David Robinson, Ph.D.
Weather & Environmental Hazards –
The Challenges of Awareness, Research, and Education in NJ
Friday, November 14, 2008
Chairman, Department of Geography & NJ State Climatologist, Rutgers University
Research Interests:
I am an earth scientist, more specifically a physical geographer and climatologist. My research interests run the spatial gamut from global to local, with an underlying theme being the development of a better understanding of the climate system. The majority of my published research has focused on hemispheric and regional snow cover dynamics and interactions of snow cover with other climate elements. This includes maintaining an internationally-recognized database of Northern Hemisphere snow extent throughout the satellite era (http://climate.rutgers.edu/snowcover). This information is used in our Global Snow Lab's research endeavors, efforts of others, and in our contributions to national and international climate assessments.
As the New Jersey State Climatologist, I conduct research of an applied nature that focuses on the diverse weather and climate of the Garden State. This includes topics such as climate change, drought, flooding, and issues involving agriculture, transportation, public safety and commerce (http://climate.rutgers.edu/stateclim). The Office of the NJ State Climatologist also operates one of the most spatially dense observing networks in the nation. The NJ Weather and Climate Network (http://climate.rutgers.edu/njwxnet) provides timely information to decision makers, the research community, and the general public.
Finally, I have served on a number of national committees and occasionally publish on issues related to my interest in the collection and archiving of accurate climatic data.
Education:
Ph.D. 1984 Columbia University, M.S. 1981 Columbia University, B.S. 1977 Dickinson College
http://climate.rutgers.edu/stateclim
Session Abstract
NEW JERSEY’S WEATHER HAZARDS
No matter what the season, New Jersey residents must be prepared for hazardous weather. Our mid latitude location provides a ready venue for tropical systems or arctic blasts. The nearby Atlantic energizes nor’easters that deliver a wind-swept soaking or blizzard conditions. Atmospheric frontal systems arriving from the west spark dangerous thunderstorms. Yet despite these potential hazards, NJ rarely experiences the worst that any one of them can deliver. As counter intuitive as it may seem, this can be attributed to sitting in the middle latitudes adjacent to an ocean. However, just because hazardous events may not be as frequent or severe as in other locations, does not mean that they cannot severely impact NJ. Short and long-term plans are required of emergency organizations and all citizens in order to adequately prepare and react to them. This presentation will touch upon many regional weather hazards, even one of a more climatic nature, namely drought. Whether the timing, strength or frequency of hazardous events has changed in recent years and what the future may hold for them as the earth’s climate warms will be explored.