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Project title

Next Generation, High Resolution, DEcadal and Long-Term Climate Simulations for IrelAnd (DELTA)

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Maynooth University (MU)

Lead Applicant

Rowan Fealy

Project Abstract

Policy-makers, local government and industry recognise the importance of high resolution climate projections for effective planning, adaptation and mitigation to future costs and disruptions arising from climate variability and change. Although previous research has provided high-resolution climate projections for Ireland, recent advances in climate science, revised emission scenarios and changing technologies have necessitated the development of more advanced high-resolution climate predictions at decadal time scales. This research will produce next generation decadal (10-30 years) and long term (100 year) climate projections for Ireland at high spatial resolutions using the Advanced Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model for selected representative concentration pathways (e.g RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). An additional, and novel, aspect of this proposal will explore the use of a three-way coupled atmosphere-ocean-wave regional model. Boundary data for climate simulations will be provided by the EC-earth model - an earth system model at the forefront of current developments in the climate modelling community. The research will provide end users with climate information at scales appropriate for strategic decision making over various time horizons. The outputs will provide a robust basis for formulating adaptation policy in support of national and international obligations.

Grant Approved

�275,185.33

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

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

Start Date

02/07/2012

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/07/2014