A study published in Forest Ecology and Management found that salvage logging increases sediment in water runoff, causing erosion and damage to fish habitats. Leaving slash on the ground, breaking up equipment trails with water bars, and replanting vegetation are recommended best management practices for minimizing ecological effects.
Researchers at Ohio State University propose that the Earth's mantle contains entire oceans of water, which are continuously cycled to the surface via plate tectonics. This process could have supplied water to the oceans for billions of years, making Earth habitable.
Researchers found that Bougainvillea can tolerate moderate deficit irrigation, reducing water consumption while improving plant quality. The study tested three varieties of potted Bougainvillea under full and deficit irrigation treatments.
Astronomers have successfully detected a super-Earth's transit using a ground-based telescope, marking the first time this has been done. The transit occurred in front of a bright Sun-like star and demonstrates that small planets can be characterized with existing facilities.
A new study reveals the vast diversity of life below-ground, with rapid responses to climate change having far-reaching impacts on future ecosystems. The research suggests that healthy soil is essential for healthy crops, and that integrating knowledge of soil biodiversity into land management decisions could help mitigate climate change.
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 at the University of Houston are developing new nanofiltration methods to remove salt from brackish waters, a potentially cheaper alternative to existing desalination techniques. The methods could help alleviate drought-stricken regions' water scarcity issues.
A new study has shown that the water found on Earth originated before the Sun formed, suggesting that many exoplanets may also have access to abundant water. This discovery has important implications for the potential for life elsewhere in the galaxy.
New research by Penn State scientists suggests that hydraulic fracturing water is not a significant risk to groundwater, as it is sequestered in the rock formation. The study found that capillary and osmotic forces prevent upward migration of residual treatment water into overlying groundwater.
Researchers at Virginia Tech find that 50% of the population can't detect high levels of manganese in water, leading to potential health risks. The study's findings highlight the importance of considering water safety not only in tap water but also in humidified air.
Researchers from McGill and Utrecht University outline six strategies to reduce water stress, including improving irrigation techniques, increasing water-recycling facilities, and limiting population growth. By applying these strategies simultaneously, significant reductions in water-stressed populations are possible by 2050.
Researchers at Southern Methodist University found that elite sprinters use a unique gait feature to maximize speed, delivering a firm and rapid punch to the ground upon contact. The study, which compared data from competitive sprinters to other fast-running athletes, suggests that there is only one way to achieve high speeds.
Researchers at Aalto University found that shifting to vegetarian diets can reduce green water use by up to 21% and blue water use by up to 14%. This could secure food supply for an additional 1.8 billion people without increasing water resources.
A new study by UCI and NASA scientists reveals that more than three-quarters of the water loss in the drought-stricken Colorado River Basin since late 2004 came from underground resources. The extent of groundwater loss may pose a greater threat to the region's water supply than previously thought.
Researchers have observed an ordered water monolayer on various solid surfaces at room temperature, contradicting the classical understanding of water's behavior. This phenomenon exhibits novel properties and affects surface characteristics, such as electrochemical property, wetting behavior, and friction.
New research reveals that developed regions in China contribute to water depletion in other water-scarce regions through imports of food and water-intensive goods. This study accounts for water scarcity using the concept of virtual water, tracking water flows through trade and agricultural products.
Australian researchers advise incorporating water use into climate change policies, as energy-efficient technologies can also reduce water consumption. The study analyzed 74 options and found that renewable options and energy efficiency measures can help save nearly 100 Mmᶾ of water in Australia annually.
Researchers at Princeton University used a computer model to explore water as it freezes, finding that it can exist in two liquid phases of different densities. The dual nature of water could lead to better understanding of how it behaves at cold temperatures found in high-altitude clouds.
Researchers developed a method to accurately measure groundwater levels using satellite data, overcoming the challenges of traditional monitoring wells. This breakthrough provides valuable data for managing water resources and will improve models for scenarios like population growth and droughts.
Researchers discover water bound in rock deep in the Earth's mantle, potentially representing the planet's largest water reservoir. This finding may aid scientists in understanding how the Earth formed and what its current composition is.
Researchers have discovered that plants use a complex process to sense water in soil and adjust their root architecture accordingly. This process, known as hydropatterning, allows plants to optimize water uptake and survive in environments with limited resources.
New analysis of Moon rocks indicates regional variations in water content, providing insights into lunar formation and crust cooling processes. The study suggests that the Moon's water may have originated from both Earth and comets/asteroids, with implications for understanding the source of Earth's water.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a method to create air-stable water droplet networks that can simulate cell membranes. The technique, which uses a superhydrophobic surface infused with oil, enables the formation of interconnected water droplets without coalescing.
A comprehensive review found that improved water sources in low- and middle-income countries often contain fecal contamination. The study's findings suggest a large proportion of the world's population uses unsafe water, highlighting the need for alternative indicators of safe water.
The shale gas industry's high water usage competes with residential and agricultural needs in arid regions, depleting groundwater resources. Researchers suggest using brackish water and recycling wastewater to minimize the industry's water footprint.
A NASA simulation shows that stratospheric ozone intrusions have a significant impact on ground-level ozone concentrations in the US West, with effects two to three times greater than previously estimated. High-resolution models can now comprehensively examine these events for the first time.
A new study found that most schools in the US meet the USDA drinking water mandate, but additional measures are needed to promote better access and encourage students to drink more water. The study suggests that collaboration among school staff and educational activities can be effective strategies to promote water consumption.
A new study published in Crime Science found that below ground offences are concentrated at particular stations, with the highest risk during morning and late afternoon peak travel periods. The research developed an algorithm to calculate the probability of where theft is most likely, helping authorities target resources more effectively.
Researchers from Purdue University and the University of Texas at Austin have conducted field trials to test four shallow-ground-improvement methods aimed at increasing structural resilience in soils prone to liquefaction. The results show that rapid impact compaction, rammed aggregate piers, low-mobility grouting, and double row of ho...
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 study by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found that global food trade can alleviate water scarcity in parts of India, Morocco, and Egypt through imports of agricultural goods. However, exports from countries like Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Afghanistan, and the US exacerbate local water stress.
Researchers discover that only 20-30% of water vapor molecules condense on a liquid surface, while the majority bounce away. The study's findings could lead to more efficient desalination membranes and fundamental understanding of fluid flow at the nanoscale.
A team of physicists reveals how oxygen-16's nuclear shape differs between its ground and first excited states, shedding light on the element's production. The findings may improve our understanding of helium-burning reactions in red giant stars.
The Ground Validation program gathers similar precipitation data on the ground to compare with satellite data, improving models and understanding precipitation physics. Remote campaigns and a Precipitation Science Research Facility supplement GPM data, allowing scientists to monitor precipitation under various conditions.
A national survey by Indiana University researcher Shahzeen Attari found that nearly 43% of participants cited taking shorter showers, despite toilets using the most water daily. The study highlights the importance of efficiency improvements like replacing toilets and retrofitting washing machines to conserve water.
A team of MIT researchers has discovered that a small piece of sapwood can filter out over 99% of bacteria from contaminated water. The xylem tissue in the sapwood allows water to flow through while blocking most types of bacteria, making it a promising low-cost material for water filtration.
A UC Riverside study suggests that increasing block-rate water budgets can effectively promote water use efficiency by sending a price signal to customers regarding water scarcity. The study found that average household water use decreased by 15% under the new pricing structure, while overall prices only rose 4%.
A study found that magnesium protects against hip fractures for both men and women, but calcium has no independent protective effect. Enriching drinking water with dolomite may also be beneficial, according to the researchers.
The MARSOL project aims to address water shortage in the Mediterranean region by storing excess water in aquifers, reducing crop losses and mitigating droughts. Eight field sites across Greece, Portugal, Spain, Malta, Italy, and Israel are being studied for their specific approaches to water storage.
Researchers found statistically significant reduction in water use only in the month of the workshop, but this impact is short-lived. To sustain reductions, reinforcement of educational messages is required.
New research reveals that Vancouver's Georgia basin amplifies seismic waves, increasing ground motion in the area. This finding poses a significant risk to tall buildings and long-period structures, such as bridges and pipelines, which may experience greater shaking than previously thought.
A study by University of Texas at Austin researchers found that shifting from coal to natural gas for electricity generation saves significantly more water than the additional consumption required for hydraulic fracturing. Water savings can be up to 25-50 times greater, making Texas less vulnerable to drought.
A significant link has been found between high levels of exposure to particulate matter by first responders at Ground Zero and the development of kidney damage. Albuminuria, a sign of kidney disease, was significantly higher in those with high exposure levels.
A University of Illinois survey found that homeowners are willing to pay for storm-water runoff management to reduce flooding in their basements. The study also showed a strong demand for water quality improvements and environmental benefits, with residents willing to pay for low-impact development approaches.
Agriculture faces increasing competition for water, but integrated water management plans can increase water security by utilizing blue, green, and gray waters. The symposium highlights the importance of protecting these three water sources to meet the world's growing demand for food.
The report identifies substantial opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving scarce water resources by generating renewable energy. It highlights the potential for water sector innovation to increase renewable energy capacity, particularly in states like California.
The new journal publishes its first issue themed on 'Water Footprint Assessment (WFA) for better water governance and sustainable development'. Elsevier aims to bridge the gap between industrial water use practice and scientific research.
Researchers developed plasma-treated carbon nanotube membranes that can remove contaminants and brine from water effectively. These new membranes could be integrated into portable devices the size of a tea pot for efficient and inexpensive water purification.
Computer modeling reveals that melt-water lubrication will contribute only 8mm to sea-level rise by 2200, less than 5% of total projected contribution from Greenland ice sheet. Melting water can actually lead to a lowering of sea-level in some cases.
Researchers at UTSA and SwRI are developing a low-cost method to treat flow-back water from hydraulic fracturing using biochar. The project aims to create an economical and environmentally friendly solution for treating the large volumes of fracking fluid, which contains salts, hydrocarbons, and heavy metals.
Researchers have discovered that protein surface defects, called dehydrons, allow water molecules to become unstable and easily expelled. This finding provides a novel strategy for designing drug candidates that can dislodge these water molecules upon association with the protein.
Researchers documented an acceleration in coastal Antarctic permafrost melt rates, rising to 10 times the historical average. The change is attributed to increased sunlight due to changes in weather patterns, leading to 'retrogressive thaw slumps' and potential dramatic increases in melting if Antarctica warms as predicted.
Researchers at NUS have developed novel water purification methods using apple and tomato peels, showing promise for economically disadvantaged communities. The techniques can remove various pollutants from water, including dissolved organic and inorganic chemicals.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has shed light on the genetic adaptations of the ground tit, a small bird thriving in one of the most hostile environments on earth. The research reveals key modifications in its genome that enable it to cope with extreme living conditions and survival strategies.
A study published in Science found a strong correlation between seismic activity and operations at the Salton Sea Geothermal Field in southern California. The researchers tracked earthquake activity with production data for the geothermal power plant and found that seismicity increased as operations expanded.
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 study by University of Miami researcher Justin Stoler examines the demographics of sachet water usage in Ghana's capital Accra, revealing how poverty and environmental concerns impact urban water security. The research highlights the unintended social and environmental consequences of widespread sachet water use.
A UT Arlington environmental engineer is investigating the best methods to add monochloramine to water in the pipeline to eliminate biological growths and invasive species. The research aims to ensure efficient water delivery and last-long duration for the pipeline, benefiting over 4.4 million people in North Texas.
Researchers use satellite data to identify 'hotspots' of water scarcity in the US, warning of potential food supply risks due to groundwater depletion. The study highlights the need for a comprehensive national water policy to address these emerging issues.
Researchers have developed a new coupled numerical hydrodynamic water quality model to simulate dynamic changes in river water quantity and quality. The model was validated in the Luan River Basin, showing accuracy requirements were met for both water level and flow data, as well as water quality characteristics.