Spatiotemporal variations in climate moisture indices in Georgia under global warming

Using observational data from 50 weather stations in Georgia for the period of 1936-2013, the following climate indices of moisture regime are studied: maximum 1-day precipitation, maximum 5-day precipitation, the simple daily intensity index, the number of days with precipitation equal to not less than 10, 20, and 50 mm, number of consecutive wet and dry days. Geoinformation maps of the spatial structure are plotted, and the dynamics of these indices is studied for the period of global warming. Expected changes in the moisture regime in different physiographic regions in Georgia are assessed.     

Dangerous fogs on the territory of Georgia

The statistical structure of dangerous fogs with the visibility of less than 50 m is studied using the observation data of 50 meteorological stations in Georgia for the period of 1961–2006. The contribution of dangerous fogs to the total number of foggy days is estimated. The number of days with dangerous fogs and their duration in different regions of the country are determined and the empirical functions of their distribution, sizes of areas of their expansion, temperature regime, and peculiarities of annual variations are studied.     

Landscape planning in the Transcaucasia

We have developed the planning documents for model territories of a different dimension: the landscape program of Adzharia (Georgia), the landscape structure plan for the Lake Sevan watershed basin (Armenia), and the landscape plan for the Shirvan National Park (Azerbaijan). Variants of the solution of regional natural-ecological problems are proposed, and the measures for implementation of the target concepts are substantiated.     

Long-term changes in the number and temperature of hot days in Georgia under global warming

Variations in the number of hot days, their frequency, intensity, and duration in Georgia are studied using observational data from 50 weather stations for the period of 1936-2013. The periods of the onset of hot days in the year and their maximum intensity in different physiographic conditions are identified. The zoning of Georgia was carried out according to the rate of changes in the number of hot days. The results enhance the understanding of climate change in Georgia under global warming conditions.     

Frequency of occurrence and dynamics of droughts in Eastern Georgia in the 20th century

Frequency of occurrence and dynamics of droughts in 20th century were studied based on the observational materials of 20 meteorological stations of Eastern Georgia. The periods with precipitation deficit were studied against the background of high temperatures. The drought intensity was assessed with the Selyaninov hydrothermal coefficient.     

Dynamics of occurrence frequency of extreme anomalies of monthly mean air temperature in Georgia in the 20th century and its effect on precipitation and on the river water discharge

The dynamics of the occurrence frequency of extreme anomalies of monthly mean air temperature and its effect on precipitation and river water discharge in the 20th century are studied using weather observations at 40 stations and data on the hydrological regime of 34 rivers in Georgia.     

Creation of high-resolution climatic grid datasets for the territory of Georgia

Created are the grid datasets of monthly mean and annual mean temperature as well of monthly, seasonal, and annual values of the total precipitation with the resolution of 25 km for the period of 1936–2011. The obtained datasets characterize the real picture of the spatial distribution of temperature and precipitation on the territory of Georgia; therefore, they are used for working out geoinformative maps of temperature and precipitation variations. Revealed are the areas and centers with different intensity of warming and cooling. It is found that the annual temperature and total annual precipitation averaged for the territory do not vary considerably under conditions of the global warming.     

Light frosts in the freeze-free period in Georgia

On the observation data of 30 meteorological stations in Georgia during 1961–2008, occurrence frequency and dynamics are studied of the most hazardous light frosts registered during the freeze-free period. Occurrence frequency of minimum temperature during light frosts is studied along with the light frost areas. Dynamics of light frost occurrence frequency in the 20th century is considered.     

Hurricane winds on the territory of Georgia

The statistical structure of hurricane winds is studied using the data of observation at 50 meteorological stations in Georgia for the period of 1961–2008. Determined are the number of days and the duration of hurricane winds in different regions of the country. Studied are the empirical functions of their distribution and the areal limits.