Articles tagged with Dams
A proposed North Sea dam could protect over 25 million Europeans from the consequences of a predicted sea level rise. The estimated cost of building such a dam is between 250-500 billion euros, which is relatively small compared to the potential costs of inaction.
Researchers found that within a year of a dam's opening, downstream river temperatures dropped by up to 3.6 degrees F, persisting where the rivers meet the Mekong River. The cooling effect is driven by dams releasing cold water from reservoirs during dry season.
A new study predicts that proposed hydropower dams in Gabon will block access to freshwater habitats suitable for marine species, impacting at least 350 fish species. The dams may cut off 60% of the most suitable habitats in the Nyanga river, representing 392 river kilometers.
A study analyzing dam impacts on freshwater fish habitats found that extant dams contribute most to habitat fragmentation in China, India, South Africa, US, and Europe. Future dams are projected to mainly affect tropical species in river basins like Amazon, Congo, Niger, Mekong, and Salween.
The study maps the impact of current and future river dams on fish habitats worldwide, revealing that habitat fragmentation will increase by a quarter or more in tropical regions like the Amazon, Niger, Congo, Salween, and Mekong river basins. This will disrupt the life cycles of freshwater fish species, causing extinction risk.
The Global Tailings Portal provides detailed information on over 1,700 tailings dams worldwide, helping the industry reduce dam failures and minimize environmental impact. The database brings transparency to the mining industry, benefiting regulators, researchers, and local communities.
New research suggests that fish size, not bypass system route, affects Snake River salmon returns. Larger fish survive at a higher rate in the ocean and as adults in rivers. The study found little evidence of delayed mortality once fish reach estuaries and oceans.
Researchers developed an AI system named SHMnet to analyze and assess damage in metallic structures, achieving a flawless identification record. The system has the potential to provide reliable, accurate, and affordable monitoring of bridges, towers, dams, and other metal structures.
Researchers investigating the effects of dam removal on water quality and nutrient processing in streams and rivers. Removing antiquated dams may harm or help water quality depending on the scenario. The study aims to identify hotspots of nitrogen processing and develop a new model for stream and riparian processes.
A new study finds that copepods, small crustaceans found in nearly every freshwater and saltwater habitat, adapt to warming waters through phenotypic plasticity rather than genetic changes. The research suggests that thermal adaptation can happen relatively quickly, reducing organisms' vulnerability to warming.
Researchers used numerical simulations to study sediment motion and flow conditions, identifying three stages of dune formation and clarifying the mechanism. The findings can help predict riverbed morphology evolution and prevent hazards like riverbank failure.
Researchers found an optimal management scenario that benefits both winter-run chinook salmon and threatened green sturgeon by releasing warmer water in the spring and cold water in the summer. This strategy minimizes harm to young green sturgeon while meeting the needs of downstream agricultural users.
A new study highlights the importance of introducing conservation measures upstream from where droughts are likely to cause shortages. The research found that effective policies can conserve water but have limited ability to mitigate shortages, as timing and location mismatch
A recent study published in Mammalian Genome found that inbreeding depression reduces litter sizes in purebred golden retrievers. The researchers analyzed data from 93 female golden retrievers and discovered that a dam's inbreeding coefficient was associated with the number of puppies it birthed.
Researchers at Penn State are embarking on a four-year effort to restore the endangered Chesapeake logperch to its original habitat in the Susquehanna River. The group, led by Jay Stauffer, has secured $500,000 in funding and is using innovative techniques such as underwater drones and culturing to introduce the fish back into the wild.
Researchers discovered that small farm dams in Canada are unexpectedly absorbing nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. This finding suggests that these nutrient-rich waterbodies could be used to reduce agricultural emissions.
Researchers have demonstrated the real-world utility of direct antenna modulation (DAM) for boosting radio signal quality when transmitting at high data rates. The method has applications in military communications and can improve signal quality dramatically with much smaller antennas.
A team of researchers used a simulation to project the genetic and demographic outcomes of bull trout reintroduction in Washington State, focusing on connectivity and habitat availability. The study found that sufficient gene flow and unoccupied patches are key to maintaining genetic variation and persistence.
Researchers found that soil treatments mimicking floods led to the highest woolly star survival rate, while no treatment favored invasive grasses. The study suggests that restoring natural flood pulses can help reestablish the plant species in degraded habitats.
Researchers found that dammed rivers in Mexico's Pacific states experience severe coastal recession, with mangrove forests and commercial fishery habitats being particularly affected. The study highlights the need to consider the environmental and economic impacts of hydroelectric dams on entire regions.
A recent study suggests that dam removals can be anticipated by understanding the unique environmental conditions at each site and their impact on aquatic species recolonization, sediment flow, and water quality changes.
A new study reveals that large dams in developing countries ignore climate change impacts, displacement of communities, and economic damages. The researchers argue that these effects should be factored into the total cost of hydropower projects.
A new study warns against mega-dams in lowland tropical forest regions due to their impact on biodiversity and ecosystems. The Balbina Hydroelectric Reservoir system in the Brazilian Amazon showed that tree communities on islands are 'unstable' and prone to extinction.
Seismic activity near Oroville Dam was related to reservoir discharge altering pressure on underlying rock fractures, causing them to open and close. The events occurred for decades prior to the dam's spillway failure and continued after it.
A study led by University of California, Davis, found that human actions alter the characteristics of wild species, leading to irreversible changes. The researchers analyzed genetic data from spring-run Chinook salmon and concluded that losing this gene could result in their extinction forever.
A new study reveals that dams and reservoirs can have unintended consequences, including exacerbating droughts and water shortages. The research team found that increasing storage capacity can lead to a vicious cycle of higher demand and decreased sustainability.
The study highlights the social and environmental costs of hydropower dams, including displacement of people and disruption of natural ecosystems. Experts propose alternative technologies like instream turbine technology to transform the hydropower sector and ensure sustainable energy.
Researchers developed a multiscale model analyzing economic, social, and ecological tradeoffs of dam removal. The model found that large numbers of dams optimize tradeoffs among ecosystem services, river safety, and economic costs, assisting future damming decisions by considering scale and location.
Researchers found that the Yangtze dams have reduced the distance of Chinese sturgeon migration by 1,175 kilometers, leading to delayed maturity and a decline in breeding activity. The environmental capacity of the spawning ground has also been reduced, contributing to the ongoing decline of the species.
A team from the University of Illinois has developed a new material and technique to study dislocation avalanches in metals. By observing how dislocations interact at the nanoscale, researchers gained insights into the mechanism behind catastrophic failure, which can aid in developing stronger materials.
A study by Portland State University finds that removing dams could save up to $64 billion compared to repairing them. The research suggests that better data and analysis are needed to inform dam management decisions.
Researchers found that beaver dams removed high levels of sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus from the water, trapping over 100 tonnes of sediment. The study suggests that beavers could mitigate soil loss and pollution in water courses, delivering benefits across whole ecosystems.
A new model predicts landslide locations and runouts in near real-time, helping first responders plan reconnaissance flights and evacuate affected areas. However, the approach overpredicts landslides, limiting its use for exact location determination.
A new study warns that Mekong River dams could cause irreversible ecological damage and force the resettlement of millions of people. The dams would affect the seasonal pulse of the river, change fish diversity and abundance, and impact downstream water flows.
The MSU project will investigate how to reduce dams' negative impact on people and the environment, using remote sensing and interviews with local residents. The research aims to improve dam policies and generate insights for future dams, balancing energy needs with environmental sustainability.
New research reveals hydropower dams significantly disturb river connectivity in the Andes Amazon, impacting migratory fish patterns and sediment flow. The study suggests that 100% of sediment will be trapped in downstream dams, altering natural river flow and regional cultural processes.
Researchers found a dramatic decline in genetic diversity of Northwest salmon, with Columbia River Chinook losing up to two-thirds of their genetic material. The study's findings provide a baseline for conservation genetics and inform discussions on restoring fish stocks.
A new study reveals that lesbian and bisexual girls lack knowledge on safe sex practices with female partners, leading to low barrier use. The study highlights the need for more inclusive sex ed curriculum to address these knowledge gaps.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a method to tailor water releases from dams to promote the success of native fish species while controlling invasive non-native species. This approach, known as designer flows, can benefit both humans and freshwater ecosystems in arid regions where water is scarce.
Researchers at Arizona State University propose a spectral analysis tool to predict fisheries production and inform flow management strategies in the Mekong basin. A new study suggests this tool could provide innovative solutions for preserving river flow and biodiversity conservation in developing countries.
Researchers have proposed a mathematical formula to balance power generation with food security and fish catch in the Mekong River basin. The algorithm recommends long low-flow periods punctuated by pulses of flooding, allowing dam operators to co-manage their priorities and protect livelihoods.
The United Nations report emphasizes the need for mining companies to prioritize safety over economic considerations in managing mine waste. The report's recommendations include improving tailings dam government regulation and exploring alternative solutions to building massive dams that can cause devastating environmental damage.
A scientific team, led by geologist Rebecca Dorsey of the University of Oregon, theorizes that the river's route off the Colorado Plateau was influenced by a combination of tectonic deformation and changing sea levels. The research challenges long-held conventional thinking on river connection to ocean.
A group of experts is advocating for more rigorous research on mindfulness and meditation to replace hype with evidence-based practices. The field faces challenges in defining mindfulness and measuring its effects, leading to inconsistent results.
A new study predicts that six planned dams in the Amazon river system could reduce sediments and nutrients by 69% and 51%, respectively, threatening regional food security. The construction of these dams could have catastrophic effects on the entire Amazon River basin and its wildlife.
Researchers have created a new national map of seismic hazards for Brazil, highlighting regions prone to tremors. The survey found that the Northeast, Mato Grosso, and Pantanal biome are at higher risk, with low-intensity tremors capable of causing significant damage.
A Kansas State University researcher found that climate variability, not the Three Gorges Dam, is the primary cause of a water supply decline in East Asia's largest floodplain lake system. The study found that 80% of the observed lake decline is due to simultaneous climate variability closely related to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation.
A new analysis identifies areas around the world most at-risk for hydro-political strife due to planned dams on rivers flowing through multiple nations. The Nile River in Africa is one of the more contentious areas, with Ethiopia's dam construction diverting water from countries downstream.
Two new species of fish, Leporinus enyae and Leporinus villasboasorum, have been named by scientists from the Orinoco River drainage after Irish singer Enya. The discoveries highlight the region's biodiversity and the importance of preserving unique lineages.
A new study warns that hundreds of built and proposed hydroelectric dams in the Amazon basin will harm life and ecosystems. The dams, which are expected to provide renewable energy, will trap sediment and alter river dynamics, putting thousands of species at risk.
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.
A Utah State University team constructed a scale model of the Oroville Dam spillway, replicating its current state and terrain conditions. The model will help engineers make better-informed decisions about repair and replacement.
A 30-year study of Murray-Darling Basin wetlands reveals a 72% decline in waterbird numbers due to dam construction and water diversion. Reduced water flow has significant implications for river management worldwide.
Researchers found that man-made dam reservoirs trap nearly one-fifth of the organic carbon moving from land to ocean via rivers. This lack of representation in climate models highlights the need for better understanding of reservoir impacts on the Earth's climate.
Natural and artificial beaver dams can alter stream temperatures to benefit temperature-sensitive salmonid species. Beaver dams increase surface water storage, reducing high temperatures in streams.
A recent MSU study examines how dams affect streams and fish populations, finding that multiple dams can have cumulative effects on ecosystems. The research identifies areas where stream habitats are degraded and provides insights for conservation and management decisions.
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.
The Nile Delta, a vital breadbasket for Egypt, is at risk of serious water scarcity due to human activities and the upcoming completion of Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. The delta's soil-rich areas are being eroded by Mediterranean coastal currents and experiencing compaction, leading to subsidence and sea-level rise.
Researchers found that plants emit unique odour profiles in response to exotic herbivores, which are distinct from those emitted by native herbivores. This adaptation helps plants specifically attract natural enemies that feed on the herbivores eating them.
An interdisciplinary MSU team will investigate new ways of producing hydropower, increasing food production and lessening environmental damage caused by dams. They aim to find solutions to impact river flows and temperatures, fish migration and unequal energy pricing.