WCRP-UNESCO (GEWEX/CLIVAR/IHP) Workshop on metrics and methodologies of estimation of extreme climate events

The Workshop focus is on phenomenology and methodological aspects of the quantitative estimation of different climate extremes under observed and future climate conditions using observational and model data. The Workshop aim is to facilitate an open dialogue of climatologists from different areas (meteorology, hydrology, oceanography), data producers (in-situ, satellites, NWP, climate model community), and statisticians on the future strategy for the development of robust and reliable characteristics of extremes and optimal methodologies for their estimation.

The Workshop objectives are:

* Review and assessment of the existing metrics of extreme climate events and identification of their strengths and weaknesses;
* Critical assessment of the variety of methods for estimation of climate extremes and their uncertainties, cross-pollination of experience from different areas;
* Assessment of the reliability of representation of different extremes in different data types and model simulations;
* Identification of critical gaps in quantitative estimation of climate extremes in data and model experiments, particularly spatial aspects of extreme events and the nature of the “compound” events;
* Development of the optimal strategy for improvement of estimation of climate extremes and their projection in future climate through the implementation of well justified characteristics of extremes and accurate methodologies of their estimation.
* Critical assessment of the synergy between different extremes (e.g. precipitation, temperature and flooding) and of the impacts of extremes.

Detailed description of the Workshop background is presented in the Workshop Concept and Planning Paper (WCPP).

Workshop will consist of 5 topical sessions with keynote and poster presentations:

* Hydrological extremes (precipitation, flooding and river discharge), including compound hydroclimate extremes
* Extremes in temperature conditions (heat waves, dry spells)
* Extreme tropical and extratropical cyclones and associated wind waves and storm surges
* Methodologies for estimation of extremes
* Risk assessment

and three breakout groups:

* Data requirements and availability, including data policy
* Representation of extreme events in climate and operational models, including consideration of scaling and spatial scales of extremes
* Methodologies for estimation of extremes across areas and disciplines