Weather, climate, and hydrologic forecasting for the US Southwest: A survey

As part of a regional integrated assessment of climate vulnerability, a survey was conducted from June 1998 to May 2000 of weather, climate, and hydrologic forecasts with coverage of the US Southwest and an emphasis on the Colorado River Basin. The survey addresses the types of forecasts that were issued, the organizations that provided them, and techniques used in their generation. It reflects discussions with key personnel from organizations involved in producing or issuing forecasts, providing data for making forecasts, or serving as a link for communicating forecasts. During the survey period, users faced a complex and constantly changing mix of forecast products available from a variety of sources. The abundance of forecasts was not matched in the provision of corresponding interpretive materials, documentation about how the forecasts were generated, or reviews of past performance. Potential existed for confusing experimental and research products with others that had undergone a thorough review process, including official products issued by the National Weather Service. Contrasts between the state of meteorologic and hydrologic forecasting were notable, especially in the former's greater operational flexibility and more rapid incorporation of new observations and research products. Greater attention should be given to forecast content and communication, including visualization, expression of probabilistic forecasts and presentation of ancillary information. Regional climate models and use of climate forecasts in water supply forecasting offer rapid improvements in predictive capabilities for the Southwest. Forecasts and production details should be archived, and publicly available forecasts should be accompanied by performance evaluations that are relevant to users

Transnational Responsibility and Recourse for Ozone Depletion

This Article explores state responsibility to the international community as a whole and to injured states in particular for the damage occurring from the production and use of ozone depleting substances. This Article argues that pollution of the environment through the continued use and manufacture of ozone depleting substances is in violation of both treaty obligations and general obligations under customary international law. The author argues that pursuant to the international law principle of pacta sunt servanda, signatory states to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer are expected to comply with specific reductions set forth in those treaties. In addition, customary international law based upon the practice of states, judicial decisions and scholarly writings, requires the preservation and enhancement of the human environment. The result is that a state incurs responsibility for its failure to comply with the Montreal Protocol phase-out requirements and to cease production of ozone depleting substances. This Article further explores the remedies available to the international community and to individual states injured by ozone layer depletion. The Article describes international dispute resolution techniques that states may employ in the face of continued polluting activities by other states. This Article also explores remedies available to injured states, including required cessation of manufacture and use of ozone depleting substances and monetary compensation for damages

Structures and Dynamics Division research and technology plans, FY 1982

Computational devices to improve efficiency for structural calculations are assessed. The potential of large arrays of microprocessors operating in parallel for finite element analysis is defined, and the impact of specialized computer hardware on static, dynamic, thermal analysis in the optimization of structural analysis and design calculations is determined. General aviation aircraft crashworthiness and occupant survivability is also considered. Mechanics technology required for design coefficient, fault tolerant advanced composite aircraft components subject to combined loads, impact, postbuckling effects and local discontinuities are developed

Research and technology plans for FY 1989 and accomplishments for FY 1988

The Objectives, FY 1989 Plans, Approach, and FY 1989 Milestones for the Structural Mechanics Division's research programs are presented. Fiscal year 1988 Accomplishments are presented where applicable. This information is useful in program coordination with other governmental organizations in areas of mutual interest

Structures and Dynamics Division research and technology plans for FY 1988 and accomplishments for FY 1987

Presented are the Objectives, FY 1988 Plans, Approach, and FY 1988 Milestones for the Structures and Dynamics Division (Langley Research Center) research programs. FY 1987 Accomplishments are presented where applicable. This information is useful in program coordination with other governmental organizations in areas of mutual interest

Structures and Dynamics Division research and technology plans for FY 1894 and accomplishments for FY 1982

The Objectives, Expected Results, Approach, and Fiscal Year FY 1984 Milestones for the Structures and Dynamics Division's research programs are examined. The FY 1983 Accomplishments are presented where applicable

Structures and Dynamics Division research and technology plans for FY 1986 and accomplishments for FY 1985

Presented are the Objectives, FY 1986 Plans, Approach, and FY 1986 Milestones for the Structures and Dynamics Division's research programs. FY 1985 Accomplishments are presented where applicable. This information is useful in program coordination with other governmental organizations in areas of mutual interest