Wavemaker

Katie Sonier

UPEI,

Charlottetown, PEI

"By the end of my project this data is going to be available on an app. 1km by 1km grid square people could look in on their specific area to see how precipitation is changing in their specific area over time."

How are they making waves?

Katie is working with the Climatesense lab to identify precipitation patterns and trends using the lab’s weather stations.

Katie, along with other members of the lab installed weather stations all over PEI this past summer to dry and fill the gap the island’s many micro climates create.

Applications of innovation for future use

This information will go on to inform farmers in making decisions on irrigation equipment use, better the production of crops, and ultimately save water.

The water-energy-food nexus is a system that has international implications in many countries who are experiencing the effects of climate change as well as micro climates on their crops. As such, many around the world could benefit from this information at their fingertips.

Facts about issues being addressed

PEI has many micro climates around the island, which constitutes a change in winds, precipitation, humidity and other elements as close as a few meters apart.

Because of these micro climates, members of the agricultural community have had a difficult time relying on traditional weather predicting applications to determine how to best take care of their crops.

Because of issues like this, the agricultural industry contributes greatly to over use of water.