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Can severe rain events over the Mediterranean region be detected through simple numerical indices?

Author

Listed:
  • B. Ziv

    (The Open University)

  • N. Harats

    (The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)

  • E. Morin

    (The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)

  • Y. Yair

    (Interdisciplinary Center (IDC))

  • U. Dayan

    (The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)

Abstract

This work evaluates two numerical warning indicators of severe weather. These indicators, the MKI and RDI indices, were developed within the framework of the EU-funded FLASH project which studies flash flood events in the Mediterranean Basin. The MKI (Modified K-Index) is a modification of the K-Index, which expresses probability of lightning activity, and the RDI (Rain Dynamical Index) is the integrated upward moisture flux. The indices were tested on 59 episodes which occurred during nine rainstorms in Israel, Greece, Spain, Italy, and Cyprus. The data for calculation of the indices included rain cell identification derived from microwave radiometer imagery of polar orbiting NOAA satellites, rain RADAR data, and lightning activity from the international ZEUS detection system. Atmospheric data with 0.5° × 0.5° spatial resolution and 6-h time resolution were used for the calculation and the display of the two indices. The indices were tested by calculating the spatially correlating locations with high index values and actual locations of intense rain and intense lightning. The RDI detected both event types: rain and lightning, with a statistically significant success rate and a low rate of false results. The MKI was successful in indicating intense lightning activity, but the rate of correct indications was not statistically significant and there was a high rate of false indications. The results suggest that the RDI computed with output of weather prediction models is a potentially good predictor of torrential rain and therefore can predict flash floods caused by such rain in the Mediterranean region.

Suggested Citation

  • B. Ziv & N. Harats & E. Morin & Y. Yair & U. Dayan, 2016. "Can severe rain events over the Mediterranean region be detected through simple numerical indices?," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 83(2), pages 1197-1212, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:nathaz:v:83:y:2016:i:2:d:10.1007_s11069-016-2385-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s11069-016-2385-y
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    Cited by:

    1. Laura Turconi & Francesco Faccini & Alessandra Marchese & Guido Paliaga & Marco Casazza & Zoran Vojinovic & Fabio Luino, 2020. "Implementation of Nature-Based Solutions for Hydro-Meteorological Risk Reduction in Small Mediterranean Catchments: The Case of Portofino Natural Regional Park, Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-22, February.

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