Articles tagged with Water Resources
Sera Young, a Northwestern University anthropologist, has developed the first scale to measure household water insecurity, a universal need bounded by disciplinary and geographic silos. The 12-question HWISE Scale will transform how we understand the prevalence, causes, and consequences of water insecurity on maternal and child health.
A recent study published in Ursus highlights the significance of water holes not only as drinking water sources but also as sites for Andean bears to communicate with each other. The locations of rubbed trees and shrubs near water holes were concentrated on trails, indicating potential conflicts between humans and bears.
Researchers found that elephants prefer locations with better past forage conditions over current availability, especially during the dry season. They also showed a preference for walking along roads to conserve energy and access food sources.
Dr. Panos Diplas, a Lehigh University professor, has been elected as an ASCE Fellow for his distinguished work in civil engineering and research on river phenomena such as scour and meandering. His team's studies aim to improve bridge stability and mitigate the effects of river movement on ecosystems.
A team of Penn State researchers analyzed the water footprint of 65 mid- to large-sized U.S. cities and found that larger cities consume less water per capita. This shift is attributed to changing economic activities, with larger cities becoming more service-oriented and shifting water-intensive industries to less populated regions.
A new study highlights the need for policy changes to allow private capital to invest in US water systems with aging infrastructure. The Journal of the American Water Resources Association article notes that public-private partnerships and loan guarantees are hindered by existing federal budgetary policies.
Researchers identified a specific brain region linked to reduced appreciation of one's own rewards when a partner receives a reward, providing insight into the emotion of envy. This finding has implications for understanding social behavior and valuation of resources.
The Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education (GCCHE) has launched an online knowledge bank with resources for educators on the health impacts of climate change. The platform features links to publicly available online courses, curricular guidance, and information on upcoming events.
The new California Climate Tracker tool provides more than 120 years of historical climate data, allowing users to analyze trends and patterns in temperature and precipitation. The updated version incorporates a user-friendly web interface, improved accuracy using PRISM data, and access to archived maps and data dating back to 1895.
Researchers developed a novel way to analyze poor urban communities, revealing obstacles between unplanned areas and infrastructure. The models identify distinctions between informal and formal neighborhood structures, enabling the creation of people-centered urban planning solutions.
Scientists developed a new mathematical model using game theory to explain the biodiversity paradox, which predicts that hundreds of plankton species can coexist in open sea water despite limited resources. The model shows that biodiversity increases exponentially with the number of resources, leading to a large number of potential spe...
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new method to monitor water levels in underground aquifers using seismic noise. They were able to measure the water depth of an aquifer in California to within a centimeter, and estimated that half a cubic kilometer of water was pumped out during a drought. This technique has the poten...
The Household Water Insecurity Research Coordination Network (RCN) aims to develop a geospatial perspective on water insecurity, which affects vulnerable households worldwide. The team will create a water security metric and engage with stakeholders in the international water sector.
A new Arizona State University study shows that animals may be able to use their own muscles to get water when it's not available. Researchers found that during reproduction, muscle metabolism is linked to the water requirements of developing offspring.
A team of ASU and JPL scientists used satellite-based Earth remote sensing techniques to map California's Central Valley aquifer system. The analysis revealed significant drops in groundwater levels and permanent loss of storage capacity during the 2007-2010 drought period.
Pitt researchers create a network model to analyze the interconnectivity of US food, energy, and water resources. The study aims to identify 'virtual' resources consumed in production but not intended for direct use, and provide solutions to minimize environmental impact.
Researchers found that early ocean organisms grew tall to disperse their offspring and colonize their surroundings. The study suggests that reproduction was the main reason life on Earth got big during the Ediacaran period.
A scientist at Duke University outlines how the constructal law of evolution in nature predicts the natural evolution of social organizations into larger and more complex communities. By applying this principle, Bejan shows why humans naturally organize themselves into societies with hierarchical systems to access finite resources.
A new method for evaluating pore geometry heterogeneity has been introduced based on persistent homology theory. The method was applied to four types of rocks with different pore structures, resulting in accurate estimates of rock heterogeneity and physical properties such as permeability and elasticity.
A new study by California Sea Grant reveals that even small amounts of running water can make a big difference for juvenile coho salmon in coastal California streams. The research found that pools interconnected by water can help young salmon survive through hot, dry summer months.
A meta-analysis of global food production cycles and their environmental impacts has identified data-supported opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of food production. The study found that some products have disproportionately high environmental impacts, while others may require trade-offs in certain mitigation strategies.
Researchers found that high hippopotamus densities increased eutrophication and biodiversity loss in river pools during the dry season. However, no changes were observed in water chemistry or biodiversity during the wet season, highlighting human influence on watershed ecology.
A recent study by University of British Columbia researchers found that the Jerusalem artichoke's ability to produce a large number of tubers is a major driver of its invasive success. The trait evolved independently multiple times in invasive populations, highlighting the potential for invasiveness to evolve repeatedly.
A Sandia study found that shared fates and experiences in a community can help it withstand changes to water availability due to climate change. The social fabric of the community, or sense of cohesion, is a crucial factor contributing to its resilience.
Researchers report lower surface water bodies in western US, while eastern half experiences greater variability and increased areas in the Southeast US and Great Plains.
750 world experts will finalize landmark reports on biodiversity, nature's contributions, and land degradation, providing unprecedented insights into the status of global biodiversity and land quality. The reports will inform better decisions about nature and set biodiversity targets for the period after 2020.
A Southwest Research Institute scientist contributed to a study indicating water and/or hydroxyl may be more prevalent on the Moon's surface than previously thought. The research used multiple instruments and investigations to better characterize the inferred measurements of water, suggesting it is present under wider ranging conditions.
The Intelligent Systems for Geosciences community is using AI to improve decision-making in water management. Computational tools like directed networks are helping visualize connections and patterns in datasets, enabling more informed choices.
The study's findings highlight the importance of radio channel characteristics in optimizing smart agricultural sensor network performance. By analyzing these characteristics, researchers can minimize interference and increase system capacity.
Rock engravings in Western Venezuela, dating up to 2,000 years old, have been mapped in unprecedented detail. The largest panel contains 93 individual engravings, including depictions of animals, humans, and cultural rituals.
Researchers applied an ecological model to explain historical settlement patterns in Utah, finding that agricultural suitability drove colonization. The study's results illustrate why populations are distributed across the state and provide insights into the impact of early settlers' decisions on modern-day Utah.
The Human-Induced Earthquake Database has grown to over 730 entries, revealing that mining projects and water impounded behind dams are the most common causes of induced earthquakes. Unconventional oil and gas extraction using hydraulic fracturing is also a frequent contributor, according to geophysicist Miles Wilson.
Researchers argue that traditional Western theories on creativity are not applicable in resource-scarce environments. Instead, 'jugaad' – a Hindi word for 'hack' – allows people to find low-cost solutions through constructive thinking and experiential learning.
Xi-Cheng Zhang and his team have successfully generated terahertz waves from liquid water, a fundamental breakthrough with significant applications in imaging and spectroscopy. The discovery paves the way for non-destructive inspection of objects and potential uses in security screening, medical imaging, and more.
Researchers warn that easy access to sand has bred a careless understanding of its true global costs, leading to environmental degradation and social issues. The global sand supply is uncertain, with no clear system in place for managing demand and extraction rates.
A comprehensive study found high arsenic concentrations in groundwater throughout the Indus Plain, threatening public health. The researchers recommend urgent action, including testing and treating affected wells, to address this significant global health risk.
Researchers found concentrated lithium in caldera lakes formed by ancient supervolcanic eruptions. This discovery aims to reduce reliance on single companies or countries for lithium supply, addressing global energy and climate change concerns.
A new study suggests that India's planned 'smart' cities could have a detrimental impact on the environment if adequate infrastructure is not provided. The study analyzed the environmental implications of medium-rise housing replaced with high-rise towers, predicting significant extra demands on resources and increased waste output.
Research published in Water Resources and Rural Development finds that access to water is worse now than in 1990, highlighting the need for stronger leadership from governments to implement long-term interventions. The study suggests that current approaches by NGOs, private companies, and other organizations are not aligned strategical...
Balinese rice farmers' planting patterns create fractal designs that yield optimal harvests without global planning. The pattern's emergence is driven by water availability and pest damage, making the system more resilient. Farmers adapt locally, taking individual decisions that optimize their own harvests, resulting in a stable system.
ASU's ShadowCam optical camera will observe permanently shadowed regions on the Moon monthly, detecting seasonal changes and measuring terrain. The instrument will merge images with Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter data to create complete maps of craters hosting these enigmatic regions.
Research finds that large-scale irrigation in the Yellow River basin leads to a decrease in surface air temperature and an increase in latent heat flux, resulting in greater cloud formation. This has a significant impact on regional climate and precipitation patterns.
Research highlights the potential of older adults as a resource for climate action, with individual steps such as reducing energy consumption and family leadership. The publication aims to engage this demographic in addressing climate change, leveraging their time, talent, and desire for purpose.
Researchers at Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology are exploring the use of bioactive substances derived from bacteria to extract copper and molybdenum from ores in a more environmentally sustainable way. The goal is to increase metal yield while reducing chemical usage and waste.
New research predicts that aquifers in parts of India, southern Europe, and the US could be depleted within 2040-2060, affecting up to 1.8 billion people. Heavy irrigation regions in dry climates face the greatest threat of depletion.
Modern soybean crops produce too many leaves, wasting resources like water and carbon. By reducing leaf area, researchers found an 8% increase in seed yield through increased photosynthesis and decreased respiration. The study aims to optimize crop structure for higher yields without compromising water efficiency.
A new study reveals that climate change and water resources development contributed significantly to the decline of Iran's Lake Urmia. The annual flow of water into the lake dropped by 48%, with 60% attributed to climate changes and 40% to human water usage.
New research from Lehigh University reveals that women's economic status is a key predictor of disaster outcomes, with economically empowered women reducing the number of people affected. They also enhance health resources in their communities, leading to decreased suffering and death.
A global experiment by researchers found that adding multiple nutrients leads to reduced grassland diversity due to increased competition among species. This study provides evidence that human influence on nutrient cycles is driving environmental conditions beyond planetary boundaries, threatening irreplaceable biodiversity.
A USGS study finds that groundwater discharge in the Upper Colorado River Basin varies significantly with drought, particularly in shallow aquifers containing relatively young water. This variability is due to climate stresses and increased water demand, which can impact streamflow and resource availability.
Two recent developments, Open Water Data Initiative and National Water Center, enable open sharing of water data nationwide. A flow-continuum model is emerging across atmosphere to oceans, coast to coast, revolutionizing real-time continental hydrology.
A CU Denver study reveals that many communities fail to incorporate historic preservation into their disaster management plans, putting cultural resources at risk. The study identified numerous historic sites in hazardous areas, including those in Florida's National Register of Historic Places in a 100-year floodplain.
A new study uses multistripe laser triangulation (MLT) scanner to predict water movement through soil, identifying preferential flow patterns. The technique helps scientists manage water resources better by predicting recharge rates, water runoff, and soil erosion.
A study published in Scientific Reports reveals that climate change is redistributing global water resources, with more water originating from the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans. This shift can drastically affect the availability of potable water and contribute to increased coastal flooding.
A study found that 4% of agricultural land and 3-4% of fresh water are used for biofuel production, which could feed 280 million more people if used for food. The increasing competition between fuel and food production threatens global food security due to the growing world population.
A new study finds that climate mitigation efforts in the energy system could lead to increasing pressure on water resources, requiring integrated strategies for sustainable long-term use. The energy sector's increasing demand for water by 2100 poses a risk of water allocation conflicts and local shortages.
A new study finds that climate change and changing water resources could reduce global electricity production capacity by over 60% by 2040-2069. However, adaptation measures such as increasing power plant efficiency and using alternative cooling systems can mitigate this decline.
A new research project proposes employing millions of existing distributed energy resources to balance the power grid, increase reliability and decrease carbon emissions. The approach uses incentive-based coordination and control to make the grid more efficient and resilient.
Researchers found that World Vision's community-led approach, which integrates local committees and fee collection, significantly increases well functionality. Nearly 80% of Wells drilled by World Vision remain operational after over two decades with proper maintenance and repair.
Homeowners with smart irrigation controllers are generally satisfied, but experience challenges with SMS-based systems. A tutorial may not be sufficient to increase familiarity with the devices.