A new study finds that heavy rains deliver the greatest amounts of fertilizer-derived nitrogen through creeks and rivers into the northern Gulf of Mexico. The research can be used to develop policies to protect the gulf from nutrient overloading, harmful algal blooms, and oxygen-depleted 'dead zones'.
Researchers suggest a scientific framework to operate the Nile's mega dams during droughts, balancing sustainable hydropower generation with minimizing downstream water deficit. The framework aims to increase resilience for over 300 million inhabitants in the Eastern Nile Basin living under uncertain climatic projections.
Recent studies analyze hurricane damage, water flow into dams, marine heatwaves, and the impact of air pollution on vegetable market prices in South Korea. Hurricane Katrina remains the most damaging U.S. hurricane, while a new system predicts extreme air pollution episodes in India's New Delhi megacity.
Parks have been found to be the most effective solution for reducing overall air pollution, cutting it by 22% in city-wide studies. However, other green spaces like trees and green walls showed mixed results, with some even worsening air quality.
Researchers have developed a liquid moisture adsorbent that can efficiently harvest water from the air at near ambient temperatures. The technology, which uses random copolymers of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, has the potential to provide clean drinking water in arid regions and during disasters.
A new analysis finds that sustainable rates of groundwater withdrawal were surpassed 20 years prior to declining groundwater levels being generally recognized. Limiting groundwater pumping rates by nearly half can stabilize groundwater conditions, eliminating drying up of non-irrigation wells and stabilizing environmental flows.
Scientists at Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ have discovered chimney-shaped vents on the Dead Sea floor, emitting shimmering fluid. The chimneys are similar to black smokers but originate from surrounding aquifers, providing a new tool for predicting sinkhole formation.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have estimated carbon dioxide emissions from inland waters to 22 million US lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Their new modeling approach reveals previous methods may have overestimated CO2 emissions by as much as 25%.
According to a new USGS study, approximately 71-95 million people in the Lower 48 states may rely on groundwater containing detectable concentrations of PFAS for their drinking water supplies. The predictive model helps understand the potential for PFAS contamination and informs strategic planning for water resources.
A new study discovered toxic 'Forever Chemicals' in tap and bottled water from around the world, with 99% of samples containing PFOA and PFOS. Treatment methods such as boiling and activated carbon filtration can substantially reduce PFAS concentrations, with removal rates ranging from 50-90%.
A new study by Harvard researchers finds alarmingly high PFAS concentrations in fish tissues even up to 8 km from the military base. The results underscore the urgent need for more comprehensive monitoring of PFAS in aquatic ecosystems, particularly in regions where freshwater fishing is an important food source.
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.
Closing Colorado's 'free river conditions' loophole could save millions of cubic meters of water and reduce stress in the region. The loophole allows anyone to take as much water as they want from the river, threatening the success of any payment program for farmers not irrigating their land.
A recent study by Stockholm University reveals that warming temperatures can speed up carbon dioxide emissions from ecosystems, but only if the environment is sufficiently moist. This finding highlights the critical role of water in the feedback loop between temperature and ecosystem metabolism.
Researchers have developed a new method to measure soil moisture in the vadose zone using seismic technology that detects vibrations from traffic noise. The technique, called distributed acoustic sensing, can provide real-time information on soil water content, crucial for managing water use and conservation efforts.
A new study reveals that the Sierra Nevadas are a significant source of groundwater for California's Central Valley aquifer, with some areas relying almost entirely on it. The research found that the groundwater is mixed in age, with some water being as young as 4 years old and others dating back over 40,000 years.
Researchers discovered an estimated 400 billion microplastic fibers in Frenchman Bay and its tributaries, with concentrations highest in the bay itself. The study found that microplastics were transported from land through rivers and estuaries into the bay, posing a significant threat to marine life and humans.
Researchers developed a deep learning-based model to estimate rainfall intensity from surveillance audio, achieving a root mean absolute error of 0.88 mm h-1 and a coefficient of correlation of 0.765. This approach offers a new method for high-resolution hydrological sensing, contributing to environmental resilience and urban sensing.
A new study maps global ecosystems dependent on groundwater, revealing 53% exist in areas with known depletion. The analysis provides critical data for conservation efforts, but highlights the need for policy protection and preservation.
Researchers study droughts, wildfires, and precipitation changes across the US Southeast and globally. The Great Salt Lake's drying exacerbates regional droughts, while a Maui wildfire is linked to atmospheric patterns.
A recent study monitored seven neighboring watersheds in Japan and found that larger watersheds exhibited longer peak lag times. This suggests that watershed scale is a more significant factor in determining flood timing than the degree of topographical relief.
A new study reveals that the Supreme Court's ruling weakening the Clean Water Act leaves many US waterways vulnerable to pollution. Ephemeral streams, which only flow during weather events, contribute significantly to river systems' total output, with 55% of water coming from them on average.
A massive earthquake 2,500 years ago caused the Ganges River to change its course abruptly, affecting densely populated Bangladesh. The study suggests that a similar event could occur again in the future, with potentially devastating consequences.
Nitrous-oxide emissions have increased by 40% over the past four decades, resulting in accelerating atmospheric accumulation of this potent greenhouse gas. Agricultural production is the largest source of emissions, and improving practices can help reduce nitrous-oxide emissions and water pollution.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a machine learning-based deicer that offers higher performance while minimizing environmental harm. The new mixture of propylene glycol and sodium formate solution shows improved ice penetration capacity, reducing the need for substance use.
A new research paper finds higher particulate pollution in areas near the Salton Sea after water was diverted to San Diego. The study, led by University of California - Davis professor Eric Edwards, models lakebed exposure and tracks dust movement over time, showing increased pollution in disadvantaged communities.
Climate change is driving sudden onset of drying in South America and southern Africa, while Central Asia sees increased moisture due to warming temperatures
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen discovered that a biological mechanism called autophagy plays a key role in plant root growth. By understanding how plants control their root growth, scientists can develop climate-resilient crops to thrive in harsh conditions.
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 UK's 2022 drought, the worst since 1976, emphasized the importance of early mitigation measures due to its rapid onset and extensive impacts on water resources, wildlife, and people. Improved monitoring and forecasting systems can help prevent similar extreme weather events in the future.
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.
Suprina Shrestha, a UT Arlington graduate student, has been awarded the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship from the International Atomic Energy Agency. The fellowship aims to support women in studying nuclear-related subjects and will provide financial assistance for her research in isotope hydrology.
The study emphasizes that human-induced climate change primarily arises from the planet's heating, leading to energy imbalance and altered flows of energy through the climate system. This framing changes how climate change is manifested, particularly in extremes such as droughts, storms, and flooding.
Researchers propose new statistical index to detect river ecosystem changes, potentially preventing tragedies like the Oder River crisis. The developed index is more versatile and responsive to variations in individual parameter values.
Research reveals that groundwater levels are dropping in 71% of aquifers globally, with accelerating declines in drier climates. However, the study also highlights successful interventions, such as water recharge and demand reduction strategies, which can help stabilize or recover aquifer systems.
The AMS 104th Annual Meeting will focus on climate change research, mitigation, and adaptation, with key discussions on overcoming barriers to implementation. The meeting features numerous scientific conferences and symposia covering topics like climate variability, air pollution meteorology, AI for environmental science, and more.
Research reveals that aquifer depletion can curb crop yields even when it appears saturated enough to continue meeting irrigation demands. As groundwater dwindles, agricultural losses escalate, especially for corn and soybean yields.
The UK is launching four new PhD training centers to boost expertise in environmental science, focusing on flood management, freshwater quality, sustainable mineral resources, and wetland conservation. These centers will support the next generation of researchers who will go on to build careers in research, business, and public service.
A 1916 study by Eugene Clyde La Rue estimated the Colorado River discharged just 15 million acre-feet of water, but was ignored in favor of a higher estimate. Today, the river's actual flow is around 13 million acre-feet per year, prompting calls for improved estimates and Indigenous involvement in managing the water.
Research confirms Greenland's glaciers are melting rapidly due to climate change, with a 5-fold increase in melting over the past 20 years. The study reveals that 25 meters of ice are lost annually, contributing significantly to sea level rise and posing significant challenges for renewable energy and ecosystems.
Researchers used sediment DNA to reconstruct a 100-year history of biodiversity, chemical pollution, and climate change levels in a Danish lake. The study found that pollutants like insecticides and increased temperatures had devastating effects on biodiversity, while suggesting some recovery over the last 20 years.
A new study led by University of Maryland Professor Sujay Kaushal reveals that human activities are making the planet's air, soil, and freshwater increasingly salty. This acceleration of the natural salt cycle poses an 'existential threat' to ecosystems and human health if current trends continue.
A new study suggests that rebates can offer solutions to California's groundwater woes by incentivizing the collection of stormwater runoff and its infiltration into aquifers. The recharge net metering (ReNeM) program, modeled after rooftop solar metering, helps agencies meet Sustainable Groundwater Management Act requirements.
A new isotope database has been created to provide a baseline for hydrological, ecological, archeological and paleoclimate studies in Mexico. The database includes 608 monthly rain samples from 21 monitoring stations across the country.
Researchers have developed a new method to measure the duration and severity of hydrological droughts in streams and rivers, which can persist for up to 3.5 years after drought conditions end. The study found that baseflow droughts are strongly tied to groundwater levels and can impact water management and ecosystem services.
Researchers found that fall snow levels are a good predictor of total snowpack in some western states, particularly in northern regions like Alaska, Oregon, and Washington. This prediction works due to cooler air temperatures and weather patterns that help retain snow on the ground, adding to the total snowpack.
The State of the Climate report confirms record highs in greenhouse gas concentrations, global sea levels, and ocean heat content. Scientists from over 60 countries contributed to the annual review, providing a comprehensive update on Earth's climate indicators and notable weather events.
The American Meteorological Society recognizes Benjamin Santer for his work on climate change detection and attribution. William Kustas receives the Hydrologic Sciences Medal for foundational advances in evapotranspiration measurement and theory. Lixin Wu is awarded the Henry Stommel Research Medal for studies of multi-scale ocean circ...
The UK fashion and textile industry is set for a significant boost with a £6 million investment in sustainability research. The initiative aims to help the sector adopt more sustainable practices, reducing its environmental footprint and greenhouse gas emissions.
Scientists studied fluid dynamics to understand interfacial tension, a force affecting mixing of liquids. Their numerical simulation revealed a non-monotonic relationship between flow strength and hydrodynamic instability, overturning conventional wisdom.
The University of Texas at El Paso researchers Laura Alvarez and Deepak K. Tosh have been awarded $550,000 and $492,000 NSF CAREER grants for their research on river landscapes and cyber resiliency.
New research suggests that rising temperatures may offset the impact of increased precipitation on nitrogen runoff, which could lead to reduced aquatic pollution. The study found that warmer temperatures reduce evaporation, allowing more nitrogen to enter waterways, while also affecting microbial life in soil and sediment.
The UK Research and Innovation has awarded £53 million in funding to six research centers to boost knowledge, create innovative green technologies, and reduce energy demand. The focus is on developing game-changing ideas to improve domestic, industrial, and transport energy systems.
Researchers developed models to schedule flow releases from a California reservoir, finding that pulse flows could benefit salmon while maximizing electricity generation. The study identified optimal flow regimes that aligned economic and salmon objectives during early summer, but diverged in mid-winter.
The £7 million CoTide project aims to develop scalable tidal stream energy, making renewable power cheaper, more reliable, and scalable. The initiative will create integrated engineering tools and solutions to overcome technical challenges in harnessing ocean tides as a clean energy source.
The £72 million investment will support cutting-edge research in fluid dynamics, biological sciences, and astronomy. It aims to maintain the UK's position as a science superpower and accelerate innovation in various fields.
Researchers at Lancaster University demonstrate the viability of tidal power as a predictable renewable energy source. The creation of a tidal barrage could operate for 120 years or more to meet future demand and storage problems, protecting coastal areas from flooding and sea level rise.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma predict that global flash droughts will increase globally, with the largest increases projected across North America and Europe. The study finds that flash drought risk over cropland is expected to increase by 1.5 times in North America and 1.7 times in Europe by 2100.
A deep learning-based Transformer model, Bloomformer-1, has been developed to identify the driving factors of algal growth in the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. The results reveal that total phosphorus is the most significant factor affecting algal growth, especially in the Henan section, while total nitrog...