Researchers examined 16th-century written sources to understand climate change in Transylvania. The study found that hot weather was recorded more frequently than cold weather, with extreme events like floods and famines occurring due to climate variations.
A new study reveals that a colossal 'megaflood' refilled the Mediterranean Sea around 5.97-5.33 million years ago, marking the end of the Messinian Salinity Crisis. The Zanclean Megaflood is believed to have had discharge rates and flow velocities dwarfing any other known floods in Earth's history.
A new study by the University of Granada's DaSCI institute uses deep generative vision models to create highly realistic satellite images of future climate-related events. The model outperforms pure deep learning and manual solutions, reducing prediction errors and improving image reliability.
New research using 20 years of observations shows significant changes in the global water cycle, primarily driven by agricultural activities. These shifts have implications for water management practices, such as designing infrastructure for floods or developing drought indicators.
A survey conducted by Professor Takahiro Endo at Osaka Metropolitan University found that Hiroshima Prefecture provided a free water inspection service for well owners after the 2018 floods, promoting their initiative to open inspected wells to the public. This collaborative effort supplemented local governments' emergency water supply...
The project creates a comprehensive U.S.-Japan flood risk data inventory and develops a two-way coupled, multi-scale, agent-based model that considers marginalized groups. Researchers will use the developed model to evaluate the impact of insurance policies on these groups.
A study in Nature Medicine reveals large floods are associated with higher death rates from major mortality causes, including infectious diseases and cardiovascular conditions. Floods disproportionately affect older people and females, with increased risks of injury deaths and neuropsychiatric conditions.
The 2024 Global Water Monitor Report reveals a worsening trend of intense floods, prolonged droughts, and record-breaking climate extremes. The report found that rising temperatures are changing the way water moves around the planet, with devastating consequences for human populations and ecosystems.
A new analysis of over 3,000 studies reveals that flooding increases preterm births by around 3% and low birth weights in children born during flood events. The study highlights the need for emergency services to evacuate pregnant people before flooding events.
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University found that agricultural land preserved around river confluences can reduce flood risks, with stronger correlation near confluence points. This Eco-DRR approach uses existing environmental resources to improve resilience against flooding.
A new study highlights the critical role of mangroves in coastal resilience, providing $855 billion in flood protection services worldwide. Mangroves offer cost-effective protection to coastal communities and support national wealth by preserving lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure.
A study by USC Dornsife scientists used satellite imagery, digital models, and field data to analyze the June 2021 Melamchi flood's triggers. The research found that heavy monsoon rainfall combined with excessive snowmelt overwhelmed river systems, causing catastrophic flooding.
Geology researchers from UTEP are partnering with Bhutanese scientists to better understand and mitigate the impact of glacial floods on rural mountain villages. The project aims to use geophysical methods to identify changes in water levels and sediment transport, potentially helping vulnerable villages create early warning systems.
A new study will use advanced integrated hydrologic models to predict New England's water budget changes, tracking shifts in the water table, rainstorm intensity, and drought timing. The research aims to help prepare for an uncertain future by understanding where climate change is altering weather patterns.
Researchers have discovered a new type of CRISPR chemistry that floods infected cells with toxic molecules and shuts down activity, preventing viruses from spreading. The discovery sheds light on the complex mechanisms of CRISPR systems and their potential applications as diagnostic tools for infection.
A study of 156 countries found that climate-related disasters like landslides and floods are associated with an increase in intimate partner violence against women two years after the event. The effect is similar in magnitude to economic factors, suggesting a potential link between climate change and social drivers of violence.
A new study found a significant link between intimate partner violence and certain climate shocks, such as storms and floods, in 156 countries. Countries with higher GDP had lower rates of intimate partner violence, highlighting the need for climate mitigation efforts to reduce violence against women.
Researchers at KIST developed an aquifer storage technique to improve stable water storage, reducing organic matter concentrations and microbiome changes. The study found that a simple physical sedimentation process maintained stable water quality for a year without pore clogging.
The SUPERSLUG initiative aims to forecast the impact of sediment slugs on river catchments and communities. The project will use a range of sensors and numerical models to provide comprehensive predictions of where and how long-term effects might be felt, up to decades or centuries after an event.
A new study predicts that one in two El Niño events could be extreme by 2050 if greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase. The research suggests that a feedback loop known as the Bjerknes feedback is strengthened due to rapid atmospheric warming, leading to more frequent extreme weather events.
A new study published in Nature suggests that Earth's last ice age may provide crucial insights into future El Niño weather events. Researchers used ancient shells of marine organisms and advanced climate modeling to shed light on how El Niño patterns might change in a warming world.
Researchers have made key insights into river avulsion phenomenon, shedding light on conditions that create sudden changes in river course. The study provides a novel framework for predicting avulsion hazards using satellite technology and topographic data.
A new study finds that summer storms are stronger and more frequent over urban areas than rural areas, leading to increased flooding in cities. The research highlights the need for urban planners to prepare for floods as cities expand and climate change alters global weather patterns.
A new study found that soil erosion significantly contributed to devastating desert floods in Libya, claiming over 11,300 lives. The research highlights the urgent need for advanced earth observations programs to monitor arid areas due to climate change.
A team of researchers from Stanford University and Brazil has developed models to predict the impact of environmental changes on schistosomiasis, a disease affecting over 200 million people worldwide. The collaboration has helped epidemiologists prioritize public health interventions and identify new transmission hotspots.
Sylvia Dee's research aims to address critical gaps in the observational record of Earth's hydrologic cycle, using a global database of water isotope observations. This will enable more accurate climate modeling and help communities assess and reduce risks associated with extreme weather events.
A recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters found that most large flood events and potential flood peak periods in East Asia are dominated by mesoscale convective systems (MCS). The research revealed that among major floods from 2000 to 2021, 91% were related to MCS.
A global assessment of scientific literature finds that nature-based solutions (NbS) are an economically effective method to mitigate risks from disasters such as floods, hurricanes, heatwaves, and landslides. NbS have been proven consistently cost-effective in mitigating hazards in 71% of the studied articles.
A 1,500 year long sediment core off the Nile mouth recorded past floods with varying amounts of fluvial particulate matter. The analysis suggests that the North African Humid Period was characterized by extremely strong and variable Nile floods, with a period of strong erosional activity between 9,200 and 8,600 years ago.
China's 2023 annual temperature was the highest on record, with a warm-dry climate featuring record-breaking heatwaves and severe droughts. The country experienced heavy precipitation events and floods despite lower overall rainfall and fewer rainy days.
Restoring Sumas Lake could help the region adapt to future floods, facilitating climate resiliency. The lake's return also promotes ecological reconciliation, supporting healthy food systems and endangered species recovery.
A study published by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics predicts significant economic impacts on provinces like Hunan, Jiangxi, and Guangdong due to increased heavy precipitation and droughts. The region's GDP is expected to be hardest hit under certain climate change scenarios, emphasizing the need for adaptation strategies.
Researchers found that sunny day flooding in coastal areas can lead to elevated levels of fecal bacteria in waterways. The study suggests policymakers and public health officials should be aware of potential risks associated with tidal flooding.
The year 2023 saw unprecedented extreme weather events globally, with a record-breaking temperature increase of 1.45°C above pre-industrial times. Emerging features include earlier onset of heatwaves and increased simultaneous events in different parts of the world.
Researchers have made breakthroughs in flash flood forecasting by studying rainfall patterns in China's mountainous regions. The study found that advanced hydrological models can accurately simulate water balances and flash flood behavior indices under uniform rainfall conditions, but struggle with short, intense bursts of rainfall.
Western North America experiences more extreme weather events due to warming climate and changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, according to a study by GIST researchers. The study found that greenhouse gas emissions play a significant role in driving shifts in the jet stream, leading to more frequent extreme hydroclimatic events.
Researchers analyzed over 3,500 river basins worldwide, finding that precipitation was the sole determining factor in only 25% of flood events. Soil moisture and air temperature were decisive factors in around 10% and 3% of cases, respectively. The study suggests that more extreme floods are caused by multiple factors interacting.
Researchers develop hypothetical extreme flooding scenarios by shifting precipitation events, showing regions previously spared could have been hit hard. The approach aims to motivate society to prepare for exceptional flooding events in a warming world.
A new MIT-derived algorithm corrects coarse climate model predictions by 'nudging' them toward more realistic patterns, leading to more accurate forecasts of extreme weather events. The approach uses machine learning and dynamical systems theory to improve the resolution of large-scale climate models.
Scientists create detailed models of the terrestrial water cycle using high-resolution satellite data to predict floods, droughts, and other extreme events. The Digital Twin Earth Hydrology Platform allows for interactive simulations and visualizations to enhance flood and landslide prediction and optimize water resource management.
Scientists reconstructed the history of great floods in the lower Pearl River area, finding seven flood deposits with an average return period of approximately 855 years. The floods were triggered by weakening Asian summer monsoons and enhanced ENSO frequency.
A new compound flooding model predicts that New York City will experience historic and devastating floods every 30 years by the end of this century, a fivefold increase from the present climate. The tool helps city planners prepare and protect against future disasters by providing detailed flood forecasts.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals the Third Pole is vulnerable to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) due to climate change, with 1,499 lakes at high risk. The research estimates that 190,000 lives are directly exposed to GLOF paths and $55 billion worth of infrastructure is threatened.
Native Americans in Oklahoma have approximately five times increased risk of heavy rainfall, with two-year floods projected to be 632.6% higher than the general population. The study aims to help Native American leaders develop disaster risk reduction plans and protect vulnerable communities.
Researchers aim to understand changes in rainfall patterns and their impact on water security, climate change, and urban planning. They will analyze historical data from 1900 to 1960 to identify trends and provide a comprehensive view of rainfall across the region.
The research highlights the need for improved disaster prevention strategies in response to droughts and floods on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The team proposed a method for predicting and warning of these events, as well as a technical framework for identifying risk-blocking points and adaptive regulation.
A new research project uses data from over 8,000 gauging stations across Europe to predict mega-floods, reducing the surprise factor of their occurrence. By considering hydrologically similar areas, flood disasters can be anticipated and mitigated, saving lives.
A study of 110 Colorado facilities found that 74.5% are at risk of climate-related hazards, including wildfires, heatwaves, and floods. Incarcerated individuals from marginalized communities face added risk due to poor infrastructure and lack of agency.
Researchers created a rapid assessment tool, FAST, to estimate the depth of flooding and population exposure. The analysis estimated adaptation costs between $1.5-$3.6 billion for 7.4 million people affected by 1-2 meters of flood depth.
A research project involving citizens in flood-prone areas improves data collection and increases resilience. The methodology shows a combination of digital technologies, participatory methods, and co-production of new understandings to enable just and sustainable transformations.
A global decade-long study found that people impacted by floods are at significantly increased risk of dying between three and six weeks after the event. The risk of death increases by up to 4.9% for respiratory deaths and persists for up to 60 days, with peak mortality rates reached around 25 days.
A new interdisciplinary center at the University of Utah aims to fortify the region's power infrastructure against climate-related threats, including floods, high winds, and drought. The $14 million center will gather and distribute climate and grid data to develop customized models for risk quantification and forecasting.
Research estimates that natural flood disasters correlate with increased cases and fatalities from neglected tropical diseases, malaria, respiratory infections, and tuberculosis.
A new study finds that most coastal communities will experience 100-year floods annually by the end of the century, even under a moderate carbon emission scenario. Rising sea levels will lead to an increase in extreme flood events worldwide.
River water quality is deteriorating during extreme weather events, such as droughts, heatwaves, rainstorms, and floods. The study found that water quality tends to decline during these events due to increased contaminant transport and reduced dilution.
Researchers warn of devastating floods and droughts in Africa, where 37 weather monitoring systems exist compared to Europe's 345. A comprehensive study found that 50 million people will live in Oceania by 2050, while Africa's population grows to 2 billion with only basic infrastructure.
Researchers analyzed tree-ring data and historical records to reconstruct rainfall totals in the eastern Amazon. They found that recent extreme floods may not have exceeded natural hydroclimatic variability, but could still pose devastating consequences for a growing population living in high-risk areas.
The University of Cambridge team warns that Africa's lack of hydromet infrastructure will lead to a surge in climate-related disasters and deaths. The continent has just 6% of the number of radar stations as Europe and North America, making it vulnerable to floods, droughts, and heatwaves.
New research suggests that early Mars experienced high-frequency wet-dry cycling in the Gale Crater, pointing to possible seasonal weather patterns or flash floods. The findings could mean that Mars once had an Earth-like wet climate and may have supported life at some point.
A new UBC study finds that clearcut logging leads to a significant increase in flood frequency and size, particularly in larger watersheds. The researchers used a novel method to isolate the effects of logging from climate background factors.