Articles tagged with Flood Control
Two Lehigh University AI projects have been selected for funding from the Department of Energy's Genesis Mission. The RIVER-AI project will improve flood- and water-level prediction, while the REACT project aims to accelerate reactor-scale fusion energy by developing an AI-enabled digital twin. These awards strengthen Lehigh University...
Researchers found that the New York Bight is susceptible to continental shelf seiches, which can cause unanticipated flooding hours after storms pass. This phenomenon was mistakenly identified as tsunamis in 1938 and 1944, and recent smaller post-storm resurgences occurred in 2020.
Climate change is projected to increase frequency and intensity of hydroclimatic whiplash events, with regions experiencing both floods and droughts. This may lead to increased flash flooding, water quality deterioration, and soil erosion, as well as challenges for flood and drought planning.
A new study by Tulane University researcher Sönke Dangendorf found that human-caused sea-level rise has significantly increased the frequency of extreme coastal flooding worldwide. Coastal flooding events expected once every 100 years now occur on average about 12 times more likely to occur globally.
The project aims to shape future international engineering guidance for coastal infrastructure as climate change increases storm surge risk. Researchers will gather environmental data on saltmarsh systems and work with international partners to develop practical hybrid green-grey infrastructure solutions.
A new study from Drexel University finds that decentralized stormwater management strategies can significantly reduce flooding volumes, with a 11-13% decrease. These efforts include rain barrels, cisterns and water-efficient fixtures, which help minimize the amount of water flowing into sewer systems.
Researchers at the University of Houston have developed an AI-driven framework to extract and analyze historical flood insurance maps, uncovering significant changes in flood hazard areas. The study reveals that flood risks have expanded in two areas and reduced in one, with critical consequences for resilience and exposure.
A new study reveals that subsidence is a major driver of coastal flooding along Java Island, with rates of up to 15 centimeters per year. Groundwater withdrawal and agricultural water use are identified as key culprits, highlighting the need for active monitoring and mitigation.
Researchers from Kyoto University developed a numerical model to evaluate mangrove wave attenuation, revealing that root submersion and water depth significantly impact wave reduction. The study's findings suggest that mangroves can mitigate disasters and help communities adapt to climate change.
The new framework groups stations with similar hydrological behavior, reducing computational cost while maintaining high predictive accuracy. This approach enables scalable, data-efficient AI systems for water level forecasting, supporting flood early-warning systems, optimized reservoir and irrigation management, and improved decision...
New research from FAMU-FSU College of Engineering proposes a way to integrate different flood models, improving predictions and supporting critical decision-making. The study suggests four key directives for future research, including hybrid frameworks, enhanced physical representation, and bridging science and practice.
Research shows glacial lakes in Alaska expanding 50% faster than previously recorded, posing significant hazards and altering ecosystems. The study identifies areas where lakes may form and grow, helping with infrastructure planning and predicting changes to ecosystems, hazards, and recreation.
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.
Researchers at UVM have developed a new framework, NextGen, to enhance flood forecasting by providing a common platform for hydrologic and hydraulic modeling. The framework enables scientists to experiment with and develop more accurate models, addressing the limitations of current operational models.
A new study uses radar technology to reveal crumbling dams across the US, threatening socially vulnerable communities. The research aims to create a country-wide database of unsafe dams, their flood risks, and impacted communities.
Research shows that flooding in delta cities like Shanghai can expand by up to 80% and be much deeper by 2100 due to extreme climate events, sea-level rise and land subsidence. A major adaptation effort is required to raise defences and construct mobile flood barriers.
A UBC study reveals that even modest increases in river flows can dramatically raise flood frequency, with major implications for infrastructure and community safety. The researchers call for a shift in flood management, focusing on tracking how often floods occur, rather than just their size.
Glacier-caused flooding is an annual threat in Juneau, with record-breaking floods over the past two years impacting hundreds of homes. The USGS provides real-time monitoring data to help emergency managers make informed decisions about evacuations and road closures.
Residents and government officials in a flood-prone community have differing views on adapting to climate change, with economic concerns top priority. Long-term residents support voluntary buyouts and nature-based solutions, while local officials prioritize rebuilding high-value properties.
A new study attributes the extreme nature of the floods to climate change, linking it to intensified rainfall and warning that storms will become even more intense as the planet warms. The research calls for building resilience in a warming world through advanced early warning systems and community-based flood warnings.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that large rain events combined with sea level rise could cause severe flooding across 70% of Waikīkī, contaminating stormwater inlets and disrupting transportation. By 2050, the entire Waikīkī storm drainage system is expected to fail, posing a health hazard from contaminated water.
A new study from Tulane University reveals that parts of New Orleans are sinking at an alarming rate, with some areas experiencing up to 2 inches of elevation loss annually. The findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the city's flood defenses remain effective.
Researchers developed a new deep learning framework to predict extreme water levels during hurricanes, enabling smarter decisions and potentially saving lives. The framework, LSTM-SAM, analyzes patterns from past storms to make accurate predictions in areas with limited data, using transfer learning techniques.
A team at the University of Oxford created a comprehensive map of the world's rivers, capturing complex branching systems. The new GRIT mapping system improves flood models, water management, and disaster planning, supporting AI-driven global data-driven models.
A new guidebook from Northern Arizona University provides essential support for individuals and communities affected by wildfires in Arizona. The comprehensive resource covers topics such as insurance, erosion control, emotional recovery, financial aid, and more to help residents recover from the aftermath of these devastating events.
Climate change drives large increases in electricity demand and costs in Texas due to extreme temperatures. Meanwhile, atmospheric rivers become more frequent, larger, and moister globally. Diagnostic studies also predict malaria outbreaks with five-month lead time using sea-surface temperature anomalies.
Researchers at Rice University develop OpenSafe.AI, a system that leverages responsible AI and hazard models to provide timely insights for emergency response organizations and communities before, during, and after tropical cyclones and coastal storm events. The goal is to enable better preparation and navigation for severe weather.
Researchers have developed AI-enabled detection software that can accurately detect natural debris, litter, or waste blocking culverts. The system can be integrated to existing CCTV systems to provide proactive flood defense, improving safety for response teams.
Researchers in the Netherlands have developed a self-cooling artificial turf system that stores rainwater under the surface, reducing surface temperatures by up to 35°C. This innovation makes sports fields safer for players and helps mitigate urban flooding, while also offering a durable and low-maintenance alternative to natural grass.
Researchers developed an impact-based forecasting system that combines various models to predict flood impacts with high resolution. The system enables early warnings for evacuation, reducing population and property damage.
Researchers at UH are expanding research knowledge and building a new curriculum for students to address climate change impacts on food crops. They aim to improve plant growth and build resistance against extreme weather events, such as droughts and heat waves.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a system to assess water quality challenges in Suzhou, China. The study found that the city's water capacity has increased since 2001 due to effective water management measures.
A new study by Tufts University reveals that nearly 36 million people in the US live behind levees, but many are from vulnerable populations, including minorities, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals. The study highlights alarming disparities in population density behind levees compared to those on higher ground, parti...
A UK-Sri Lankan research network aimed to develop research capacities among senior academic staff members from both countries. The training network investigated differences, overlaps, and synergies between Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) research communities.
The Department of Energy's Office of Science has selected five Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientists for the Early Career Research Program. The awardees include Matthew Brahlek, Jack Cahill, Eugene Dumitrescu, and two additional researchers. Their research focuses on creating new chiral systems, elucidating genes associated with bio...
A six-year dune restoration project in Santa Monica Beach, California, has shown promising results in increasing the beach's resilience to sea level rise. The project involved creating a natural dune system using native vegetation, which trapped sand and formed hummocks and dunes.
A team of researchers created a deep learning system capable of detecting natural disasters using images from Twitter and Flickr. The system, trained on over 1.7 million photographs, was able to accurately identify incidents such as floods, tornadoes, and forest fires.
Current measures to protect grasslands in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau are damaging the ecosystem and should be stopped. Small burrowing mammals, like the plateau pika and zokor, play crucial ecological roles in maintaining ecosystem health and biodiversity.
Researchers are studying the impact of climate change on basement pathogens, moisture, and air quality in urban environments, focusing on Black Americans in Pittsburgh. The study aims to document conditions and understand the link between weather events and cumulative health impacts for residents across the adult lifespan.
The UN reports that roughly 50,000 large dams worldwide will lose an estimated 23% to 28% of their combined original storage capacity by 2050, resulting in a loss of around 1.65 trillion cubic meters of water. This loss will undermine water security, irrigation, power generation, and other essential services.
Researchers found that riparian buffers can increase stream flow during low-flow events and maintain water levels in areas with high future development. However, the effectiveness of buffers was limited, and they were not enough to mitigate extreme changes in stream flow.
A team of researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and other institutions has identified a flexible and user-friendly model for predicting flood frequency in a changing environment. The fractional polynomial-based regression method is more effective than existing models, which often fail to account for factors like climate ...
Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design show that restoring natural water availability to the Mekong's floodplains is possible through coordination among hydropower producers. By altering dam release decisions and production plans, key components of hydrological variability can be restored, leading to improved ec...
A University of Maryland study found that stakeholders agree on the need for a decentralized approach to stormwater management but diverge on responsibility. Two groups believe stormwater poses a public threat, while the third sees it as an underutilized resource that can be managed with technology.
A workshop on flood risk governance in Brazil and the UK identified research gaps, including local data, integration systems, and visualization tools. Innovative initiatives are being developed using tools such as an app that empowers citizens to input data and improve disaster prevention.
A new study proposes designing permeable pavements to reduce flood impacts in Australia, with the potential to store up to 50% of rainfall and reduce urban flooding by up to 50%. The proposed system takes into account local soil types and rainfall intensity, and has been tested on 107 towns and cities across Australia.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that soils in the Walnut Creek watershed can absorb over 99% of precipitation events, contradicting previous studies. The study suggests that urban planners address flooding problems by considering the amount and location of paved surfaces rather than soil composition.
A Rice University-led team is studying the impact of climate change on flooding in the Mississippi River, which affects over a quarter of the US population. The research aims to understand how climate warming will alter the frequency and magnitude of flooding by comparing paleoclimate data with modern models.
A new study estimates that burrowing animals like badgers and porcupines can weaken levees to the point of collapse, causing localized flooding. Dens at higher elevations in a levee are more dangerous than those near the bottom, with potential for catastrophic failure.
A University of Kansas study reveals the critical role of a diverse network of local champions in Tulsa's successful flood control efforts. The authors highlight the importance of communication, collaboration, and adaptability in managing risks and facilitating change.
Researchers from the University of Missouri found that members of the public are more willing to pay for improved water quality than other ecosystem services. Participants in a nationwide survey consistently preferred higher monthly payments for water quality improvements over flood control and habitat protection.
A single gene, LGF1, has been discovered to control the surface properties of rice, making it superhydrophobic and enabling survival during flood events. The gene also confers drought tolerance by reducing evaporation from leaf surfaces.
A study by Carly Ziter found that urban green spaces provide significant ecosystem services such as carbon storage, water quality regulation, and flood mitigation. These services can be fostered through small interactions like gardening or walking in nature, promoting physical health and mental well-being.
Stanford researchers helped China identify and protect areas of high ecological value, including the Yangtze River and Min-Zhe-Gan mountains. The move marks a historic shift in China's environmental approach, valuing nature for human well-being and societal security.
A controlled pulse of water to the Colorado River Delta released stored greenhouse gases, including methane and carbon dioxide. This study highlights the need for a long-term approach to manage riverbed carbon storage in response to changing climate conditions.
A study found that public administrations in Germany rely on their own experiences in shaping participatory processes, rather than adopting best practices from other states. They also draw on experience from adjacent policy areas to optimize their processes.
A new study reveals that the native Carolina Willow is thriving in Florida's St. Johns River due to stable water levels created by 1950s water-management projects. The invasive tree forms impenetrable thickets, using tremendous amounts of water and eliminating duck habitats.
Researchers uncover evidence of closed channel water pressure predating European arrival in Palenque. The Piedras Bolas Aqueduct is a spring-fed conduit with engineered water pressure that controlled flooding and preserved urban space.
A geologist and his collaborator analyzed Lewis and Clark's data, finding the Missouri River has narrowed and its water levels have become more variable. This narrowing creates an increased risk of damaging floods, as well as fluctuations in day-to-day and seasonal water levels.
A new cost-benefit model measures the value of ecosystem services benefiting humans, such as flood control and crop pollination. This approach fosters win-win solutions between wilderness advocates and landowners. The study analyzed six ecosystem services in the California Central Coast region, finding overlaps with biodiversity priori...