A5058004282- Cryospheric studies and observations
- Climate change and permafrost
- Climate variability and models
- Winter Sports Injuries and Performance
- Arctic and Antarctic ice dynamics
- Landslides and related hazards
- Radioactive Decay and Measurement Techniques
- Radiation Detection and Scintillator Technologies
- Astronomical Observations and Instrumentation
- Atmospheric aerosols and clouds
- Radiation Therapy and Dosimetry
- Atmospheric Ozone and Climate
- Hydrology and Watershed Management Studies
- Solar Radiation and Photovoltaics
- Meteorological Phenomena and Simulations
- Geophysics and Gravity Measurements
- Environmental Monitoring and Data Management
- Adventure Sports and Sensation Seeking
- Ecology, Conservation, and Geographical Studies
- Atmospheric chemistry and aerosols
- Hydrology and Drought Analysis
- Diverse Aspects of Tourism Research
- Atmospheric and Environmental Gas Dynamics
- Precipitation Measurement and Analysis
- Sport and Mega-Event Impacts
GeoSphere Austria
2023
Central Institution for Meteorology and Geodynamics
2011-2022
Universität Innsbruck
2007-2011
Abstract. Small changes in the radiation budget at earth's surface can lead to large climatological responses when persistent over time. With increasing debate on anthropogenic influences climatic processes during 1980s need for accurate radiometric measurements with higher temporal resolution was identified, and it determined that existing measurement networks did not have or accuracy required meet this need. In 1988 WMO therefore proposed establishment of a new international Baseline...
The application of numerical modelling the snowpack in support avalanche hazard prediction is increasing. Modelling, complement to direct observations and weather forecasting, provides information otherwise unavailable on present future state its mechanical stability. However, there often a perceived mismatch between capabilities tools developed by research organizations implemented some operational services, actual use those forecasters. This causes frustration both sides. By summarizing...
Abstract. Seasonal snow is an essential water resource in many mountain regions. However, the spatio-temporal variability depth or equivalent (SWE) at regional to global scales not well understood due lack of high-resolution satellite observations and robust retrieval algorithms. We investigate ability Sentinel-1 mission monitor sub-kilometer (100 m, 500 1 km) resolutions over European Alps for 2017–2019. The backscatter observations, especially cross-polarization, show a high correlation...
Abstract A comprehensive assessment of twenty-first century climate change in the European Alps is presented. The analysis based on EURO-CORDEX regional model ensemble available at two grid spacings (12.5 and 50 km) for three different greenhouse gas emission scenarios (RCPs 2.6, 4.5 8.5). core simulation has been subject to a dedicated evaluation exercise carried out frame CH2018 Climate Scenarios Switzerland. Results reveal that entire Alpine region will face warmer course all considered....
Climate change is expected to increase heavy rainfall with concomitant increases in flooding1. Causes of increased include the higher water-holding capacity a warmer atmosphere and changes atmospheric circulation patterns2, which may translate into future most Europe3. However, gathering evidence on time evolution past has been hampered by data limitations measurement uncertainties, particular for short durations, such as 1 h. Here we show an 8% daily 15% hourly over last four decades...
We used the spatially distributed and physically based snow cover model SNOWGRID-CL to derive daily grids of natural conditions snowmaking potential at a spatial resolution 1 × km for Austria period 1961–2020 validated against homogenized long-term observations. Meteorological driving data consists recently created gridded observation-based datasets air temperature, precipitation, evapotranspiration same that takes into account high variability these variables in complex terrain. Calculated...
Abstarct This study illustrates the relevance of cryospheric changes for, and their impact on, ski tourism in Austria. The results several case studies on snow reliability, production mass balance glacier resorts Ötz Stubai valleys are summarized. Climate data from Obergurgl (1936ma.s.l.) valley analyzed with respect to amount duration natural cover possibility production. A Mittelbergferner focuses impacts glacial recession a resort possible adaptation measures. From long-term inventory...
Abstract To assess how meteorological conditions favorable for the production of artificial snow vary in time and space, wet-bulb temperatures are calculated using temperature humidity data 14 Austrian stations between October April 1948–2007 (station altitudes 585–3105 m MSL). Technical specifications guns used to define a threshold value −2°C snowmaking relationship capacity. The Mann–Kendall nonparametric-trend test is detect monotonic long-term changes air temperature, relative humidity,...
Abstract. The density of new snow is operationally monitored by meteorological or hydrological services at daily time intervals, occasionally measured in local field studies. However, conditions and thus settling the freshly deposited rapidly alter until measurement. Physically based models nowcasting applications make use hourly weather data to determine water equivalent snowfall depth. In previous studies, a number empirical parameterizations were developed approximate parameters. These...
The paper summarizes changes of the climate conditions in Austria impacting tourism as part an extended literature review. holistic approach study enabled to establish physical links between emissions created by touristic activities and resultant responses. Since end 19th century, air temperature increased all elevations 1.8 °C (+20% compared global land areas). Depending on scenario, a further increase less than 2 (“Paris target”) 4 (“worst-case scenario”; RCP 8.5) is expected until year...
Abstract. Geometric effects induced by the underlying terrain slope or tilt errors of radiation sensors lead to an erroneous measurement snow ice albedo. Consequently, artificial diurnal albedo variations in order 1–20 % are observed. The present paper proposes a general method correct measurements cases where tilts both and slopes not accurately measured known. We demonstrate that atmospheric parameters for this correction model can either be taken from nearby well-maintained horizontally...
Abstract. Small changes in the radiation budget at earth’s surface can lead to large climatological responses when persistent over time. With increasing debate on anthropogenic influences climatic processes during 1980s need for accurate radiometric measurements with higher temporal resolution was identified, and it determined that existing measurement networks did not have or accuracy required meet this need. In 1988 WMO therefore proposed establishment of a new international Baseline...
The temporal evolution of extreme precipitation is expected to be influenced by the broader impacts climate change. This generally considered due increased water-holding capacity a warmer atmosphere, as well alterations in atmospheric circulation patterns. However, gaining comprehensive understanding how has changed past been challenge limited historical data and inherent uncertainties, particularly when examining short-duration rainfall events such those occurring within one-hour period.By...
Abstract A distributed snow model is applied to simulate the spatiotemporal evolution of Austrian cover at 1 km × spatial and daily temporal resolution for period 1948–2009. After a comprehensive validation, changes in conditions are analyzed all Austria as well different subregions elevation belts focusing on change days (SCDs). The comparison SCDs 1950–79 those achieved 1980–2009 shows decrease with maximum >35 near Villach (Carinthia). analysis SCD reveals mean between −11 −15...
Ski resorts increasingly rely on snow making to ensure good quality skiing regardless of the variability natural cover. This study aims quantify past changes in conditions based an analysis long-term wet bulb temperature time series from 20 weather stations Germany and Austria. The are located at a range altitudes 267 m 3109 m, vicinity ski resorts. lengths time-series 54 83 years. Using threshold mean daily −2 °C we define 'potential days' track number days months early season (October,...
Abstract. The Austrian RADiation monitoring network (ARAD) has been established to advance the national climate and support satellite retrieval, atmospheric modeling development of solar energy techniques. Measurements cover downward thermal infrared radiation using instruments according Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN) standards. A unique feature ARAD is its vertical dimension five stations, covering an altitude range between about 200 m a.s.l (Vienna) 3100 a.s.l. (BSRN site...
In the present paper, climate cooling potential of technical snow making on ski slopes is investigated with regard to radiative forcing. It well-known, that shows a higher degree reflection compared other ground surfaces. During snow-poor winters, guaranteeing covered by using may therefore lead an increase in albedo mountainous region. Since increasing engenders negative forcing, production particular relevance context current debate. Investigations were however generally performed for flat...
This snow modeling study investigates two methods to artificially reduce ablation in Alpine glacier ski resorts. Using the cover model SNTHERM, a first set of sensitivity studies focuses on potential effects artificial compaction during winter. In comparison reference run representing natural conditions, stepwise increase model's new density toward 500 kg m −3 yields no more than 218 −2 water equivalent being saved at end period. Further consider covering surface with different materials...
Abstract For estimation of the mass balance an unmeasured glacier, its area distribution with altitude, s ( h ), generally is only available quantitative information. The appropriate specific profile, b needs to be transferred from a measured where transfer means modification and adaptation topographic climatic situation such as exposure sun wind, or temperature. This study proposes median elevation, M , parameter prime importance for transfer. Using example ten Alpine glaciers, similarity...
Abstract. In this paper future changes of surface water availability in Austria are investigated. We use an ensemble downscaled and bias-corrected regional climate model simulations the EURO-CORDEX initiative under moderate mitigation (RCP4.5) Paris agreement (RCP2.6) emission scenarios. The climatic balance its components (rainfall, snow melt, glacier melt atmospheric evaporative demand) used as indicators for we focus on different altitudinal classes (lowland, mountainous high alpine) to...