Natural hazards in Australia: heatwaves

Natural hazards in Australia: heatwaves

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...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Climatic change 2016-11, Vol.139 (1), p.101-114
Main Authors: Perkins-Kirkpatrick, S. E., White, C. J., Alexander, L. V., Argüeso, D., Boschat, G., Cowan, T., Evans, J. P., Ekström, M., Oliver, E. C. J., Phatak, A., Purich, A.
Format: Article
Language:eng
Subjects:
Aquaculture
Assessments
Atmospheric Sciences
Atmospherics
Climate change
Climate Change/Climate Change Impacts
Communities
Cooperation
Dynamic tests
Earth and Environmental Science
Earth Sciences
Hazards
Heat
Heatstroke
Insured losses
Nature
Temperature
Trends
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0165-0009
1573-1480