Articles tagged with Rivers
Researchers found microplastics in nearly every sediment sample from the St. Lawrence River, with concentrations rivaling those in the world's most contaminated ocean sediments. The discovery raises concerns about the potential impact of microplastics on freshwater ecosystems.
The original northern boundary of Illinois was south of Chicago and Lake Michigan due to a proposed straight line from the southernmost tip of Lake Michigan to the Rock and Mississippi River confluence. This would have resulted in a smaller population and footprint for Illinois if it had been approved.
A new study links groundwater availability to human evolution, proposing that springs fed by freshwater could have sustained life during extremely dry periods. The research suggests that access to groundwater may have been crucial for hominin survival and dispersal.
A new fossil dolphin species from the Miocene era has been discovered in Peru, shedding light on the history and relationships of river dolphins. The species, Huaridelphis raimondii, is part of a rare extinct family, squalodelphinids, which are related to endangered Ganges and Indus river dolphins.
A study published in Nature Geoscience suggests that intermediate vegetation growth is key to stabilizing river deltas. This 'just right' amount of vegetation slows water flow and promotes sediment deposition, helping prevent sea-level rise from damaging sensitive marshlands.
A team of scientists analyzed a gorge on the Da'an Chi river in Taiwan over almost ten years, revealing a new mechanism that drives this process. Downstream sweep erosion is caused by a wide braided channel upstream, which gradually washes away bedrock surrounding the gorge.
The Indus river dolphin's historical range has been fragmented into 17 river sections due to diversion dams, with dolphins disappearing from ten sections. Low dry-season river discharge caused by irrigation is the primary factor contributing to the decline.
A synchronized lock and dam system failed during a severe flood in April 2013, resulting in seven unmoored barges crashing into the dam. The incident caused significant damage to the navigation channel, flooding adjacent land and disrupting agricultural shipments.
The Funny River fire in Alaska has reached 7,000 acres and is spreading along the shore, with no evacuations reported. Crews are working to contain the fire, which is being fueled by low humidity.
New research shows that the amount of water flowing through rivers in snow-affected areas depends on how much precipitation falls as snowfall. In a warming climate, reduced snowfall leads to decreased river discharge. The study highlights the importance of streamflow for society, including ecosystem stability and hydropower.
A new method reveals that nearly every drop of water in the Mississippi River network passes through a chemical filter, but this process is operating at max capacity due to high nitrate levels. The river's natural ability to filter out nitrates is being overwhelmed, resulting in an increased risk of dead zones and aquatic life decline.
Researchers develop new method to measure river discharge solely based on width measurements from satellite imagery, providing accurate estimates for agriculture, sanitation, and flood preparation. The approach holds promise for improving climate models and ensuring international water-sharing agreements are met.
The extinct California porpoise, Semirostrum ceruttii, had a distinctive underbite with an extended lower jaw and innervated jaws, likely used for probing prey. The species' anatomy suggests adaptations to its environment, including poor eyesight and sensitive lower jaw used for echolocation and feeding.
Despite progress in extinguishing the Morwell fire, officials warn of weeks of firefighting ahead due to hot and dry conditions. The Snowy River Complex fire has burned over 500 square miles, with many bushfires considered under control but still posing a threat.
The USGS study highlights the importance of streamflow characteristics in assessing fish community change and identifies areas with high risk of ecological degradation. Changes in streamflow can lead to declines in fish diversity by up to nine species, emphasizing the need for effective management decisions.
Scientists will analyze river samples using DNA sequencing to identify and count microbes, tracking changes over seven years. The study aims to improve understanding of microbial health and sources in Chicago-area waterways.
Biologists at the University of South Carolina have discovered a rare shark species, Sphyrna gilberti, which has a distinct genetic signature and is found only in the Santee and Pee Dee river systems. The discovery highlights the fragility of shark diversity and underscores the importance of studying evolutionary history.
A genetic and demographic analysis of river herring populations along the U.S. east coast has identified distinct genetic stocks, providing crucial guidance for efforts to manage their declining populations. The most severe declines have occurred in the Southern New England stocks and the Mid-Atlantic stocks, highlighting the need for ...
A Griffith University study found that current water releases limit fish reproduction and impact freshwater biodiversity. Restoring natural low flow periods is critical to produce food for dependent fish species.
A study of small dams in China found that they can pose a greater threat to ecosystems and natural landscapes than large dams. The research team surveyed habitat loss and damage at several dam sites, revealing that the environmental harm from small dams was often greater, sometimes by several orders of magnitude.
Researchers say that conserving major tributaries in the Mississippi River Basin may be a more effective approach to saving large-river fish. Studies found that rivers with flow rates above 166 cubic meters per second support 80% or more of large-river species, making them crucial habitats for these fish.
A team from Michigan State University is studying the Napo River's ecohydrology to assess its impact on the region. The research aims to document the river in its 'wild' state before major engineering work is conducted, guiding economic development and promoting conservation.
Researchers discovered that woody plant matter is almost completely digested by bacteria living in the Amazon River, fueling its breath and playing a major role in the global carbon cycle. The finding suggests that rivers are more like metabolic hotspots than passive pipes, with only 5% of the rainforest's carbon ever reaching the ocean.
Research reveals Ganges river dolphins produce low-intensity echolocation signals at surprising frequencies, while freshwater dolphins look for prey closer to home. The study provides a new perspective on the evolution of echolocation among toothed whales.
Research published in PLOS ONE reveals that freshwater river dolphins use lower frequency biosonar clicks, but their unique head anatomy may help keep signals focused. This study provides a valuable tool for conservation biologists to prevent species decline and estimate population sizes.
A team of economists and fish ecologists found that modern fish passage facilities were unsuccessful in allowing economically important species such as salmon, shad, and river herring to pass through dams. The study highlights the need for dam removals to restore diadromous species populations.
Researchers discovered a new species of mosasaur that lived about 84 million years ago in freshwater river environments. The largest specimens reached up to 20 feet in length and had unique characteristics such as limbs like a terrestrial lizard, a flattened skull, and a tail unlike other known members.
The River Thames has been invaded with over 96 non-native freshwater species, according to a recent study published in Biological Invasions. The research suggests that globalisation and shipping activity have facilitated these invasions, resulting in significant biodiversity loss and ecosystem service degradation.
A University of Alabama graduate student rediscovered the Oblong Rocksnail, a freshwater snail declared extinct in 2000, in the Cahaba River. The species' range has been dramatically shortened due to pollution and habitat degradation, making it vulnerable to extinction.
A new study combines archaeology and geoscience to reveal that climate change was a key factor in the collapse of the ancient Indus civilization around 4000 years ago. The research suggests that weakened monsoon rains led to reduced river dynamics, contributing to the decline of cities and the shift towards small farming communities.
A University of Delaware oceanographer found trace amounts of radioactive iodine in the Delaware River, providing a new way to study substance travel through rivers to the ocean. The contaminant enters waterways via wastewater treatment systems and has a half-life of eight days.
Scientists found that a low-pressure pattern in the Arctic Oscillation caused Russian river water to flow into the Beaufort Sea, freshening it. The phenomenon has significant implications for global climate, as freshwater can protect sea ice and affect ocean circulation.
Scientists warn that Great Plains river basins are under threat due to aquifer pumping, which has reduced suitable habitat for native fishes. The study found that only 57% of refuge pools would remain after 35 years under current circumstances.
Researchers found significant amounts of carbon in US streams and rivers, releasing into atmosphere before reaching coastal waters. This discovery could change how scientists model carbon movement among land, water, and atmosphere.
Researchers found that US rivers and streams are a significant source of CO2, releasing as much as a car burning 40 billion gallons of gasoline into the atmosphere. This could alter carbon modeling and require adjustments to regional carbon budgets.
A chance viewing of a new channel forming in the Wabash River provided researchers with a rare opportunity to study dynamic river cutoffs. The event delivered massive amounts of sediment into the river system, changing its landscape and raising concerns about its impact on sediment transport and deposition processes.
Researchers describe a new 20-foot extinct species found in the same coal mine as Titanoboa, shedding light on the diversity of animals in the oldest known rainforest ecosystem. The discovery reveals that these ancient crocodile relatives competed with giant snakes for food and habitat.
Dams and weirs have a profound effect on the ecosystem of watercourses, causing a significant decline in species diversity. The study found that fish species are 25% lower upstream of weirs compared to downstream areas, while invertebrate diversity is up to 50% lower.
Researchers from Texas A&M Institute of Renewable Natural Resources discovered a freshwater mussel species, Quadrula mitchelli, thought to be extinct in the San Saba River. The find indicates that small populations may exist and is a significant discovery for conservation efforts.
The Mary river turtle faces dual threats from climate change, including reduced swimming ability and a preference for shallower waters. Rising temperatures could lead to population decline due to decreased access to food supply.
Researchers uncover the mechanism by which Didymo 'scrubs' phosphorus from streams and rivers, making it available for growth. This study solves the puzzle of Didymo blooms in low-nutrient waterways.
Recent Landsat satellite data captured by NASA and the USGS show extreme flooding of the Mississippi River around Memphis, Tenn., with a crest height of 47.87 feet, surpassing the second-highest record in 1937. The flood is expected to cause widespread damage and cost approximately $1 billion.
Researchers investigate widespread basement erosion during late Paleocene-early Eocene in Laramide Rocky Mountains. Additionally, they explore anomalous clastic wedge development and V-shaped conjugate strike-slip faults with implications for planetary geology.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a battery that can generate electricity by exploiting the difference in salinity between freshwater and seawater. The battery, which uses sodium and chlorine ions, has achieved 74% efficiency in converting potential energy to electrical current.
A new study published in Geology reveals that rock formations along the Canadian-US border date back to 120 million years ago. The research suggests that ancient rivers flowing through western North America were separated by the modern-day border.
Computer simulations suggest that changes in plasma flow within the Sun, which resembles ocean currents, contribute to prolonged solar minima. The team discovered that a faster flow during the first half of the solar cycle can lead to an extended period without sunspots and weak polar magnetic fields.
A €12 billion annual economic impact of invasive species worldwide and a new $4 million project will control invasive plants like giant hogweed in Ireland and Scotland's river catchments. The CIRB project aims to restore biodiversity and prevent environmental damage.
A study led by the University of Colorado at Boulder found a four-fold increase in dissolved zinc over 30 years in the Snake River watershed, affecting stream ecology and fish populations. Climate change is believed to be the cause, linked to changes in groundwater conditions and snowmelt patterns.
Researchers are using analytics to identify patterns in the Dutch water system, enabling improvements in overall water management. Advanced algorithms and software will provide real-time insight into the water system, aiding decision-making for water boards and municipalities.
A new study reveals an alarming increase in the flow of freshwater into the world's oceans, driven by global warming and accelerated evaporation. The research, led by UCI, uses satellite records to track water volume flowing from continents to oceans, finding a 18% rise in freshwater input since 1994.
A new global analysis reveals nearly 80% of the world's human population lives in areas where river waters are highly threatened, posing a major threat to human water security and biodiversity. Rivers worldwide face similar stresses from agricultural intensification, industrial development, and other factors.
Researchers are developing an early warning system for bridge failures caused by scouring, using tiny fish-inspired sensors and radar technology. The system can provide real-time information on river bottom conditions and detect minute changes in depth and density of sediment.
A Purdue University study finds that controlling urban growth and increasing forested land are effective ways to decrease future water runoff and flooding. The model simulated Michigan's Muskegon River watershed runoff rates and forecasted their impact on rivers and streams over the next 30 years.
Invasive mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki will expand northward due to climate change, affecting native species and ecosystems. The study found temperature affects the abundance and reproductive cycle of the species.
The interactive map shows a majority or complete loss of freezing zones in every state analyzed under high carbon pollution scenario. Early snowmelt and altered water cycles threaten irrigation supplies, cold-water stream life, and forest health.
Researchers created a miniature river delta to study flooding patterns and develop a mathematical model capable of predicting catastrophic floods. The model was able to reproduce the statistical behavior of flooding by analyzing how long it takes to fill a channel with sediment, allowing for enhanced flood hazard prediction.
Researchers successfully built a scale model of a living meandering river, demonstrating the critical role of vegetation in slowing erosion and reinforcing banks. Sand, typically avoided in stream restoration, was found to be essential for building point bars and blocking cut-off channels, leading to a more balanced ecosystem.
Sharp declines in freshwater species are often overlooked, affecting watershed planning and ecosystem restoration. Historical records suggest that species abundances were much greater than today, leading to underestimated effects of European colonization and habitat destruction.
Current international strategies overlook the role of inland waters in carbon cycling, but a new study highlights their disproportionate impact. The study suggests that rivers and lakes can alter the fate of terrestrial carbon, leading to significant changes in global carbon budgets.
A new CU-Boulder study warns that climate change could lead to a one-in-two chance of fully depleting the Colorado River's reservoir storage by mid-century. The study found that even with a 20% reduction in stream flow, the risk of full depletion would still be significant.