SCI03 - CO2 Hydrometeorological Hazards

Course Overview

  • Course Title: SC103 Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction

  • Institution: Mapúa University | Established: 1925

Course Outcome 2: Hydrometeorological Hazards

Objectives:

  • Differentiate hydrometeorological hazards.

  • Recognize signs of hazards.

  • Apply measures related to hazards.

  • Interpret hazard maps.

  • Identify monitoring tools.

Intro to Meteorology

  • Meteorology: Study of atmosphere, weather, and climate.

Hydrometeorology

  • Definition: Study of hydrological cycle phases and their interrelationships.

  • Key Focus: Water and energy transfer between land and atmosphere.

Layers of the Atmosphere

  • Composition: 78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen, 1% other gases.

  1. Troposphere: Weather occurs here; includes tropopause.

  2. Stratosphere: Houses ozone layer.

  3. Mesosphere: Coldest layer (up to -90°C).

  4. Thermosphere: Temperature rises with altitude.

  5. Exosphere: Contains oxygen and hydrogen, debated as atmospheric.

Weather vs. Climate

  • Weather: Short-term; Climate: Long-term average (e.g., Philippine climate).

Elements of Weather

  • Includes air temperature, pressure, humidity, clouds, precipitation, visibility, and wind.

Importance of Meteorology

  • Vital for survival, warnings, activity planning, and agriculture.

PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration)

  • Provides forecasts and hydrological/climatological services.

Hydrometeorological Hazards

  • Definition: Atmospheric or hydrological hazards causing loss of life and property.

  • Types: Typhoons, thunderstorms, storm surges, floods, drought, El Niño, La Niña.

Tropical Cyclones

  • Definition: Low-pressure systems with winds ≥30 km/h.

  • Structure: Eye, eye wall, spiral rain bands; life cycle includes formative, immature, mature, and decaying stages.

  • Impacts: Severe winds and rainfall causing floods and infrastructure damage.

Thunderstorm Hazards

  • Causes flash floods, power outages, traffic issues.

Flooding

  • Definition: Increase in water levels.

  • Types: River, coastal, urban, flash floods.

Drought

  • Definition: Extended periods of dry weather.

  • Impacts: Affects agriculture, health, and water resources.

ENOS (El Niño and La Niña)

  • El Niño: Warm phase causing dry spells.

  • La Niña: Cool phase causing increased rainfall.

Preparedness Measures

  • Typhoon: Store supplies, secure homes, stay informed.

  • Flood: Prepare emergency kits, know risks.

Final Notes

  • Emphasizes understanding hydrometeorological hazards and implementing personal preparedness actions to mitigate impacts.