Researchers developed a systematic approach to evaluate the potential of forecast-informed reservoir operations (FIRO) in watersheds across the US. Applying this framework to 32 California and Nevada reservoirs, they found that operational flexibility is generally more constrained in snowmelt-dominated rivers.
This open-access publication presents journalism, poetry, fiction, and artwork produced by Indigenous writers and artists on climate change. The book introduces the relational worldview – an Indigenous way of thinking where everything impacts everything else.
A new tool, utilizing hourly soil moisture data from the SNOTEL Network, provides unprecedented insight into storm impacts on mountain snowpacks. This enables water managers to optimize reservoir operations and reduce uncertainty around flooding events.
A new study from Desert Research Institute enhances flood hazard early warning by accounting for soil saturation levels in atmospheric rivers. This approach doubles the correlation between storm rank and flood outcome, improving flood hazard prediction accuracy.
The four-year grant will provide educators with professional development training, create enduring resources, and develop virtual learning pathways for K-12 students. Over 1,000 teachers and 42,000 students in Nevada will benefit from the curriculum, materials, and resources.
A new tool estimates how much water plants draw from groundwater, helping managers plan for sustainable water use and protect habitats. The tool takes into account factors like soil, climate, and plant growth, providing insights into the impact of changing precipitation and temperature on ecosystems.
A rare desert plant species, threecorner milkvetch, has shown promising results in a large solar array project in the Mojave Desert. The study found that the plant's seeds survived construction and returned in numbers, growing larger than expected due to higher soil moisture content.
A new study using a sediment core from Arizona's Stoneman Lake provides a unique record of dust emissions and pollen records in the region that spans multiple ice ages. The research reveals that the Southwest US produced significantly more dust during ice ages, contrary to other areas around the world.
A recent study using citizen science found that household dryers release both natural and synthetic microfibers into the environment. The research estimates that 3,543 metric tons of microfibers are released each year nationwide, with a significant portion coming from natural fabrics.
Dr. Ashley Cornish has been awarded the 2025 Peter B. Wagner Memorial Award for her research on the impacts of plant physiological responses to rising CO2 on humidity-based extreme heat. Her study found that decreases in water vapor from plants lead to warmer temperatures, corresponding with increases in extreme heat events.
Researchers develop novel framework to simulate pyrocumulonimbus clouds, capturing complex interplay between wildfires and atmosphere. The breakthrough enhances scientific understanding of these dangerous storms and their long-term impacts on climate.
A 40-meter long ice core from Mont Blanc's Dôme du Goûter holds clues to 12,000 years of human and environmental history. The record provides insights into Europe's past climate, including a temperature difference of about 3 degrees Celsius between the last Ice Age and the current Holocene Epoch.
A study found that lichen from the Mojave Desert can survive and replicate under extreme solar radiation, previously considered lethal. The discovery suggests that photosynthetic life may be possible on planets exposed to intense UV-C rays, offering new hope for the search of extraterrestrial life.
A new study analyzes the benefits and trade-offs of urban street trees in Las Vegas, finding that they can create shaded spots nearly 30 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than surroundings. The study also highlights the limitations of tree-cooling benefits in hot, arid climates, where water conservation is crucial.
A new study uses satellite imagery to identify where winter floods occur in California's Central Valley, revealing areas of high flood risk and potential for groundwater recharge. The research aims to improve flood risk awareness and inform strategies for redirecting floodwaters to replenish depleted aquifers.
Researchers measured air quality over 19 months to capture both smoky and clear days, finding increases in fine aerosols and carbon monoxide during wildfires. The study has implications for weather, cloud formation, and public health.
A new study by Desert Research Institute reveals higher levels of mercury and metal contaminants in Rocky Mountain snow, particularly in the northern part of the range. The research, led by Monica Arienzo, found that winter storms carrying snow from mines in the Pacific Northwest and Idaho brought these contaminants to the region.
A new study using Arctic ice core records reveals that ancient Roman lead pollution likely caused widespread cognitive decline, with estimated IQ reductions of 2-3 points among the European population. The research team used advanced computer modeling and atmospheric movement to recreate historical lead pollution levels across Europe.
A new study finds that urban communities, lower-income areas, and those with higher proportions of racial minorities have higher estimated cancer risks from air pollution. Despite this, the disparity is decreasing over time, suggesting improvements in air pollution control measures.
DRI is recruiting Fallon community members with private wells to participate in a study examining the prevalence of emerging contaminants, including pesticides, microplastics, and flame retardants. Participants will receive free water quality results and potentially be fitted with a water filtration system.
A new study published in Agricultural Water Management uses satellite data to estimate groundwater use for crop irrigation at the individual field level. The researchers found that OpenET can accurately track water use with a high degree of accuracy, providing insights into irrigation efficiencies.
A new study maps global ecosystems dependent on groundwater, revealing 53% are under threat from depletion and only 21% protected. The dataset provides critical information for conservation efforts, with an accuracy rate of 87%.
A new study finds similarities between Martian soils and those of Canada's Newfoundland, suggesting Mars may have had a frigid climate. The discovery provides clues about the planet's environmental history, particularly during its relatively abundant water period.
A new study by Desert Research Institute finds that relying on water storage alone is insufficient to address future water scarcity, and that water conservation measures such as crop changes can help restore up to 20% of reservoir capacity. Agricultural communities in the Western US are advised to adopt these strategies to mitigate the...
A new study finds that rising temperatures will significantly reduce streamflow in the upper Colorado river basin as groundwater levels fall. Groundwater storage would fall to its lowest known levels after a single extremely dry year and fail to recover even after multiple wet periods.
A new study used pollen analysis to track forest changes in eastern Canada spanning 850 years, from the Medieval Warm Period to extensive logging by European settlers. The research provides a precise chronology of forest composition and helps establish baselines for evaluating changes in forest cover as the global climate warms.
A new study provides a comprehensive assessment of OpenET accuracy for various crops and natural land cover types, with high accuracy found for agricultural settings. OpenET data has an average error rate of approximately 10-20% for annual crops, making it useful for water management in arid regions like California and the Southwest.
An international team of scientists found evidence of ancient heavy metal pollution in Antarctic ice cores from early Andean cultures and Spanish Colonial mining dating back to the 13th century. The study, published in Science of the Total Environment, reveals significant lead and other toxic metals were released into the atmosphere as...
A recent study published in Applied Spectroscopy reveals that Lake Tahoe's lakebed is contaminated with high amounts of plastic and other litter. The researchers collected 673 pieces of plastic from just a small fraction of the lake, including food containers, bottles, and toys. This data can help scientists better understand the sourc...
A new study assesses future fire risk using multiple fire danger indices, finding that climate change will increase extreme wildfire risk and extend fire seasons. The study projects a significant increase in wildfire risk across the US, with certain regions experiencing more than 40 additional days of extreme wildfire danger per year.
A new study maps permanent groundwater storage loss around the world, highlighting a significant impact on aquifers. The research provides insights into the global subsidence phenomenon, shedding light on the causes and consequences of this environmental issue.
Researchers reconstruct Holocene fire records using sand dune foot-slope deposits, providing a new perspective on fire regimes and human influence. The study's findings suggest that sand dunes can serve as repositories of fire history, aiding in the expansion of scientific understanding of fire histories around the world.
Research by DRI researchers found that increased winter temperatures are driving more extreme variations in stream flow across the US. This is impacting floods, droughts, and ecosystems. The study examines over 500 watersheds and finds that snow-dominated watersheds are receiving more precipitation as rain than historically.
Researchers used a new method to analyze temperature records stored in bacteria, revealing surprisingly stable temperatures in the Tanana Valley over 14,000 years. This finding challenges previous assumptions about climate fluctuations and their impact on early human migrations.
A new study maps high arsenic levels in groundwater wells across northern Nevada, northeastern California, and western Utah, with over 49,000 users at risk. The model uses geologic, hydrologic, and tectonic variables to predict elevated arsenic levels, particularly in regions like Carson Desert basin and Truckee Meadows.
A new study shows that midwinter dry spells accelerate snowmelt in burned areas, as wildfires increase sun exposure and reduce the snowpack's ability to reflect sunlight. This can lead to earlier snowmelt, affecting water availability and forecasting, with cascading impacts on hydrology.
Researchers from DRI and partners find that urbanization and climate change are changing the timing and intensity of flood risk in Las Vegas. Flood intensity has increased since the mid-20th century, with an abrupt shift occurring in the mid-1990s.
A new study found that record-breaking snowmelt rates occurred at 24% of all mountain snowpack monitoring sites in the region in April 2021. This rapid snowmelt further compounded drought conditions, leading to reduced hydropower production and water availability across the West.
A new study disputes the evidence of ancient human footprints in North America, suggesting they may be thousands of years older than claimed. The dating method used relies on aquatic plant seeds, which absorb carbon from water rather than the atmosphere, potentially giving age estimates that are much older than the plants themselves.
A new study found that childhood traumas have significant impacts on adult health risks, with physical illnesses like obesity and chronic pain being affected. Mental disorders show the most significant association, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, substance abuse, and depression.
A recent study published in Science of The Total Environment found that many household wells in Nevada are contaminated with heavy metals such as arsenic, which can cause adverse health effects. The study suggests that frequent testing and improved treatment systems are necessary to ensure safe drinking water for rural communities.
A new study found that Native American households in Nevada lack complete indoor plumbing, with an average of 0.67% households affected between 1990-2019. The study also revealed a significant increase in Safe Drinking Water Act violations, with over 20,000 people impacted in 2019.
The 'Buen Aire Para Todos' project will create a new air quality monitoring system with stationary and mobile sensors, improving data on air quality for local residents. The project aims to expand community awareness, education, and outreach to help residents better understand air quality measurements.
A new study found that conventional methods for calculating flood risk underestimate frequencies, especially at the 100-year flood, due to neglecting unique roles of each flood type. Researchers from DRI, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Colorado State University investigated historic floods in 308 watersheds.
A study by Desert Research Institute found significant increases in heat-related workplace injuries and illnesses in Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. Female workers are disproportionately affected, with a 42-86% increase in cases between 2011 and 2018.
A new study provides a framework for predicting snowpack runoff and its impact on flood risk during rain-on-snow events. By leveraging hourly data from existing snow monitoring stations, researchers have created a decision support tool that can help water managers prepare for potential flooding.
A study from the Healthy Nevada Project found that only 10% of patients with electronic health records containing genetic diagnosis experienced a change in care, emphasizing the need for follow-up education and conversations. The study also highlights the importance of including genetic diagnoses into electronic health records to maxim...
A new study shows substantial increases in atmospheric thirst across the US Southwest, with warming temperatures accounting for 57% of the changes observed. The largest changes are centered over the Rio Grande region, where crops now require more water and can be expected to require even more in the future.
A $150,000 grant from the NV Energy Foundation will support DRI's development of a Weather and Research Forecast model to simulate weather, fire, and smoke for firefighting operations. The tool will provide critical air quality forecasts and risk assessment for specific locations.
A new study from the Healthy Nevada Project found associations between genetics, childhood trauma, and adult obesity. Participants with specific genetic traits and who experience childhood traumas are more likely to suffer from adult obesity. The study suggests that understanding the interplay between genes and environment can help pro...