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The Environment

Radiation Measurement and Assessment

The observatory operates a network of 12 radiation monitoring stations to monitor the ambient radiation level in Hong Kong and to measure the amount of radioactivity in environmental samples. In the unlikely event of a nuclear accident, the observatory would step up its radiation. monitoring to detect the presence of artificial radionuclides in the environment, work with other relevant government departments to provide decision makers with an assessment of radiological consequences, and advise on actions to take. Relevant information on radiation. levels and the latest developments would be provided to the public through various channels. The observatory continues to enhance radiation monitoring and assessment capabilities through collaboration with its Mainland and international counterparts.

Geophysical Services

The observatory monitors earthquakes and tsunamis in the vicinity of Hong Kong and around the world. It provides information on earthquakes and warnings of tsunamis through its website, the media and other social media platforms, as well as through SMS and emails for special users.

Astronomical Services

The observatory provides information about astronomical phenomena such as solar and lunar eclipses. It also publishes astronomical almanacs, providing the traditional Chinese calendar and various types of astronomical and geophysical information. In October, the observatory organised a joint webcast of the total lunar eclipse with the Hong Kong Space Museum, the Ho Koon Nature Education cum Astronomical Centre and the Po Leung Kuk Ngan Po Ling College.

Official Time Standard

As Hong Kong's official time keeper, the observatory maintains a Time Standard that is accurate to within one ten-millionth of a second per day and contributes to the determination of Co- ordinated Universal Time by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures. Time checks are available to the public through the Dial-a-Weather telephone service, local radio stations, web clocks and the internet network time service. The internet service handled around 10.3 billion

time checks in 2014.

International and Regional Co-operation

In November, the observatory signed the 'Co-operation Agreement in Meteorological Science and Technology' with the Guangdong Meteorological Bureau to enhance collaboration in areas such as numerical weather prediction, weather forecast and warning, climate change study and atmospheric measurements.

In 2014, the World Weather Information Service (WWIS) website operated by the observatory on behalf of the World Meteorological Organisation was upgraded and the Data Collection or Production Centre for WWIS was also officially launched.

Public Education

To promote public awareness of hazardous weather and climate change, the observatory carries out a broad range of educational and outreach activities. In 2014, these included

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