Articles tagged with Water Resources
A study by Michigan State University and international partners reveals that 20 renewable resources, such as corn and soy, have reached peak production rates between 1988 and 2008. The researchers warn that relying on substitution to solve shortages may not be effective when multiple resources are running out.
A new study suggests that smart agricultural practices and trade networks enabled the Romans to thrive despite a water-limited environment. However, this stable food supply promoted population growth and urbanization, pushing the Empire closer to its food resources limits.
Researchers developed a cost-saving software-based method that compares pressure and flow rate measurements with mathematical models to accurately detect small leaks in pipelines. This technique successfully reduced errors by 18% and estimated potential savings of millions of dollars compared to existing leak-detection methods.
A recent study reveals that diverse plant communities yield greater results than monocultures, utilizing resources more effectively and providing a protective shield against pests. This new approach to agriculture promotes biodiversity and can lead to increased food safety and sustainability.
Researchers found dramatic differences in flow velocity patterns and forces on river beds between gravel and sandy models, disproving a popular theory. The study's new parameters improve predictive models for nutrient and pollutant transport and provide insight into organism behavior in the narrow zone where rivers meet their beds.
A recent study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that uncertainty can be a motivating factor for individuals. Researchers discovered that people are more likely to invest time and effort into pursuing an uncertain reward, rather than a certain one. This phenomenon is attributed to the positive experience of making the...
The 36 Pit Fire in Oregon began on September 13, 2014 and is still under investigation. Firefighters have made progress in establishing an anchor point and constructing a fireline on the West and North sides of the fire.
A new study by the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill found that when local communities collect fees for repairs and train members to fix wells, they can remain functional for decades. The World Vision model has been implemented in Ghana and resulted in nearly 80% of wells remaining operational after over two decades.
As of August 27, the Happy Camp Complex and July Fire Complexes have consumed over 60,000 acres of land in Northern California. The fire season has been exacerbated by hot and dry conditions, with multiple fires still spreading.
Researchers from RIKEN have discovered a mineral-based catalyst that efficiently splits water into oxygen and hydrogen ions at neutral pH. The key to this success lies in synchronizing electron- and proton-transfer timing, which greatly improves the catalytic activity of manganese oxides.
Researchers analyzed aerial images of fairy circles in northwest Namibia and found a remarkably regular and homogeneous distribution pattern. This suggests local resource-competition among plants and vegetation as the most likely cause, rather than termites or underground gas emissions.
Researchers find that tropical cyclones' maximum intensity is shifting poleward at a rate of about 35 miles per decade in the northern and southern hemispheres. This shift increases risk for coastal cities and regions that depend on cyclones' rainfall, potentially leading to lower water availability.
Researchers developed a new computer model to help plant scientists breed better soybean crops, achieving 8.5% productivity gains while reducing water usage by 13%. The model uses numerical optimization to explore structural traits like leaf distribution and reflectivity.
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.
Researchers found that desert winter annuals outperform each other based on their water use efficiency and growth rate. In wet environments, plants with higher water-use efficiency thrive, while those with faster growth rates dominate in dry years.
A study published in Nature finds that climate change could lead to a decline in plant production due to changes in soil nutrients. As drylands become drier, the imbalance of essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus may affect crop growth, livestock forage, and fuel production.
Researchers discovered three major river systems that likely existed in North Africa 130,000-100,000 years ago, creating fertile habitats for animals and vegetation. The Irharhar river may have been a viable route for human migration across the region.
Participants in studies estimated higher monetary damages for intentional harm than unintentional harm, suggesting people perceive intentional harm as more damaging. This finding has implications for legal and policy-related judgments, potentially leading to over-allocation of resources to prevent highly intentional harms.
A new report examines conditions that foster cooperative use of common resources, including strong group identity, smaller community size, and high trust in leaders. The study highlights factors leading to incongruous use of resources, such as intergroup conflicts, ideology/values, and cognitive disconnection.
The Rancho Fire started on July 19, 2013, and has burned 722 acres of land. Containment efforts involve 337 resources, including 14 crews, 10 engines, and 2 helicopters.
Researchers found mangrove rivulus jumps with greater force on land than largemouth bass, utilizing horizontal and vertical movements. The rivulus's 'tail flip' technique allows it to efficiently locate food, avoid predators, and escape poor water conditions.
Increasing crop water productivity could feed an additional 110 million people while meeting domestic water demands of nearly 1.4 billion, according to a new study. The research team analyzed 16 staple crops globally, identifying opportunities for improving trade-off between food and water.
Janet Vail, an associate research scientist at AWRI since 1990, is being recognized for her public outreach and education efforts on Great Lakes issues. She has led several tours and organized conferences to raise awareness and support for Great Lakes protection.
Researchers at Columbia University developed a method to map evaporation globally using weather stations, enabling scientists to evaluate water resource management and assess recent trends. The technique uses air temperature and humidity measurements to obtain daily evaporation rates.
A National Research Council expert panel recommends creating a large building performance database to improve the knowledge base about high-performance buildings. The study suggests that measuring energy and water use can help identify cost-effective sustainable practices, but more scientific study is needed to justify environmental ou...
Research found that park amenities in lower-income neighborhoods are often lacking, with more basketball courts and fewer trails. Higher-income areas tend to have more aesthetic features like water features or decorative landscaping, while middle-class areas have a mix of both.
A new study assesses global land and water grabbing, revealing its impact on food security in impoverished countries and the environment. The phenomenon has intensified due to rising world food prices, with Africa and Asia accounting for most grabbed area.
Justin Huntington, a Desert Research Institute assistant research professor, has been selected to join the National Science Team supporting the new Landsat Data Continuity Mission Satellite. The team will focus on developing and enhancing Landsat derived evapotranspiration and surface energy products.
A study by Penn State researchers has found high levels of ancient brines in Marcellus flowback water, which are consistent with brines formed during the Paleozoic era. The study highlights the importance of proper disposal and re-use of fracking fluids to prevent environmental contamination.
Researchers propose that cities link together to create a network of sustainable cities, analyzing how resources consumed within a city are sourced and transported. This approach aims to provide long-term resource security for cities while contributing to planetary stewardship.
Red swamp crayfish, an invasive species introduced to enhance fisheries in East Africa, has been found to adapt and survive on terrestrial plants when water levels are low. This discovery highlights the species' incredible resilience and potential for further ecological damage.
Researchers at Arizona State University are developing a game-changing approach for drought monitoring using satellite detection and hydrologic models. The project aims to provide timely detection of drought events with high accuracy, enabling proactive decision-making for national water managers, irrigation districts, and policymakers.
The University of Bristol scientists developed a technique to calibrate six Amazon gauges using ICESat elevation data, correcting large discrepancies in water levels. This method enables researchers to accurately estimate water levels and river slope, crucial for understanding the exchange of water with floodplains and other processes.
Climate change is projected to put strain on global groundwater resources as precipitation decreases and people turn to groundwater for water needs. The UN-sponsored research emphasizes the importance of regulating and conserving non-renewable groundwater to ensure its sustainability.
The Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) on the next Landsat satellite will detect Earth's temperature using quantum physics-based detector arrays. This technology enables accurate measurements of land and water usage, vital for managing Western US water consumption.
The Lyman Alpha Mapping Project detects water frost and high surface porosities in lunar permanently shadowed regions, challenging previous assumptions about its loss and accumulation. This finding adds to the understanding of the Moon's water resources and supports future exploration and potential permanent base considerations.
Researchers from the University of Southampton contributed to a major UN report on the world's land and water resources for food and agriculture. The report notes that global food production is projected to increase by 70% globally and nearly 100% in developing countries, putting pressure on agricultural systems.
A NASA study using satellite data from Landsat missions has confirmed that warming temperatures in northern Quebec have resulted in an increase in shrubs and grasses over the past 20 years. The study provides a detailed view of how warmer temperatures are influencing plant distribution and density in northern areas of North America.
The American College of Physicians advocates for a seventh ACGME/ABMS general competency on cost-conscious care. Meanwhile, research on Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure in relation to diabetes remains inconclusive. Additionally, local incidence data may improve the diagnosis of strep throat, which affects millions worldwide each year.
A study by UC Davis scientists predicts that warming streams will be fatal to spring-run Chinook salmon in California unless water management strategies are implemented. Reducing hydropower diversions during warmest times could preserve salmon populations for a few decades.
Researchers found that large-scale land conversion to bioenergy crops increases water use, reducing soil moisture and runoff but increasing atmospheric humidity. The study's results highlight the need to consider water demands in decision-making for energy production through bioenergy crops.
Despite a decentralized system, some California water agencies are taking on groundwater protection without state leadership. Innovations include conservation strategies and increased transparency through partnerships with environmental organizations. However, critical overdraft issues remain due to over-pumping and subsidence concerns.
Research by Ruud van der Ent shows that evaporation from the Amazon forest is responsible for 50% of rainfall in Peru and other surrounding countries. Land use changes such as irrigation, dams, and deforestation can alter evaporation patterns, affecting water resources in distant regions.
Researchers argue that increased discussion is needed to monitor the ecological effects of human activities on deep-sea ecosystems. Advances in underwater monitoring equipment enable real-time data sharing, facilitating sustainable resource use and early warning systems.
Researchers used satellite imagery and an artificial neural network to classify and monitor irrigated crops, achieving high accuracy rates. The study aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices and reduce water waste in Mediterranean countries.
Researchers developed a mathematical model that proposes unlimited biodiversity in ecosystems with multiple competing species. The rock-paper-scissors tournament concept shows how species can co-exist without extinction, depending on the rarity of key species.
Researchers have developed a mathematical model that predicts relationships among leaf functions based on three properties of the vein network: density, distance between veins, and number of loops. The study indicates that plants with denser vein networks can absorb more carbon while withstanding higher levels of water loss.
A recent study found that invasive species and over-exploitation of water resources are the biggest threats to fish in the Mediterranean basin. The researchers used data on 232 fish species and their distribution range to show that fish communities are exposed to the greatest threat of extinction when these pressures are present.
A team will evaluate watershed sources, lake water stratification, and wind conditions to develop a predictive model for potential changes in hypoxia. The results will help identify acceptable limits for nutrient levels to reduce hypoxia in Green Bay.
In a letter to The Lancet, 35 public health students from Birzeit University in the oPt urge an end to the conflict and call for advancements in research capacity. They highlight the need for a comprehensive development system suitable for the population, with control over local resources and a coherent health system.
NASA engineers have completed a critical design review of the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) instrument, which will help monitor water consumption in the U.S. West. TIRS will extend the Landsat database in the thermal infrared bands needed by various users, providing high-sensitivity cryogenically cooled detector arrays.
The world's waters are facing increasing pressure due to population growth, urbanization, and pollution, threatening food production and water resources. The Mekong River Basin is a prime example of water-related conflicts escalating over access to hydropower production and its impact on local livelihoods.
Researchers found that corn plants in no-till fields experience intense competition for sunlight, water, and nutrients, leading to reduced yields. The leftover corn residue creates patches of soil with lower temperatures and different nutrient content, resulting in significant height differences among plants.
Satellite-based findings reveal nearly enough water lost in California's Central Valley to fill Lake Mead, primarily due to increased irrigation. The region's groundwater storage is declining, with significant losses detected in the San Joaquin basin.
A study by McMaster University reveals that plants prefer to share space with their own kind but divert resources towards leaves when paired with non-kin. This complex behavior allows siblings to access sunlight and compete more effectively for limited resources.
The new NIST database on gas hydrates provides a comprehensive collection of data on the properties of these naturally occurring crystalline materials, which are a potential energy resource and may affect the Earth's climate. The database contains over 12,000 individual data points for 150 compounds and 400 different chemical systems.
A $226,890 grant will fund a study on the effects of eastern redcedar encroachment on Oklahoma's tallgrass prairie ecosystem, which can alter precipitation and water loss patterns. The research aims to provide insights for land managers to better understand the impact of woody plant proliferation on water availability.
Smaller plant species thrive under the canopies of large host plants, utilizing resources and establishing quickly. This challenges traditional views on the role of plant size in competitive ability and community assembly.
A new Army study has improved the ability to predict drinking water needs for troops, potentially cutting costs of operations and improving civilian water planning. The study produced formulations that are 58-65% more accurate than the existing Shapiro equation in laboratory settings.
A series of symposium papers explore AquaCrop and other agronomic models that estimate water use efficiency under varying conditions. The models were shown to adequately simulate WUE under well-watered conditions but tend to overestimate or underestimate WUE under water stress, limiting their usefulness for deficit irrigation scenarios.