Atmospheric rivers emerge as a global science and applications focus

Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society
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Abstract

Recent advances in atmospheric sciences and hydrology have identified the key role of atmo-spheric rivers (ARs) in determining the distribution of strong precipitation events in the midlatitudes. The growth of the subject is evident in the increase in scientific publications that discuss ARs (Fig. 1a). Combined with related phenomena, that is, warm conveyor belts (WCBs) and tropical moisture exports (TMEs), the frequency, position, and strength of ARs determine the occurrence of floods, droughts, and water resources in many parts of the world. A conference at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California, recently gathered over 100 experts in atmospheric, hydrologic, oceanic, and polar science; ecology; water management; and civil engineering to assess the state of AR science and to explore the need for new information. This first International Atmospheric Rivers Conference (IARC) allowed for much needed introductions and interactions across fields and regions, for example, participants came from five continents, and studies covered ARs in six continents and Greenland (Fig. 1b). IARC also fostered discussions of the status and future of AR science, and attendees strongly supported the idea of holding another IARC at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in the summer of 2018.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Atmospheric rivers emerge as a global science and applications focus
Series title Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society
DOI 10.1175/BAMS-D-16-0262.1
Volume 98
Year Published 2017
Language English
Publisher American Meteorological Society
Contributing office(s) National Research Program - Western Branch
Description 5 p.
First page 1969
Last page 1973
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