Page:HKFactSheet Observatory 122015.pdf/2

 Radiation Monitoring and Assessment: The Observatory monitors the ambient radiation levels in Hong Kong and conducts radiological measurements on samples of air, soil, water and food.

In the unlikely event of a nuclear emergency at the nuclear power stations in Guangdong, the Observatory will immediately step up radiation monitoring, assess the radiological consequences and provide technical advice to the government regarding the appropriate protective actions to take.

Time Standard, Geophysical and Climatological Services: The Observatory maintains a caesium beam atomic clock as the Hong Kong time standard. Time checking services are provided through network time service, Internet clocks (including web clock and palm clock), the Dial-a-weather System and local radio channels. The Observatory uses a high accuracy time transfer system based on global navigation satellite systems, such as the Global Positioning System to provide time information of its atomic clock to the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) in France, thereby contributing to the determination of the co-ordinated universal time (UTC).

The Observatory operates a network of seismograph stations and collects real-time data from numerous seismograph stations around the world to monitor earthquake activities and to provide earthquake information services, including the dissemination of Quick Earthquake Messages through Twitter, Weibo and RSS. It also issues warnings against tsunamis that may affect Hong Kong.

A network of tide gauges operated by the Observatory provides information on tides, mean sea levels, storm surges and tsunamis.

For climate services, the Observatory operates the "Climatological Information Services" webpage which provides public and users in different sectors with one-stop-shop online access to various climate information and statistics of Hong Kong, the latest climate news and educational resources on climate subjects. The Observatory also actively collaborates with stakeholders and partners to enhance the usage of climate information in different areas, including engineering projects, town planning, water resources management, scientific research, energy saving and disaster risk reduction.

The Observatory issues a prediction of the annual rainfall and the total number of tropical cyclones affecting Hong Kong in a year. It also issues seasonal forecasts of temperature and rainfall of Hong Kong via its website.

The Observatory conducts research on climate change in Hong Kong, as well as its impacts to the society. Outreach activities, including public and school talks, exhibitions, open days, etc. are conducted regularly to promote public understanding of the science of climate change.