Volume 12, 2012
Exceeding climate thresholds: Extreme weather impacts on the environment and population of Greater Manchester
Claire Smith,
College of Science and Engineering, University of Leicester.
Nigel Lawson,
Geography, School of Environment and Development,
University of Manchester.
Abstract
Extreme weather events, such as floods, heatwaves and heavy snowfall, can have severe consequences for the local environment and population. Future projections of climate change indicate that the North West region is likely to experience an increasing frequency and intensity of meteorological extremes. Consequently, it is important that the region enhances its preparedness for such events. This paper uses archive evidence and historical Met Office data for the case study area of Greater Manchester, to explore the impact of past extreme events on the local environment and/or population. These temporal analogues offer a valuable tool for understanding how projected future climate change may impact on the region. Such information can be used to inform decision-making with respect to climate risk assessment and the implementation of climate change adaptation strategies.
Two Younger Dryas glacier phases in the English Lake District: geomorphological evidence and preliminary 10Be exposure ages
Philip D. Hughes, Roger J. Braithwaite,
School of Environment and Development, University of Manchester.
Cassandra R. Fenton, Christoph Schnabel,
NERC Cosmogenic Isotope Analysis Facility, SUERC, East Kilbride.
Abstract
There is clear geomorphological evidence for two phases of corrie glaciation at Keskadale in the English Lake District. Two 10Be exposure ages provides preliminary insight into the timing of advance and retreat of the corrie glacier during the Younger Dryas (12.9-11.7 ka). It is hypothesised in this paper that the corrie glacier at the head of Keskadale reached its maximum extent early in the Younger Dryas, then retreated to occupy only the upper corrie basin in the later part of this cold interval. Glacier-climate modelling illustrates that this is consistent with palaeoecological evidence from northern England (and also numerous studies from Europe) of a climatically-variable Younger Dryas. The geomorphological evidence of multiple advances or still stands is not restricted to Keskadale but is replicated at sites across the Lake District.