How to cite: Giurgiu, D.-A., Tudorache, A.-V., Mirea, A. (2021) A Blizzard Episode in Oltenia (S-W Romania).
2021 ”Air and Water – Components of the Environment” Conference Proceedings, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, p. 9-
20, DOI: 10.24193/AWC2021_02., p. 1-8, DOI: 10.24193/AWC2021_02.
A BLIZZARD EPISODE IN OLTENIA (S-W ROMANIA)
Diana-Alexandra GIURGIU , Andreea-Violeta TUDORACHE , Adrian MIREA
ABSTRACT. – Blizzard phenomena is a complex atmospheric event, in which the snow that falls or has fallen is blown away by the wind, so that the visibility decrease significant enough and the assessment of the simultaneous snow fall is impossible (Țîșlea, D. et al. 1965). The region of Oltenia is featured by a climate with Mediterranean influences, with the dominance of northwest and east winds (Roșu, Al. Et al. 1971). The contact between the cold and the warm air masses leads to the increase of the horizontal baric gradient, which causes strong wind intensification. Due to the geographical position of the Carpathian chain, the penetration of colder and denser air is directed towards the east and the south of Romania, thereby has an impact on the study area (***Climate of Romania 2008). Out of all the natural phenomena during the cold season, blizzard is by far the most versatile, with a heavily impact on society and environment (Teodoreanu 2004). The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the hydrometeorological outcome of the 2018 blizzard episode from February 24#$ to March 2%&. In order to achieve this, we will identify the spatial and temporal variability of the hazard in the region of Oltenia, the atmospheric mechanism of this late blizzard occurrence, its climatic characteristics and the consequences on the rivers runoff regime. We will analyze the synoptic conditions under which the blizzard appeared, the recorded meteorological data and a series of hydrological data from the stations located on the main rivers (Jiu, Olt and Danube) in order to determine the synoptic weather pattern, the successive number of days with blizzard, the dominant direction and the average and maximum wind speed, the average and maximum amount of precipitation, as well as for the thickness of snow layer and the daily liquid levels and flows.
Keywords: : Oltenia, blizzard, precipitation, snow
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