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Project title

High-Resolution Gridded Datasets of Hydro-Climate Indices for Ireland

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Geological Survey of Ireland

Lead Organisation

National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)

Lead Applicant

Paul Nolan

Project Abstract

The overall aim of the proposed project is to produce a �definitive� gridded climate dataset of hydro-climate variables such as Potential Evapotranspiration (PET), Actual Evapotranspiration (AET), Soil Moisture Deficits (SMD), rainfall intensity and Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) for Ireland, covering the period 1981-Present. This will be achieved by comparing the output of three downscaled climate simulations (COSMO-CLM5 with 1.5km, WRF with 2km and M�RA with 2.5km grid spacings) with observations in order to quantify the uncertainty of individual climate fields. A comprehensive statistical analysis will be undertaken in order to validate the datasets and assign error estimates to the climate fields. The climate data, together with the uncertainty estimates, will be made publicly available so that researchers, policy makers, Irish industry and the general public can utilise the datasets. It is envisaged that the high-resolution datasets will lead to a better understanding, not only of the physical climate system, but also of the interaction of climate and Irish society. The datasets will allow for an assessment of the impact of resolution, data assimilation, and NWP model choice on simulation accuracy. In addition, it is envisaged the datasets will be used as a basis for more-focused hydro-climate impact studies. Expected Outputs Include: � High quality gridded datasets of hydro-climate indices (Actual Evapotranspiration, Potential Evapotranspiration, Soil Moisture Deficits, Standardized Precipitation Index, rainfall intensity, etc.) for use in climate research and applications. � The datasets will facilitate an update of the �Agroclimatic Atlas of Ireland�. � The post-processed gridded datasets will be stored on the EPA/ICHEC Climate Information Platform and/or GSI data platforms. For increased security, ICHEC will make storage resources available for a secondary backup. � Final report and 2-page summary report. � A stand-alone report examining the development and implementation of an evapotranspiration estimation system in Ireland, including likely resource requirements, improvements and/or outcomes which can be achieved. � A minimum of two peer-reviewed international journal papers (e.g., Water Resources Research, Hydrological and Earth Systems Sciences, Hydrological Sciences Journal). � Presentation at national fora such as the Irish National Hydrology Conference, the Irish Meteorological Society (IMS) conference and EPA Research conferences. � ICHEC/NUIG in collaboration with the EPA, GSI and Met �ireann will organise and convene two workshops during the project lifetime. These will enable end-users, planners and policy makers to utilise the data according to their specific needs.

Grant Approved

�74,745.20

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

Water - Ecosystem services and sustainability

Start Date

01/02/2017

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/01/2018