Meeting Date: 11.20.08
Location: Asiana Grand Buffet in
I. Introduction and Call to Order
President Pamela McCown called the meeting to order at 6:20 PM and stated that if anyone was interested in participating in planning for the 2009 Public Education Climate Series to please sign up on the appropriate sheet.
III. Approval of the Last
Meeting’s Minutes
Secretary Kathleen O. Davis was not able to attend. Pamela read the minutes from the last chapter meeting. McCown asked the members if there were any corrections to the minutes. There were no corrections, and the minutes were approved.
III. New Business
Pamela invited Alan Turco, an educator, to make an announcement. Alan suggested that interested members go to local high schools – calculus classes – to show how calculus can be applied in meteorology. Also suggested going to 5th and 6th grade classes to help students develop an interest in science. He provided his contact information and offered to coordinate this effort for those interested. This benefits both the kids and the community.
Future Meetings: Pamela announced details of the December meeting to be held Thursday December 11, 6:00 PM at Asiana Grand Buffet. Dr. Chris Hennon of UNCA will present on the 2008 Hurricane Season.
IV. Old Business
Pamela mentioned that ERS will have a booth set up for the annual National AMS meeting in January. She will be representing the chapter at the Chapter breakfast event at the AMS Annual meeting. There are plans to submit a poster this year.
AMS will also hold national elections. Voting can be done online.
V. Treasurer’s Report
Chapter funds – received $160 in new dues; expended $100 for AMS funds; Pamela received $1000 Progress Energy check to assist in costs for climate series talks.
VI. Science Fair Report – Bruce Burleson
stated that a science fair is tentative in February at
VI1. Presentation - Richard Heim and Michael Brewer presented a talk - “NCDC Drought Monitoring in the NIDIS Era”
The
The
Drought can increase even without an increase in rain – this can happen due to socioeconomics and increasing populations.
NCDC began involvement in active drought monitoring in 1988.
The Climate Monitoring Branch was established in 1999. The group produces monthly and special reports.
NCDC is involved in both the U.S. Drought Monitor and North American Drought Monitor.
NCDC also has a Living Blended Paleo Drought report – Use tree rig data to extend drought perspective back hundreds and thousands of years.
NIDIS provides:
- early warning forecast system
- drought impact and cause education
- information for mitigation
- portal
- operational capability
In the future, NIDIS will utilize soil moisture data from sensors installed at USCRN stations.
There are several pilot projects to address local/regional needs. These projects look at mitigation/adaptation assessments for given regions and determine tools needed.
A portal will become available at www.drought.gov (this will be updated soon).
- What are the conditions now?
- How is it impacting me?
- What will happen in the future?
Can display GIS information – spatial overlays
Can do analysis within communities behind the portal.
What is happening with drought now?
- It is very dry along the Appalachian Mtn regions
-
Latest U.S. Drought Monitor finds worst drought in
-
Exceptional drought (4) in upstate
How do current drought conditions compare with the past?
- 2007 was the driest year on record
- 2008 was 27th driest for the 1st 8 months
-
2007-2008 in
-
Droughts have been much longer in
When will the drought end?
- There is currently a neutral El Nińo, which makes forecasting difficult.
- It is predicted that this winter and spring will be drier than normal
- We are expected to have a warmer winter than normal.
Really long Outlook
- The east is not immune from droughts and reduction in water supply
- There could be less frequent but more intense rainfall, leading to more flooding
- Hotter temperatures are projected over the next 100 years.
The
meeting was concluded after the presentation
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