TY - JOUR
T1 - Natural hazards in Australia
T2 - heatwaves
AU - Perkins-Kirkpatrick, S. E.
AU - White, C. J.
AU - Alexander, L. V.
AU - Argüeso, D.
AU - Boschat, G.
AU - Cowan, T.
AU - Evans, J. P.
AU - Ekström, M.
AU - Oliver, E. C. J.
AU - Phatak, A.
AU - Purich, A.
PY - 2016/11/30
Y1 - 2016/11/30
N2 - As part of a special issue on natural hazards, this paper reviews the current state of scientific knowledge of Australian heatwaves. Over recent years, progress has been made in understanding both the causes of and changes to heatwaves. Relationships between atmospheric heatwaves and large-scale and synoptic variability have been identified, with increasing trends in heatwave intensity, frequency and duration projected to continue throughout the 21st century. However, more research is required to further our understanding of the dynamical interactions of atmospheric heatwaves, particularly with the land surface. Research into marine heatwaves is still in its infancy, with little known about driving mechanisms, and observed and future changes. In order to address these knowledge gaps, recommendations include: focusing on a comprehensive assessment of atmospheric heatwave dynamics; understanding links with droughts; working towards a unified measurement framework; and investigating observed and future trends in marine heatwaves. Such work requires comprehensive and long-term collaboration activities. However, benefits will extend to the international community, thus addressing global grand challenges surrounding these extreme events.
AB - As part of a special issue on natural hazards, this paper reviews the current state of scientific knowledge of Australian heatwaves. Over recent years, progress has been made in understanding both the causes of and changes to heatwaves. Relationships between atmospheric heatwaves and large-scale and synoptic variability have been identified, with increasing trends in heatwave intensity, frequency and duration projected to continue throughout the 21st century. However, more research is required to further our understanding of the dynamical interactions of atmospheric heatwaves, particularly with the land surface. Research into marine heatwaves is still in its infancy, with little known about driving mechanisms, and observed and future changes. In order to address these knowledge gaps, recommendations include: focusing on a comprehensive assessment of atmospheric heatwave dynamics; understanding links with droughts; working towards a unified measurement framework; and investigating observed and future trends in marine heatwaves. Such work requires comprehensive and long-term collaboration activities. However, benefits will extend to the international community, thus addressing global grand challenges surrounding these extreme events.
KW - heatwaves
KW - Australia
KW - unified measurement framework
KW - global challenges
KW - climate change
UR - https://link.springer.com/journal/10584
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84962877982&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s10584-016-1650-0
DO - 10.1007/s10584-016-1650-0
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84962877982
VL - 139
SP - 101
EP - 114
JO - Climatic change
JF - Climatic change
SN - 0165-0009
IS - 1
ER -