Le programme international MAP et sa contribution à l'hydrologie

The international program MAP and its contribution to hydrology

Météo-France, CNRM

Abstract

The field experiment of the Mesoscale Alpine Programme took place from 7 September to 15 November 1999 in the Alps, with a strong french participation. The objectives were to improve basic knowledge on processes generating high meteorological hazards in mountain, such as heavy rainfall, strong valley winds, and altitude turbulence. Another objective was to test the new generation of high resolution numerical atmospheric models. The field campaign benefited from an excellent cooperation between the numerous scientists involved from many nations, and also from exceptional weather conditions. Almost all experimental objectives could be reached. The hydrologic contribution to MAP was significant, especially in Italy. Several hydrological models forced by radar data or output from meteorological models, were run in quasi-real time. An experimental subprogram for hydrology was conducted, comprising in situ soil moisture measurements, soil moisture estimation by micro-wave from helicopter missions, special stream and rain-gages, and acquisition of data from hydro-electric reservoirs. This dataset will allow to qualify the actual capacity of coupled systems to predict major floods in the Alpine area.