Articles tagged with Droughts
Researchers surveyed 1400 Kenyans affected by drought, finding that those who relocated are more likely to experience violence. However, migrants themselves do not express increased support for violence, suggesting a complex relationship between migration and conflict.
Researchers found a decline in snakebites during droughts and an increase after rainy periods. Climate change exacerbates extreme weather events, leading to more snakebites.
A new study found that rainy years lead to a 3.9% spike in snake bites across California's 58 counties, contradicting the notion that drought increases encounters with venomous reptiles. The researchers suspect that rodents, which thrive in rainy conditions, may be the primary driver of this unexpected trend.
A new Cornell University study reveals that the San Joaquin Valley in central California is sinking by up to a half-meter annually due to drought and ongoing groundwater extraction. Groundwater depletion has been estimated at 10 miles cubed between 2012 and 2016, posing significant engineering problems and threatening water quality.
A University of Basel study reveals that native forest trees can adapt to extreme drought by closing their pores, preventing damage and reducing water loss. Despite this, researchers caution that prolonged dry spells could weaken trees and make them more susceptible to insect infestations.
A new study uses satellite technology to measure the impact of droughts on photosynthesis and ecosystem respiration. Researchers found that during dry years, natural ecosystems removed about 30% less carbon from the atmosphere, leading to faster CO2 concentration increases.
Researchers used information theory techniques to track changes in rainfall, heat, soil moisture and carbon flow in two ecosystems before, during and after rainfall and drought events. The study found that stronger connectivity alters how rainfall affects moisture, heat and carbon flux in the system.
A long-term study found that drought helped ecological underdogs by stressing dominant species, while carnivores suffered when their prey became scarce. The Carrizo Plain National Monument revealed patterns relevant for climate change, with implications for conservation efforts.
A new study found that frequent fires in eastern US forests make droughts harder for young trees to survive, even in wet areas. The research shows that fire can promote warmer, drier conditions and reduce nitrogen availability, leading to increased drought stress.
Researchers improved soil moisture drought forecasting over the Yellow River Basin by combining climate and land surface hydrology models, achieving higher probabilistic drought forecasting skill and reliability. The multimodel ensemble approach provides valuable information for drought adaptation in this region.
Researchers measured isotopes of water trapped in gypsum to determine changes in rainfall and relative humidity during the Maya downfall. Annual precipitation decreased by 41-54% and relative humidity declined by 2-7%. These findings support theories that drought contributed to the Maya civilization's collapse.
A new study reveals that climate change is altering soil microbial networks, affecting plant communities and ecosystem function. The research found that drought increases the abundance of a certain fast-growing grass, leading to decreased soil moisture.
A new study reveals that the Terminal Classic Period drought led to significant reductions in rainfall and relative humidity in the Maya Lowlands. The research found annual rainfall decreased by nearly 50% on average, with up to 70% during peak drought conditions.
Dry months are experiencing temperature increases faster than average climate warming, according to a new UCI study. The research team found regions undergoing droughts warmed more than four times faster than areas with average weather conditions.
A new tool predicts dengue outbreaks in the Caribbean after droughts and intense rainfall, helping plan interventions to reduce disease risk. The model, developed by ISGlobal, considers combined impacts of drought and rainfall on mosquito-borne diseases.
The Mekong Delta is experiencing environmental changes that threaten the livelihoods of its 15 million people, with rising sea levels and droughts affecting agricultural productivity. The delta's unique ecosystem is being disrupted by dam-building upstream and climate change, leading to saltwater intrusions and reduced sedimentation.
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.
Researchers used satellite-based measurements to track changes in groundwater levels and storage capacity in the Central Valley aquifer system, revealing permanent loss of water storage capacity. The study provides new tools for water resource managers to monitor aquifers and mitigate the effects of drought.
Researchers found that producing and deploying shade balls to prevent evaporation in reservoirs may actually consume more water than they conserve. The study estimates that for every drop of water saved by the balls, over one drop would be used elsewhere due to production requirements.
Financial incentive programs created critical waterbird habitat in the Central Valley of California during severe droughts. Satellite data revealed a 61% increase in flooded rice fields and up to 100% of available habitat created by these programs.
Researchers from UTEP and UNT discovered that dusty rainwater carries a range of chemical elements, including nutrients like iron and phosphorus. This study provides the first quantification of dust composition in Texas rainwater, highlighting the potential for pollutants and nutrients to impact ecosystems.
Spanish researchers developed a system to track human migration caused by climate change using mobile phone tracks. The model achieved over 60% prediction success rate for displacements in Colombia's La Guajira region during a severe drought, highlighting the importance of economic opportunities and urban areas in migration decisions.
The ESA Annual Meeting explores how extreme events challenge populations, communities, and ecosystems, as well as human health and living conditions. The meeting delves into topics such as pastoralism in the 21st century, drought resilience and recovery, and coastal ecological resilience and climate change adaptation.
Researchers used ESMD and BGSA to study temporal and spatial patterns of drought in the Yellow River basin. The results showed that drought frequency varied by season, with summer being the driest, and suggested targeted drought resistance measures for the region.
New research reveals tall Amazonian forests are more resilient to drought, with older trees having deeper root systems that access deeper soil moisture. This finding has implications for the future ability of rainforests to store carbon and withstand climate change.
A recent study by Melinda Knuth of Texas A&M University explores the importance of efficient water usage in landscaping and horticulture. The research suggests that relying on recycled water can help conserve this diminishing resource, ultimately benefiting both human life and plant growth.
A recent study found that limiting global warming to 1.5°C could reduce extreme climate events in Africa, such as droughts and heatwaves, by up to 25% and 20%, respectively. This reduction is projected despite a slight increase in precipitation extremes.
A University of Washington study reveals that forest die-offs in specific regions of the US can influence plant growth in other parts of the country. The largest impacts were seen from losing forest cover in California, leading to slightly warmer Eastern US summers and harming plant growth.
A recent study reveals that seven of eight North China PSSD events occurred when La Niña transited to El Niño with a negative NPO phase in preceding winter. This study demonstrates that ENSO phase transition from La Niña to El Niño is one of the important precursors of North China PSSD.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati discovered that female mosquitoes bite not only to get protein but also to quench their thirst during a drought. Dehydration prompted as many as 30 percent of female mosquitoes to seek a blood meal, increasing the risk of disease transmission.
A new study suggests that a partial collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) could lead to extreme warming in European summers. This phenomenon, known as the 'cold-ocean-warm-summer' feedback, is linked to atmospheric blocking and has been observed in recent record-breaking cold ocean temperatures.
Researchers estimate that airborne dust levels could increase by 10-30% due to drought conditions, resulting in a 20-130% rise in premature deaths and a 60-300% growth in hospitalizations. The US Southwest is projected to experience severe and persistent droughts by 2100, posing a substantial public health burden.
Drought regions in Europe could expand from 13% to 26% of total area with a 3-degree global warming, affecting up to 400 million people. A 1.5-degree warming limit would reduce expansion to 19%, while drought durations would increase three to four times.
A new study reveals that extreme climate variability over the last century has synchronized ecosystem behavior on the West Coast, increasing risks of extinction for marine and terrestrial organisms. This synchrony is linked to changes in winter climate patterns, such as the North Pacific High, which have become more variable over time.
Research found droughts halve overall flower numbers, reducing food for bees and other pollinators in chalk grasslands.
A team of climatologists at UC Santa Barbara's Climate Hazards Group has developed skillful predictions for droughts and famines, helping to mitigate their effects on severe food insecurity. Their work, in collaboration with various organizations, aims to make the world more food secure by anticipating climate extremes.
Researchers used tree-ring records to analyze Mongolia's 2,060-year climate history. The study found that future droughts are likely no worse than those of the past, with increased precipitation offsetting the effects of higher temperatures on semi-arid regions.
Research found that older tropical forests can access deeper soil layers during droughts, while younger forests struggle to survive due to shallower root systems. This study has implications for reforestation efforts and understanding forest responses to climate change.
A University of California study found native wildflowers stored up to 201% more seeds underground during a drought, compared to exotic grasses which decreased by 52%. This adaptive strategy helps them survive in variable climates.
Researchers found that up to 27% of annual rainfall is stored as 'rock moisture' in bedrock fractures and pores. This water can sustain trees through droughts even after soil has become parched, explaining why some tree species showed little effect from severe droughts.
Researchers at UCR discovered that tropical trees in the Amazon Rainforest have developed an unusual way to conserve and redistribute water during drought, using a layer of living cells around their xylem. This unique method may alleviate concerns about the impact of drought on these critical climate regulators.
A new study reveals that European cities will experience more frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, and flooding due to climate change. Southern Europe will see the biggest increases in heatwave days and temperatures, while central Europe will face the greatest temperature increases during heatwaves.
A study by Portland State University found that rural ranchers in Mexico's Baja California peninsula faced significant challenges accessing water during a six-year drought. The study highlights a rural-urban divide, with those living closer to urban areas having better access to water deliveries.
A quarter of the world's land could become significantly drier if global warming reaches 2C, according to new research. This change would increase the threat of droughts and wildfires, with areas such as semi-arid regions experiencing conditions similar to arid climates.
Scientists used genetic variability to map a plant species' ability to adapt to climate change, finding that Scandinavian plants can cope with severe drought. The study suggests that relocating populations with genetic variants supporting drought adaptation could help rescue endangered species and improve crop performance.
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have developed a new satellite-based drought severity index that incorporates groundwater storage. This tool provides reliable information on drought conditions, enabling effective water management and impact assessment.
A team of Caltech engineers has developed an empirical model of the California reservoir network, allowing managers to anticipate and respond to drought conditions more effectively. The model uses statistical techniques to learn from past data and shed light on how reservoirs will respond to different climate patterns in the future.
A study published in Climate of the Past found that climate changes played a significant role in triggering immigration from Southwest Germany to North America during the 19th century. The researchers identified major migration waves linked to extreme weather events, such as the 'year without summer', and found that climate was a major...
Scientists improve drought prediction for La Niña events with two new studies, predicting a second year of drought due to the current La Niña. The research found that La Niña's impact on atmospheric circulation and southern U.S. drought becomes stronger in the second year.
MIT researchers have developed sensors that can be printed onto plant leaves to reveal when they are experiencing a water shortage. These sensors take advantage of plants' stomata and can detect even slight changes in water pressure, allowing for early warnings in agricultural settings.
A new study compares the spatiotemporal characteristics of global drylands using three different drought indices: SWI, PET_Th, and PET_PM. The researchers found that the Surface Wetness Index (SWI) yields broadly similar results to the Thornthwaite method when considering interdecadal variability of global and continental drylands.
Pinyon pine trees rely on specific microclimates to recover from drought events. Cooler and wetter climates with high tree cover, abundant juvenile trees, and mature seed-producing trees are essential for regeneration. Microsites under shaded canopies also provide favorable conditions for young pinyon pine growth.
Researchers found that European drought indices are deviating in a manner consistent with climate change simulations. The study suggests decreases in drought frequency in the north and increases in the south, driven by rising temperatures and evapotranspiration. This trend has been observed from the 1980s to present.
A Michigan State University scientist is leading a NOAA-funded project to create a three-month, automated drought outlook that will be released weekly to the public. The system aims to provide more notice of potential droughts, including flash droughts, and help policymakers and stakeholders prepare for these events.
A study published in the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management found a systematic link between droughts and riots in sub-Saharan Africa. Droughts increase the possibility of rioting by 10% in a given month, with population density playing a key role in this relationship.
A study examines the role of fungi in drought tolerance in pinyon pines, finding that parent and offspring trees share similar fungal communities and that these communities differ between drought-tolerant and intolerant trees.
The ForPAc project aims to improve drought and flood forecasting in Kenya through weather-climate forecasts and identify barriers to acting on that knowledge. The project will put in place effective early warning systems to save lives and reduce long-term progress setback due to severe droughts.
Researchers used satellite data to track groundwater levels in Silicon Valley, discovering the aquifer rebounded quickly after a severe drought due to aggressive conservation measures. The study lays groundwork for low-cost monitoring of subterranean water reserves globally.
Researchers analyzed over five decades of data to find that changes in non-extreme precipitation are more significant than previously realized. The study highlights the importance of examining precipitation in a nuanced way, as even small changes can have a substantial impact on ecosystems and resource management.
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research have discovered a long non-coding RNA that increases thale cress plants' resistance to drought and salt stress. Increasing the lncRNA's levels shows corresponding increases in drought and salt tolerance.