Taiwan's Sky and Earth Watch
Explore the critical functions and history of Taiwan's Central Weather Administration, a vital institution safeguarding the nation through advanced meteorological, astronomical, and seismological observation and forecasting.
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Understanding the CWA
Mandate and Scope
The Central Weather Administration (CWA) serves as the principal governmental meteorological research and forecasting institution for Taiwan (Republic of China). Its mandate extends beyond conventional meteorology to encompass crucial astronomical observations, comprehensive sea condition reporting, and vital research into seismology, including the provision of timely earthquake reports. The CWA operates under the administrative purview of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.
Operational Hub
Headquartered in the vibrant metropolis of Taipei City, the CWA is strategically positioned to coordinate its extensive network of monitoring and research facilities across Taiwan. This central location facilitates efficient communication and data integration, essential for its multifaceted operational responsibilities.
National Significance
Given Taiwan's unique geographical position on the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire and its susceptibility to typhoons and other extreme weather phenomena, the CWA plays an indispensable role in national safety and resilience. Its accurate forecasting and early warning systems are critical for disaster preparedness, public safety, and supporting various economic sectors, including agriculture, transportation, and maritime activities.
Historical Trajectory
Early Foundations (Japanese Rule)
The origins of meteorological monitoring in Taiwan trace back to the Japanese colonial era. In 1897, the government established five weather monitoring stations across the island, located in Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Hengchun, and Penghu. The Taipei Observatory, established in 1897, eventually became the precursor to the current CWA headquarters.
Post-War Integration and Re-establishment
Following the Kuomintang's assumption of control in Taiwan in 1945, the Japanese-established stations were integrated into the Taiwan Provincial Weather Institution. Initially, the Central Weather Bureau (CWB) itself was established in Chongqing in 1941 under the Executive Yuan of the Republic of China. After the Chinese Civil War and the government's relocation to Taiwan in 1949, the CWB relocated with it. From 1958, the Taiwan Provincial Weather Institution assumed many of its functions until the CWB was formally re-established under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications in 1971.
Modern Transformation
In a significant organizational evolution, the Central Weather Bureau was reorganized and officially became the Central Weather Administration (CWA) on September 15, 2023. This transition, mandated by the Organization Act promulgated on June 7, 2023, signifies a renewed commitment to advancing meteorological, seismological, and astronomical sciences and services for Taiwan.
Core Departments
Weather Forecast Center
This department is the operational heart of meteorological prediction. It is responsible for continuous monitoring of atmospheric conditions, generating short- and medium-term weather forecasts, and issuing critical advisories for severe weather events such as heavy rainfall, intense cold snaps, typhoons, and dense fog. For typhoons, the center meticulously tracks tropical storms that may impact the island, providing detailed warnings, predicted paths, and intensity assessments based on sophisticated data analysis.
Seismological Center
Established in 1989, the Seismological Center is dedicated to monitoring seismic activity within and around Taiwan, a region characterized by high tectonic stress. Its core functions include publishing reports on significant earthquakes, conducting research into earthquake precursor phenomena, issuing timely tsunami warnings when warranted, and disseminating crucial information on earthquake preparedness to the public. The center operates an extensive network of 150 seismological monitoring stations across Taiwan and its outlying islands.
Marine Meteorology Center
Established in 1993, the Marine Meteorology Center focuses on monitoring and predicting oceanic conditions. It provides essential forecasts for maritime activities, including shipping, fisheries, and tourism. The center measures key variables such as wave height, tidal patterns, sea level variations, sea surface temperature, and ocean currents to offer an accurate depiction of current marine environments. It also disseminates tide information and cooperates with local authorities to display ocean condition advisories in harbors.
Meteorological Satellite Center
This department is responsible for the acquisition, processing, and analysis of data from meteorological satellites. By leveraging satellite imagery and sensor readings, the center enhances the CWA's observational capabilities, providing crucial data for weather analysis and prediction models, particularly for tracking large-scale weather systems and phenomena across vast geographical areas.
Astronomical Observatory
Complementing its atmospheric and terrestrial monitoring, the Astronomical Observatory conducts observations of celestial bodies and phenomena, including sunspots and eclipses. It also publishes an annual almanac and serves as a public resource for astronomical information, contributing to scientific understanding and public engagement with space science.
Accessibility
Reaching the CWA Headquarters
The Central Weather Administration's headquarters in Taipei City is conveniently accessible via public transportation. It is located within walking distance south of the NTU Hospital Station on the Taipei Metro system, facilitating easy access for researchers, collaborators, and the public.
Advanced Computing Power
Historical Performance
The CWA has historically invested in high-performance computing to support its complex modeling requirements. In 2002, a research supercomputer shared between the CWA and the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) was recognized by TOP500 as the 313rd most powerful computer globally, achieving a performance of 0.2 TFlop/s with 25,300 CPU cores.
Next-Generation Forecasting System
In February 2024, the CWA inaugurated a state-of-the-art weather forecasting system powered by Fujitsu FX1000 high-speed computers. This advanced infrastructure boasts an aggregate system performance of 10 petaflops. This significant upgrade has substantially enhanced the agency's forecasting capabilities, extending the reliable prediction window for typhoons and major storms from seven to ten days, thereby improving preparedness and response.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data and may not represent the most current or complete information available.
This is not professional advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for professional meteorological, seismological, astronomical, or navigational consultation. Always refer to official advisories from the Central Weather Administration and consult with qualified experts for critical decisions related to weather, seismic events, or maritime safety.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information presented.