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Project title

HydroDetect: The Identification and Assessment of Climate Change Indicators for Irish Benchmark Network

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Maynooth University (MU)

Lead Applicant

Conor Murphy

Project Abstract

HydroDetect will develop criteria for identifying an optimum, naturalized, network of hydrometric gauges to allow strategic and focused investment in climate change monitoring. A set of national detection indices, focused on national needs, future climate change impacts and best international practice, will be identified and assessed for evidence of change, allowing timely detection and monitoring of climate change signals, particularly flood risk. Hindcasts of river flows will be constructed and employed to explore the robustness and persistence of trends and for further exploring the influence of natural climate variability on individual gauges. Early-bird catchments for climate change detection will be identified to guide focused and strategic investment in monitoring and contribute to policy development effecting anticipatory adaptation to climate change. This research will help Ireland meet its commitments as party to GCOS, key objectives of which include; monitoring the climate system, detecting and attributing climate change, assessing the impacts of and supporting adaptation to climate variability. Additionally, this research will move towards meeting the needs highlighted in the National Climate Change Strategy (2007-2012) for improved understanding of climate change impacts on Ireland and adaptation needs as well as the development of observations and analysis systems.

Grant Approved

�85,453.36

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

Ireland's Future Climate, its Impacts, and Adaptation Options

Start Date

03/01/2011

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/12/2011