Journal of Southern Hemisphere Earth Systems Science

Journal of Southern Hemisphere Earth Systems Science publishes broad areas of research with a distinct emphasis of the Southern Hemisphere. The scope of the journal encompasses the study of the mean state, variability and change of the atmosphere, oceans, and land surface, including the cryosphere, from hemispheric to regional scales. Read more about the journalMore

Editor-in-Chief: Steven Siems

Editors: Peter May and Andréa Taschetto

Publishing Model: Open Access

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Journal of Southern Hemisphere Earth Systems Science is published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of the Australian Bureau of Meteorology [external link] in association with the Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Societ y [external link]

Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Journal of Southern Hemisphere Earth Systems Science is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 30 April 2025

ES24052Probabilistic forecasts of extreme wind gusts

Paul Fox-Hughes

and Alex Melitsis

Two extreme wind case studies in Tasmania are investigated. The efficacy of a probabilistic wind gust diagnostic, based on ACCESS-CE model output, is assessed in each case. For these events, the diagnostic was found to usefully summarise model information about the timing, intensity and extent of the extreme winds.

ES24052 Abstract | ES24052 Full Text | ES24052 Full Text | ES24052PDF (6.3 MB) Open Access Article

Published online 14 April 2025

ES23026Utilisation of local emission inventory data for forecasting PM₁₀ using the WRF-Chem model in the Bandung Basin

Prawira Yudha Kombara

, Alvin Pratama, Nani Cholianawati, Ninong Komala and Dessy Gusnita

Predicting PM₁₀ is crucial in addressing air pollution in large cities such as Bandung. The WRF-Chem model, commonly used with global emission data, can potentially provide better predictions with regional emission data. Here, we show that although the model ran successfully with regional data, the predictions contain significant errors, suggesting it cannot yet accurately predict PM₁₀ in the Bandung Basin.

ES23026 Abstract | ES23026 Full Text | ES23026PDF (4.3 MB) Open Access Article

Published online 19 March 2025

ES23030Increased stratification intensifies surface marine heatwaves north-east of Aotearoa New Zealand in New Zealand’s Earth System model

Liv Cornelissen

, Erik Behrens, Denise Fernandez and Philip J. H. Sutton

We found that the main drivers of projected intensified surface marine heatwaves north-east of New Zealand are changes in the vertical distribution of heat transport and increased stratification, trapping heat near the ocean surface, and heat convergence within the region increasing in parallel with higher greenhouse gas emissions. This explains why the surface and shallow subsurface heating is projected to become more intense, and enables a more nuanced ecosystem vulnerability assessment in relation to marine heatwaves.

ES23030 Abstract | ES23030 Full Text | ES23030PDF (3.9 MB) Open Access Article

Published online 18 March 2025

ES24010Sydney downslope windstorm event on 31 October 2023

Jiwon Park

South-western suburbs of Sydney were affected by 3–4 h of sustained strong westerly winds during the early morning on 31 October 2023 due to a dynamically driven downslope windstorm of moderate strength, which resulted in 425 State Emergency Service (SES) jobs in the aftermath. This paper looks into the observations and computer model outputs during the event to identify the unique mesoscale features seen and analyse the mechanisms that led to the windstorm.

ES24010 Abstract | ES24010 Full Text | ES24010PDF (11.7 MB) Open Access Article

Published online 18 March 2025

ES24038Interpretation of seasonal fire outlooks

Naomi Benger

, Paul Gregory

and Paul Fox-Hughes

Fire agencies use climate outlook products to assist in seasonal preparedness, but products are not all created in the same way, which can lead to conflicting information on potential risks for the upcoming season. This work compares the foundations of the Bureau of Meteorology’s temperature and rainfall outlooks with the Fire Danger Outlooks. In providing an understanding of product differences, increased literacy and ultimately trust will lead to better application of climate outlook products for operational strategic planning.

ES24038 Abstract | ES24038 Full Text | ES24038PDF (2 MB) Open Access Article

Published online 18 March 2025

ES24028Validation of BARRA2 and comparison with MERRA-2 and ERA5 using historical wind power generation

Graham Palmer

, Roger Dargaville, Chun-Hsu Su

, Changlong Wang, Andrew Hoadley and Damon Honnery

Energy system modelling is a crucial component of planning for the decarbonisation of energy supply. By incorporating meteorological data, such as historical wind speeds across space and time, these models can simulate wind power generation. However, it is essential to quantify the accuracy and confidence of these models to ensure their reliability and effectiveness.

ES24028 Abstract | ES24028 Full Text | ES24028PDF (2.1 MB) Open Access Article

Published online 16 January 2025

ES24013Comparison of temperature and humidity measurements from two separate weather stations at Camden Airport, Australia

Matthew L. Riley

This study compares over 1 million 1-min near surface air temperature (n = 516,334) and relative humidity (n = 516,717) measurements from two separate, distinct, weather stations at Camden Airport (NSW), Australia. The analysis shows that for most circumstances the measurements at the two stations can be considered equivalent, with mean annual, seasonal and diurnal biases well within the expanded instrument uncertainty. Urban climatologists, modellers and forecasters can use meteorological observations from the NSW air quality networks in their research and operations with confidence.

ES24013 Abstract | ES24013 Full Text | ES24013PDF (3.8 MB) Open Access Article

Published online 10 January 2025

ES24006Utilisation of WRF-HYSPLIT modelling approach and GEMS to identify PM_2.5 sources in Central Kalimantan – study case: 2023 forest fire

Amalia Nurlatifah

, Prawira Yudha Kombara

, Alvin Pratama, Rizky Faristyawan, Aulia Arip Rakhman and Nindia Noviastuti

This study investigates the sources and impacts of particulate matter smaller than 2.5 μm (PM_2.5) resulting from forest fires in Central Kalimantan using an integrated approach. Employing the WRF-HYSPLIT inline model and satellite instruments, such as GEMS, SNPP, MODIS and VIIRS, we aimed to identify PM_2.5 sources and understand their spatial distribution.

ES24006 Abstract | ES24006 Full Text | ES24006PDF (5.1 MB) Open Access Article

Published online 20 December 2024

ES24024The impact of snow survey frequency on Australian snow depth records

Shane Bilish

and Mic Clayton

Photo of hillside snow course in the Australian Alps with distant small trees and an onlooker

The longest and most complete records of snow depth in the Australian Alps are based on manual measurements made since the 1950s. We investigate the relationship between the frequency of measurements and uncertainty in the records, showing that while uncertainty increases with less frequent measurements, even weekly sampling provides only an approximation of actual snowpack variability in this setting. These findings are relevant to any study making use of Australian snow course data and should inform future snowpack measurement efforts. (Photograph by Sam Bishop.)

ES24024 Abstract | ES24024 Full Text | ES24024PDF (1.3 MB) Open Access Article

Published online 18 December 2024

ES24027Biogenic CO₂ flux uncertainty: numerical experiments and validation over south-eastern South America

Nahuel E. Bautista

, Juan J. Ruiz, Paola V. Salio, Lucas J. Burgos and María I. Gassmann

Image with summary of the biogenic CO2 flux uncertainty in WRF simulations, showing a list of cases and graphs of results.

WRF model simulation of meteorological conditions with clear and cloudy skies and frontal passages considering different configurations influences the estimation of surface and boundary layer temperatures, global radiation and precipitation. Error estimation for these varies between 1.87 and 2.33°C, 1.5 and 2.8°C, 4.22 and 7.76 MJ m⁻² day⁻¹, and 7.5 and 12.7 mm day⁻¹. These errors propagate into the CO₂ flux calculation, resulting in up to a 60% error.

ES24027 Abstract | ES24027 Full Text | ES24027PDF (5.8 MB) | ES24027Supplementary Material (4.5 MB) Open Access Article

Published online 21 November 2024

ES24023Tornado scar on the Nullarbor Plain, Australia

Matej Lipar

A newly discovered erosional scar on the Nullarbor Plain in southern Australia reveals the immense power of tornadoes in shaping the landscape. This scar, identified by satellite imagery, stretches 11 km and is marked by distinct cycloidal patterns, indicating it was formed by a tornado with estimated wind speeds exceeding 200 km h^–1. These findings underscore the importance of using modern technology to understand and track tornado activity in remote regions, aiding in better prediction and preparedness for such destructive events.

ES24023 Abstract | ES24023 Full Text | ES24023PDF (10.8 MB) Open Access Article

Published online 08 November 2024

ES24015Climate summary for the southern hemisphere, 2019–20: a strong positive Indian Ocean Dipole

Blair Trewin

This summarises the southern hemisphere atmospheric circulation patterns and meteorological indices for 2019–20; an account of rainfall and temperature for the Australian region is also provided. The second half of 2019 was dominated by a strong positive Indian Ocean Dipole, before a return to more normal conditions from early 2020. Australia was exceptionally dry in the second half of 2019, which contributed to an extreme fire season. Temperatures were well above average in Australia and the hemisphere as a whole.

ES24015 Abstract | ES24015 Full Text | ES24015PDF (7.5 MB) Open Access Article