Articles tagged with Rivers
Researchers found that the river recovered its natural shape within four years after mining stopped, but the local economy did not bounce back. The study recommends a fairer, more sustainable model for river sediment extraction to minimize environmental and human impacts.
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 Concordia research study refutes the notion that beaver dam failures can cause river flooding, arguing that failed dams had only a small effect on water levels downstream. The study found that natural conditions such as steep slopes and intense rainfall were more likely to cause damage.
A new study by Tokyo University of Science found that floods are the biggest drivers of plastic pollution in rivers, increasing microplastic and mesoplastic concentrations by orders of magnitude. The research highlights the need to include high-flow events when assessing plastic emissions.
New research reveals that land subsidence caused by humans is the main culprit behind delta sinking, posing increased flooding risk to 236 million people. The study identifies groundwater extraction as the dominant cause of subsidence, highlighting the need for urgent local interventions.
The US has more than 4 million miles of rivers, but existing regulations only account for less than 20% of total river length. Freshwater conservation strategies have historically focused on land use and development, leaving gaps in protection measures for lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
The Rhine River transports an estimated 3,000-4,700 tonnes of macrolitter towards the North Sea each year. Plastic pieces account for only around 15% of the overall litter mass.
A new 'River Literacy' concept has been developed to educate communities about the vital roles rivers play in daily lives, cultures, and ecosystems. The framework highlights seven easy-to-grasp principles designed for schools, riverside communities, and the general public.
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 new study reveals that many Western river networks in arid areas may be soaking up more carbon dioxide than they emit, challenging the long-held assumption of net emissions. This finding has significant implications for understanding the global carbon cycle and managing CO2 levels.
Researchers have developed a practical and affordable method for assessing the state of river ecosystems by using different substrates such as marble tiles, alder leaves, and cotton strips. The study found that these materials can provide valuable information on the condition of rivers and help address pollution.
Research from Umeå University reveals that natural barriers shape the flow of water and hinder plant dispersal in rivers shaped by the last Ice Age. The study found no clear correlations between drainage area and channel width, or consistent increase in plant species diversity downstream.
A study by University of Arizona researchers found that selecting the right data for flood insurance can significantly improve accuracy, speed, and predictability. The type of data used affects not only payout timing but also confidence in anticipating future payouts, influencing program costs.
A new study by Shedd Aquarium found that at least 24 species of fish have been documented to breed in the Chicago River, showcasing a remarkable comeback for a once severely polluted river. The research also revealed differences between sites, suggesting opportunities to augment spawning habitats for fishes.
Researchers found that targeted snow monitoring at hotspots can improve water supply predictions in most basins, with typical gains of 11-14% compared to 4%. This approach is more cost-effective than basin-wide surveys and has potential for more accurate forecasts.
Researchers at Northern Arizona University have discovered a partnership between algae and bacteria that creates a clean-nitrogen machine, turning atmospheric nitrogen into food for river ecosystems. This discovery boosts populations of aquatic insects, which young salmon rely on for growth and survival.
A new Stanford study suggests that unvegetated meandering rivers can leave sedimentary deposits similar to those of braided rivers, rewriting the story of plants and rivers' relationship with Earth. This finding has implications for understanding Earth's ancient and future climate, including carbon storage in floodplains.
Researchers found that the sediment surge after the Wenchuan Earthquake led to a significant increase in bedload flux, accounting for 65% of the overall sediment flowing through the river. The elevated flux persisted for at least ten years, with no evidence of declining back to background levels.
Rapidly melting glaciers in High Mountain Asia are causing water volume to increase by 10% or more in at least 10% of rivers, including the Yangtze, Amu Darya, and Syr Darya. This surge can bring short-term benefits like increased hydropower and agriculture, but also poses risks such as sediment increases and glacier loss.
Researchers found that ponds, lakes, rivers, and estuaries play a significant role in fixing nitrogen, supporting food webs and ecosystem productivity. They estimated that these systems fix the equivalent of 15% of total nitrogen fixed on land and in the open ocean, despite covering less than 10% of global surface area.
Despite poor health scores for England's rivers, independent review reveals important improvements in freshwater biodiversity, including increases in species richness and diversity. An alternative monitoring standard has been proposed to better reveal the status of different species and inform local decisions.
Researchers discovered that rivers develop multiple channels if erosion outpaces deposition on their banks, leading to a widening and division of the channel over time. This understanding could revolutionize flood planning and restoration efforts for over 3 billion people worldwide.
A new framework identifies key causes of changes affecting river deltas, including climate change, sea level rise, and human activities. The framework provides a basis for prioritizing timely, locally grounded action to address the complex challenges facing these critical ecosystems.
A new study reveals that wildfires have a profound impact on water systems, affecting microbial communities and nutrient cycling. The researchers found that moderate heat processing from fires leads to more bioavailable carbon for microbes, but also disrupts the nitrogen cycle and natural balance of aquatic ecosystems.
Research shows that island rivers shape reef passes, allowing seawater and nutrients to flow in and out. The locations of reef passes align with where rivers funnel out from an island's coast, providing circulation throughout the reef.
New research from Tulane University finds that global riverine mercury pollution has more than doubled since the pre-industrial era, with primary drivers including wastewater discharge, soil erosion, and industrial activities. This increase poses significant health risks to humans and wildlife through consumption of contaminated fish.
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.
Researchers analyzed 724 ancient Chinese poems to track the decline of the Yangtze finless porpoise's habitat range. The study found that the porpoise's range decreased by at least 65% over 1,400 years, with most of this decline occurring in the past century. This ancient art form provides a unique window into biodiversity conservation.
The Arctic Great Rivers Observatory, a multinational project founded at the Marine Biological Laboratory, has been recognized as a National Champion by the Frontiers Planet Prize for its publication on recent trends in the chemistry of major northern rivers. This recognition highlights the value of sustained international collaboration...
Human consumption of antibiotics has increased by 65% since 2000, resulting in estimated 8,500 tonnes reaching river systems globally. Chronic environmental exposure can reduce microbial diversity and increase antibiotic-resistant genes, impacting fish and algae health.
Researchers found that only about 1.3% of Titan's large rivers have deltas, unlike Earth where nearly every similar-sized river has one. The absence of deltas may be due to rapid sea level changes or strong winds and tidal currents on Titan's coasts.
Researchers found that a narrow island separating the two species suggests recent speciation or extensive gene flow. The study proposes sexual selection as a key driver of species differentiation.
A new numerical computer model tracks how pollution travels through Galveston Bay, helping scientists understand water movement in estuaries. The model is critical for evaluating climate variability and sea level fluctuation impacts on coastal communities, guiding better decisions to keep water clean and prevent flooding.
Researchers found significant implications for water management and wildlife due to the decline in snowpack, affecting the Sainte-Anne River and its streamflow patterns. The study's findings align with historical records of droughts and heavy precipitation, highlighting the importance of protecting old growth forests.
A study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin and collaborators in Arizona and Colorado found notable groundwater gains in Central Arizona despite long-term water stress. The policies have helped bank over 25 cubic kilometers of groundwater from 1989-2019, but the Colorado River faces uncertain future due to climate change.
A study predicts that over 80% of amphibian species in the Upper Paraguay River Basin will lose suitable habitats by 2100. The region, which includes the Pantanal and its surroundings, is expected to experience local extinctions under both optimistic and pessimistic greenhouse gas emissions scenarios.
Research uncovering rapid changes in river temperatures across the US highlights importance of observational records for environmental variability. The findings provide insights into managing habitats and understanding impacts on socioeconomic activities.
Prof. Günter Blöschl's research has made significant contributions to understanding the drivers of increasing flood risks under climate change and reveals that the last two decades have been markedly flood-prone compared to historical records.
A new study shows that climate change affects short-term precipitation events lasting hours by significantly increasing their frequency, while longer-term rainfall events lasting days are influenced by global weather phenomena like El Niéo. This distinction is crucial for assessing the risk of flooding in different regions.
A new study led by University of Maryland geologist Sujay Kaushal finds that multiple threats are making fresh water saltier, including land-based pollution and saltwater intrusion. The researchers offer a framework for predicting and preventing the issue, which affects ecosystems, agriculture, and drinking water supplies.
Researchers have presented a unique time-dependent record of drainage divide migration rates, showing that episodes of rapid shift coincide with past climate changes in the Negev over the last 230,000 years. This discovery accelerates our understanding of how climate affects the Earth's surface.
A study by the University of the Basque Country found that dam removal increased pebble mobilization in terms of number and distance. The researchers monitored 1,800 stones for seven years, revealing significant sediment transport increases along stretches under dam influence.
A study led by Alexandria Marquardt suggests that Virginia's oyster restoration practices are effective in increasing fishery sustainability and supporting local economies. The research shows that shell replenishment activities, combined with rotational harvests, result in improved reef structure and increased commercial harvests.
A study of 17,972 wells in Brazil reveals that more than half of the country's rivers could suffer reduced flow due to groundwater seepage. The São Francisco River basin and MATOPIBA region are particularly critical areas, with intensive agricultural activity and climate change exacerbating the problem.
The American Heart Association and the National Football League are awarding $1,000 grants to support physical activity in local schools. The grants aim to encourage students to move for at least 60 minutes each day through the NFL PLAY 60 app, available on iOS and Android devices.
A new study reveals that Chlorella Vulgaris, a freshwater microalga rich in protein and essential nutrients, holds immense promise as a sustainable and nutritious food source. The researchers emphasize the need for advancements in cultivation techniques, processing methods, and sensory improvements to enhance its appeal.
Researchers warn of the risks of spreading invasive species via untreated water transfers, which can move between different environments. The study highlights the need for coordinated surveillance and management plans to tackle this threat and conserve freshwater biodiversity.
A recent study found a 59% decrease in river antibiotic pollution due to improved manure recycling and reduced direct discharge. However, this reduction came with an unintended consequence: increased antibiotic leaching into groundwater by 15%, mainly from expanded manure use as fertilizer.
Researchers will focus on novel non-plastic materials used for oyster reef restoration, evaluating their impact on surrounding marine habitats. The project aims to find solutions that bring the natural environment back after degradation from storms or human impact.
A new moray eel species has been discovered in Central Indo-Pacific river mouths, characterized by its deep black coloration and ability to thrive in dim environments. The Hades' snake moray was found in southern Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Fiji, and is considered an important addition to the study of freshwater moray eels.
A first-of-its-kind study from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities utilizes remote sensing technology to monitor plastic debris in freshwater environments like the Mississippi River. The research helps increase understanding of plastic debris behavior in these systems, shedding light on a growing environmental issue.
Large-scale wildfires in radiologically contaminated areas enhance the mobility of radionuclides like · 137 Cs and ¹ 90 Sr in rivers. This increases radiation exposure for residents, particularly after a fire in the Chornobyl exclusion zone in Ukraine.
A nationwide analysis of Japan's plastic litter removal from rivers found that natural disasters and extreme weather events contribute to spikes in collected plastic waste. The study, led by Tokyo University of Science, also identified positive correlations between basin population, plastic litter recovery, and cleanup activities.
New research maps 35 years of river changes on a global scale, revealing 44% of downstream rivers saw decreases in water flow, while 17% of upstream rivers saw increases. This shift has significant implications for flooding, ecosystem disruption, and freshwater supplies.
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'.
A large-scale pre-Columbian fish-trapping facility was discovered in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize, dating back to the Late Archaic period around 2000-1900 BCE. The facility, which included a network of linear channels and ponds, would have yielded enough fish to feed up to 15,000 people year-round.
Researchers advocate using imagination and 'design-based research' to prepare urban river deltas for climate change. By visualizing possible futures, civic engagement and motivation can be encouraged, leading to more effective climate adaptation.
Researchers have cataloged the microbiome of US rivers, finding high levels of antibiotic resistance genes near wastewater treatment plants. The study also reveals that microbes play a significant role in shaping river health and can predict water quality under current and future scenarios.
A new study warns that Colorado's West Slope basins, supporting a $5 billion agriculture economy, face a potential tipping point due to drought vulnerability. The research suggests that even moderate climate change and streamflow declines can threaten water storage, agriculture, and municipal supplies.
The UT Extension program has improved safety along the Buffalo River by installing GPS mile markers, assisting first responders during emergencies. The project, launched in partnership with local organizations, aims to reduce emergency response time and benefit thousands of river visitors annually.