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University of Oklahoma takes part in upcoming feasibility study

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22.04.2008

Through an international, competitive bidding process, the University of Oklahoma was recently selected by the Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ-Državni hidrometeorološki zavod) of the Republic of Croatia to undertake a comprehensive modernization Feasibility Study for the DHMZ.

Led by Regents Professor Ken Crawford, Director of the Oklahoma Climatological Survey, the study team consists of a diverse collection of meteorological experts from the National Weather Center. The team will evaluate the current monitoring equipment in place throughout Croatia and the forecasting techniques currently in use, and develop a plan to modernize all aspects of the country’s monitoring, analysis, forecasting, and warning systems.

Adverse weather, flooding activity, and environmental hazards cost the Croatian economy approximately $218M annually, severely impacting the quality of life of its citizens and reducing economic development. The upcoming Feasibility Study will provide critical justification and evidence required to proceed forward with obtaining the necessary funding to implement a national upgrade and modernization of the DHMZ services. The project will include a series of in-country visits to all parts of Croatia and is expected to require approximately one year to complete. This feasibility study will be performed utilizing and harmonizing the outcomes of the Feasibility Study on the Strengthening of the Hydrometeorological Services in the South Eastern Europe completed by the Finish Meteorological Institute, Finish governmental organization VTT and the DHMZ under the umbrella of the World Meteorological Organization, World Bank and UNISDR.

“The selection of the University of Oklahoma to carry out this feasibility study is further evidence of the high international regard for the several University weather and climate programs involved,” said John Snow, Dean of the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences. Snow also noted that “we are excited about the possibilities this selection opens up for our programs to do similar studies throughout southeastern Europe.”

This study has been organized through the recently established Office of Weather Programs and Projects at OU. A part of the Weather Sphere -- a collaborative partnership centered in Norman, Oklahoma, growing to become international leaders in weather and climate-related education and training, research and development, and operations and services -- OWPP specializes in the transfer of meteorological knowledge to applied meteorological projects both nationally and internationally.

Sarah Swift | Source: EurekAlert!
Further information: www.ou.edu

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