Abstracts: CMOS Ottawa, 2011-2012(in language given)Atallah:
Blocking in the meteorological terms is when large-scale pressure
patterns are nearly stationary for an extended period of time, usually
persisting on the order of a few days to a few weeks. The importance of
these features, often referred to as "blocking highs or anticyclones"
is that they tend to "redirect" the path of migratory cyclones, leaving
some areas with persistently wet weather, while other areas will be
abnormally warm and dry. While atmospheric blocking has been most
thoroughly studied during the cold season, the impacts during the warm
season can be quite stark. For instance, the summer of 2010 was
characterized by extreme heat and drought over portions of Russia as
well as British Columbia as a consequence of atmospheric blocking.
This talk will first propose a new method for identifying blocks that is more generally applicable to all seasons, which identifies a climatological maximum of atmospheric blocking in the North Pacific during the Northern Hemisphere summer. This is particularly relevant as this can correspond to the fire season in Western Canada. Interestingly, this maximum in blocking occurs concomitantly with a climatological maximum in extratropical transition (the transformation of tropical cyclones into midlatitude cyclones) in the North Pacific. A physical mechanism for this relationship will be discussed, as well as the possible implications for predictability of these events on seasonal time scales. Sauvé:
With the
retreat of sea ice from the Arctic Ocean, Canada is rapidly recognizing
that we are surrounded by three oceans, not two, and the refrain has
become "from sea, to sea, to sea". This change is having important
repercussions for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans as it works to
understand our northern responsibilities in terms of emerging
fisheries, changing ecosystems, increasing industrial development and a
changing maritime regime in terms of accessibility and safety. There
are a number of international policy drivers that are becoming
important in this context and Canada will have a leadership role to
play as we assume the presidency of the Arctic Council in 2013.
Rosenberg:
The
presentation will examine what we know already about emergent and
re-emergent diseases in Canada in the context of climate and other
social and economic changes taking place here. The talk will also cover
various future scenarios Canadians might face and will consider whether
governments at all levels are prepared to deal with these scenarios.
Jackson: Ann Jackson is a local high school teacher who is passionate about weather education and her students. Hear about her experiences as the CMOS-sponsored Canadian participant in Project Atmosphere 2011, a two-week workshop for teachers held at the National Weather Service Training School and organized by the American Meteorological Society. Among other things, Ann will talk about:
Angle: On May 25, 2011, David Grimes, the Assistant Deputy Minister for the Meteorological Service of Canada was elected President of the WMO during the Sixteenth World Meteorological Congress. The World Meteorological Organization is the United Nations Specialized Agency whose goal is to provide world leadership in weather, climate and water to contribute to the safety and well-being of people throughout the world and to the economic benefit of all nations. David is the first Permanent Representative from our Region to be elected to this position. This successful conclusion to an 18-month campaign represents an opportunity for Canada to shape the world's agenda for research and services related to weather, climate and water and ensure the Government of Canada's priorities are represented. For example, Mr. Grimes has been a key proponent of ensuring Northern issues are at the fore. David Grimes is seen as an agent of change and has positioned the Organization to be more receptive to change. This presentation will illustrate
the
path
followed, the platform laid and a glimpse at uncharted waters.
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