Question :
It was mentioned in Brief Description that the Observatory analyses meteorological data and computes the future weather by numerical modeling. Besides, the Observatory installed a High Performance Computing System and implemented a suite of high resolution mesoscale models for weather prediction. Has the Administration assessed whether numerical modelling computation by the High Performance Computing System has enhanced the accuracy of weather prediction? How were the computational results as compared to the actual weather conditions.
Asked by : Hon. FUNG Kin-kee, Frederick
Reply :
The Hong Kong Observatory has completed the installation of the High Performance Computing System and is testing the operation of the associated high-resolution numerical model. The System is expected to be functional before the rainy season in 2010 to provide more timely and detailed weather forecast. As regards the improvement that the system may bring about in terms of accuracy in weather forecast, the Observatory will make an analysis and assessment after it has collated the relevant data for a period of time.
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY TO
INITIAL WRITTEN QUESTION
CEDB(CIT)213
Question Serial No.
2665
Head :
168 Hong Kong Observatory
Subhead (No. & title) :
Programme :
(1) Weather Services
Controlling Officer :
Director of the Hong Kong Observatory
Director of Bureau :
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development
Question :
It was mentioned in Brief Description that “the Observatory successfully obtained a certificate of patent for its original and innovative design of the heat stress monitoring system which was developed in-house to support the 2008 Olympic Equestrian Events in Hong Kong. Assistance was rendered to the Guangdong meteorological authority to set up similar systems for the equestrian events of the 2010 Asian Games”. Please advise on the expenditure and manpower involved in assisting the Guangdong meteorological authority to set up the heat stress monitoring system. Will any charges, including patent fees, be imposed on the Guangdong authority?
Asked by : Hon. FUNG Kin-kee, Frederick
Reply :
Over the years, the Hong Kong Observatory has forged extensive collaboration with the China Meteorological Administration (including the Guangdong Meteorological Bureau (GMB) under its purview) on matters related to meteorological science and technology, for the mutually beneficial purpose of enhancing the quality of weather services. Under this cooperative framework, the Observatory has shared with GMB the technology of the heat stress monitoring system used in the 2008 Olympic Equestrian Events in Hong Kong. The purpose is to help GMB prepare its service for the equestrian events in the 2010 Asian Games. This does not involve any additional expenditure or staff resources on the part of the Observatory. The question of imposing a charge on the Guangdong authority does not arise.