24 January 2001
Flood warnings in Dundee
The Saturday evening public lecture series at the University of Dundee
continues this week by tackling the increasingly common problem of
flooding. This lecture coincides with the commissioning of a new
receiving station at the University supplying every environmental department in
the country with flood information.
Dr Andrew Black of the geography department will deliver "Climate
changes and flooding in Scotland" examining recent patterns of flooding and the
effects of climatic variability for the future. Should we come to expect
flooding of year 2000 proportions every year? What action should be
taken to prevent similar catastrophes over the next century?
Dr Black is the University of Dundee's leading specialist on flood
risks. After completing his PhD in seasonality of flooding he pursued extensive
climate research for the NERC Institute of Hydrology and has
subsequently worked for Scottish and UK environmental agencies, councils and the
insurance industry.
The latest in climate information, vital for flood forecasting is to be
transmitted from the new station on top of the University of Dundee's
dental school. It is currently receiving pictures from satellites in
space at a distance of 700 kilometres. Forecasting and climate research in
environmental agencies and universities all over the UK will benefit
from the new technology which is the latest in receiving technology.
The only other receiving station with this capability is owned by the
Ministry of Defence and is based in West Freugh, Ayrshire. The
University's new station cost £250,000 and was installed as part of a strategic
upgrade.
This lecture is the third in the January series of Saturday evening
lectures at the University of Dundee. This winter's programme deals with
various contentious issues ranging from parenting to the ethics of the
internet. Rounding off the series on 17 February will be Lord Robertson,
Secretary General of NATO lecturing in his alma mater on the place of
NATO and the challenges of the new millennium.
"Climate changes and flooding in Scotland" is in the Tower Extension
lecture theatre at 7pm on Saturday 27 January. Admission is free.
Contact Dr Andrew Black 01382 344433