Metrology for weather extremes
EMPIR Workshop on Environment Call 2016
12/01/2015
Metrology for environmental extremes
1
Introduction

Extreme events
– Low probability
– Disastrous consequences (aggravated by unwise urban
development, overpopulation of coastline areas and human
impact on natural environments
– Climate events (storms/hurricanes, floods, droughts, …)

Research efforts to increase the capacity for advance
warning and preparedness
EMPIR Workshop on Environment Call 2016
12/01/2015
Metrology for environmental extremes
2
Rain

Enhanced temporal approach of rain intensity measurements
– Application: sizing of building components, rain drainage systems,
green roof durability,….

Proposed tasks
– Development of fast response rain gauge, step time of 30 s, resolution
0,02 mm
– Need for traceable calibration of rain gauges in extreme conditions
(High intensity rain fall, Presence of strong wind / wind gusts,
Presence of ice)

Use reference water flow labs expertise to develop rain gauge
dynamic reference calibration benches
– Based on gravimetric liquid flow methods + anemometry + hygrometry
+ dynamic reference rain gauge prototype (CSTB)
– Traceable calibration of rain gauges in regard to wind speed intensity,
rain fall intensity and ice/liquid water content
EMPIR Workshop on Environment Call 2016
12/01/2015
Metrology for environmental extremes
3
Wind

Anemometer response under high intensity precipitation,
extreme temperature or intense solar radiation
– Application: Reliability of measured wind velocities in extreme
climatic conditions.

Measurement of wind pattern in urban environment with LIDARs



Application: enhanced knowledge of wind conditions due to Urban
Heat Island,
Data collection related to extreme and local wind events i.e.
downburst, tornadoes,..
Proposed tasks:
– Impact of climatic conditions on anemometers response (US and cup
anemometers)
– Traceability of LIDARs system and validation in urban areas
EMPIR Workshop on Environment Call 2016
12/01/2015
Metrology for environmental extremes
4
Snow/Ice

Measurement of solid/liquid ratio of freezing precipitation
– Characterization of wet snow events
– Application: assessment of the wet snow accretions to
structures, risk assessment

Proposed task:
– Traceability for measurement of ice accumulation
– Development of a new traceable method/instrument for the
characterization of snow (e.g. ratio snow/liquid water)
– Modelisation / CFD
EMPIR Workshop on Environment Call 2016
12/01/2015
Metrology for environmental extremes
5
Dew condensation in arid zone

In arid zone
– Deposition of dew has the same magnitude as rainfall in arid
zone in terms of hydrological contribution
– Dew condensation could be the key for drinkable water
management
– Few instruments exist with a lack of traceability and some
existing bias

Proposed task:
– Improve traceability for measurement of dew and leaf wetness
– Development of instrument/method for measuring dew
– Modelisation / CFD
EMPIR Workshop on Environment Call 2016
12/01/2015
Metrology for environmental extremes
6
Thanks for your attention
EMPIR Workshop on Environment Call 2016
12/01/2015
Metrology for environmental extremes
7