Mikheil Pipia

Kakheti region is one of the hail risk regions in Georgia. It is particularly noteworthy that Kakheti is famous for its agricultural crops, vineyards, gardens, annual and perennial crops. In the warm period of the year, there are frequent hailstorms, which destroy the crops and thus cause great damage to both the region and the country's economy. In many cases, the intensity of hail determines the amount of damage - the greater the intensity, the greater the damage. The purpose of the study is to determine the intensity of hail for the Kakheti region, which is the subject of our special interest, since intense hail damages this region the most. Average and maximum intensities of hail were estimated based on available data. Areas of intense hail were defined according to different intensities. Tables of average and maximum intensity of hail and corresponding geo- informational maps were compiled. The research was carried out according to the data of 10 meteorological stations in the Kakheti region, which includes both the last century (1983-1991) and 2014-2018 data on hail. The obtained results will contribute to the planning and implementation of anti-hail works in the Kakheti region.

The importance of highways in the mountainous regions of Georgia is very great for the socio-economic development of the country. Such natural disasters as snow avalanches significantly damage the road infrastructure, create delays in movement, often cause human casualties. Therefore, in order to implement preventive measures, the study of avalanche hazards on highways is of great importance. Mestia municipality of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region (Zemo Svaneti) is characterized by mountainous and high-mountain terrain, snow avalanches are frequent, including on sections of highways.

The Racha-Lechkhumi Kvemo Svaneti region of Georgia belongs to the high mountain region (400-4000 m. above sea level). The region is characterized by steep slopes and abundant snowfall. Therefore, avalanches are not a rare event in the region. Snow avalanches especially damage the road infrastructure that connects the municipalities of the region. In winter, the blocking of road sections by avalanches from the slopes threatens

the surrounding populated areas, causes ecological problems and human casualties are frequent. Meteorological elements: air temperature, snow cover, precipitation are studied on the research sections of the highways of the region. The data is processed according to the data of two weather stations in the region (Oni, Mamison Pass) and covers the last 60 years. Based on the results of the research. A geo-informational map of avalanche hazards of road sections of the Racha-Lechkhumi Kvemo Svaneti region has been compiled.

The conducted research will significantly contribute to the implementation of correct and effective anti-avalanche measures.

The snow avalanche has an insidious character, it can be repeated once in 100-200 years and cause great harm to the population of the mountainous region. There are many examples of damage caused by avalanches. In the 20th century, several thousand soldiers were died by avalanches in the Alps during the First World War, on the Austrian-Italian front. There are many examples of them not only in the Alps but also in the mountainous regions of Georgia. Frequently, snow avalanches block important transportation routes that connect people and countries.

The results of the analysis of radar studies of hail processes over the territories of Georgia and Azerbaijan on May 28 and July 13, 2019 are presented. Based on the values of the maximum size of hailstones in clouds, using the Zimenkov-Ivanov model, the expected sizes of hailstones falling on the earth's surface are calculated. The degree of damage to vineyards, wheat and corn, depending on the size of the hail, was determined by summarizing the known data on damage to these crops at different kinetic energy of hail and data on the average kinetic energy of hail of different magnitudes. Based on this compilation, regression equations were obtained for the relationship between the degree of damage to these crops and the size of hailstones, which have the form of a sixth degree of a polynomial. According to this equation, calculations were made of the degree of maximum damage to vineyards, wheat and corn along the trajectories of hail clouds over the territories of Georgia and Azerbaijan.

Predictive estimates of the number of hail days (HD) and their moving averages (for 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 years – HD_3…HD_11) per warm period of year to 2050 and 2085 an example of Tbilisi was performed. Forecasting was carried out using the AAA version of the exponential smoothing (ETS) algorithm taking into account the periodicity in the pre-forecast time series. In particular, the following results were obtained. For the time series of the measured number of days with hail and HD_11 years, no pronounced peak in periodicity is observed. For time series HD_3, the periodicity is 14 years, HD_5 – 32 years, HD_7 and HD_9 – 31 years. In the period from 2022 to 2050, the range of variability of the average values of the central points of the forecast for the number of days with hail and the values of their 95% upper level is as follows: HD - from 0.9 to 3.8, HD_3 - from 1.0 to 3.0, HD_11 – from 1.0 to 1.6. In the period from 2022 to 2085, the range of variability of the average values of the central points of the forecast for the number of days with hail and the values of their 95% upper level is as follows: HD_5 - from 0.4 to 3.0, HD_7 - from 0.7 to 1.8, HD_9 - from 0.5 to 3.

Precipitation of more than 100 mm per day falls very rarely in Tbilisi (several cases in the last 120 years). On August 29, 2023, this incident repeated itself. In this work an analysis of this rare phenomenon for Tbilisi is presented.

Some results statistical analysis of the daily mean (Wmean) and max (Wmax) wind speed for Tbilisi from January 1, 1971 to December 31, 2020 are presented. In 1971-2020 annual mean of Wmean was 1.5 m/sec, and Wmax - 9.1 m/sec. In 1996-2020 compared with 1971-1995 annual mean of Wmean increased by 0.8 m/sec, and Wmax - by 0.3 m/sec. Intraannual distribution of monthly average of daily mean and max wind speed Tbilisi in 1971-2020 has the form of a sixth power polynomial. Regression equations were obtained for the relationship between the repetition of mean daily and maximum wind speed in Tbilisi with the central points of wind speed on the Beaufort Wind Scale.

Based on the measurements carried out at 4 observation points in the city of Telavi, the microclimatic features of the city have been studied. Maps of isotherms are built for the average summer and for the 17-hour period in August. In the center of the city (point B) there is a "heat island", where the temperature in August exceeds 31.50. Temperatures in the north (point A) of this "island" are 30-310, and in the south on the streets leading uphill (point C) it drops to 290 and reaches a minimum of 280, in the vicinity of the State University (point D). The presence of such microclimatic features is clearly seen in such a small but difficult to disperse city.

The entire country is at an increased risk of hazardous meteorological events as a result of climate change. This includes a rise in the frequency of strong winds, which represents a substantial challenge to the country's economy. The objective of our research is to identify the locations in Georgia that have seen high wind speeds during the past four years. The research examines the spatial distribution of high-velocity winds (defined as a wind speed equal to or greater than 15 m/s) in specific regions of Georgia throughout the time frame from 2019 to 2022. Analysedand processed wind data from 12 meteorological stations in Georgia. By analysing the data from meteorological stations, we created tables and graphs that display the monthly and station-specificnumbers for the frequency of strong winds. The study period has revealed the focal points where high wind development occurs. An analysis is conducted on instances of powerful wind as a hazardous meteorological phenomenon in the region of Georgia. The rise in the frequency of strong winds has garnered significant attention, particularly within the framework of climate change

According to observations, experimental measurements, and numerical modelling, the atmospheric pollution caused by microaerosols PM2.5 and PM10 in Rustavi city, one of Georgia's industrial centres, has been estimated. Analysed were the fluctuations in concentration of pollutants in the urban atmosphere on a monthly, daily, and hourly basis. The particle concentrations in the atmosphere of Rustavi City reach their highest levels at any hour of the day due to the combined influence of motor vehicle traffic and industrial facilities. The distribution of PM10 particles in the atmosphere has been determined using numerical modelling for scenarios involving background light air, a mild breeze, and a fresh breeze. Calculations demonstrated that light air and mild breeze cause a rise in the concentration of microaerosols in the urban atmosphere, but fresh breeze facilitates the dissipation of the pollution cloud, albeit expanding its distribution area.ere the fluctuations

The pollution of the atmosphere of the city of Rustavi with PM 2.5 and PM 10 has been studied, both based on the data of experimental observations and, using mathematical modeling, by means of analyzing the data of experimental measurements, the contribution of meteorological conditions and enterprises operating in the city to the formation of the concentration field has been determined. By means of a 3D model of the development of atmospheric processes and the distribution of impurities, the distribution of PM particles in the atmosphere of the city of Rustavi has been investigated in the city and its surrounding area during the background easterly wind.

1966-1990 are considered. During this period, some aspects of the development of trial and production works conducted in the direction of fighting against hail and artificially increasing rainfall in East Georgia. The focus is on the basic concepts of impact on precipitation-generating processes and the shortcomings that have had some impact on the effectiveness of impact on hail clouds in the past. Prospects for restoration of artificial precipitation increase works are set. 

The results of the detailed statistical analysis of the daily mean and max wind speed for Tbilisi from January 1, 1971 to December 31, 2016 are presented. In the studied period of time, the range of changes in the average daily wind speed was 0 - 14.9 m/s, and the maximum - up to 41.0 m/s. The repeatability of the average daily and maximum wind speed in Tbilisi on the Beaufort Wind Scale was obtained. In particular, it was found that the repeatability of the maximum wind speed covers the entire Beaufort scale. At the same time, the scale range of 8 and more (17.2-20.7 m/s, gale and above, the onset of destructive processes in the environment and their intensification) accounts for about 6.5% of cases (about 24 days a year). During the entire period of research with hurricane wind 3 cases were recorded (Beaufort scale range - 12, hurricane, wind speed >32.6 m/s, devastating destruction). For separate months and according to annual data, correlation and regression relationships between daily and average monthly values of the mean and max wind speed were studied.

These regions are specifically complex in physical geographic conditions. these regions are typically known for the difficult development of natural disasters, which causes snowfalls and snowstorms. The research is done from 2014-2018 years.The research analyses disasters' distribution in the number of days and areas in the region during these five years. the geoinformation maps are made according to the research. The damage caused by the disaster in the different municipalities is describedin the study.The research results help reducing damage caused by snowfalls, snowstorms, and avalanches in the regions of Adjara and Guria. which will help creating a safe environment in these mountainous regions on its own.

2014-2018 data on strong wind cases (V≥15 m/s) are considered. The climatic characteristics of strong winds, such as the number of days, wind speed, and direction, are studied for a five-year study period. Also, strong wind distribution areas are defined according to the municipalities. Some cases of damage caused by strong winds in 2014-2018 are described.

Based on the available data a geoinformation map of the distribution of strong winds in the regions of Georgia are compiled.

Temporal and spatial variations of PM2.5 distribution originated resulting from motor transport traffic during background south light wind are studied via numerical modeling. PM2.5 high concentration zones at the territory of the city are established, and time intervals, where air high pollution forms or air self-purification process occurs, are determined. There is established a difference, which exists between PM2.5 spatial distributions in case of background south and north winds. 

The analysis of the data of the Georgian Environment Agency on the incidents of heavy rainfall, floods and floodings in Kakheti (Georgia) and damage from them in 2014-2018 is presented. The greatest number of days with heavy rainfall, floods and floodings for the indicated five years was recorded in municipality of Lagodekhi (10 day), the smallest - in municipality of Sighnaghi (2 day). And in Dedoplistskaro municipality in 2014-2018 no incidents were reported. A map of these cases has been built.

The analysis of the data of the Georgian Environment Agency on the incidents of hail in Kakheti (Georgia) and damage from them in 2014-2018 is presented. The greatest number of days with hail for the indicated five years was recorded in municipality of Telavi (17 days with hail, 38 locations subjected to hail), the smallest - in municipality of Dedoplistskaro (2 day with hail, 2 locations subjected to hail). A map of hail cases has been built.

This article describes the effects of ground blizzard factor on agricultural production. Data of 85 meteorological stations about the climatic characteristics of the ground blizzard were processed. The dynamics of the multi-year changes of a ground blizzard has been researched. Geoinformation maps of ground blizzard distribution were created for Georgia. The results obtained will help some branch of agro-sector for carrying out measures to protect from ground blizzard and minimize losses.

The article is devoted to researching the duration of the blizzard in Georgia. Summed up the data for 1966-2017 based, existing materials from 40 meteorological stations countrywide. A multi-year change of the blizzard duration was investigated. It was determined its dependence on the height of the sea level. Geoinformation map of blizzard duration was created for Georgia. The results of the blizzard duration, along with other climatic features, will help to study the formation and development of a blizzard on the territory of Georgia, which is essential for the country's economy to reduce the damage caused by the blizzards.

Most of the territory of Georgia occupies mountain landscape and the development of mountain regions has high value for country. For the development of mountain health resorts it is important to in proper time liquidate the negative consequences of different dangerous weather phenomena, including blizzard. Also, it is important to introduce effective measures to eliminate the consequences of the blizzard for the smooth operation of Georgia as a regional transport hub.

In the present study has been investigated the number of days with a blizzard. There are presented geoinformation maps of average and maximum blizzard days for Georgia. The number of days of blizzard have been studied according the materials of observations made 86 meteorological stations of Georgia as of from 1966 to 2017.

Obtained results will be used in carry out preliminary measures to minimize damage caused by blizzard.

Data on 18 meteorological stations for the Samtskhe-Javakheti region have been analyzed. The average annual and maximum annual days of the blizzard days for the last 50 years are calculated. Characteristics of the distribution of blizzard throughout the region throughout the year are analyzed. The blizzard changes with respect to changes in altitude have been estimated.

Investigated the annual average and the largest number of day blizzard in Georgia. Factual materials was used data of 85 meteorological stations about blizzard in the territory of Georgia. Based on the existing data was created GIS map of the distribution of the annual average number of days of blizzard in Georgia.

65% of territory of Georgia occupy mountain landscape, and the development of mountain regions has high value for Georgia. For the development of mountain health resorts it is important to in proper time liquidate the negative consequences of different dangerous weather phenomena, including blizzard. Also, it is important to the introduction of effective measures for control of blizzard for a trouble-free operation of the Georgia as regional transport hub.

In the present study has been investigated the number of days with a blizzard. There are presented geographic maps of average and maximum blizzard days for Georgia.

Number of blizzard days have been studied according the materials of observations made meteorological stations of Georgia as of from 1966 to 2017. Obtained results will be used in carry out preliminary measures to minimize damage caused by blizzard.

For the Kakheti region are investigated Perennial change of the hailstorm prior to the beginning of global warming-up, which includes period since the beginning of the observations to the hail processes up to 1990 and years after the global warming-up (1990-2014). For the municipalities of region are analyzed the dynamics of hailstorm under the conditions of global warming-up and are represented the corresponding trends of hailstorm.

Hail is a hazardous weather phenomena, which inflict enormous damage to the economy, especially agriculture, since often completely demolishes or considerably damages crops, plants, gardens, vineyards, extirpates live-stock, destroys buildings and various constructions. Georgia was one of the first countries worldwide, where as early as from 60’s of the last century has been arranged a specialized service for combating with hail, which protected about 200 thousands hectares of territory Hail-suppression works have been interrupted after the collapse of Soviet Union but in last year, as a result of catastrophic hail hits, which inflict considerable material damage, the Georgian government has raised a question of renewal of hail-suppression works. Institutes of Hydrometeorology and geophysics have been assigned with solution of this problem. All this placed on the agenda a question of necessity of study of space structure of number of hail days, its periodicity, intensity, duration and areas of hail hit on the basis of advanced materials, and that was namely the goal of this article. Number of hail days, periods of hailfall, intensity, duration, number and area of hail hits have been studied according the materials of observations made by 30 meteorological stations of Eastern Georgia as of from 1961 to 2012. Obtained results will be used in case of renewal of hail-suppression works.. 

According to materials of observation carried out by 50 meteorological stations of Georgia over a period of 1961-2012 a number of days and duration of hail-damages, as well as periods of hailfall and amount of precipitation are studied.

Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reduction and ecological engineering efficiency measures. Assesses the environmental aspects of the reconstruction of roads in Georgia. Calculated from the amount of greenhouse gases to the reconstruction and after the reconstruction.

Doctoral Thesis Referee

Master Theses Supervisor

Doctoral Thesis Supervisor/Co-supervisor

Scientific editor of monographs in foreign languages

Scientific editor of a monograph in Georgian

Editor-in-Chief of a peer-reviewed or professional journal / proceedings

Review of a scientific professional journal / proceedings

Member of the editorial board of a peer-reviewed scientific or professional journal / proceedings

Participation in a project / grant funded by an international organization

Participation in a project / grant funded from the state budget

Patent authorship

Membership of the Georgian National Academy of Science or Georgian Academy of Agricultural Sciences

Membership of an international professional organization

Membership of the Conference Organizing / Program Committee

National Award / Sectoral Award, Order, Medal, etc.

Honorary title

Monograph

Handbook

Research articles in high impact factor and local Scientific Journals

Publication in Scientific Conference Proceedings Indexed in Web of Science and Scopus