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2021-418, 2021
Preprint withdrawn
Short summary
Short summary
In this study, we use the deep learning (DL) method to generate the temperature data for the global land (except Antartica) at higher spatial resolution (0.5 degree) based on 31 different CMIP6 Earth system model(ESM). Our methods can perform bias correction, spatial downscaling and data merging simultaneously. The merged data have a remarkably better quality compared with the individual ESMs in terms of both spatial dimension and time dimension.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Chao Gao, Buda Su, Valentina Krysanova, Qianyu Zha, Cai Chen, Gang Luo, Xiaofan Zeng, Jinlong Huang, Ming Xiong, Liping Zhang, and Tong Jiang
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 12, 387–402, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-12-387-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-12-387-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
The study produced the daily discharge time series for the upper Yangtze River basin (Cuntan hydrological station) in the period 1861–2299 under scenarios with and without anthropogenic climate change. The daily discharge was simulated by using four hydrological models (HBV, SWAT, SWIM and VIC) driven by multiple GCM outputs. This dataset could be compared to assess changes in river discharge in the upper Yangtze River basin attributable to anthropogenic climate change.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Hongmei Xu, Lüliu Liu, Yong Wang, Sheng Wang, Ying Hao, Jingjin Ma, and Tong Jiang
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 4219–4231, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-4219-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-4219-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
1.5 and 2 °C have become targets in the discussion of climate change impacts. However, climate research is also challenged to provide more robust information on the impact of climate change at local and regional scales to assist the development of sound scientific adaptation and mitigation measures. This study assessed the impacts and differences of 1.5 and 2.0 °C global warming on basin-scale river runoff by examining four river basins covering a wide hydroclimatic setting in China.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Yue Peng, Hong Wang, Yubin Li, Changwei Liu, Tianliang Zhao, Xiaoye Zhang, Zhiqiu Gao, Tong Jiang, Huizheng Che, and Meng Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 17421–17435, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-17421-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-17421-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
Two surface layer schemes are evaluated in eastern China based on observational flux data. The results indicate that the Li scheme better describes regional atmosphere stratification compared with the MM5 scheme, especially for the transition stage from unstable to stable atmosphere conditions, corresponding to PM2.5 accumulation. Our research suggests the potential improved possibilities for severe haze prediction in eastern China by coupling Li online into atmosphere chemical models.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Abdelkader Mezghani, Andreas Dobler, Jan Erik Haugen, Rasmus E. Benestad, Kajsa M. Parding, Mikołaj Piniewski, Ignacy Kardel, and Zbigniew W. Kundzewicz
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 9, 905–925, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-9-905-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-9-905-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Projected changes estimated from an ensemble of nine model simulations showed that annual means of temperature are expected to increase steadily by 1 °C until 2021–2050 and by 2 °C until 2071–2100 assuming the RCP4.5, which is accelerating assuming the RCP8.5 scenario and can reach up to almost 4 °C by 2071–2100. Similarly to temperature, projected changes in regional annual means of precipitation are expected to increase by 6 to 10 % and by 8 to 16 % for the two future horizons and RCPs.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Hemin Sun, Tong Jiang, Cheng Jing, Buda Su, and Guojie Wang
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2016-566, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2016-566, 2017
Revised manuscript not accepted
Short summary
Short summary
Unlike previous studies, we focused on the return level variation caused not only by the choice of distribution functions, but also by the different sampling and parameterization methods. It was found that estimated return levels based on the various approaches were very large, and the contributions of different sources to uncertainties were not same for discharges with and without significant trend. These findings are meaningful for hydraulic designing and risk management practices.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Fred Fokko Hattermann, Shaochun Huang, Olaf Burghoff, Peter Hoffmann, and Zbigniew W. Kundzewicz
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 16, 1617–1622, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-16-1617-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-16-1617-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
We report that a considerable increase in flood-related losses can be expected in Germany in a future warmer climate. The general significance of the study is supported by the fact that the outcome of an ensemble of global climate models (GCMs) and regional climate models (RCMs) was used as a climate driver for a hydrological model considering more than 3000 river basins in Germany.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Michel Wortmann, Tobias Bolch, Valentina Krysanova, and Su Buda
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2016-272, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2016-272, 2016
Revised manuscript not accepted
P. Matczak, J. Lewandowski, A. Choryński, M. Szwed, and Z. W. Kundzewicz
Proc. IAHS, 369, 195–199, https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-369-195-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-369-195-2015, 2015
Z. W. Kundzewicz and P. Matczak
Proc. IAHS, 369, 181–187, https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-369-181-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-369-181-2015, 2015
Z. W. Kundzewicz
Proc. IAHS, 369, 189–194, https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-369-189-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-369-189-2015, 2015
C. Rumbaur, N. Thevs, M. Disse, M. Ahlheim, A. Brieden, B. Cyffka, D. Duethmann, T. Feike, O. Frör, P. Gärtner, Ü. Halik, J. Hill, M. Hinnenthal, P. Keilholz, B. Kleinschmit, V. Krysanova, M. Kuba, S. Mader, C. Menz, H. Othmanli, S. Pelz, M. Schroeder, T. F. Siew, V. Stender, K. Stahr, F. M. Thomas, M. Welp, M. Wortmann, X. Zhao, X. Chen, T. Jiang, J. Luo, H. Yimit, R. Yu, X. Zhang, and C. Zhao
Earth Syst. Dynam., 6, 83–107, https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-6-83-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-6-83-2015, 2015
G. Blöschl, A. Bárdossy, D. Koutsoyiannis, Z. W. Kundzewicz, I. Littlewood, A. Montanari, and H. Savenije
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 2433–2435, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-2433-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-2433-2014, 2014
Related subject area
Atmospheric, Meteorological and Climatological Hazards
Compound winter low-wind and cold events impacting the French electricity system: observed evolution and role of large-scale circulation
Probabilistic hazard analysis of the gas emission of Mefite d'Ansanto, southern Italy
Are heavy-rainfall events a major trigger of associated natural hazards along the German rail network?
Brief communication: Forecasting extreme precipitation from atmospheric rivers in New Zealand
The record-breaking precipitation event of December 2022 in Portugal
Compound events in Germany in 2018: drivers and case studies
Assimilation of temperature and relative humidity observations from personal weather stations in AROME-France
The anomalously thundery month of June 1925 in southwest Spain: description and synoptic analysis
Spatial identification of regions exposed to multi-hazards at the pan-European level
Classification of North Atlantic and European extratropical cyclones using multiple measures of intensity
Subseasonal forecasts of heat waves in West African cities
Impacts on and damage to European forests from the 2018–2022 heat and drought events
Brief communication: Training of AI-based nowcasting models for rainfall early warning should take into account user requirements
Examining the Eastern European extreme summer temperatures of 2023 from a long-term perspective: the role of natural variability vs. anthropogenic factors
How well are hazards associated with derechos reproduced in regional climate simulations?
Reconstructing hail days in Switzerland with statistical models (1959–2022)
Exploring the interplay between observed warming, atmospheric circulation, and soil-atmosphere feedbacks on heatwaves in a temperate mountain region
Classifying extratropical cyclones and their impact on Finland’s electricity grid: Insights from 92 damaging windstorms
GTDI: a game-theory-based integrated drought index implying hazard-causing and hazard-bearing impact change
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Insurance loss model vs. meteorological loss index – how comparable are their loss estimates for European windstorms?
Intense rains in Israel associated with the train effect
Convection-permitting climate model representation of severe convective wind gusts and future changes in southeastern Australia
Impact-based temporal clustering of multiple meteorological hazard types in southwestern Germany
On the potential of using smartphone sensors for wildfire hazard estimation through citizen science
Global estimates of 100-year return values of daily precipitation from ensemble weather prediction data
Soil conditioner mixtures as an agricultural management alternative to mitigate drought impacts
Exploring the sensitivity of extreme event attribution of two recent extreme weather events in Sweden using long-running meteorological observations
Probabilistic short-range forecasts of high-precipitation events: optimal decision thresholds and predictability limits
The miscellaneous synoptic forcings in the four-day widespread extreme rainfall event over North China in July 2023
Surprise floods: the role of our imagination in preparing for disasters
Modelling crop hail damage footprints with single-polarization radar: the roles of spatial resolution, hail intensity, and cropland density
Insights into ground strike point properties in Europe through the EUCLID lightning location system
The role of citizen science in assessing the spatiotemporal pattern of rainfall events in urban areas: a case study in the city of Genoa, Italy
Precipitation extremes in Ukraine from 1979 to 2019: climatology, large-scale flow conditions, and moisture sources
Characterizing hail-prone environments using convection-permitting reanalysis and overshooting top detections over south-central Europe
Aircraft engine dust ingestion at global airports
Catchment-scale assessment of drought impact on environmental flow in the Indus Basin, Pakistan
The risk of synoptic-scale Arctic cyclones to shipping
Estimation of future rainfall extreme values by temperature-dependent disaggregation of climate model data
Climatic characteristics of the Jianghuai cyclone and its linkage with precipitation during the Meiyu period from 1961 to 2020
Verifying the relationships among the variabilities of summer precipitation extremes over western Japan in the d4PDF climate ensemble, monsoon activity, and Pacific sea surface temperature
An appraisal of the value of simulated weather data for quantifying coastal flood hazard in the Netherlands
The usefulness of Extended-Range Probabilistic Forecasts for Heat wave forecasts in Europe
Application of the teaching–learning-based optimization algorithm to an analytical model of thunderstorm outflows to analyze the variability of the downburst kinematic and geometric parameters
Projections and uncertainties of winter windstorm damage in Europe in a changing climate
Improving seasonal predictions of German Bight storm activity
A satellite view of the exceptionally warm summer of 2022 over Europe
Application of machine learning to forecast agricultural drought impacts for large scale sub-seasonal drought monitoring in Brazil
Demographic yearbooks as a source of weather-related fatalities: the Czech Republic, 1919–2022
FOREWARNS: development and multifaceted verification of enhanced regional-scale surface water flood forecasts
François Collet, Margot Bador, Julien Boé, Laurent Dubus, and Bénédicte Jourdier
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 843–856, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-843-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-843-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Our aim is to characterize the observed evolution of compound winter low-wind and cold events impacting the French electricity system. The frequency of compound events exhibits a decrease over the 1950–2022 period, which is likely due to a decrease in cold days. Large-scale atmospheric circulation is an important driver of compound event occurrence and has likely contributed to the decrease in cold days, while we cannot draw conclusions on its influence on the decrease in compound events.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Fabio Dioguardi, Giovanni Chiodini, and Antonio Costa
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 657–674, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-657-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-657-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We present results of non-volcanic-gas (CO2) hazard assessment at the Mefite d’Ansanto area (Italy) where a cold-gas stream, which has already been lethal to humans and animals, forms in the valleys surrounding the emission zone. We took the uncertainty related to the gas emission and meteorological conditions into account. Results include maps of CO2 concentrations at defined probability levels and the probability of overcoming specified CO2 concentrations over specified time intervals.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Sonja Szymczak, Frederick Bott, Vigile Marie Fabella, and Katharina Fricke
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 683–707, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-683-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-683-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We investigate the correlation between heavy-rainfall events and three associated natural hazards along the German rail network using GIS analyses and random-effects logistic models. The results show that 23 % of floods, 14 % of gravitational mass movements, and 2 % of tree fall events between 2017 and 2020 occurred after a heavy-rainfall event, and the probability of occurrence of flood and tree fall events significantly increased. This study contributes to more resilient rail transport.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Daniel G. Kingston, Liam Cooper, David A. Lavers, and David M. Hannah
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 675–682, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-675-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-675-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Extreme rainfall comprises a major hydrohazard for New Zealand and is commonly associated with atmospheric rivers – narrow plumes of very high atmospheric moisture transport. Here, we focus on improved forecasting of these events by testing a forecasting tool previously applied to similar situations in western Europe. However, our results for New Zealand suggest the performance of this forecasting tool may vary depending on geographical setting.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Tiago M. Ferreira, Ricardo M. Trigo, Tomás H. Gaspar, Joaquim G. Pinto, and Alexandre M. Ramos
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 609–623, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-609-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-609-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
We investigate the synoptic evolution associated with the occurrence of an atmospheric river that led to a 24 h record-breaking extreme precipitation event (120.3 mm) in Lisbon, Portugal, on 13 December 2022. The synoptic background allowed the formation, on 10 December, of an atmospheric river associated with a deep extratropical cyclone and with a high moisture content and an inflow of moisture, due to the warm conveyor belt, throughout its life cycle. The system made landfall on 12 December.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Elena Xoplaki, Florian Ellsäßer, Jens Grieger, Katrin M. Nissen, Joaquim G. Pinto, Markus Augenstein, Ting-Chen Chen, Hendrik Feldmann, Petra Friederichs, Daniel Gliksman, Laura Goulier, Karsten Haustein, Jens Heinke, Lisa Jach, Florian Knutzen, Stefan Kollet, Jürg Luterbacher, Niklas Luther, Susanna Mohr, Christoph Mudersbach, Christoph Müller, Efi Rousi, Felix Simon, Laura Suarez-Gutierrez, Svenja Szemkus, Sara M. Vallejo-Bernal, Odysseas Vlachopoulos, and Frederik Wolf
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 541–564, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-541-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-541-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Europe frequently experiences compound events, with major impacts. We investigate these events’ interactions, characteristics, and changes over time, focusing on socio-economic impacts in Germany and central Europe. Highlighting 2018’s extreme events, this study reveals impacts on water, agriculture, and forests and stresses the need for impact-focused definitions and better future risk quantification to support adaptation planning.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Alan Demortier, Marc Mandement, Vivien Pourret, and Olivier Caumont
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 429–449, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-429-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-429-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The use of numerical weather prediction models enables the forecasting of hazardous weather situations. The incorporation of new temperature and relative humidity observations from personal weather stations into the French limited-area model is evaluated in this study. This leads to the improvement of the associated near-surface variables of the model during the first hours of the forecast. Examples are provided for a sea breeze case during a heatwave and a fog episode.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Francisco Javier Acero, Manuel Antón, Alejandro Jesús Pérez Aparicio, Nieves Bravo-Paredes, Víctor Manuel Sánchez Carrasco, María Cruz Gallego, José Agustín García, Marcelino Núñez, Irene Tovar, Javier Vaquero-Martínez, and José Manuel Vaquero
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 305–320, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-305-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-305-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The month of June 1925 was found to be exceptional in the southwest interior of the Iberian Peninsula due to the large number of thunderstorms and their significant impacts, with serious losses of human lives and material resources. We analyzed this event from different, complementary perspectives: reconstruction of the history of the events from newspapers, study of monthly meteorological variables of the longest series available, and the analysis of the meteorological synoptic situation.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Tiberiu-Eugen Antofie, Stefano Luoni, Aloïs Tilloy, Andrea Sibilia, Sandro Salari, Gustav Eklund, Davide Rodomonti, Christos Bountzouklis, and Christina Corbane
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 287–304, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-287-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-287-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This is the first study that uses spatial patterns (clusters/hotspots) and meta-analysis in order to identify the regions at a European level at risk of multi-hazards. The findings point out the socioeconomic dimension as a determining factor in the potential risk of multi-hazards. The outcome provides valuable input for the disaster risk management policy support and will assist national authorities on the implementation of a multi-hazard approach in national risk assessment preparation.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Joona Cornér, Clément Bouvier, Benjamin Doiteau, Florian Pantillon, and Victoria A. Sinclair
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 207–229, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-207-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-207-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Classification reduces the considerable variability between extratropical cyclones (ETCs) and thus simplifies studying their representation in climate models and changes in the future climate. In this paper we present an objective classification of ETCs using measures of ETC intensity. This is motivated by the aim of finding a set of ETC intensity measures which together comprehensively describe both the dynamical and impact-relevant nature of ETC intensity.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Cedric G. Ngoungue Langue, Christophe Lavaysse, and Cyrille Flamant
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 147–168, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-147-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-147-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
The present study addresses the predictability of heat waves at subseasonal timescales in West African cities over the period 2001–2020. Two models, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and the UK Met Office models, were evaluated using two reanalyses: ERA5 and MERRA. The results suggest that at subseasonal timescales, the forecast models provide a better forecast than climatology, but the hit rate and false alarm rate are sub-optimal.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Florian Knutzen, Paul Averbeck, Caterina Barrasso, Laurens M. Bouwer, Barry Gardiner, José M. Grünzweig, Sabine Hänel, Karsten Haustein, Marius Rohde Johannessen, Stefan Kollet, Mortimer M. Müller, Joni-Pekka Pietikäinen, Karolina Pietras-Couffignal, Joaquim G. Pinto, Diana Rechid, Efi Rousi, Ana Russo, Laura Suarez-Gutierrez, Sarah Veit, Julian Wendler, Elena Xoplaki, and Daniel Gliksman
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 77–117, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-77-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-77-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Our research, involving 22 European scientists, investigated drought and heat impacts on forests in 2018–2022. Findings reveal that climate extremes are intensifying, with central Europe being most severely impacted. The southern region showed resilience due to historical drought exposure, while northern and Alpine areas experienced emerging or minimal impacts. The study highlights the need for region-specific strategies, improved data collection, and sustainable practices to safeguard forests.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Georgy Ayzel and Maik Heistermann
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 41–47, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-41-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-41-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Forecasting rainfall over the next hour is an essential feature of early warning systems. Deep learning (DL) has emerged as a powerful alternative to conventional nowcasting technologies, but it still struggles to adequately predict impact-relevant heavy rainfall. We think that DL could do much better if the training tasks were defined more specifically and that such specification presents an opportunity to better align the output of nowcasting models with actual user requirements.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Monica Ionita, Petru Vaideanu, Bogdan Antonescu, Catalin Roibu, Qiyun Ma, and Viorica Nagavciuc
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 4683–4706, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-4683-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-4683-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Eastern Europe's heat wave history is explored from 1885 to 2023, with a focus on pre-1960 events. The study reveals two periods with more frequent and intense heat waves (HWs): 1920s–1960s and 1980s–present. The research highlights the importance of a long-term perspective, revealing that extreme heat events have occurred throughout the entire study period, and it emphasizes the combined influence of climate change and natural variations on increasing HW severity.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Tristan Shepherd, Frederick Letson, Rebecca J. Barthelmie, and Sara C. Pryor
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 4473–4505, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-4473-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-4473-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
A historic derecho in the USA is presented. The 29 June 2012 derecho caused more than 20 deaths and millions of US dollars of damage. We use a regional climate model to understand how model fidelity changes under different initial conditions. We find changes drive different convective conditions, resulting in large variation in the simulated hazards. The variation using different reanalysis data shows that framing these results in the context of contemporary and future climate is a challenge.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Lena Wilhelm, Cornelia Schwierz, Katharina Schröer, Mateusz Taszarek, and Olivia Martius
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 3869–3894, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-3869-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-3869-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
In our study we used statistical models to reconstruct past hail days in Switzerland from 1959–2022. This new time series reveals a significant increase in hail day occurrences over the last 7 decades. We link this trend to increases in moisture and instability variables in the models. This time series can now be used to unravel the complexities of Swiss hail occurrence and to understand what drives its year-to-year variability.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Marc Lemus-Canovas, Sergi Gonzalez-Herrero, Laura Trapero, Anna Albalat, Damian Insua-Costa, Martin Senande-Rivera, and Gonzalo Miguez-Macho
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2024-192, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2024-192, 2024
Revised manuscript accepted for NHESS
Short summary
Short summary
This study explores the 2022 heatwaves in the Pyrenees, examining the factors that contributed to their intensity and distribution. The June event was driven by strong winds that created uneven temperature patterns, while the July heatwave featured calmer conditions and more uniform temperatures. Human-driven climate change has made these heatwaves more severe compared to the past. This research helps us better understand how climate change affects extreme weather in mountainous regions.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Ilona Láng-Ritter, Terhi Kristiina Laurila, Antti Mäkelä, Hilppa Gregow, and VIctoria Anne SInclair
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3019, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3019, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We present a classification method for extratropical cyclones and windstorms and show their impacts on Finland's electricity grid by analysing 92 most damaging windstorms (2005–2018). The southwest- and northwest-originating windstorms cause the most damage to the power grid. The most relevant parameters for damage are the wind gust speed and extent of wind gusts. Windstorms are more frequent and damaging in autumn and winter, but weaker wind speeds in summer also cause significant damage.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Xiaowei Zhao, Tianzeng Yang, Hongbo Zhang, Tian Lan, Chaowei Xue, Tongfang Li, Zhaoxia Ye, Zhifang Yang, and Yurou Zhang
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 3479–3495, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-3479-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-3479-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
To effectively track and identify droughts, we developed a novel integrated drought index that combines the effects of precipitation, temperature, and soil moisture on drought. After comparison and verification, the integrated drought index shows superior performance compared to a single meteorological drought index or agricultural drought index in terms of drought identification.
Julia Moemken, Inovasita Alifdini, Alexandre M. Ramos, Alexandros Georgiadis, Aidan Brocklehurst, Lukas Braun, and Joaquim G. Pinto
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 3445–3460, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-3445-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-3445-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
European windstorms regularly cause damage to natural and human-made environments, leading to high socio-economic losses. For the first time, we compare estimates of these losses using a meteorological loss index (LI) and the insurance loss (catastrophe) model of Aon Impact Forecasting. We find that LI underestimates high-impact windstorms compared to the insurance model. Nonetheless, due to its simplicity, LI is an effective index, suitable for estimating impacts and ranking storm events.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Baruch Ziv, Uri Dayan, Lidiya Shendrik, and Elyakom Vadislavsky
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 3267–3277, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-3267-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-3267-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The train effect is related to convective cells that pass over the same place. Trains produce heavy rainfall and sometimes floods and are reported in North America during spring and summer. In Israel, 17 trains associated with Cyprus lows were identified by radar images and were found within the cold sector south of the low center and in the left flank of a maximum wind belt; they cross the Israeli coast, with a mean length of 45 km; last 1–3 h; and yield 35 mm of rainfall up to 60 mm.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Andrew Brown, Andrew Dowdy, and Todd P. Lane
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 3225–3243, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-3225-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-3225-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
A computer model that simulates the climate of southeastern Australia is shown here to represent extreme wind events associated with convective storms. This is useful as it allows us to investigate possible future changes in the occurrences of these events, and we find in the year 2050 that our model simulates a decrease in the number of occurrences. However, the model also simulates too many events in the historical climate compared with observations, so these future changes are uncertain.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Katharina Küpfer, Alexandre Tuel, and Michael Kunz
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2803, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2803, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Using loss data, we assess when and how single and multiple types of meteorological extremes (river floods and heavy rainfall events, windstorms and convective gusts, and hail). We find that the combination of several types of hazards clusters robustly on a seasonal scale, whereas only some single hazard types occur in clusters. This can be associated with higher losses compared to isolated events. We argue for the relevance of jointly considering multiple types of hazards.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Hofit Shachaf, Colin Price, Dorita Rostkier-Edelstein, and Cliff Mass
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 3035–3047, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-3035-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-3035-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We have used the temperature and relative humidity sensors in smartphones to estimate the vapor pressure deficit (VPD), an important atmospheric parameter closely linked to fuel moisture and wildfire risk. Our analysis for two severe wildfire case studies in Israel and Portugal shows the potential for using smartphone data to compliment the regular weather station network while also providing high spatial resolution of the VPD index.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Florian Ruff and Stephan Pfahl
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 2939–2952, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2939-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2939-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
High-impact river floods are often caused by extreme precipitation. Flood protection relies on reliable estimates of the return values. Observational time series are too short for a precise calculation. Here, 100-year return values of daily precipitation are estimated on a global grid based on a large set of model-generated precipitation events from ensemble weather prediction. The statistical uncertainties in the return values can be substantially reduced compared to observational estimates.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Juan F. Dueñas, Edda Kunze, Huiying Li, and Matthias C. Rillig
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2566, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2566, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We explored the possibility of adding mixtures composed of minimum dosages of several popular amendment types to soil. Adding mixtures of 3 to 5 amendment types substantially increased the capacity of soil to retain water, reduced soil erosion and increased microorganism abundance, while buffering soil from drastic changes in pH.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Erik Holmgren and Erik Kjellström
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 2875–2893, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2875-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2875-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Associating extreme weather events with changes in the climate remains difficult. We have explored two ways these relationships can be investigated: one using a more common method and one relying solely on long-running records of meteorological observations.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Our results show that while both methods lead to similar conclusions for two recent weather events in Sweden, the commonly used method risks underestimating the strength of the connection between the event and changes to the climate.
François Bouttier and Hugo Marchal
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 2793–2816, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2793-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2793-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Weather prediction uncertainties can be described as sets of possible scenarios – a technique called ensemble prediction. Our machine learning technique translates them into more easily interpretable scenarios for various users, balancing the detection of high precipitation with false alarms. Key parameters are precipitation intensity and space and time scales of interest. We show that the approach can be used to facilitate warnings of extreme precipitation.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Jinfang Yin, Feng Li, Mingxin Li, Rudi Xia, Xinghua Bao, Jisong Sun, and Xudong Liang
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2024-145, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2024-145, 2024
Revised manuscript accepted for NHESS
Short summary
Short summary
A persistent severe rainfall event occurred over North China in July 2023, which was regarded as one of the precipitation extremes of 2023 globally. The extreme rainfall was significant underestimated by forecasters at that time. Flooding from this event affected 1.3 million people, causing severe human casualties and significant economic losses. In this study, we examined the convective initiation and subsequent persistent heavy rainfall over North China based on simulations with the WRF model.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Joy Ommer, Jessica Neumann, Milan Kalas, Sophie Blackburn, and Hannah L. Cloke
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 2633–2646, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2633-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2633-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
What’s the worst that could happen? Recent floods are often claimed to be beyond our imagination. Imagination is the picturing of a situation in our mind and the emotions that we connect with this situation. But why is this important for disasters? This survey found that when we cannot imagine a devastating flood, we are not preparing in advance. Severe-weather forecasts and warnings need to advance in order to trigger our imagination of what might happen and enable us to start preparing.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Raphael Portmann, Timo Schmid, Leonie Villiger, David N. Bresch, and Pierluigi Calanca
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 2541–2558, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2541-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2541-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The study presents an open-source model to determine the occurrence of hail damage to field crops and grapevines after hailstorms in Switzerland based on radar, agricultural land use data, and insurance damage reports. The model performs best at 8 km resolution for field crops and 1 km for grapevine and in the main production areas. Highlighting performance trade-offs and the relevance of user needs, the study is a first step towards the assessment of risk and damage for crops in Switzerland.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Dieter Roel Poelman, Hannes Kohlmann, and Wolfgang Schulz
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 2511–2522, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2511-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2511-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
EUCLID's lightning data unveil distinctive ground strike point (GSP) patterns in Europe. Over seas, GSPs per flash surpass inland, reaching a minimum in the Alps. Mountainous areas like the Alps and Pyrenees have the closest GSP separation, highlighting terrain elevation's impact. The daily peak current correlates with average GSPs per flash. These findings could significantly influence lightning protection measures, urging a focus on GSP density rather than flash density for risk assessment.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Nicola Loglisci, Giorgio Boni, Arianna Cauteruccio, Francesco Faccini, Massimo Milelli, Guido Paliaga, and Antonio Parodi
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 2495–2510, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2495-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2495-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We analyse the meteo-hydrological features of the 27 and 28 August 2023 event that occurred in Genoa. Rainfall observations were made using rain gauge networks based on either official networks or citizen science networks. The merged analysis stresses the spatial variability in the precipitation, which cannot be captured by the current spatial density of authoritative stations. Results show that at minimal distances the variations in cumulated rainfall over a sub-hourly duration are significant.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Ellina Agayar, Franziska Aemisegger, Moshe Armon, Alexander Scherrmann, and Heini Wernli
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 2441–2459, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2441-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2441-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This study presents the results of a climatological investigation of extreme precipitation events (EPEs) in Ukraine for the period 1979–2019. During all seasons EPEs are associated with pronounced upper-level potential vorticity (PV) anomalies. In addition, we find distinct seasonal and regional differences in moisture sources. Several extreme precipitation cases demonstrate the importance of these processes, complemented by a detailed synoptic analysis.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Antonio Giordani, Michael Kunz, Kristopher M. Bedka, Heinz Jürgen Punge, Tiziana Paccagnella, Valentina Pavan, Ines M. L. Cerenzia, and Silvana Di Sabatino
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 2331–2357, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2331-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2331-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
To improve the challenging representation of hazardous hailstorms, a proxy for hail frequency based on satellite detections, convective parameters from high-resolution reanalysis, and crowd-sourced reports is tested and presented. Hail likelihood peaks in mid-summer at 15:00 UTC over northern Italy and shows improved agreement with observations compared to previous estimates. By separating ambient signatures based on hail severity, enhanced appropriateness for large-hail occurrence is found.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Claire L. Ryder, Clément Bézier, Helen F. Dacre, Rory Clarkson, Vassilis Amiridis, Eleni Marinou, Emmanouil Proestakis, Zak Kipling, Angela Benedetti, Mark Parrington, Samuel Rémy, and Mark Vaughan
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 2263–2284, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2263-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2263-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Desert dust poses a hazard to aircraft via degradation of engine components. This has financial implications for the aviation industry and results in increased fuel burn with climate impacts. Here we quantify dust ingestion by aircraft engines at airports worldwide. We find Dubai and Delhi in summer are among the dustiest airports, where substantial engine degradation would occur after 1000 flights. Dust ingestion can be reduced by changing take-off times and the altitude of holding patterns.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Khalil Ur Rahman, Songhao Shang, Khaled Saeed Balkhair, Hamza Farooq Gabriel, Khan Zaib Jadoon, and Kifayat Zaman
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 2191–2214, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2191-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2191-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This paper assesses the impact of drought (meteorological drought) on the hydrological alterations in major rivers of the Indus Basin. Threshold regression and range of variability analysis are used to determine the drought severity and times where drought has caused low flows and extreme low flows (identified using indicators of hydrological alterations). Moreover, this study also examines the degree of alterations in river flows due to drought using the hydrological alteration factor.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Alexander Frank Vessey, Kevin I. Hodges, Len C. Shaffrey, and Jonathan J. Day
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 2115–2132, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2115-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2115-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The risk posed to ships by Arctic cyclones has seldom been quantified due to the lack of publicly available historical Arctic ship track data. This study investigates historical Arctic ship tracks, cyclone tracks, and shipping incident reports to determine the number of shipping incidents caused by the passage of Arctic cyclones. Results suggest that Arctic cyclones have not been hazardous to ships and that ships are resilient to the rough sea conditions caused by Arctic cyclones.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Niklas Ebers, Kai Schröter, and Hannes Müller-Thomy
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 2025–2043, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2025-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-2025-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Future changes in sub-daily rainfall extreme values are essential in various hydrological fields, but climate scenarios typically offer only daily resolution. One solution is rainfall generation. With a temperature-dependent rainfall generator climate scenario data were disaggregated to 5 min rainfall time series for 45 locations across Germany. The analysis of the future 5 min rainfall time series showed an increase in the rainfall extremes values for rainfall durations of 5 min and 1 h.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Ran Zhu and Lei Chen
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 1937–1950, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1937-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1937-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
There is a positive correlation between the frequency of Jianghuai cyclone activity and precipitation during the Meiyu period. Its occurrence frequency has an obvious decadal variation, which corresponds well with the quasi-periodic and decadal variation in precipitation during the Meiyu period. This study provides a reference for the long-term and short-term forecasting of precipitation during the Meiyu period.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Shao-Yi Lee, Sicheng He, and Tetsuya Takemi
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1304, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1304, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Summer rainfall extremes over western Japan were calculated every year, using radar, rain-gauges, and model. Similar regions were determined by machine learning. The relationships between regional rainfall extremes and Pacific climate modes. The modelled relationships were similar to the observed ones for the El Niño-Southern Oscillation and the warming trend. However, the model did not reproduce the relationship for Pacific Decadal Variability.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Cees de Valk and Henk van den Brink
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-912, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-912, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Recently updated flood safety norms in the Netherlands prescribe that sea dikes and other flood-protecting structures should withstand high sea levels reached very rarely, locally down to only once in 10 million years. We show that such levels can be estimated with reasonable accuracy by the cautious use of very large datasets of numerical simulations of weather and storm surge.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Natalia Korhonen, Otto Hyvärinen, Virpi Kollanus, Timo Lanki, Juha Jokisalo, Risto Kosonen, David S. Richardson, and Kirsti Jylhä
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2024-75, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2024-75, 2024
Revised manuscript accepted for NHESS
Short summary
Short summary
The skill of hindcasts of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts in forecasting heat wave days (periods with the 5-day moving average temperature being above its local summer 90th percentile) over Europe 1 to 4 weeks ahead is examined. The heat wave days forecasts show potential in warning of heat risk in 1–2 weeks in advance, and enhanced accuracy in forecasting prolonged heat waves, in lead times of up to 3 weeks, when the heat wave had initiated prior to the forecast issuance.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Andi Xhelaj and Massimiliano Burlando
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 1657–1679, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1657-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1657-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The study provides an in-depth analysis of a severe downburst event in Sânnicolau Mare, Romania, utilizing an analytical model and optimization algorithm. The goal is to explore a multitude of generating solutions and to identify potential alternatives to the optimal solution. Advanced data analysis techniques help to discern three main distinct storm scenarios. For this particular event, the best overall solution from the optimization algorithm shows promise in reconstructing the downburst.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Luca G. Severino, Chahan M. Kropf, Hilla Afargan-Gerstman, Christopher Fairless, Andries Jan de Vries, Daniela I. V. Domeisen, and David N. Bresch
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 1555–1578, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1555-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1555-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
We combine climate projections from 30 climate models with a climate risk model to project winter windstorm damages in Europe under climate change. We study the uncertainty and sensitivity factors related to the modelling of hazard, exposure and vulnerability. We emphasize high uncertainties in the damage projections, with climate models primarily driving the uncertainty. We find climate change reshapes future European windstorm risk by altering damage locations and intensity.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Daniel Krieger, Sebastian Brune, Johanna Baehr, and Ralf Weisse
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 1539–1554, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1539-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1539-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Previous studies found that climate models can predict storm activity in the German Bight well for averages of 5–10 years but struggle in predicting the next winter season. Here, we improve winter storm activity predictions by linking them to physical phenomena that occur before the winter. We guess the winter storm activity from these phenomena and discard model solutions that stray too far from the guess. The remaining solutions then show much higher prediction skill for storm activity.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
João P. A. Martins, Sara Caetano, Carlos Pereira, Emanuel Dutra, and Rita M. Cardoso
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 1501–1520, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1501-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1501-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Over Europe, 2022 was truly exceptional in terms of extreme heat conditions, both in terms of temperature anomalies and their temporal and spatial extent. The satellite all-sky land surface temperature (LST) is used to provide a climatological context to extreme heat events. Where drought conditions prevail, LST anomalies are higher than 2 m air temperature anomalies. ERA5-Land does not represent this effect correctly due to a misrepresentation of vegetation anomalies.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Joseph William Gallear, Marcelo Valadares Galdos, Marcelo Zeri, and Andrew Hartley
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2024-60, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2024-60, 2024
Revised manuscript accepted for NHESS
Short summary
Short summary
In Brazil, drought is of national concern and can have major consequences for agriculture. Here, we determine how to develop forecasts for drought impacts on vegetation health using machine learning. Results aim to inform future developments in operational drought monitoring at the National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters in Brazil (CEMADEN). This information is essential for disaster preparedness and planning of future actions to support areas affected by drought.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Rudolf Brázdil, Kateřina Chromá, and Pavel Zahradníček
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 1437–1457, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1437-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1437-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The official mortality data in the Czech Republic in 1919–2022 are used to show long-term fluctuations in the number of fatalities caused by excessive natural cold and heat, lightning, natural disasters, and falls on ice/snow, as well as the sex and age of the deceased, based on certain meteorological, historical, and socioeconomic factors that strongly influence changes in the number and structure of such fatalities. Knowledge obtained is usable in risk management for the preservation of lives.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Ben Maybee, Cathryn E. Birch, Steven J. Böing, Thomas Willis, Linda Speight, Aurore N. Porson, Charlie Pilling, Kay L. Shelton, and Mark A. Trigg
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 1415–1436, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1415-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1415-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
This paper presents the development and verification of FOREWARNS, a novel method for regional-scale forecasting of surface water flooding. We detail outcomes from a workshop held with UK forecast users, who indicated they valued the forecasts and would use them to complement national guidance. We use results of objective forecast tests against flood observations over northern England to show that this confidence is justified and that FOREWARNS meets the needs of UK flood responders.
This article is included in the Encyclopedia of Geosciences
Cited articles
Adelekan, I. O. and Asiyanbi, A. P.: Flood risk perception in flood-affected
communities in Lagos, Nigeria, Nat. Hazards, 80, 445–469, 2016.
Arnell, N. W. and Gosling, S. N.: The impacts of climate change on river
flood risk at the global scale, Climatic Change, 134, 387–401,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-014-1084-5, 2014.
Auerswald, K., Moyle, P., Seibert, S. P., and Geist, J.: HESS Opinions:
Socio-economic and ecological trade-offs of flood management–benefits of a
transdisciplinary approach, Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 1035–1044, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-1035-2019, 2019.
Blöschl, G., Hall, J., Parajka, J., Perdigao, R. A. P., Merz, B.,
Arheimer, B., Aronica, G. T., Bilibashi, A., Bonacci, O., Borga, M.,
Canjevac, I., Castellarin, A., Chirico, G. B., Claps, P., Fiala, K.,
Frolova, N., Gorbachova, L., Gul, A., Hannaford, J., Harrigan, S., Kireeva,
M., Kiss, A., Kjeldsen, T. R., Kohnova, S., Koskela, J. J., Ledvinka, O.,
Macdonald, N., Mavrova-Guirguinova, M., Mediero, L., Merz, R., Molnar, P.,
Montanari, A., Murphy, C., Osuch, M., Ovcharuk, V., Radevski. I., Rogger.
M., Salinas, J. L., Sauquet, E., Šraj, M., Szolgay, J., Viglione, A.,
Volpi, E., Wilson, D., Zaimi, K., and Živkovic, N.: Changing climate
shifts timing of European floods, Science, 357, 588–590, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aan2506, 2017.
Dankers, R., Arnell, N. W., Clark, D. B., Falloon, P. D., Fekete, B.
M., Gosling, S. N., Heinke, J., Kim, H., Masaki, Y., Satoh, Y., Stacke,
T., Wada, Y., and Wisser, D.: First look at changes in flood hazard in the
inter-sectoral impact model intercomparison project ensemble, P.
Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 111, 3257–3261, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1302078110, 2014.
Daupras, F., Antoine, J. M., Becerra, S., and Peltier, A.: Analysis of the
robustness of the French flood warning system: a study based on the 2009 flood of the Garonne River, Nat. Hazards, 75, 215–241, 2015.
Di Baldassarre, G., Montanari, A., Lins, H., Koutsoyiannis, D., Brandimarte,
L., and Blöschl, G.: Flood fatalities in Africa: from diagnosis to
mitigation, Geophys. Res. Lett., 37, L22402, https://doi.org/10.1029/2010GL045467, 2010.
Di Baldassarre, G., Kemerink, J. S., Kooy, M., and Brandimarte, L.: Floods and societies: the spatial distribution of water-related disaster risk and its dynamics, Wiley Interdisciplin, Rev,: Water, 1, 133–139, 2014.
Di Baldassarre, G., Viglione, A., Carr, G., Kuil, L., Yan, K., Brandimarte,
L., and Blöschl, G.: Perspectives on socio-hydrology: Capturing feedbacks
between physical and social processes, Water Resour. Res., 51, 4770–4781, 2015.
Dieperink, C., Hegger, D. L. T., Bakker, M. H. N., Kundzewicz, Z. W., Green,
C., and Driessen, P. P. J.: Recurrent governance challenges in the
implementation and alignment of flood risk management strategies: a review,
Water Resour. Manage., 30, 4467–4481, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-016-1491-7, 2016.
Driessen, P. P. J., Hegger, D. L. T., Bakker, M. H. N., Rijswick, H. F. M.
W. V., and Kundzewicz, Z. W.: Toward more resilient flood risk governance,
Ecol. Soc., 21, 53, https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-08921-210453, 2016.
EASAC – European Academies' Science Advisory Council: Extreme weather events
in Europe, Preparing for climate change adaptation: an update on EASAC's 2013 study, available at: https://easac.eu/fileadmin/PDF_s/reports_statements/Extreme_Weather/EASAC_Statement_Extreme_Weather_Events_March_2018_FINAL.pdf
(last access: 28 June 2019), 2018.
EU – European Union: Directive 2007/60/EC of the European parliament and of
the council of 23 October 2007 on the assessment and management of flood
risks, Offic. J. Europ. Un., L288, 27–34, 2007.
Field, C. B., Barros, V., Stocker, T. F., Qin, D., Dokken, D. J., Ebi, K.
L., Mastrandrea, M. D., Mach, K. J., Plattner, G. K., Allen, S. K., Tignor,
M., and Midgley, P. M.: Managing the risks of extreme events and disasters to
advance climate change adaptation, in: Special Report of Working Groups I and II of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC),
Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 2012.
Gemmer, M., Wilkes, A., and Vaucel, L. M.: Governing climate change
adaptation in the EU and China: An analysis of formal institutions, Adv.
Clim/ Change Res/, 2, 1–11, 2011.
Giuntoli, I., Vidal, J. P., Prudhomme, C., and Hannah, D. M.: Future
hydrological extremes: the uncertainty from multiple global climate and
global hydrological models, Earth Syst. Dynam., 6, 267–285,
https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-6-267-2015, 2015.
Guo, S., Zhang, H., Chen, H., Peng, D., Liu, P., and Pang, B.: A reservoir
flood forecasting and control system for China, Hydrolog. Sci.
J., 49, 959–972, 2004.
Hegger, D. L. T., Driessen, P. P. J., Wiering, M., Rijswick, H. F. M.
W., Kundzewicz, Z. W., Matczak, P., Crabbé, A., Raadgever, G.
T., Bakker, M. H. N., Priest, S. J., Larrue, C., and Ek, K.: Toward more flood resilience: Is a diversification of flood risk management strategies the way forward?, Ecol. Soc., 21, 52–71, https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-08854-210452, 2016.
Hirabayashi, Y, Kanae, S., Emori, S., Oki, T., and Kimoto, M.: Global
projections of changing risks of floods and droughts in a changing climate,
Hydrolog. Sci. J., 53, 754–772, https://doi.org/10.1623/hysj.53.4.754, 2008.
Hirabayashi, Y., Mahendran, R., Koirala, S., Konoshima, L., Yamazaki, D.,
Watanabe, S., Kim, H., and Kanae, S.: Global flood risk under climate change,
Nat. Clim. Change, 3, 816–821, https://doi.org/10.1038/nclimate1911, 2013.
Hodgkins, G. A., Whitfield, P. H., Burn, D. H., Hannaford, J., Renard, B.,
Stahl, K., Fleig, A. K., Madsen, H., Mediero, L., Korhonen, J., Murphy, C.,
and Wilson, D.: Climate-driven variability in the occurrence of major floods
across North America and Europe, J. Hydrol., 552, 704–717,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2017.07.027, 2017.
Jongman, B., Winsemius, H. C., Aerts, J. C., de Perez, E. C., van Aalst, M.
K., Kron, W., and Ward, P. J.: Declining vulnerability to river floods and
the global benefits of adaptation, P. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 112, E2271–E2280, 2015.
Kates, R. W., Colten, C. E., Laska, S., and Leatherman, S. P.:
Reconstruction of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina: A research
perspective, P. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 103, 14653–14660, 2006.
Koç, G. and Thieken, A. H.: The relevance of flood hazards and impacts
in Turkey: What can be learned from different disaster loss databases?,
Nat. Hazards, 91, 375–408, 2018.
Kreibich, H., Di Baldassarre, G., Vorogushyn, S., Aerts, J. C., Apel, H.,
Aronica, G. T., Arnbjerg-Nielsen, K., Bouwer, L. M., Bubeck, P., Caloiero,
T., Chinh Do, T., Cortès, M., Gain, A. K., Giampá, V., Kuhlicke, C.,
Kundzewicz, Z. W., Carmen Llasat, M., Mård, J., Matczak, P., Mazzoleni,
M., Molinari, D., Dung, N. V., Petrucci, O., Schröter, K., Slager,
K., Thieken, A. H., Ward, P. J., and Merz, B.: Adaptation to flood risk:
Results of international paired flood event studies, Earth's Future, 5,
953–965, 2017.
Kundzewicz, Z. W. and Schellnhuber, H. J.: Floods in the IPCC TAR
perspective, Nat. Hazards, 31, 111–128, 2004.
Kundzewicz, Z. W. and Xia, J.: Towards an improved flood preparedness system
in China, Hydrolog. Sci. J., 49, 941–944, 2004.
Kundzewicz, Z. W., Graczyk, D., Maurer, T., Pińskwar, I., Radziejewski,
M., Svensson, C., and Szwed, M.: Trend detection in river flow series:
1. Annual maximum flow, Hydrolog. Sci. J., 50, 797–810, 2005.
Kundzewicz, Z. W., Kanae, S., Seneviratne, S. I., Handmer, J., Nicholls, N.,
Peduzzi, P., Mechler, R., Bouwer, L. M., Arnell, N., Mach, K., Muir-Wood,
R., Brakenridge, G. R., Kron, W., Benito, G., Honda, Y., Takahashi, K., and
Sherstyukov, B.: Flood risk and climate change: global and regional
perspectives, Hydrolog. Sci. J., 59, 1–28, 2014.
Kundzewicz, Z. W., Krysanova, V., Dankers, R., Hirabayashi, Y., Kanae, S.,
Hattermann, F. F., Huang, S., Milly, P. C. D., Stoffel, M., Driessen, P. P.
J., Matczak, P., Quevauviller, P., and Schellnhuber, H. J.: Differences in
flood hazard projections in Europe – their causes and consequences for
decision making, Hydrolog. Sci. J., 62, 1–14, 2017.
Kundzewicz, Z. W., Krysanova, V., Benestad, R. E., Hov, Ø., Piniewski, M.,
and Otto, I. M.: Uncertainty in climate change impacts on water resources, Environ. Sci. Policy, 79, 1–8, 2018a.
Kundzewicz, Z. W., Hegger, D. L. T., Matczak, P., and Driessen, P. P. J.:
Flood risk reduction: structural measures and diverse strategies, P. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 115, 12321–12325, 2018b.
Kundzewicz, Z. W., Pińskwar, I., and Brakenridge, G. R.: Changes in river
flood hazard in Europe: a review, Hydrol. Res., 49, 294–302, https://doi.org/10.2166/nh.2017.016, 2018c.
Lins, H. F. and Slack, J. R.: Streamflow trends in the United States, Geophys. Res. Lett., 26, 227–230, 1999.
Lins, H. F. and Slack, J. R.: Seasonal and regional characteristics of
U.S. streamflow trends in the United States from 1940 to 1999, Phys. Geogr.,
26, 489–501, 2005.
Ludy, J. and Kondolf, G. M.: Flood risk perception in lands “protected” by
100-year levees, Nat. Hazards, 61, 829–842, 2012.
Madsen, H., Lawrence, D., Lang, M., Martinkova, M., and Kjeldsen T. R.:
Review of trend analysis and climate change projections of extreme
precipitation and floods in Europe, J. Hydrol., 519, 3634–3650, 2014.
Mård, J., Di Baldassarre, G., and Mazzoleni, M.: Nighttime light data
reveal how flood protection shapes human proximity to rivers, Sci.
Adv., 4, eaar5779, https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aar5779, 2018.
Marks, D. and Thomalla, F.: Responses to the 2011 floods in Central
Thailand: Perpetuating the vulnerability of small and medium enterprises?,
Nat. Hazards, 87, 1147–1165, 2017.
Mechler, R. and Bouwer, L. M.: Understanding trends and projections of
disaster losses and climate change: is vulnerability the missing link?,
Climatic Change, 133, 23–35, 2015.
Milly, P. C. D., Wetherald, R. T., Dunne, K. A., and Delworth, T. L.:
Increasing risk of great floods in a changing climate, Nature, 415, 514–517, 2002.
Nieland, C. and Mushtaq, S.: The effectiveness and need for flash flood
warning systems in a regional inland city in Australia, Nat. Hazards, 80,
153–171, 2016.
Paprotny, D. and Terefenko, P.: New estimates of potential impacts of sea
level rise and coastal floods in Poland, Nat. Hazards, 85, 1249–1277, 2017.
Seneviratne, S. I., Nicholls, N., Easterling, D., Goodess, C., Kanae, S.,
Kossin, J., Luo, Y., Marengo, J., McInnes, K., Rahimi, M., Reichstein, M.,
Sorteberg, A., Vera, C., and Zhang, X.: Changes in climate extremes and their
impacts on the natural physical environment, in: Managing the risks of extreme events and disasters to advance climate change
adaptation, A special report of working groups I and II of the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), edited by: Field, C. B., Barros, V., Stocker, T. F., Qin, D., Dokken, D. J., Ebi, K. L., Mastrandrea,
M. D., Mach, K. J., Plattner, G. K., Allen, S. K., Tignor, M., and Midgley,
P. M., Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, and New York, NY, 2012.
Shaw, S. B. and Riha, S. J.: Assessing possible changes in flood frequency
due to climate change in mid-sized watersheds in New York State, USA,
Hydrol. Process., 25, 2542–2550, 2011.
Surminski, S., Aerts, J. C. J. H., Botzen, W. J. W., Hudson, P., Mysiak, J.,
and Pérez-Blanco, C. D.: Reflections on the current debate on how to
link flood insurance and disaster risk reduction in the European Union,
Nat. Hazards, 79, 1451–1479, 2015.
UNISDR – The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction: Hyogo
Framework for action 2005–2015: Building the resilience of nations and
communities to disasters, available at: https://www.unisdr.org/files/1037_hyogoframeworkforactionenglish.pdf
(last access: 28 June 2019), 2007.
UNISDR – The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction: The human
cost of weather-related disasters 1995–2015, available at:
https://www.unisdr.org/files/46796_cop21weatherdisastersreport2015.pdf
(last access: 28 June 2019), 2015.
Vousdoukas, M. I., Mentaschi, L., Voukouvalas, E., Bianchi, A., Dottori, F.,
and Feyen, L.: Climatic and socioeconomic controls of future coastal flood
risk in Europe, Nat. Clim. Change, 8, 776–780, 2018.
White, G. F.: Human Adjustments to Floods, Department of Geography, Research
Paper No. 29, Department of Geography, University of Chicago, Chicago, 225 pp., 1945.
Willner, S. N., Levermann, A., Zhao, F., and Frieler, F.: Adaptation required
to preserve future high-end river flood risk at present levels, Sci. Adv., 4, eaao1914, https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aao1914, 2018.
Wittfogel, K. A.: The hydraulic civilization: Man's role in changing the
Earth, University of Chicago Press, Chicago, IL, USA, 1956.
Xu, K., Milliman, J. D., and Xu, H.: Temporal trend of precipitation and
runoff in major Chinese Rivers since 1951, Global Planet. Change, 73,
219–232, 2010.
Zhang, J. Q., Zhou, C. H., Xu, K. Q., and Watanabe, M.: Flood disaster
monitoring and evaluation in China, Environ. Hazards, 4, 33–43, 2002.
Short summary
Considering flood risk composed of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability from global to local scales, this paper reviews and presents increasing observed flood losses and projections of flood hazard and losses. We acknowledge existence of multiple driving factors and of considerable uncertainty, in particular with regards to projections for the future. Finally, this paper analyses options for flood risk reduction from a global framework to regional and local scales.
Considering flood risk composed of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability from global to local...
Altmetrics
Final-revised paper
Preprint