Articles tagged with Droughts
A new study uses tree ring chronologies to identify patterns of multidecadal oscillations in precipitation, linking them to ocean temperature shifts. The research suggests that the Great Plains, Rockies, and Southwest are prone to megadroughts when tropical Pacific and North Atlantic sea surface temperatures align.
The study found three catastrophic droughts in Africa 8,300, 5,200, and 4,000 years ago, which coincided with the formation of cities and social structures. The ice cores also showed a significant decline in oxygen-18 isotopes, indicating another severe drought event around 5,200 years ago.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that urban areas in the US now have an average of 10 more very warm nights a year than rural areas, which has significant implications for heat problems. The growth was highest on the East Coast, with cities like Miami and Los Angeles showing the most extreme temperature trends.
Researchers predict that El Niño could lead to increased precipitation in the Southwest, alleviating water shortages and reducing wildfire danger. The region has been experiencing severe drought conditions, with reservoirs struggling to meet demand.
After severe droughts, wading bird populations surge due to changes in fish populations and nutrient cycles, according to University of Florida researchers. This phenomenon, known as 'pulsed productivity,' occurs worldwide among diverse wading bird species.
Researchers found that soil geology plays a significant role in the Congo River Basin's response to drought. The basin's varied geology, including ferruginous cuirassed peneplain, sandy soils, and porous aquifers, affects discharge reduction rates during droughts.
Research reveals Amazon forest fragments are more susceptible to extinction due to overhunting, increased airborne pollutants, and heightened fire risks. Climate change may further exacerbate these effects, threatening biodiversity in fragmented landscapes.
A recent study by Texas A&M University researchers found that environmental conditions such as drought, water quality, and predator presence impact crayfish populations. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the ecological relationships between organisms and their environments to predict stream health.
The analysis of three Himalayan ice cores reveals a highly detailed record of the last 1,000 years of earth's climate in the high Tibetan Plateau. The data shows that both the last decade and the last 50 years were the warmest in 1,000 years, with at least eight major droughts caused by a failure of the South Asian Monsoon.
Researchers analyzed ancient sediments to shed light on ancient drought cycles and their potential link to future aridity. The study found well-defined 80- to 100-year cycles of alternately arid and humid conditions in the region.
Researchers used a computer climate model to find that vegetation interactions significantly drive the Sahel region's drought. The study suggests that natural vegetation causes enhanced drying, leading to cooler climates and reduced rainfall.
Scientists create a new 'drought map' using National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellite data to identify areas hardest hit by the drought. The map compares current surface temperature measurements to average temperatures over the last 10 years, showing whether an area has a normal, low, medium or high drought index.
Researchers at Penn State found a correlation between jet stream strength and precipitation in the Sahel region, which has been experiencing drought since the 1970s. The Tropical Easterly Jet was mostly weaker during dry periods, while the African Easterly Jet showed slightly stronger patterns in very dry years.
Researchers can now forecast long-term climate cycles, such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation. By understanding these cycles, policymakers can develop strategies to lessen climate-related effects, potentially ensuring cultural survival.
A computer model predicts reliably the severity and timing of drought episodes six months in advance, helping farmers choose drought-tolerant crops and minimizing economic losses. The researchers also highlight the need to maintain adequate river levels to prevent barge traffic disruptions and ensure water supply.
Researchers from College of William and Mary and University of Arkansas found that extreme droughts from 1587-1589 and 1606-1612 affected the Tidewater region, decimating corn crops and aggravating relations with Native Americans. The findings suggest that even well-planned colonies would have struggled under these climatic conditions.
Studies found that tree species' moisture preference doesn't always correlate with their growth rate during droughts. Researchers used tree rings to analyze the energy stored in trunks, revealing inconsistencies between leaf physiology and radial growth.