Research predicts an earlier start to spring growing season and warmer winter temperatures in North American grasslands, partially offsetting negative effects of higher summer temperatures. Annual productivity is expected to increase despite drought-induced reductions in summer productivity.
A Harvard University study finds that grasslands across North America will experience an earlier start to the spring growing season and warmer winter temperatures, offsetting climate change's negative effects. However, this shift in seasonal patterns presents new management challenges for farmers and ranchers.
Climate models predict wet regions will become wetter and dry regions drier; western US aquifers expected to see slight-to-significant decreases in recharge as climate warms. The team's research integrates scientists' knowledge with scientific models to predict groundwater changes.
A dynamic model focusing on site scale conservation helps answer questions about how small white lady's slipper orchid habitats will change with climate change. The model provides information on management strategies specific to the location and plant itself, benefiting rare species with limited ranges.
NASA analyzed rainfall totals in Paraguay and found the highest amounts occurred northeast of Asuncion, with over 400 mm recorded in central and southern parts. The strong El Niño phenomenon is believed to be the cause of the heavy flooding, affecting over 150,000 people across Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
An international team of scientists discovered that fewer landslides occurred after the 2015 Nepal earthquake than initially thought. The research used satellite imaging to analyze the region and found no large floods from overflowing glacial lakes.
A new study analyzing data from 1901 to 2008 found that dams and irrigation significantly raise the global human consumption of freshwater by increasing evapotranspiration. The study's results indicate a 20% increase in the global human freshwater footprint, corresponding to around 4,370 km3 per year.
A UK study by University of Stirling researchers found that neonicotinoid pesticide use is linked to declining butterfly populations, with 15 species showing population declines. The chemicals can persist in the environment and contaminate wildflowers, providing little nourishment for butterflies.
Scientists estimate nearly 23 million cubic kilometres of total groundwater, with most modern groundwater found in tropical and mountain regions. The study highlights the need to manage this precious resource sustainably due to increasing demand and climate change.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that wildfires on the Arctic tundra can cause significant permafrost thaw, with about a third of the fire's footprint experiencing thawing. This effect is similar to those observed in boreal forests where burns are more common.
Wildfires on Arctic tundra can contribute to permafrost thaw, changing ecosystems and affecting downstream waters. Researchers used lidar data to document thawing in the Anaktuvuk River fire's footprint, observing thermokarst and irregular topography.
Research by the University of York reveals that certain moth and butterfly species are becoming more abundant due to improved climate conditions, while others are declining. The study found that species sensitivity to climate change varies greatly among species.
The number of American alligators in the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge decreased following dry years and recovered later, according to a USGS study. The decrease was proportional to the intensity of the dry event, highlighting the impact of hydrology changes on alligator populations.
A four-year multi-partner study investigates the effects of various pressures on freshwater ecosystems, with a focus on connectivity and stressor interactions. The research aims to improve our understanding of these impacts and inform sustainable management strategies.
A study of 119 low-per capita income countries found that institutional controls are a significant factor in freshwater supply management. Many geographically disparate nations have similar water supply vulnerability 'fingerprints', highlighting the importance of good governance.
A Baylor University study projects significant impacts of climate change on the Himalayan mountain basins, including reduced water availability and exacerbated food insecurity. The research highlights the importance of land use practices in conserving water resources, particularly in regions like Nepal.
A team of international researchers has developed recommendations to preserve the local environment in China's Xinjiang region, which produces ten percent of global cotton production. Sustainable land use practices and reforestation are key to reducing soil salination and preserving groundwater supplies.
Researchers found that ancient Maya activity contributed to environmental decline and continues to influence today's conditions. They identified six stratigraphic markers indicating large-scale change in climate, vegetation, hydrology, and lithosphere.
A recent study uses color fingerprinting to identify the origin of sediments in the South Tobacco Creek watershed. The technique reveals that nature is more often responsible for sedimentation than previously thought, while human activities have a significant impact on hydrology and erosion.
Arizona State University's Decision Center for a Desert City will explore transformational changes to sustain water supplies in the Colorado River Basin region, enabling cities like Colorado, Nevada, and California to build capacity for sustainable water management. The four-year award brings total NSF investment to $18 million.
Researchers found that stronger winds forecasted by climate change could exacerbate the time females take to find food compared to males, affecting their wellbeing and potentially population sizes. This study on UK coastal seabirds highlights the impact of wind conditions on bird behavior.
A new UK study predicts that severe droughts could lead to the extinction of six butterfly species by 2050, highlighting the urgent need for climate action. However, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and restoring habitats can greatly improve the chances of drought-sensitive butterflies surviving until at least 2100.
Scientists have discovered how earthworms digest plant material despite toxic chemicals produced by plants. The discovery highlights the importance of drilodefensins, molecules in the earthworm gut that counteract plant defenses.
Climate change is affecting UK's blanket bogs, impacting rare upland bird species like dunlin, golden plover, and red grouse. The loss of crane fly prey due to summer droughts could lead to a 50% decline in dunlin numbers, 30% in golden plover, and 15% in red grouse by 2051-80.
The University of Wyoming will receive a new borehole nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) instrument to measure aquifer levels, enhancing its subsurface hydrology research capabilities. The Javelin device, developed by Vista Clara Inc., will visualize water storage and changes in aquifers.
Researchers found worm infection in parent birds or nestlings impacts most on others in their family group, affecting survival rates and breeding success. The study's findings could have important implications for the conservation of wild animals under threat.
Fred Ogden's discovery answers a long-standing question about water movement in the vadose zone, crucial for agriculture, hydrology, and climate science. The new equation improves the accuracy and computing power of hundreds of important water models.
The Chesapeake Bay's hypoxic and anoxic zones are caused by excessive nutrient pollution, primarily from human activities. Scientists predict a smaller 'dead zone' this summer, with midsummer volume expected to be approximately 1.37 cubic miles.
A new study reveals that humans deliberately caused about a third of floods in southwestern Netherlands between 1500 and 2000. The deliberate flooding was used as a tactic during the Eighty Years' War, with significant changes to the landscape resulting from these inundations.
Research on River Deba sediment pollution reveals the impact of anthropogenic inputs and flooding events on metal distribution. The study found a clear increase in organic matter and metals between the headwater and mouth of the river, with highly polluted sediments reflecting upstream pollution.
The university will establish a Data Intensive Research and Education Center to create academic opportunities for students from underserved communities. Faculty and students will focus on collaborative research in areas such as hydrology, climate change, and cloud computing.
A new study found that large protected areas in the Xingu River Basin have limited the negative impacts of expanding agriculture on the region's water cycle. The research combined fieldwork, satellite data, and dynamic vegetation models to simulate the water budget, finding that deforestation has had a small effect on the area.
MSU researchers are using big data analytics to help farmers adapt to climate variability, reducing nitrous oxide emissions and algal blooms. The project aims to integrate crop models with satellite imagery and UAVs to promote water-, nutrient- and climate-smart technologies.
Hyongki Lee, a University of Houston researcher, is training South Asian government officials to independently manage their water resources. With the help of a novel software toolbox, these officials can better predict and prepare for floods and monsoons, saving lives and reducing devastation.
Researchers at UCSB show that changes in river channel boundaries directly impact flood hazard trends across the US. Channel capacity needs to be considered jointly with stream flow for accurate flood hazard calculation.
A new study by Andrew J. Retzler and colleagues presents a revised map characterizing the size and shape of the Alamo crater. The researchers estimate the crater's diameter to be between 111 and 150 km, more than double previous estimates. This places the Alamo crater as one of the largest marine impacts in the last 550 million years.
A recent study by University of Montana researcher Jared Oyler found that sensor changes have significantly biased temperature observations from the Snowpack Telemetry (SNOTEL) station network. High-elevation minimum temperatures were warming only slightly more than minimum temperatures at lower elevations.
The Deep Space Climate Observatory will capture the entire sunlit side of Earth in one image, providing unprecedented atmospheric data and insights into global weather patterns. The launch marks a significant improvement in solar wind speed measurement and complement NASA's larger missions.
A new model developed by Penn State researchers can accurately identify stream sections suitable for wild brook trout, helping fisheries managers protect habitat. The model uses characteristics like water temperature and soil type to predict brook trout occurrence in the eastern United States.
University of Washington experts are using the physics behind rain-on-snow flooding to better predict risks. They found that warm, humid air surrounding raindrops is most to blame for melting snow, and that tree cover can reduce flood risk by slowing storm winds.
A three-year restoration project in Pittsburgh's Frick Park has improved the health of Nine Mile Run, a stream affected by urbanization. The project, led by University of Pittsburgh hydrologist Dan Bain, involved rerouting the creek and creating habitats for fish and other species.
The expanded module will help high school students learn how land use impacts freshwater quality in their own geographic regions. The website, funded by a $2.9 million dollar grant, provides students with hands-on learning experience using real data and geospatial analysis tools.
A new study suggests that smart agricultural practices and trade networks enabled the Romans to thrive despite a water-limited environment. However, this stable food supply promoted population growth and urbanization, pushing the Empire closer to its food resources limits.
Researchers found that groundwater temperatures have warmed significantly over the past forty years, echoing global warming trends. The warming is attributed to climate change and has been observed in groundwater close to the surface, with a certain time lag.
A new high-resolution mapping strategy has identified opportunities to preserve tropical carbon stocks in the fight against climate change. The approach prioritizes carbon conservation efforts throughout tropical countries and provides detailed information on landscape characteristics.
Researchers analyzed 1,400 damage sites to determine relationships between ground deformation and faults. They found evidence of reverse movement along preexisting faults, which caused widespread ground deformation in the San Andreas fault region.
Researchers found that different bat species form separate social groups in adjacent woodland areas, with mixed-sex and male-female groups differing in structure. This study has significant implications for bat conservation as it shows bats may not be able to move to another area if a section of woodland is felled.
A new study reveals that harlequin ladybird, an invasive alien species, prefers urban areas and sunnier habitats. The invasive species has outcompeted native ladybirds due to habitat deterioration and competition.
A review published in ESA Frontiers explores designing rivers with environmental flows to sustain ecosystem services, considering controlled releases and hands-off policies. The approach aims to create functional ecosystems under current conditions, rather than recreating historical ones.
Researchers found that small gasoline spills at gas stations can cumulatively harm soil and groundwater in residential areas, potentially impacting the health of those who use wells as a water source. The study suggests that these spills may be a larger issue than previously thought due to their frequency and cumulative effect.
A study published in Nature Geoscience found that air pollution, specifically aerosols, increases river flows in the northern hemisphere. The research reveals a significant impact of solar dimming on enhanced river flows over regions in heavily industrialised areas.
A study published in the University of Leeds has shown that heather burning on moorland has negative impacts on peat hydrology, river water chemistry, and ecology. The findings indicate a deeper water table, increased carbon release, and decreased diversity and population sizes of invertebrates in rivers draining from burned areas.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that burn intervals may predict the rate of woody vegetation expansion along grassland streams, which could help maintain tallgrass prairies. The research also suggests that changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and grazing patterns may contribute to woody plant encroachment.
A comprehensive review examines potential influences on recent UK winter floods, including the role of global oceans and wind patterns. The study suggests that natural fluctuations may be responsible for extreme weather events, but also notes the importance of understanding the impact of climate change.
The Integrated Precipitation and Hydrology Experiment demonstrated two new radar instruments, improving rainfall measurement. The High-altitude Wind and Rain Profiler and ER-2 X-Band Radar provided a unique capability by capturing how cloud droplets and raindrops move relative to each other.
Researchers calculate that the eastern, Jordanian side of the Dead Sea will experience a dramatic reduction in natural replenishment rate of groundwater if precipitation lowers as predicted. This could lead to shortages in water resources, affecting not only agriculture but also the growing population, with serious social and economic ...
A recent Texas A&M AgriLife Research study identified the impact of soils, land cover and water use on groundwater levels in Texas. The study found progressive decline in statewide decadal median water levels from 46 feet to 118 feet between the 1930s and 2000s.
A study in southern England found that queen bumblebee queens often disperse widely, sometimes several kilometers away, before founding their own nests. This suggests that genetic diversity is maintained through queen dispersal, highlighting the importance of preserving flower-rich habitats for bumblebee conservation.
Scientists have found that Borneo's dipterocarp trees produce wood faster than their neighbors and other tree species in the Amazon, with average differences of 3.2 tons per hectare per year. This unique trait may be linked to their ability to tap into scarce nutrient resources or trade-off growth for other plant parts.
A comprehensive study of lake water composition reveals its strong connection with environmental factors, such as climate and hydrology. The research found that the chemical diversity of dissolved organic matter in lakes varies significantly depending on these factors.