Articles tagged with Droughts
Researchers analyzed tree-ring reconstructions of streamflow to quantify drought severity, dating back to 800 CE. The study found the 2000-2010 drought was the driest in 1,200 years, with increased warming contributing to its extreme severity.
New research from CU Boulder suggests that as much as two-thirds of western states will lose their ability to predict seasonal drought using snowpack by mid-century. Coastal areas and regions at lower elevations will be most affected, leading to increased reliance on reservoirs and potential water supply complications.
An international team led by Princeton atmospheric scientist Meiyun Lin found that drought-stressed vegetation reduces ozone removal, worsening pollution episodes. This study highlights the need for stronger emission controls to address ozone air quality in Europe and has broader implications.
A new study by Duke University finds that US community water systems are disproportionately affected by droughts, with low-income and minority neighborhoods facing the highest risks. The analysis highlights the need for a fundamental re-evaluation of how these systems are managed and funded to ensure equal access to safe drinking water.
A new study suggests that climate change is driving a megadrought in the western United States, with warming temperatures playing a key role. The study, which analyzed modern weather observations and tree-ring data, finds that the current drought is already outdoing the worst past 19-year increments within previous episodes.
New insights into drought's impacts on social, ecological and agricultural systems are highlighted in this special issue. Research identifies vulnerabilities in water management policy and the importance of soil microbiota in crop resilience.
Researchers found that irrigation increases crop yield by 16% due to cooling effects, not just water supply. Cooling reduces temperature stress and improves plant growth.
A 900 AD human dispersal event occurred in eastern Polynesia, preceding colonization of the southern Cook Islands. Regional drought may have driven an incremental expansion into the region.
The study reveals how ancient peoples in Arabia adapted to arid conditions through mobility, water management, and economic transformation. In contrast, southeastern populations relied on coastal resources during droughts, highlighting the importance of considering regional responses to climate change.
A University of Washington study synthesizes climate change impacts on Northwest wildfires, predicting larger and more frequent fires in the region. The greatest increased risk is found for low-elevation ponderosa pine forests, with other ecosystems experiencing more frequent but less severe fires.
A recent study reveals that climate disasters increase the risk of armed conflicts in vulnerable countries, where large populations, political exclusion, and low development create instability. The research combines statistical analysis with regional case studies to demonstrate the link between disaster occurrence and conflict onsets.
Researchers found that increased CO2 levels reduced water loss and improved water use efficiency in trees during periods of drought and heat, but had no positive effect on carbon metabolism. The study suggests that the benefits of elevated CO2 are outweighed by the negative impacts of climate change.
The UK Water Resources Portal brings together up-to-date data on river flows, rainfall, soil moisture and groundwater levels, providing insights into floods and droughts. The portal also offers historical records for comparison with previous significant events.
A new satellite-based algorithm, BESS-STAIR, has achieved unprecedented accuracy in estimating crop water use in the US Corn Belt. The framework combines plant's carbon-water-energy cycles to provide high-resolution data on a daily basis, offering real-time benefits for farmers
A second Dust Bowl would severely impact global wheat stocks, with a 31% initial loss and up to 75% depletion by the end of four years. Global trade and supply chains would be affected, leading to price increases for consumers worldwide.
A new method helps scientists determine how vulnerable rivers are to drought conditions by analyzing streamflow data, identifying faster and slower components of runoff and their impact on river sensitivity.
A recent study has found that intense droughts and wildfires during the last El Niño climate phenomenon, combined with human disturbance, led to a significant decline in dung beetle numbers. The beetles, which play a crucial role in spreading nutrients and seeds, fell by more than half and took at least two years to recover.
Soil pathogens like Pythium ultimum spread more easily under heat and drought stress, causing widespread crop failure. Soils from Scotland are less resistant to these pathogens than those from Hungary.
During droughts, mountain forests and grasslands at higher elevations release more water into the air than in normal growth periods. This is due to increased metabolism promoting water uptake by vegetation. As a result, evapotranspiration rates are above average, draining rivers and streams of half their usual volume.
The 2018 Four Corners drought in the US was exacerbated by human-induced warming, with temperatures rising 2 degrees Celsius. The region's vegetation turned brown due to increased evaporation, resulting in economic losses of over $3 billion and impacts on Native American communities.
Research led by University of Arizona found simultaneous droughts in Southern California's main water sources occurred six times per century on average. Perfect droughts lasting two or more years coincide with high pressure off the northwest Pacific Coast and storm tracks shifted north.
A study led by Scott Mackay finds that pines and junipers access water sources through their deep roots during prolonged dry spells. The research suggests that growing new roots takes too long to tap into deeper resources, helping conifers survive droughts.
The University of Oklahoma received a $4.5 million grant to apply cutting-edge science and tools for climate adaptation in the south-central United States. Researchers will focus on decision-making support for Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico.
Researchers found that four-species mixtures of perennial ryegrass, chicory, red clover and white clover outperformed monocultures in terms of yield stability during drought. The study revealed higher yields in the multi-species mixtures, with an average drop of 1.08 tonnes ha-1 compared to 1.41 tonnes ha-1 for monocultures.
A new study found that megadroughts in the Andes led to widespread deforestation and maize farming in the Laguna de los Cóndores region. However, as climate conditions normalized, forests reclaimed the area, and sediment samples showed an improvement in water quality.
Researchers developed a global database to predict invasive plant populations, finding that species from disturbed environments are more likely to become invasive. The study suggests avoiding the export of these species, which can cause harm to people, industry, and wildlife worldwide.
New research from the University of Adelaide reveals that climate and economic factors are driving farmers out of their properties in the Murray-Darling Basin. The study found no significant association between reduced water extraction and farmer numbers.
A new study found that lower elevation Silversword plants are less drought-resistant than higher elevation plants, leading to increased mortality rates. The researchers suggest using suitable habitats for the plants in a changing climate rather than breeding them with drought-resistant genes.
Flinders University researchers have developed a method to enhance plant tolerance to climate change stressors by manipulating mitochondrial respiration. This approach has shown promise in improving plant recovery from drought and high light conditions.
Researchers have discovered how the sorghum plant exercises exquisite control over its genome to survive harsh conditions. The study reveals that the plant modulates the expression of tens of thousands of genes in response to drought stress, with changes occurring within a week of water scarcity.
A research project at the University of Córdoba and the University of Zaragoza analyzed legislative changes in water management in Spain, California, and the Murray Darling Basin in Australia. The study shows that despite similarities in agriculture and water scarcity, these regions have distinct approaches to managing their watersheds.
Under future climate change, droughts are expected to become more frequent and severe, with a tripling of globally-averaged reductions in plant production by the end of this century. This could have devastating impacts on plant populations and the global carbon cycle.
Research suggests climate-related droughts triggered decline in Assyria's way of life and contributed to its collapse. The empire's reliance on rainfall for agriculture made it vulnerable to prolonged droughts, leading to instability and conflict.
A long-term study found that five consecutive years of drought effectively ended copperhead snakes' reproductive output. Snakes produced significantly fewer offspring during and after the drought, with no pregnant females recorded in the year following the drought's end.
A UC Riverside-led team has developed a chemical to help plants retain water, reducing crop losses from drought. The new compound, Opabactin, is more effective than earlier versions and works quickly, allowing farmers to manage crop performance.
A new drought index, SEDI, sensitively captures biological changes in ecosystems due to drought evolution. The study assesses its effectiveness in highlighting vegetation responses to climatic fluctuations and heavy droughts.
A recent study found a significant increasing trend of flash drought frequency over China during 1961-2005, driven by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. The exposure risk in southern provinces with humid climates is expected to increase by up to 40% in the middle of this century.
A new study warns that up to 60% of current wheat-growing areas could experience severe and prolonged droughts by the end of the century due to climate change. This would have a significant impact on global food production and lead to increased food prices.
A study published in Science found that acting on climate change can have a significant return on investment, avoiding damages to people, infrastructure, and ecosystems. The research suggests that rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Researchers found that sesame performs well under drought conditions, with consistent yields even when water-deficit conditions decreased sorghum's yield by 25% and cotton's yield by 40%. Sesame has multiple market value uses, including food consumption, cooking oil production, and livestock feed.
Researchers found that two Sphagnum species in the Le Forbonnet peatland can survive extreme temperatures and droughts. This suggests that preserving peatlands is crucial for mitigating climate change.
Researchers have discovered that drought stress triggers the activity of Rider retrotransposons, potentially leading to new trait variations in crops. The study highlights the potential of transposons as a source of crop improvement, particularly in breeding more resilient crops against climate change.
In 2018, China experienced more frequent and severe typhoons, low-temperature freezing and snow disasters, and rainstorms. Despite these extreme events, the area of affected crops, death toll, and direct economic losses were significantly less than in previous years.
Climate simulations suggest that land-atmosphere feedbacks can increase atmospheric aridity, leading to high probabilities of concurrent soil drought and extreme aridity. The study also predicts more frequent and intense drought and aridity in the coming century with significant human and ecological implications.
A new study found that concurrent soil drought and atmospheric aridity are driven by land-atmosphere processes and feedback loops, leading to increased frequency and intensity of extreme events. The researchers warn that future intensification of these events would be disastrous for ecosystems and human lives.
A new study published in Nature found that only a few individuals of the thale cress plant have adapted to extreme climate conditions, suggesting a potential collapse of species genetic diversity in Central Europe. This could lead to reduced plant populations unable to survive due to changing precipitation and temperature patterns.
Climate change and drought are exacerbating malnutrition outcomes in children worldwide, with stunting affecting at least one-third of children in Africa and South Asia. A new study maps the effects of drought on child nutrition, identifying areas most vulnerable to climate shocks and factors influencing vulnerability.
A recent study found that droughts are associated with poor childhood nutrition, particularly in areas with low agricultural diversity and ineffective governance. Researchers mapped the risk of child stunting during drought conditions using data from 53 countries since 1990.
Consecutive low snow years may become six times more common in the Western United States, leading to ecological and economic challenges. The study projects that year-to-year variability of peak snowpack will decrease, mostly in areas transitioning from snow- to rain-dominated precipitation.
West Virginia University research predicts a 10-degree spike in average temperature by the end of the 21st century, leading to more frequent droughts, heat waves, and flooding. Increased evaporation due to warmer air temperatures exacerbates these extremes, threatening water security and ecosystem health.
A new study from the University of Washington explores how Pacific Ocean conditions contribute to prolonged droughts in the Southwestern US. Researchers found that El Niño events can lead to multi-year droughts if followed by a La Niña event, and that a complex interplay between ocean and atmospheric conditions is at play.
A study of 12 centuries of European summer droughts reveals that recent changes in drought patterns are not unprecedented. The research team found that climate models exaggerate temperature-driven drought risk in northern Europe, while underestimating excessive precipitation and flood risks.
A new study highlights the importance of introducing conservation measures upstream from where droughts are likely to cause shortages. The research found that effective policies can conserve water but have limited ability to mitigate shortages, as timing and location mismatch
A study reconstructs a severe megadrought interval in Australia between 1891 and 1903, revealing widespread ecosystem impacts. The findings suggest that record rainfall deficiencies can lead to mass mortality and ecosystem collapse, with over 60 genera experiencing severe stress.
A record-breaking South American drought and marine heatwave in 2013/14 were caused by strong atmospheric convection over the Indian Ocean. The event displaced normal atmospheric circulation over South America, leading to extreme weather conditions and severe impacts on agriculture, public health, and fisheries.
An increase in elite Maya's preference for a maize-based diet made the population more vulnerable to drought, contributing to its societal collapse. The study found that a less flexible and less resilient system resulted from population expansion, agricultural intensification, and socially conditioned food preferences.
A study published in Nature Geoscience found that California's Sierra Nevada mountain range experienced a catastrophic forest die-off due to depleted deep-soil water. The researchers discovered that years of severe drought and abnormally warm temperatures exceeded the safety margin for trees, leading to widespread tree death.
A recent study found that natural biodiversity can effectively buffer farmers' incomes against droughts and other weather-related shocks in tropical regions. Farmers in areas with greater biodiversity took less of an income hit from droughts compared to those with lower biodiversity.
Plant communities in Mediterranean climates with limited underground water storage can thrive in both low-water and rainy years. They do well because the soil stores little water relative to rainfall, replenishing the supply even during dry years.
Researchers found that certain plant and tree traits exacerbate drought conditions by rapidly releasing water vapor into the air. This can lead to more frequent and intense droughts in hot climates, even in regions with adapted plant species.