Researchers: Dr JL Gergis; Prof DJ Karoly; Prof N Nicholls; A/Prof DS Garden; Prof CS Turney; Dr AM Lorrey; Dr K Braganza; Dr RJ Allan; Miss G Skelly; Ms RJ Moran; Dr K Tan; Mr RA Neville; Dr NR Lomb
ID: LP0990151
2009: $65,000
2010: $117,500
2011: $105,000
2012: $52,500
Primary Research Fields, Courses and Disciplines: 2606-Atmospheric Sciences

APA(I) Award(s): 1
APDI: Dr JL Gergis
Collaborating/Partner Organisations:
Australian Bureau of Meteorology
Met Office Hadley Centre
Murray-Darling Basin Commission
Department of Sustainability and Environment
Melbourne Water
National & State Libraries Australasia
National Library of Australia
State Library of Victoria
State Library of New South Wales
Powerhouse Museum
Project Summary: South-eastern Australia is in the grip of a severe water crisis due to the worst drought in recorded history and increasing temperatures. This landmark project brings together a team of Australia's leading climate scientists, water managers and historians with the common goal of reconstructing south-eastern Australia's climate history. The greatly extended record of annual rainfall and temperature variability will allow better planning for water storage and use, and improved testing of climate model simulations. Improving our understanding of the historical impacts of climate extremes on society will assist with planning for life in a hotter and drier future.