Climate change affects soil health
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.
Droughts
Articles tagged with Droughts
Mountain vegetation dries out Alpine water fluxes
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.
Warmer, dryer, browner
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.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateJan 23, 2020
Widespread droughts affect southern California water sources six times a century
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.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association·DateJan 13, 2020
How do conifers survive droughts? Study points to existing roots, not new growth
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.
OU awarded a $4.5 million grant for climate study
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.
Multi-species grassland mixtures increase yield stability, even under drought conditions
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.
Megadroughts fueled Peruvian cloud forest activity
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.
Breakthrough in battle against invasive plants
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.
Silverswords may be gone with the wind
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.
Rural decline not driven by water recovery
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.
Raising plants to withstand climate change
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.
Genomic gymnastics help sorghum plant survive drought
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.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2019
A study compares how water is managed in Spain, California and Australia
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.
LANL news: Drought impact study shows new issues for plants and carbon dioxide
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.
Climate may have helped crumble one of the ancient world's most powerful civilizations
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.
Severe drought shuts down reproduction in copperhead snakes, study finds
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.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 29, 2019
Game changer: New chemical keeps plants plump
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.
An evapotranspiration deficit drought index to detect drought impacts on ecosystems
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.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateOct 24, 2019
Future flash drought will increase over humid regions
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.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 17, 2019
Study: Climate change could cause drought in wheat-growing areas
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.
Investments to address climate change are good for business
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.
Sesame yields stable in drought conditions
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.
Peatlands trap CO2, even during droughts
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.
Harnessing tomato jumping genes could help speed-breed drought-resistant crops
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.
The state of China's climate in 2018: More extreme events, but less loss
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.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateSep 4, 2019
New feedback phenomenon found to drive increasing drought and aridity
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.
SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2019
Concurrent drought and aridity
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.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2019
Global warming may diminish plant genetic variety in Central Europe
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.
Drought and childhood undernutrition
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.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 12, 2019
Mapping the effects of drought on vulnerable populations
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.
SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 12, 2019
Back-to-back low snow years will become more common, study projects
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.
How the Pacific Ocean influences long-term drought in the Southwestern US
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.
Hotter, wetter, dryer: WVU research forecasts an uptick in extreme weather, temperatures
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.
SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateAug 6, 2019
Twelve centuries of European summer droughts
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.
Ecosystem impacts of megadroughts
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.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 15, 2019
New analysis reveals challenges for drought management in Oregon's Willamette River Basin
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
Indian Ocean causes drought and heatwaves in South America
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.
Maize-centric diet may have contributed to ancient Maya collapse
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.
UCI, UC Merced: California forest die-off caused by depletion of deep-soil water
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.
Natural biodiversity protects rural farmers' incomes from tropical weather shocks
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.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists·DateJun 27, 2019
How trees affect the weather
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.
Does limited underground water storage make plants less susceptible to drought?
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.
Cell structure linked to longevity of slow-growing ponderosa pines
Researchers found a microscopic valve-like structure in slow-growing ponderosa pines provides greater safety against drought but slows water transport, limiting growth rate. The study suggests there is a fundamental tradeoff between drought resistance and growth rate in these trees.
SourceThe University of Montana·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2019
Wheat myth debunked
A new study debunks the myth that intensive breeding has made modern wheat cultivars weaker. Modern wheat varieties actually out-perform older ones in both optimal and sub-optimum growing conditions. This finding could have significant implications for raising productivity in organic cropping systems.
Past climate change: A warning for the future?
A new study of past climate changes and their effects on ancient societies offers lessons for the future. Climate disruptions in prehistoric Amazonia, such as changes in rainfall patterns and agriculture, may be comparable to the current human-caused climate change affecting most parts of the world.
New study shows how climate change could affect impact of roundworms on grasslands
A new study found that extreme drought conditions can lead to an explosion of root-feeding nematodes in grassland ecosystems, decreasing grass root production and potentially exacerbating carbon sequestration loss. The research team hopes to learn more about the interaction between water and nematode stresses to plants.
SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2019
Heat, not drought, will drive lower crop yields, researchers say
A study by Cornell University researchers suggests that climate change-induced heat stress will have a greater impact on crop yields than drought stress in the US. The analysis projects significant yield reductions of 8-48% for major crops like maize and spring wheat, with some crops more resilient to heat stress.
Asia's glaciers provide buffer against drought
A new study reveals that Asia's high mountain glaciers provide a significant buffer against drought, supplying water to major river basins during dry seasons. The glaciers release 36 cubic kilometres of meltwater annually, equivalent to the annual municipal and industrial needs of several countries.
Thinning forests, prescribed fire before drought reduced tree loss
A study from the University of California, Davis found that thinning forests and prescribed burns reduced tree mortality during a severe drought and bark beetle epidemic. The treatment also helped to increase forest resilience by reducing water stress and making trees more resistant to climate change.
Storm water banking could help Texas manage floods and droughts
Researchers found that Texas' major rivers produce enough water to store almost two-thirds of the state's flow capacity. Capturing this water could partially mitigate floods and droughts. The study's discovery fills a niche in understanding the potential for aquifer storage projects across the state.
Researchers document the oldest known trees in eastern North America
Researchers have documented the oldest known living trees in eastern North America and the longest-lived wetland species in the world. The ancient bald cypress trees are estimated to be around 2,624 years old and were discovered in a forested wetland preserve along the Black River in North Carolina.
Scientists see fingerprint of warming climate on droughts going back to 1900
Researchers identified long-term global effects on water supplies, with drying soils in North America and Eurasia, and wetter regions like the Indian subcontinent. The study suggests severe consequences for humans as warmer temperatures intensify droughts in dry regions.
NASA study: Human influence on global droughts goes back 100 years
A NASA study reveals that human activities have been influencing global drought patterns since the early 20th century. The research, published in Nature, used a combination of modern soil moisture measurements and tree ring-based records to identify a 'human fingerprint' in drought data.
Excessive rainfall as damaging to corn yield as extreme heat, drought
A recent US study found that excessive rainfall can reduce corn yield by up to 34% relative to expected yields, similar to the impact of extreme heat and drought. The research highlights the need for improved crop insurance models to address climate change-driven extreme weather events.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateApr 30, 2019
How severe drought influences ozone pollution
Researchers analyzed data from Fresno and Bakersfield before, during, and after the California drought to understand its impact on ozone air quality. They found that severe drought conditions led to a 20% decrease in ozone production due to reduced isoprene concentrations and altered VOCs.
Study shows arctic warming contributes to drought
A new study reveals that arctic warming contributes to drought in mid-latitude regions by reducing precipitation and weakening wind patterns. Researchers analyzed geological evidence from lakes and glaciers to estimate past dry conditions, finding that Wyoming experienced several thousand years of drought-like periods.
Droughts could hit aging power plants hard
A new study by Duke University finds that droughts and rising water temperatures will significantly impact US power plants' generating capacity. The researchers recommend replacing traditional once-through cooling systems with recirculating cooling systems to mitigate these effects.
Half a degree more warming may cause dramatic differences on drought-flood compound risks
A new metric called the E2E evaluates the intensification of wet and dry spells under global warming, revealing significant increases in event-to-event hydrological intensification index with rising temperatures.
SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 26, 2019
Measuring impact of drought on groundwater resources from space
Researchers measured groundwater loss and storage capacity during 2012-2015 drought, finding a permanent loss of up to three percent of the aquifer's storage capacity. The study provides water resource managers with better tools to monitor groundwater health and implement sustainable practices.