Researchers warn that building hundreds of hydroelectric dams in the Amazon River Basin will cause massive environmental damage, affecting nine countries and the entire system. The Amazon Basin's unique ecosystem and biodiversity are at risk due to the dams' impact on sediment flow, regional climate, and food supply.
The CorsicArchive project, funded by the German Research Foundation, uses tree ecology, hydrology and climatology to analyze past and present climate changes. The researchers aim to understand the effects of climate extremes on forest ecosystems and provide insights for forestry industry and tourism.
Researchers discover that managing coastal ecosystems can help mitigate global warming by protecting and restoring natural carbon sinks like wetlands. Better management of catchment-level processes, such as nutrient inputs and hydrology, can increase blue carbon sequestration.
A study led by UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology finds that global warming is responsible for tripling of extreme West African Sahel storms in the last 35 years. Climate change will increase the risk of more frequent and severe flooding, as well as poor sanitation-related diseases in West African cities.
Researchers at MIT predict an increase in Nile River flow variability due to climate change, which will lead to more extreme years of drought and flood. The study finds that the El Niño/La Niña cycle will become stronger, resulting in a 50% rise in annual flow variation.
Researchers at University of Queensland and University of Sussex have developed a way to recycle atoms, improving the performance of atom interferometers. This technique enables ultra-precise measurements of accelerations, rotations, and gravitational fields, with applications in mineral exploration, hydrology, and navigation.
The study reveals a significant increase in ecological and environmental citizen science projects over the past four decades, with a diversification of approaches driven by advances in technology. From structured monitoring to 'mass participation' projects using smartphones, citizen science is becoming increasingly popular and accessible.
Researchers from the University of Delaware found that tree trunks in upland forests emit methane, while soils and coarse woody debris act as methane sinks. The study used state-of-the-art technology to measure fluxes of methane and carbon dioxide, revealing a previously unaccounted source of this potent greenhouse gas.
Ecologists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology have led a study that informs optimal strategies for controlling devastating midge-borne diseases like bluetongue and Schmallenberg virus. The model predicts that timing insecticide treatments over the Autumn midge peak has the greatest effect on population suppression.
A UMass Amherst study suggests that conserving water resources in rapidly urbanizing areas is crucial due to climate change and population pressure. By adopting green infrastructure design and water conservation incentives, towns can reduce surface runoff and improve water quality.
Researchers tracked over 1,600 bumblebee families and discovered that access to high-quality food resources is vital for their survival. The study suggests that environmentally-friendly management of farmland can increase the probability of family survival by up to four times.
Researchers mapped saltwater intrusion in the Monterey Bay coastline using ERT, providing a cheaper alternative to drilling 'sentinel' wells. The study aims to improve groundwater models and help local water managers make informed decisions about pumping groundwater.
A new study found that approximately 10% of intense droughts travel between continents in predictable patterns, with the largest and most severe ones having the highest potential for damage. The researchers analyzed drought data from 1979 to 2009, identifying hotspots on each continent where similar tracks were followed.
A new European study has found that soil carbon loss is more sensitive to climate change compared to carbon taken up by plants. In wetter regions, soil carbon loss increased, while in drier regions it decreased, and this could lead to a positive feedback on atmospheric CO2 levels.
A UK-based Centre for Ecology & Hydrology study has devised a scientific model to help predict the spread of Xylella fastidiosa, a deadly pathogen threatening Europe's olive trees. The model suggests that wider buffer zones can reduce infection risk but may not stop the spread completely due to disease-spreading insects.
A recent study by Dr. Kirk Winemiller and his Brazilian colleagues analyzed a long-term database of fish survey statistics and hydrology in the central Amazon. The research reveals that climate change is causing alterations in regional precipitation, affecting water quantity and quality and leading to changes in fish species populations.
Researchers warn that climate change will continue to shrink the Colorado River's flows, reducing water supplies for seven US Western states and Mexico. With temperatures projected to rise and precipitation uncertainty, future drought periods are likely, posing significant challenges for water managers.
The 2016 Quadrennial Ozone Symposium presented findings on trends of ozone in the stratosphere and troposphere. Emerging techniques for ozone observations were also discussed, as well as effects of ozone on human health and ecosystems.
A new study found that increased levels of soluble phosphorus in rivers entering Lake Erie may be linked to conservation measures, despite their success in reducing soil erosion and nutrient losses. The research highlights the need for adaptive management approaches to tackle both soluble and particulate phosphorus losses from farmland.
Researchers studied groundwater hydrology of proglacial valleys in the Andes, finding that 29% of stream discharge comes from groundwater. The study aimed to improve hydrological modeling of proglacial catchments throughout South America.
The University of Nevada, Reno's Global Water Center is launching a new 5-year initiative to preserve the Mekong River's biodiversity and ecosystem. The project aims to study the river's climate, hydrology, and biodiversity, build partnerships for sustainable development, and educate communities about the importance of a healthy Mekong.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommend a re-examination of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan's original goals due to changing environmental conditions. The report emphasizes the need for forward-looking, systemwide analysis of Everglades restoration outcomes across various scenarios.
The winter floods of 2015/2016 in the UK were the most extreme on record, with record peak flows at several rivers and a estimated insurance bill of over £1.3 billion. The floods affected 16,000 properties in England, causing life-changing financial losses and incredible stress to those impacted.
The study found significant changes in calcium, magnesium, and sulfate levels in the Yukon River over three decades, likely due to increased weathering and groundwater enrichment. These changes have cascading effects on Arctic Ocean currents and weather patterns worldwide.
A Colorado State University team is testing a promising new way to clean up PFCs using electrolysis-based technology that harnesses electricity-induced chemical reactions in the groundwater. The method transforms organic compounds into benign substances, offering a game-changing solution for environmental cleanup.
Current weather prediction models can forecast rainfall up to two days in advance, but accuracy decreases with longer lead times. The study examines five state-of-the-art models and finds that improved understanding of hurricanes will enhance forecasting capabilities.
Researchers propose new model of megaflood-carved landscapes, suggesting that deep canyons can be formed in bedrock by significantly less water than previously thought. This study applies numerical flood models to the 'channeled scablands' in eastern Washington State and Mars, revealing that channels were likely formed by flood dischar...
A new study reveals that water conservation by plants under high CO2 conditions compensates for much of the effect of warmer temperatures, retaining more water on land than predicted. This changes assumptions of climate change impacts on agriculture, water resources, wildfire risk, and plant growth.
David A. Sabatini, OU professor, receives the Steven K. Dentel Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors Award for Global Outreach for his outstanding contributions to environmental engineering and science outreach activities globally. The award acknowledges his work as director of the OU Water Technologies for Em...
A mathematical model developed at TU Wien found that the Mayans' irrigation technology may have contributed to their collapse. The study suggests that while water reservoirs can provide relief during droughts, they may also make populations more vulnerable during prolonged dry spells.
A new study has linked exposure to neonicotinoid seed-treated oilseed rape crops to long-term population decline of wild bee species in England. The research found that oilseed rape is a key mechanism for neonicotinoid exposure among wild bee communities, leading to significant declines in biodiversity.
Research published in Scientific Reports finds that current atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations already commit the planet to air temperatures exceeding 1.5°C over many land regions. This expected extra warming could impact city planning and ecosystem services.
Scientists at Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation discovered wildfire changes in cave dripwater chemistry, which will be preserved in stalagmites. The study highlights the need to carefully interpret dripwater data, including trace metals, to avoid wrongly attributing climate change.
A team of scientists released key recommendations to build and sustain land in coastal Louisiana using Mississippi River sediment diversions. The plan aims to mimic natural processes that originally built the land, taking advantage of winter flood peaks and spring sand, while minimizing socio-economic effects.
Deciduous trees absorb a large amount of snowmelt water, equating to 17-20 billion cubic meters per year, with potential to create favorable conditions for thunderstorms. The study's findings have critical implications for understanding boreal forest hydrology and ecology.
Researchers at Colorado School of Mines have developed a unique model that integrates processes not often captured in existing water models, including lateral groundwater flow. The study found a significant increase in water supply from transpiration when including lateral groundwater flow, paving the way for better global water models.
Two recent developments, Open Water Data Initiative and National Water Center, enable open sharing of water data nationwide. A flow-continuum model is emerging across atmosphere to oceans, coast to coast, revolutionizing real-time continental hydrology.
Researchers found that incorporating an unfertilized winter wheat cover crop into annual crop rotations can significantly reduce nitrogen and phosphorus lost from row crops, enhancing downstream water quality. The strategy may also help alleviate the Mississippi River's nutrient load contributing to the Gulf Dead Zone.
Climate change is altering the UK's wildlife calendar, with plants and animals responding differently to temperature changes throughout the year. By 2050, primary consumers are forecasted to shift their seasonal timing by more than twice as much as other species, potentially disrupting relationships between plants and animals.
A study by Plymouth University PhD student Rebekah Cioffi and colleagues found that widespread and restricted species of Deronectes diving beetles have different levels of bacterial immunity and metabolic plasticity. This suggests that factors beyond just temperature tolerance may play a role in shaping geographical ranges
A new study led by Carnegie Institution's Greg Asner reveals diverse forest communities in the Andes and Amazon regions that break long-held ecological rules. The research uses high-fidelity imaging to create large-scale maps of leaf nutrients, offering key findings on forest responses to climate change.
A UCLA-led study predicts the Sierra Nevada snowpack will take years to recover from drought, even with above-average precipitation. The research provides unprecedented detail and precision, offering insights into water availability in other mountain ranges.
Soil moisture levels in the Arctic play a crucial role in determining carbon emissions as temperatures rise. A recent study found that dry soils release significantly more carbon than wet soils, even accounting for methane production.
The SMAP satellite measures soil moisture by collecting signals related to ground characteristics, then estimating moisture levels using complex equations. On-ground measurements are being used to compare with satellite data and improve accuracy.
New UQ research enables ultra-precise measurements of movement and gravity, benefiting industries like mining and environmental hydrology. The technique improves sensitivity of measurement devices and tracks water movement, glaciers and polar ice caps.
Researchers are seeking volunteers to help investigate the impact of harlequin ladybirds on UK insects, including a wasp parasite. By spotting seven-spot ladybirds in gardens and parks, participants can help track the lifecycle of the wasp and its effects on native species.
Research reveals that street lights change moth behavior, causing them to shift from vegetation level to lamp-post height, disrupting night-time pollination. Moth populations play a crucial role in plant pollination, and their decline could have significant effects on ecosystems.
A new study highlights the importance of an integrated, cross-sectoral approach to climate change assessment to provide a more complete picture of impacts. Single sector studies often misrepresent the spatial pattern and magnitude of impacts due to omitted interdependencies within human and environmental systems.
A Dartmouth study reveals that surface meltwater and subglacial discharge are driving the loss of ice mass in Greenland's coastal glaciers. The findings show that meltwater can exploit weaknesses in glaciers, fracturing and weakening them, and also increase calving and melting.
Ecohydrologist Lixin Wang investigates the impact of non-rainfall water sources on drylands, focusing on fog and dew. He aims to better understand ecosystem functions and interactions with limited knowledge of these sources in dryland environments.
Dr. Martinus van Genuchten has made significant contributions to soil physics and vadose zone hydrology, including developing theoretical equations that are now universally used worldwide. His leadership has also supported the careers of countless graduate students and junior scientists.
Researchers are reconstructing past temperature and hydrology records in southern Greenland using high-resolution quantitative methods. This project sheds light on climate variations during the period of Norse settlement, which had been abandoned by the early 15th century due to various factors.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed a new system to predict floods in real-time using advanced computing resources. With the National Flood Interoperability Experiment (NFIE), they can forecast floods continually, improving the accuracy and speed of flood warnings for communities nationwide.
A study by GFZ researchers reveals that Earth's internal heat is responsible for the rapid flow of Greenland's ice, driven by a geothermal anomaly that originated from the Icelandic mantle plume. The anomaly creates a region with abundant subglacial meltwater, lubricating the base of the ice and making it flow rapidly.
Global research collaborations study harlequin ladybird's invasion history and ecology, highlighting its ability to thrive in various habitats. Citizen science projects provide valuable information on the spread of invasive alien species, inspiring new approaches to surveying and monitoring.
A new study uses multistripe laser triangulation (MLT) scanner to predict water movement through soil, identifying preferential flow patterns. The technique helps scientists manage water resources better by predicting recharge rates, water runoff, and soil erosion.
Researchers have developed a toolkit to help boost the likelihood of success for mangrove restoration projects by incorporating local water level data. The study found that considering hydrology is vital in determining a project's chances of success, and tools can be used to measure water levels over a minimum period of 30 days.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a faster and more accurate flood risk assessment method that relies on an algorithm to extract key causative events driving major floods. This new approach reduces the time taken for modeling while maintaining high accuracy, potentially saving properties and lives.
Researchers have developed a new method to track the hydrology of Eastern Washington's wetlands, providing insights into their behavior seasonally. The technique uses satellite images to identify structural elements of wetlands and delineate them from other parts of the landscape.
A recent study published in Ecological Engineering suggests that restoring wetlands in the Midwest can reduce peak river flows during floods by up to 17.5 percent. This approach could provide a natural and ecological option for flood management, serving as an additional tool for mitigating the impact of climate change.