Hail Research Articles

Hail impact on leaves and endophytes of the endemic threatened Coccoloba cereifera (Polygonaceae)

There is increasing evidence that some natural disturbances are increasing in frequency and intensity with global change, but the effects of these changes on plant populations is poorly understood. It is estimated that for every 1°C increase in the summer mean minimum temperature, there is a 40% increase in hail damage. Severe hailstorms can cause large impacts on biological communities. In 2008, a strong hailstorm hit the speciose and endemic rupestrian vegetation in Serra do Cipo, Brazil. This event prompted us to record its effects on the narrowly distributed and threatened species Coccoloba cereifera (Polygonaceae). About 33 to 60% of the leaves on the 246 individuals surveyed were lost. The disturbance also influenced some of the physiological traits of C. cereifera, increasing the concentration of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll and carotenoid) and polyphenols in the leaves. The most pronounced increase of chlorophyll was in young leaves (ca. 60%). Carotenoid content increased by ca. 50% in all leaf ages, while polyphenols increased tenfold. Contrarily, the endophyte richness decreased drastically after the event (from 104 to 33 species), only 12% of similar species remain. The hail storm strongly influenced all variables evaluated in this study, i.e., structure, physiology, and associated fungi. These results show that hailstorm had a dramatic and immediate impact on C. cereifera and may also severely affect other endemic or threatened plant species. Therefore, it is imperative that we broaden our knowledge on global climate change impacts for the conservation of native species.

Hail monitoring and evaluation by remote sensing based on HJ-1A/1B CCD

Hail monitoring and evaluation by remote sensing based on HJ-1A/1B CCD

Response of Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) to Fruiting Branch Removal

Cotton response to fruiting branch removal (FBR) is critical information in estimating plant recovery potential and making management decisions after hail storms or other physical damages. Fruiting branches were removed at first bloom (R8), 2.5-cm boll (R12) and peak bloom (R16) growth stages. Five FBR treatments were conducted at each of the above three growth stages: 0 %, 25 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100 %. At harvest, five plants were randomly chosen from each plot and branches separated into three groups: vegetative, lower and upper fruiting branches. Lower fruiting branches were from the nodes where FBR treatments were conducted, whereas upper fruiting branches were the new branches developed after FBR. Seed cotton weight, open boll number and node number in each group were recorded. Fruiting branch removal increased boll number, boll size and boll/node on the upper fruiting branches, which compensated yield loss on lower fruiting branches. Generally, FBR at the first bloom reduced cotton yield more than it did at the 2.5-cm boll and peak bloom growth stages when FBR percentage was lower than 75 %. The removal of all 16 fruiting branches at peak bloom reduced cotton yield by 16.8 %, indicating remarkable compensation ability by cotton plants in climates with a long growing season.

The Use of Plant Protection Products in Healing Wounds Caused by Hail in Plum

SUMMARY Damages caused by hailstone to plum in certain years can be especially high. Utilization of some fungicides with effect upon Monilinia sp. and rot right after hail shower is within reach fruit tree growers (Mitre, 2004). The influence of six fungicide products on healing wounds caused by hail attacks and implicitly on reducing the damages on plum fruits caused by such meteorological phenomenon was studied. The best results have been obtained with Folicur solo (80.4% healed fruits), followed by the variants treated with Benlate (76.2% healed fruits), Topsin (66.9% healed fruits). These results were obtained only on fruits hit superficially. The fruits having deep wounds (where the hail pierced the peel of fruits) were totally loosed. In addition, satisfying results have been obtained with fungicides based on captan, mancozeb and cooper. There were differences statistically assured among cultivars (Tab. 1), as far as healing of fruits after hailstorm, ‘Stanley’ and ‘Tuleu gras’ have been presented the best response. Tab. 1 Effect of various fungicides on healing of plum fruits hit superficially by hailstone (% healed fruits)

UN Officials Hail Climate Change Deal Reached at Cancun Conference

UN Officials Hail Climate Change Deal Reached at Cancun Conference

The impact of two extreme weather events and other causes of death on Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo: a promise of things to come for a threatened species?

Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo is an endangered species which has undergone a dramatic decline in range and abundance in southwestern Australia. Between October 2009 and March 2010 the species was subjected to a possible outbreak of disease in one of its major breeding areas and exposed to an extremely hot day and a severe localized hail storm. In addition, collisions with motor vehicles are becoming an increasing threat to the species. All of these stochastic events resulted in many fatalities. Species such as Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo which form large flocks are particularly susceptible to localized events such as hail storms, contagious disease and collisions with motor vehicles. Extreme temperatures may have major impacts on both flocking and non-flocking species. Predictions of climate change in the southwest of Western Australia are that there will be an increased frequency of extreme weather events such as heat waves and severe hail storms. The implications of more events of this nature on Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo are discussed.

Effects of Natural Hail Damage on Ear Rots, Mycotoxins, and Grain Quality Characteristics of Corn

In 2009, two severe hail storms affected more than 400,000 ha of corn (Zea mays L.) during early reproductive stages (R1 to R3) in Iowa. Concerns were raised regarding marketability, increased ear rot disease, and associated mycotoxin contamination. To address these concerns, ear samples were collected within 48 h of combine harvest from 56 fields damaged by hail and 27 undamaged fields. Ears were visually assessed for kernel damage and ear rot severity. After shelling, test weight, moisture, protein, oil, starch, and density were determined before grain was ground and tested for deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone, and fumonisins using commercially available antibody‐based lateral flow strip tests. Confirmation analyses on elevated samples was performed by gas chromatography for DON and high pressure liquid chromatography for zearalenone and fumonisin. Fusarium, Gibberella, and Cladosporium ear rots were the most prevalent diseases. Hail damage to kernels increased the risk of ear rot and mycotoxin contamination. The most prevalent mycotoxin detected was DON (mean 2.63 mg kg−1), followed by zearalenone (mean 0.53 mg kg−1) and fumonisin (mean 0.49 mg kg−1). Levels of DON were more than fourfold higher and ZEA levels were 10‐fold higher in grain from hail‐damaged fields compared to undamaged fields. In approximately 50% of the grain samples from hail damaged fields, DON and zearalenone levels in ethanol co‐products would likely have been above FDA advisory levels and levels recommended by veterinarians, respectively. Preharvest scouting and screening of fields with suspected mycotoxins may be necessary, particularly with increased concerns about mycotoxin in grain end products.

The role of CCN in precipitation and hail in a mid-latitude storm as seen in simulations using a spectral (bin) microphysics model in a 2D dynamic frame

A hail storm at Villingen-Schwenningen, southwest Germany, on 28.06.2006 was simulated using the Hebrew University Cloud Model (HUCM) with spectral (bin) microphysics. The model allows the simulation of hail stones with diameters up to 6.8 cm. To investigate whether the amount of hail is sensitive to atmospheric instabilities, the simulations were performed for two different temperature gradients within the boundary layer. The response of precipitation, the hail mass and hail size distribution to aerosol was investigated in the simulations with cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentrations ranging between 100 cm − 3 and 6000 cm − 3 (at the supersaturation of 1%). An increase in the surface temperature by one degree leads to an increase in accumulated rain by ~ 80% and nearly doubles the mass of hail falling to the surface. An increase in CCN concentration from 100 cm − 3 to 3000 cm − 3 leads to a certain increase in accumulated rain and to a dramatic increase in the hail mass, as well as to the increase in the hail diameter from a few mm to 1–4 cm. The mechanisms by means of which aerosols affect precipitation and hail stones size are discussed. It is shown that formation of hail increases the precipitation efficiency of deep convective clouds.

Numerical Study of the Dynamical Mechanism of Inertial Gravity Waves in a Hail Storm Process

AbstractGravity waves were observed in a hail storm process on 11 April 1998 in Puding county of Guizhou Province by using a very sensitive microbarovariograph. This process is simulated by using the mesoscale numerical model of WRF and the results of the simulation are analyzed by using Morlet wavelet method. The result shows the characteristics of the spatial‐temporal distribution of Inertial Gravity Waves (IGWs). In addition, the factors influencing IGWs and weather system, and the dynamic mechanism of IGWs are studied. The IGWs with a short period are strengthened in each 1~4 hour before the hail storm. The result of the simulation shows that some IGWs with a short period are generated before near the hail storm below the 3 km altitude, of which the long ones are generated early and last longer, and the others are later and last shorter. At the low altitude, the turbulent convection is generated and strengthened by the strong low jets and shears, and the new IGWs with 80~200 min periods are excited by the turbulent convection. The IGWs with short periods are easier to propagate vertically, while the long ones tend to propagate horizontally. The period of IGWs with long period is obviously shortened after the hail storm and the IGWs are strengthened along with the altitude. The IGWs over the highest of mountain peaks usually are the strongest.

Applicable agricultural insurance models at the rural area: a case study from Turkey.

The sector of agriculture needs protection for its critical role in responding to human needs as well as its vulnerability to various risks. This risk factor emanates from sector’s high dependence to natural conditions and it is mainly this factor, which necessitates protection. Insurance is one way to cope with natural risks involved in agricultural activities. The main theme of this insurance is agricultural production in general, covering both crop farming and livestock activities. The importance of insurance in agriculture becomes clearer when one considers that in Turkey, 97% of all cultured land receives precipitation in the form of hail, that farmers’ loss in areas with heavy hail may even reach such rates as 46% and that only a small amount of this loss can be compensated for under the existing law. The study is an attempt to examine the present state of social protection in the 9 villages of Siran District, Gumushane and to expose the patterns of crop farming and animal husbandry, risks involved in these activities, existing insurance practices, and level of information and tendencies of local farmers in regard to insurance. It was also the aim of the study to come up with viable and sustainable insurance models in the context of the “Project for Income Generating Activities” carried out in the area jointly by the Turkish Development Office (TDO) and German Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ). Key words: Agricultural insurance, rural area, insuarance models, agricultural risks.

Does the microclimate under hail nets influence micromorphological characteristics of apple leaves and cuticles?

A higher frequency of hail storms, possibly due to climate change, has led to increased installation of hail nets worldwide. The objective of the present work was to investigate potential effects of the microclimate under these hail nets on micromorphological characteristics of the leaves and adaxial leaf cuticles. Leaves of apple cultivars 'Pinova' and 'Fuji' grown on trees under white (highly translucent) or red-black (low transmittance) hail nets or on uncovered (control) trees were evaluated in June, August, September and October. The microclimate under the colored hail nets had no impact on leaf micromorphology, amount of cuticular wax, or leaf thickness. Similarly, no differences in thickness and permeability for calcium could be established between cuticles of leaves grown on trees under the two types of hail nets or uncovered trees. For all evaluated parameters, significant differences were detected between the two cultivars examined. In both cultivars, leaf wax synthesis followed a characteristic curve, increasing from the first to the second evaluation, and then decreasing continuously without affecting cuticular penetration of calcium. Overall, our results show that a reduction of the hail nets by 6-10% in both light and humidity was insufficient to influence the surface properties of apple leaves and permeability of cuticles. This may suggest that pest management strategies, i.e. formulation of agrochemicals, their application and dose, do not need to be adapted when used under hail nets. Overall, the present results indicate that the microclimatic changes brought about by colored hail nets are sufficient to enhance the vegetative growth and induce the 'shade avoidance syndrome', but do not appear to affect the leaf cuticular properties.

Exceptional hailstorm hits Ottery St Mary on 30 October 2008

Exceptional hailstorm hits Ottery St Mary on 30 October 2008

Avaliação de desastres no Rio Grande do Sul associados a complexos convectivos de mesoescala

Os Complexos Convectivos de Mesoescala (CCM) são aglomerados organizados de nuvens convectivas, que atingem com freqüência a Região Sul do Brasil e produzem uma grande variedade de desastres. Este trabalho identificou os CCMs ocorridos entre outubro e dezembro de 2003 no Rio Grande do Sul (RS) e avaliou os desastres associados aos eventos. A identificação dos CCMs foi feita através do aplicativo ForTraCC - DSA/INPE. O levantamento das ocorrências de desastres foi realizado a partir do cruzamento dos dias de eventos de CCM com as informações da Defesa Civil do RS (DCRS) e do Jornal Correio do Povo. Foram identificados 22 eventos de CCM no período, responsáveis por 42 episódios de vendaval, 21 de enxurrada, 14 de enchente, cinco de granizo associado à vendaval, três de granizo, dois de alagamento, dois de inundação e um deslizamento, totalizando 90 ocorrências. Houve registro de seis mortes no RS e cinco em Santo Tomé na Argentina, fronteira com o Estado. Mais de 16.500 pessoas foram atingidas e cerca de 60% dos municípios que comunicaram desastres à DCRS decretaram situação de emergência. Em média, a cada quatro eventos de CCM, três produziram algum tipo de desastre no RS.

Preparing for veterinary emergencies: disaster management and the Incident Command System

An important question that all veterinary schools should consider is whether veterinary students should be trained to deal with local or regional states of emergency or disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, hail and ice storms, wind storms, fires, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods and epidemics. When a large-scale emergency or disaster does strike, the consequences can be dire for the domestic and wild animals of the region and for the humans within the vicinity of seriously and painfully injured animals. The authors argue that emergency preparedness is essential for the veterinary profession to meet its obligations to both animals and humans. The four basic components of disaster management are: mitigation, preparedness, response/emergency relief and recovery.

The impact of hail storms on the agricultural economy of Cyprus and their characteristics

Abstract. The contemporary economy of Cyprus is mostly based on services; agriculture was by tradition a strong contributor to the economy of the island, but nowadays its contribution is rather limited. At all times, the agricultural economy suffers from the consequences of weather phenomena such as hail, frost, drought, dust storms, etc. The present study focuses on the impact of hail to the agricultural economy, since hailstorms can straightforwardly destroy crops and plantations. Any knowledge concerning hail is useful for the improved understanding of the underlying thermodynamic and dynamic mechanisms and physical processes associated with its formation. For the investigation of hail as a natural hazard and its contribution to the insurance compensations paid to farmers, hail events and their associated synoptic and dynamic conditions were studied. Hail events were clustered into a "frontal instability hail events" and a "thermal instability hail events" clusters. The spatial distribution of the frequency of hail events was also determined in order to identify geographical areas that are more often hit by hail storms.

A Rumor of Bears, and: Hailstorm in the Mountains

A Rumor of Bears, and: Hailstorm in the Mountains

Electric signals generated by tornados

Severe weather events generate electrical phenomena beyond those related to lightning discharges. In the present letter we suggest that as precipitation like rain, hail stones, and dirt move in the thunderstorm they generate an electrical signature that is characteristic for the rotation properties of the associated storm. A case study is offered which clearly demonstrates that this electrical signature is present and detectable, though it is quite weak. It can be observed that as the speed of rotation increases and diameter decreases the emitted frequency increases as would be anticipated. Comparison to synchronous radar, surface and visual data suggest that developing tornadoes in this way can be detected earlier than currently feasible weather surveillance radars.

O.042 Gravitational valves in the treatment of communicating hydrocephalus – Valves for every situation?

There is a strong economic incentive to reduce mite-vectored virus outbreaks. Most outbreaks in the central High Plains of the United States occur in the presence of volunteer wheat that emerges before harvest as a result of hail storms. This study provides a conceptual framework for developing a risk map for wheat diseases caused by mite-vectored viruses based on pre-harvest hail events. Traditional methods that use NDVI were found to be unsuitable due to low chlorophyll content in wheat at harvest. Site-level hyperspectral reflectance from mechanically hailed wheat showed increased canopy albedo. Therefore, any increase in NIR combined with large increases in red reflectance near harvest can be used to assign some level of risk. The regional model presented in this study utilized Landsat TM/ETM+ data and MODIS imagery to help gap-fill missing data. NOAA hail maps that estimate hail size were used to refine the area most likely at risk. The date range for each year was shifted to account for annual variations in crop phenology based on USDA Agriculture statistics for percent harvest of wheat. Between 2003 and 2013, there was a moderate trend (R2 = 0.72) between the county-level insurance claims for Cheyenne County, Nebraska and the area determined to be at risk by the model (excluding the NOAA hail size product due to limited availability) when years with low hail claims (<400 ha) were excluded. These results demonstrate the potential of an operational risk map for mite-vectored viruses due to pre-season hail events.

The Impacts of Hail Storms on the Apple Industry of the Heretaunga Plains

New Zealand Journal of GeographyVolume 97, Issue 1 p. 14-21 The Impacts of Hail Storms on the Apple Industry of the Heretaunga Plains Richard Le Heron, Richard Le Heron Department of Geography University of Auckland AucklandSearch for more papers by this authorIan Galloway, Ian Galloway Department of Geography Massey University Palmerston NorthSearch for more papers by this authorKaren Puklowski, Karen Puklowski Department of Geography Massey University Palmerston NorthSearch for more papers by this authorMike Roche, Mike Roche Department of Geography Massey University Palmerston NorthSearch for more papers by this author Richard Le Heron, Richard Le Heron Department of Geography University of Auckland AucklandSearch for more papers by this authorIan Galloway, Ian Galloway Department of Geography Massey University Palmerston NorthSearch for more papers by this authorKaren Puklowski, Karen Puklowski Department of Geography Massey University Palmerston NorthSearch for more papers by this authorMike Roche, Mike Roche Department of Geography Massey University Palmerston NorthSearch for more papers by this author First published: April 1994 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0028-8292.1994.tb00338.xAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Volume97, Issue1April 1994Pages 14-21 RelatedInformation

Progress on observation of cryospheric components and climate-related studies in China

Systematic studies on the cryosphere in China started in the late 1950s. Significant achievements have been made by continuous investigation of glacier inventories, frozen ground observations, paleo-climate analyses of ice cores, process studies and the modeling of cryopsheric/atmospheric interactions. The general facts and understanding of these changes include: (1) Solid precipitation, including the number of days with frost and hail storms, shows a decreasing tendency over the past half century. (2) In most areas glaciers are retreating or have completely vanished (>80%), some glaciers are still advancing (5%–20% depending upon time period). The annual glacial melt water has been increasing since the 1980s. This increased supply of melt water to river runoff in Northwest China is about a 10%–13%. (3) The long-term variability of snow cover in western China is characterized by a large inter-annual variation superimposed on a small increasing trend. Snow cover variability in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau (QXP) is influenced by the Indian monsoon, and conversely impacts monsoon onset and strength and eventually the drought and flood events in middle-low reaches of Yangtze River. (4) Frozen ground, including permafrost, is decaying both in QXP and in Northeast China. The most significant changes occurred in the regions with thickest seasonal frozen ground (SFG), i.e., inland QXP, then northeastern and northwestern QXP. The cold season air temperature is the main factor controlling SFG change. The increase of ground surface temperatures is more significant than air temperature. (5) The sea ice coverage over the Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea has deceased since the 1980s. (6) River ice duration and ice thickness is also decreasing in northern China. In 2001, the Chinese National Committee of World Climate Research Program/Climate and Cyosphere (WCRP/CliC) (CNC-CliC) was organized to strengthen research on climate and cryosphere in China. Future monitoring of the cryosphere in China will be enhanced both in spatial coverage and through the use of new techniques. Interactions between atmosphere/cryosphere/ hydrosphere/land-surface will be assessed to improve our understanding of the mechanisms of cryospheric change.