Researchers at Carnegie Institution have developed a new method to measure abscisic acid levels in individual plant cells, shedding light on the hormone's role in plant stress responses. This breakthrough tool has the potential to improve crop yields and inform strategies for mitigating the impacts of drought and climate change.
Researchers are studying the Amazon ecosystem's response to extreme weather events like droughts and floods to predict its impact on climate change. They will analyze data from NASA satellites, field observations, and fishery activities to understand how changes in water levels affect aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
NASA's Earth-observing satellites provide detailed images of flood-affected areas, enabling better mapping of flood extent and risk assessment. The agency's new missions, such as GPM and SMAP, will further enhance flood monitoring and forecasting by providing unprecedented data on precipitation rates and soil moisture.
The Landsat satellite helps track urban change, which impacts a community's flood risk, using data from NASA and the US Geological Survey. Urbanization increases flood risk as impermeable surfaces absorb water, leading to more frequent and severe flooding.
A study published in Surveys in Geophysics found that the hydrological model WaterGAP underestimates seasonal continental water storage fluctuations and fails to retain rainwater for a long time. The researchers used GPS observations and GRACE satellite data to identify shortcomings in the model.
A major winter storm brought snow and freezing rain to the US east coast on March 2-3, with data from NOAA's GOES-East satellite compiled into a video by NASA. The storm's movement was tracked using MODIS instrument data, providing a clear picture of its path.
Current flood losses in Europe are likely to double by 2050, with socioeconomic growth accounting for two-thirds of the increased risk. Climate change is also expected to contribute to this increase, as changing rainfall patterns affect river flow and flood frequency.
Researchers observed that worker ants and broods were extremely resistant to submersion during floods. The ants protected the queen by placing her in the center of the raft, with workers using the brood's buoyancy and their own recovery ability to minimize injury or death.
Articles explore geological processes such as erosion, deposition, and sedimentation, shedding light on catastrophic outburst floods and sediment routing systems. New findings from the Eocene Escanilla Formation and the Ohanapecosh Formation provide insights into facies architecture and sediment grain size variation.
UI researchers assessed global numerical weather prediction models' performance in predicting severe flooding in Boulder, Colo. in September 2013. The study found that while models generally performed well, there is room for improvement in capturing persistent rainfall and accurately forecasting flood events.
A community effort aims to create a comprehensive database of economic flows and resource connections to identify vulnerable bottlenecks in global supply networks. This will enable the development of more resilient economies against future climate extremes.
Global average storm surge damages could increase from $10-$40 billion to up to $100,000 billion per year by the end of century if no adaptation action is taken. Investing in coastal protection measures can reduce projected damages to below $80 billion per year.
Researchers have successfully implemented a 'natural' flood management scheme in Belford Burn, Northumberland, reducing the risk of flooding and pollution. The scheme, costing £200,000, uses soft engineering solutions to restrict water flow and increase soil infiltration.
A University of Montreal study analyzed 10,000 dream narratives to compare nightmares and bad dreams, finding that nightmares have greater emotional impact than bad dreams and often feature themes such as fear, sadness, guilt, or disgust. The researchers also found that women's nightmares more frequently involve interpersonal conflicts.
Scientists predict a doubling of extreme El Nino events as the world warms, leading to increased heat waves and droughts. The research found that the eastern Pacific Ocean will warm, causing massive changes in global rainfall patterns.
The TRMM satellite has provided critical data on the devastating floods and landslides triggered by System 91W in the Philippines. The analysis revealed extremely high rainfall totals of over 1,168mm near northeastern Mindanao, causing 34 reported deaths.
Scientists reveal that Tibetan glaciers are losing mass, with a clear loss of around 16 gigatons per year. However, some glaciers in the central and north-western part of the plateau have grown in mass, contradicting previous data.
System 91W continues to bring floods and heavy rainfall to the central and southern Philippines, causing 31 deaths and 36 injuries. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts a high chance of System 91W becoming a tropical depression within 24 hours.
Researchers suggest that megafloods created the unique amphitheater-headed canyons in Idaho and on Mars, replacing traditional theories of groundwater sapping. The team analyzed rock samples and scour marks to support their claims, pointing to much larger water discharges and shorter flow durations.
Climate change is allowing mangroves to thrive in new areas around northern Florida, with the species' range expanding by over 3,000 acres between 1984 and 2011. The growth of mangroves may pose challenges for other coastal ecosystems, such as salt marshes, which could face loss of habitat and biodiversity.
A review paper highlights how human structures like dams and seawalls are hindering coastal wetlands' natural defense mechanisms. Wetlands can build up their soils to outpace sea level rise through various responses, but human activities are disrupting these processes.
A new review finds that sea level rise and shoreline retreat are the two most certain factors expected to increase future flood risk from tropical cyclones. Accelerated sea level rise will significantly intensify flooding by these storms.
The EASAC report highlights a 60% rise in extreme weather events in Europe over the last 30 years, including heatwaves, floods, and storms. The report emphasizes the need for immediate EU-driven action to adapt to future climate disruption and reduce uncertainties in regional climate models.
A modeling study by US Forest Service researchers shows that reforesting the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley can significantly reduce runoff from agricultural lands and sediment entering rivers and streams. Converting agricultural lands to forests in or near battures can greatly lessen water outflow and reduce sediment load, with a t...
The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory will track global precipitation by combining measurements from multiple satellites. The satellite has undergone rigorous environmental tests and integration to ensure its survival in space.
The study found that cyanobacteria in floodplains fixed a significant amount of nitrogen, making it available for plants, unlike previously assumed. This discovery could lead to more accurate models and potentially reduce fertilizer use by utilizing naturally occurring cyanobacteria in soils worldwide.
The ABI will offer faster imaging with much higher detail, enabling more accurate forecasts of severe weather and other hazards. The instrument's improved capabilities will help save lives and protect communities from extreme weather events.
A new study by UCSB researcher Michael Singer shows that sediment-absorbed mercury is being transported from the Sierra Nevada mountains to the Central Valley lowlands through major floods. This process poses a huge risk to the region's ecosystems and human population, as mercury-laden sediment is carried into ecologically sensitive re...
A new approach to analyzing paleo-climate reconstructions reveals that El Niño activity during the 20th century was unusually high compared to past 600 years. The study found ENSO activity to be more active between 1979-2009 than any 30-year period in the past 600 years.
The Geological Society of America is presenting a late-breaking session on the 2013 Colorado flood event, which was triggered by unprecedented heavy rainfall. Speakers will discuss causes, processes, and effects of the flood, including its impact on dams, infrastructure, and lives.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding how burned landscapes respond to rainfall, enabling the development of treatments to mitigate damage. Debris flow models have helped explain where these events are most likely to occur and how large they might be.
Researchers predict that future storms could cause even more damage to New York City's barrier islands, such as Staten Island and Long Island. To mitigate this risk, the scientists propose building parks on these areas instead of rebuilding homes in flood zones.
The new field guide delves into the geological history of the Rocky Mountains, spanning over 1.7 billion years. The book also examines the effects of unprecedented heavy rains and catastrophic flooding that hit the region in 2013, causing widespread destruction and altering the landscape.
Tropical Storm Manuel dropped heavy rains causing widespread flooding and landslides that claimed the lives of 21 people. The TRMM satellite's data showed rain totals exceeding 350mm along Mexico's Pacific coast, with some areas experiencing extreme rainfall that forced the closure of Acapulco airport.
The NJIT Flood Mitigation Engineering Resource Center will investigate alternative measures for flood mitigation in the Hackensack/Moonachie/Little Ferry area. The project aims to enhance existing efforts and provide a comprehensive strategy for protecting citizens from future floods through innovative engineering measures.
A new report by IFPRI and ASARECA suggests that Kenyan farmers may not only survive but thrive in the face of climate change. The study predicts a shift in maize production due to changing weather patterns, offering opportunities for farmers to adapt to new conditions.
Residents of Mexico's eastern and western coast are experiencing double tropical trouble as two storms, TD13E and Ingrid, form in the Pacific Ocean. The storms have the potential to drop up to 20 inches of rain, causing life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.
Tropical Storm Lorena is expected to bring heavy rainfall along Mexico's west coast, with the heaviest rain falling at a rate of 2 inches per hour near Culiacan. The storm's powerful thunderstorms are also producing life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.
A new approach to calculating flooding costs will be presented at the International Conference on Flood Resilience. The methodology combines land use information with data on vulnerability to estimate past and future damage. This method has already been used in Barcelona and Dhaka to assess heavy rain event impacts.
A Harvard University study projects that wildfires in the western United States will be three weeks longer, up to twice as smoky, and burn a wider area by 2050. Climate change is expected to exacerbate fire season due to warmer temperatures.
Tropical Storm Fernand formed rapidly over Mexico, with NASA's TRMM satellite detecting towering thunderstorms and heavy rainfall rates exceeding 2 inches per hour. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 50 mph at landfall, causing significant flooding and threatening life-threatening flash floods.
Landsat satellites analyze post-fire images to estimate burn severity, helping crews focus restoration efforts on high-risk areas. By analyzing maps created with Landsat data, teams can identify areas at risk of post-fire flooding and implement restoration projects to mitigate damage.
A new study estimates that the global cost of flooding could increase from $6 billion to $52 billion per year, with some cities facing losses exceeding $1 trillion if inaction is taken. The top 10 most at-risk cities are in developed and developing countries, with high wealth but low protection levels.
A rare combination of atmospheric patterns drove heavy rains over Australia in 2010-11, causing seas to drop measurably. The event, linked to La Niña and the Southern Annular Mode, was a unique complex pattern that temporarily halted rising sea levels caused by climate change.
A University of Iowa study analyzed 70 years of flood records in Texas and found that human modifications, such as river regulation, contribute significantly to the state's flood-prone nature. Tropical cyclones are less responsible for major floods in Texas than in other regions.
A new series of articles in the American Journal of Botany explores how plants respond to climate change, providing insights into plant biology, ecology, and evolution. The studies reveal complex relationships between plants and wide-scale biological changes.
A new study finds that atmospheric rivers are projected to increase in frequency and intensity under future climate change scenarios, leading to more severe and frequent winter floods in the UK. The research suggests that thermodynamic changes in the atmosphere, rather than natural climate variability, are driving these changes.
Researchers have discovered direct geochemical evidence linking massive floods to the formation of the world's deepest gorge, the Tsangpo Gorge in the Himalayas. The study found that the presence of uranium-bearing zircon grains downstream was higher than expected, indicating a sudden and catastrophic event.
The new journal aims to provide a forum for discussing the economic aspects of water resources, including extraction, pollution, and allocation. The first issue is freely available online on ScienceDirect and features articles on topics such as willingness to pay and water conservation incentives.
A new tree-ring record reveals El Niño was unusually active in the late 20th century, suggesting a response to global warming. This finding has implications for climate models and predictions of future ENSO activity.
Tropical Storm Barry was captured by NASA's Aqua spacecraft on June 20, 2013, revealing maximum sustained winds of 40 knots and gusts up to 50 knots. Rainfall totals of 3-5 inches are expected in southern Mexico, posing life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.
The University of Michigan ecologist predicts a very large and potentially record-setting 2013 Gulf of Mexico 'dead zone,' expected to be between 7,286 and 8,561 square miles. This would be roughly equivalent to the size of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia combined.
A Griffith University study found that current water releases limit fish reproduction and impact freshwater biodiversity. Restoring natural low flow periods is critical to produce food for dependent fish species.
A new £6.5 million fund has been launched to support research on public health challenges in humanitarian crises, with the goal of improving health outcomes through evidence-based humanitarian interventions. The Research for Health in Humanitarian Crises programme will strengthen partnerships between public health researchers and human...
Researchers discovered a 15-month wind pattern that explains El Niño's close ties to the annual cycle. This unusual atmospheric pattern triggers droughts and floods in various regions. The study suggests that improved climate models will improve El Niño forecasts.
A team from Michigan State University is studying the Napo River's ecohydrology to assess its impact on the region. The research aims to document the river in its 'wild' state before major engineering work is conducted, guiding economic development and promoting conservation.
The report outlines how climate change could affect habitats, plants and animals within the sanctuary, as well as adjacent coastal areas. Climate change poses a grave threat to the health of the ocean, with impacts felt in marine protected areas like the Olympic Coast sanctuary.
The Dutch Delta Program Commissioner won the 2013 INFORMS Edelman Award for his work on preventing flooding using operations research techniques. The project resulted in €7.8 billion less investment costs while strengthening the country's defense against devastating floods.
Engineers at Oregon State University developed a new interactive system to create networks of small wetlands in Midwest farmlands, capturing 29% of runoff using only 1.5% of land. The approach helps prevent massive floods and retain water in a warming climate.
Research shows that even five years after Hurricane Katrina, heart attacks were still less likely to occur during the morning or on weekdays and instead more frequent at night and on weekends. Prolonged periods of stress are believed to be the most likely cause for these changes.