Predicting Subsidence using Met Office Data

What is MORECS data?

MORECS (Meteorological Office Rainfall and Evaporation Calculation System) data is a valuable tool for monitoring soil moisture levels across the UK. It provides insights into water balance by measuring rainfall, evaporation, and transpiration rates, which affect the moisture content of the soil. Here’s how it works and its implications for subsidence:

What MORECS Data Shows:

• Soil Moisture Deficit (SMD): Indicates how much water is needed to bring the soil back to full saturation. A high SMD suggests dry soil conditions, while a low SMD indicates wet soil.
• Rainfall and Evapotranspiration: Measures how much water is entering (rainfall) and leaving (evaporation and plant transpiration) the soil.
• Temperature & Sunshine: These factors influence evaporation rates and overall soil moisture.

Implications for Subsidence:

• Clay Soils: Subsidence is common in areas with clay soil because clay expands when wet and contracts when dry. MORECS data helps monitor how moisture levels in the soil fluctuate, predicting the risk of subsidence.
• Dry Periods: High SMD values indicate dry conditions, leading to soil shrinkage, which increases the risk of subsidence. In summer, when evaporation is high, and rainfall is low, subsidence can be more severe.
• Seasonal Changes: MORECS helps track seasonal changes, enabling property owners, insurers, and engineers to anticipate periods of high subsidence risk and take preventive measures.

By analysing MORECS data, you can identify trends and patterns that help predict subsidence risk, especially during prolonged dry spells, allowing for proactive subsidence management and mitigation.

Learn more about subsidence.