Effect of Climate Change on the Freezing Level in Kakheti

Abstract

Results of a study of the impact of climate change on the level of zero isotherm in Kakheti are presented. To do this, a statistical analysis of data on monthly average maximum air temperatures was carried out for six points of Kakheti (Telavi, Sagarejo, Kvareli, Gurjaani, Dedoplistskaro and Lagodekhi) from 1956 to 2015, as well as data on the height of the zero isotherm over the studied region from 1958 to 1961 and from 2012 to 2016. In particular, it was obtained that from 1956 to 2015 in Kakheti, at almost all six points in June and August, climate warming took place. In July, September and October an increase in the maximum air temperature is noted in the majority points. Accordingly, from June to October over the study area in 2012-2016, compared with 1958-1961, there was an increase in the height of the zero isotherm within 71-442 m. During May changes in the values of maximum air temperature in 1958-2015 is not observed, the height of the zero isotherm in this month in the second period decreased by 260 m. In all months, except June, into 2012-2016 in comparison with 1958-1961 an increase in the values of vertical gradient of air temperature is noted.