Spatial Synoptic Classification in Brazil

• Grant number: 21/07070-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: October 31, 2021
• End date: January 30, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Meteorology
• Principal Investigator: Fábio Luiz Teixeira Gonçalves
• Grantee: Fernanda Rodrigues Diniz
• Supervisor: Scott Christopher Sheridan
• Host Institution: Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas (IAG). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Kent State University, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 19/09879-1 - Elderly mortality related to heat waves in the capitals of Brazil: An analysis in the present and future projections in the climate change scenarios, BP.DD

Abstract

The Synoptic Spatial Classification (SSC) is one of the most comprehensive methods of categorizing air masses. Sheridan (2002) developed the current SSC and referred it as "SSC2", resulting an extensive line of research which has been initiated by other authors of late 90's. The SSC2 uses a combination of meteorological variables (air temperature, dew point temperature, wind speed, cloud cover and sea level pressure) to characterize the state of the atmosphere; those variables are differentiated into categories of weather type, encompassing the ones which synergistically affect human health. SSC has become one of main analytical tools implemented in a diverse range of weather and health research investigations that are specific to location and weather. SSC already covers a wide geographical range, which includes approximately 400 stations spanning the United States, Canada and Europe. Therefore, this research project aims to run the SSC for Brazil with support from the developer of the current SSC2. Since there is no synoptic spatial classification for Brazil, similar to the countries above mentioned. The SSC for Brazil will be new approach being an interesting tool to be used through various researches in the country, as well as complement the research already underway by the scholarship holder, as it is a robust and more complete method for studies of environmental impacts on health.