Articles tagged with Droughts
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A study links droughts in Southern Africa to a massive plankton bloom off Madagascar's southeast coast. Climate warming intensified the dust particles carried by wind, which acted as fertilizer in seawater, creating ideal conditions for phytoplankton growth.
Researchers are developing soybeans that can handle extreme weather conditions, allowing farmers to maintain yields under pressure. By studying plant adaptation strategies, scientists aim to create more resilient soybean varieties.
The study found that South America is experiencing a significant increase in the co-occurrence of multiple climate extremes, including heat, drought, and flammable conditions. This has amplified impacts on ecosystems, economies, and human health, particularly affecting vulnerable rural and indigenous populations.
Researchers discovered manipulating miR159a enhances drought tolerance in poplar trees, boosting water-use efficiency and minimizing stomatal opening. This study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying drought tolerance, offering new avenues to breed resilient tree species.
Scientists have developed AI models that can accurately predict future drought conditions, offering a more reliable alternative to traditional drought indices. The new methodology enhances forecasting accuracy and provides practical implications for water management and resource allocation.
Researchers found that certain C4 crops can control water loss through non-stomatal mechanisms, allowing them to absorb carbon dioxide despite raised temperatures and increased atmospheric demand. This discovery has significant implications for improving water-use efficiency in these crops.
Research explores changes in global precipitation patterns and how they relate to climate change. Bird nests are found to predict rainfall in rural India, while heat stress is increasing in the southeastern US, particularly at night. European 'bomb' storms may intensify due to warming climate.
A new study found that soil erosion significantly contributed to devastating desert floods in Libya, claiming over 11,300 lives. The research highlights the urgent need for advanced earth observations programs to monitor arid areas due to climate change.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that US droughts in the Southwest and rainy extremes in the Northeast are becoming more frequent and severe. The study predicts bigger swings between wetter and drier periods in the mid-United States, straining water management efforts.
The study found that droughts led to increased phosphorus levels, threatening downstream ecosystems. Nitrogen levels also changed, with varying impacts depending on drought severity and timing. The research provides a detailed understanding of the Apalachicola River's nutrient dynamics.
Researchers at CABBI used genetic engineering to improve water use efficiency in climate-friendly C4 crops like sorghum and sugarcane, maximizing biomass production while minimizing water usage. The breakthrough could aid crops in mitigating drought stress and support the development of a sustainable bioeconomy.
Researchers identified seasonal patterns in Valley fever cases influenced by California droughts. The study found that while most cases occur from September to November, drought periods temporarily dampen these peaks, but lead to bigger surges once rain returns.
A growing global understanding of drought's impacts, but significant gaps remain in affected communities and developing countries. Long-lasting droughts heighten awareness, while economic factors influence responsiveness to the issue.
Closing Colorado's 'free river conditions' loophole could save millions of cubic meters of water and reduce stress in the region. The loophole allows anyone to take as much water as they want from the river, threatening the success of any payment program for farmers not irrigating their land.
Major US water reservoirs are experiencing longer and more severe periods of low storage, threatening critical water supplies. The study found that reservoirs in the western and central United States were most affected, with many seeing significant declines in maximum water storage.
Researchers at Purdue University have received an additional $95,000 from the Trask Innovation Fund to further de-risk their technology for patent-pending drought-resistant soybean plants. Herman Sintim's team aims to develop novel compounds that potentially inhibit TAK1, a protein kinase shown to play key roles in arthritis.
A new perspective paper highlights the importance of understanding migration dynamics in rural areas, which are often driven by slow changes related to climate and environment. The researchers propose integrating land system science into migration studies to develop effective sustainability policies.
The State of Wildfires report found that carbon emissions from wildfires globally were 16% above average, with Canada and Amazonia experiencing unusually high numbers of fires. Climate change increased the likelihood of extreme wildfires in these regions by at least three times and up to six times.
The UFZ forest condition monitor tracks dynamic changes in Germany's forests due to climate change extreme events. The index displays seasonal and annual maps of forest condition, highlighting areas with severe damage, such as the Harz region.
The impacts of natural disasters on plant health can be devastating, with the potential for direct effects from disasters like pathogen or vector dispersal. Human-driven disasters also create conditions favorable to the spread of plant pathogens, leading to crop loss and disease spread.
Research reveals that drought increases nitrate concentrations in drinking water served by majority Latino/a community water systems, exacerbating existing disparities. Arsenic levels also show variability under drought conditions.
The study found that Tipuana tipu grows faster at higher temperatures and can contribute to urban climate resilience. The tree can thrive in restrictive weather conditions, providing ecosystem services such as carbon capture and temperature regulation.
Researchers at FAU will investigate how microbes respond to climate conditions and develop strategies to enhance soil health in drylands. The project aims to improve understanding of microbial resistance to climate change and discover solutions to reduce soil degradation.
Sylvia Dee's research aims to address critical gaps in the observational record of Earth's hydrologic cycle, using a global database of water isotope observations. This will enable more accurate climate modeling and help communities assess and reduce risks associated with extreme weather events.
Researchers developed more resilient varieties of cotton by analyzing its genes and physical traits. They found two key regulatory genes that help cotton plants manage water stress while maintaining fiber production.
A research team led by Clemson University Professor Shahid Mukhtar aims to identify natural biological solutions through the microbiome to help soybeans survive extreme heat and drought. The study will focus on the cellular level, soil microbiomes, and plant responses to environmental stresses.
Researchers found that low-intensity grasslands can withstand extreme weather conditions better than intensively used high-performance meadows. This is due to the diversity of native species, which thrive in less managed environments.
A recent study found that nearly 50% of non-Indigenous localities and 54% of Indigenous villages in the Brazilian part of the Amazon basin are prone to isolation during severe droughts. Severe droughts result in extended periods of low water levels, affecting communities' access to goods, services, healthcare, education, and livelihoods.
Researchers analyzed six US cities and found that tree species in parks were more drought-tolerant and reflected greater native biodiversity than those in residential yards. The study highlights the importance of planting drought-tolerant trees in urban areas to adapt to future climate change.
A new study reveals widespread decline in Western US forest carbon storage, likely caused by drought and fire. The research provides a framework for evaluating future changes and informing management strategies to mitigate carbon loss, highlighting the need for proactive forest management practices.
Research reveals that residents of America's wealthiest communities face higher economic losses from natural disasters and exposure to air pollution, despite having more assets. In contrast, low-income municipalities have higher suicide rates, homicide rates, and firearm fatalities, but lower access to health services.
Researchers uncover a critical genetic mechanism boosting plants' ability to withstand drought, using the transcription factor PbERF3 and protein PbHsfC1a. This breakthrough could inform the cultivation of crops with superior resilience to water shortages, ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural practices.
A new study suggests that the Cahokia exodus may have been due to external pressures rather than crop failure, finding no evidence of widespread drought impact. Researchers believe the society had the engineering skills to maintain crops and a diverse diet, leading them to gradually disperse rather than abandon their land.
Researchers study droughts, wildfires, and precipitation changes across the US Southeast and globally. The Great Salt Lake's drying exacerbates regional droughts, while a Maui wildfire is linked to atmospheric patterns.
A new conceptual model, XRO, significantly improves predictive skill of ENSO events at over one year in advance, offering a transparent view into the mechanisms of equatorial Pacific recharge-discharge physics. This improves conventional climate model forecasting and provides robust quantification of extratropical Pacific, tropical Ind...
The new interactive atlas provides a library of case studies for adapting to drought in the US Southwest. The atlas offers geospatial solutions to water scarcity, helping communities implement effective adaptation strategies.
The Amazon rainforest, a crucial carbon sink, may experience reduced precipitation due to increased CO2 concentrations, leading to higher tree mortality rates and forest shrinkage. A recent study found that rainy season precipitation in the Amazon is irreversible under a CO2 removal scenario, putting the region at risk of drought.
A new study suggests that human activities may actually reduce the severity of droughts in certain regions. Climate model simulations indicate that aerosols and greenhouse gases produced by human activities have opposite effects on atmospheric chemical composition and precipitation mechanisms. This research challenges previous conclusi...
The study reveals regional differences in Amazon drought response due to local environments and tree properties. The southern Amazon, with shallow water tables, is more vulnerable to drought, while the northern region, with deeper roots and less fertile soil, is more resilient.
A study by Dartmouth College finds that regenerative agriculture's impact on farmers extends beyond financial gain, influencing their relationships and quality of life. By adopting practices like reduced tillage and cover cropping, farmers experience reduced dependence on agrochemicals and improved soil fertility.
A new study by Dr. Allan Hassaniyan argues Iran's water policy is discriminatory, leading to socioecological deterioration in peripheral regions and causing devastating effects on agriculture, health, and the environment.
A new study proposes cost-effective informal water contracts as a solution to quickly and affordably bring water to cities during droughts. Informal water leases enable rapid transfers by bypassing complex regulatory processes.
A recent study predicts that three million people in Korea could face groundwater depletion by 2080 due to climate change and water overuse. The research analyzed surface and deep groundwater level data from 2009 to 2020, revealing critical spatiotemporal patterns in groundwater levels.
A new study by Virginia Tech researchers reveals that agricultural demand for water is significantly higher than cities, with crops used for feeding cattle being the largest consumers. The researchers also found that reservoir levels are dropping due to overuse and climate change, highlighting the need for efficient water use strategies.
International research team finds that increasing key nutrients like potassium and phosphorus can sustain tropical forest productivity under drought conditions. This study, published in Nature Geoscience, aims to address the potential impact of climate change on these critical ecosystems.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that the Cerrado biome in Brazil is experiencing its worst drought in at least 700 years, caused by global warming. The research used chemical analysis of stalagmites to extend the perception of drought back seven centuries and linked it to disruption in the hydrological cycle.
A LSU study found that chronic relative sea level rise combined with short-term weather-related shocks, such as droughts and hurricanes, led to the decline of Phragmites-dominated stands in the marsh. The study suggests elevating marsh beds with sediment can improve resilience.
Climate change is driving sudden onset of drying in South America and southern Africa, while Central Asia sees increased moisture due to warming temperatures
A new study finds that the US Drought Monitor is not keeping pace with climate change, leading to frequent severe droughts being classified as rare. The consequences are dire, with some regions spending more time in extreme drought conditions than federal guidelines allow, potentially leaving them without adequate aid.
Research found that during severe droughts, agricultural reservoirs in Korea's southern region experienced increased total organic carbon concentrations. The study suggests that these reservoirs may shift from carbon storage to carbon sources, emitting carbon into the atmosphere. This finding highlights the need for integrated environm...
A study published by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics predicts significant economic impacts on provinces like Hunan, Jiangxi, and Guangdong due to increased heavy precipitation and droughts. The region's GDP is expected to be hardest hit under certain climate change scenarios, emphasizing the need for adaptation strategies.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen discovered that a biological mechanism called autophagy plays a key role in plant root growth. By understanding how plants control their root growth, scientists can develop climate-resilient crops to thrive in harsh conditions.
A study found that trees along UT's Waller Creek flourish during droughts due to wastewater from leaky city pipes, which also affects tree growth patterns. The research highlights the unintended positive consequences of urbanization on climate-resilience of stream ecosystems.
Wildfires in the Amazon's old-growth forests increased by 152% in 2023, primarily caused by drought, with most of them occurring in Roraima state. This surge in forest fires poses significant risks to the environment and public health.
A recent study by an international group found that forests with higher trait diversity adapt better to climate change and thrive. Higher productivity levels were maintained in diverse trees compared to monoculture forests.
A 23-year 'megadrought' in the western US is being studied by WVU researcher Steve Kannenberg to understand its effects on natural ecosystems, agricultural systems and human water resources. The research aims to identify areas with depleted groundwater and soil moisture, as well as assess carbon capture and storage in dryland plants.
A new study reveals that climate change could lead to a significant global GDP loss of up to 10% if the planet warms by +3ºC, highlighting the substantial costs of inaction.
The year 2023 saw unprecedented extreme weather events globally, with a record-breaking temperature increase of 1.45°C above pre-industrial times. Emerging features include earlier onset of heatwaves and increased simultaneous events in different parts of the world.
A review of current research on Australia's non-perennial rivers highlights the need for a new type of research attention due to emerging threats from climate change and human impacts. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing knowledge gaps to preserve and protect these vital waterways.
A new report by a team of experts outlines an approach that combines Indigenous knowledge with Western science to develop more resilient forest management practices. The 'braided' approach aims to promote the health and diversity of forests, which are increasingly threatened by climate change.