Floods
Articles tagged with Floods
Hidden methane emerging from beneath the ice reveals Greenland’s sensitivity to climate change
A new study reveals how responsive Greenland's ice sheet is to climate change, with widespread methane release linked to an episode of warming around 4,000 years ago. The findings highlight the role of recent ice margin fluctuations on subglacial carbon cycling, with implications for global methane budget assessments.
Illinois scientists sound the alarm on field inundation, work with farmers to find solutions
Field inundation causes widespread problems across the food system, including economic issues, biological changes, and human health impacts. Illinois scientists are working with farmers to develop a customizable toolbox of solutions suited to specific contexts.
AMS science preview: AI forecast limits, unpredictable hurricanes, simplified heat index
New research from the American Meteorological Society explores AI forecasting limits, the impact of climate change on hurricane trends, and simplifies the heat index. The studies find that machine learning can outperform numerical physics-based models in certain conditions, but not universally.
Natural disasters trigger 69% surge in public protests across Latin America, new research finds
A new study reveals that natural disasters lead to a 69% spike in public protests across Latin America. Smaller communities tend to face the longest economic recoveries, with damage persisting for up to four months.
New paper outlines pathways to equitable flood adaptation
A new perspective in Nature Water highlights how urban flooding measures often exacerbate environmental injustices for society's most vulnerable groups. The study identifies two main reasons for this unequal distribution of risk: higher exposure to climate hazards and limited resources, leading to a lower capacity to bounce back.
AI model could revolutionize flood forecasting
A new AI model has been developed to predict floods with greater accuracy than traditional methods. The knowledge-guided approach combines elements of physics-based models with machine-learning techniques to automatically learn the state of a river's watershed, eliminating the need for manual recalibration.
AMS Science Preview: Mississippi River, ocean carbon storage, gender and floods
Researchers investigated the Mississippi River's hydrological trends, ocean carbon storage, and gender dynamics in flood mortality. A study found that precipitation increases, but soil moisture decreases, while high-resolution models reveal stronger Southern Ocean carbon absorption. Additionally, data showed men are overrepresented in ...
FAMU-FSU College of Engineering research offers path forward for integrating flood modeling methods
New research from FAMU-FSU College of Engineering proposes a way to integrate different flood models, improving predictions and supporting critical decision-making. The study suggests four key directives for future research, including hybrid frameworks, enhanced physical representation, and bridging science and practice.
First evidence that North Sea ‘Lost World’ had habitable forests during the last ice age
Researchers discovered temperate trees, including oak, elm, and hazel, in Doggerland over 16,000 years ago, revealing a surprisingly hospitable environment. The study suggests that Doggerland may have supported early Mesolithic communities prior to flooding, shedding light on the region's ecological history and human settlement patterns.
Glacial lakes are growing rapidly in Alaska, and research shows where growth will continue
Research shows glacial lakes in Alaska expanding 50% faster than previously recorded, posing significant hazards and altering ecosystems. The study identifies areas where lakes may form and grow, helping with infrastructure planning and predicting changes to ecosystems, hazards, and recreation.
Dangerous thunderstorms: Better models through soil-moisture data
A research team analyzed 2.2 million thunderstorm events to identify a physical explanation for their formation. The study found that differences in soil moisture generate near-surface winds, leading to intense thunderstorms. High-resolution satellite measurements of soil moisture were crucial for this analysis.
Thunderstorms don’t just appear out of thin air - scientists' key finding to improve forecasting
Researchers found interactions between soil moisture patterns and wind in the lowest atmosphere influence where storms develop, providing clues to forecasters about location. The study aims to improve certainty about upcoming storms on hot days and save lives, livestock, and property.
FAU Harbor Branch awarded $900,000 for Gulf of America sea-level research
The FAU project will integrate high-resolution modeling, observational data, and advanced machine learning to improve understanding of regional sea-level variability in the Gulf of America. The team aims to produce decision-relevant scenario outputs and empower stakeholders with actionable information for future-oriented decisions.
Blaming beavers for flood damage is bad policy and bad science, Concordia research shows
A new Concordia research study refutes the notion that beaver dam failures can cause river flooding, arguing that failed dams had only a small effect on water levels downstream. The study found that natural conditions such as steep slopes and intense rainfall were more likely to cause damage.
UBC researchers say scientists have underestimated forests’ ability to prevent major floods
Researchers from the University of British Columbia argue that forests can alter the frequency and probability of floods, including major events. They call for a shift in how flood impacts are evaluated, moving away from single event comparisons and toward assessing how forests affect flood risk over time.
National analysis maps hospital vulnerability to flood-driven traffic disruptions
A German nationwide study uses a new simulation approach to map hospital vulnerability to flood-driven traffic disruptions. 75 hospitals across Germany are identified at risk of patient surges beyond their regular capacity due to an increase in demand by more than 30 percent.
UK winters becoming wetter due to increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
A study by Newcastle University found that UK winters are becoming significantly wetter, with a 7% increase in rainfall per degree of global warming, driven by rising temperatures from anthropogenic warming. The experts warn that this trend will continue to worsen, increasing the risk of flooding and economic damages.
New study reveals floods are the biggest drivers of plastic pollution in rivers
A new study by Tokyo University of Science found that floods are the biggest drivers of plastic pollution in rivers, increasing microplastic and mesoplastic concentrations by orders of magnitude. The research highlights the need to include high-flow events when assessing plastic emissions.
New study identifies warning signs for extreme flash flooding
Researchers at Newcastle University and the UK Met Office identified a three-layered atmospheric structure associated with heavy rainfall developing within minutes. The findings help explain record-breaking rainfall and flash floods in the UAE and Oman in April 2024, and may aid future improvements in identifying risk.
Scientists discover how fast the world’s deltas are sinking
New research reveals that land subsidence caused by humans is the main culprit behind delta sinking, posing increased flooding risk to 236 million people. The study identifies groundwater extraction as the dominant cause of subsidence, highlighting the need for urgent local interventions.
Unleashing floods: Researchers learn more about how fossils form
A new study at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities investigates how floodwaters transport and bury animal bones to understand fossil formation. The research provides clues for understanding animal extinction and environmental changes.
El Niño and La Niña make water extremes move in sync
Researchers have found that El Niño and La Niña are driving total water storage extremes globally, with a synchronizing effect on water storage across continents. The study uses gravity data from NASA's GRACE and GRACE Follow-On satellites to track water extremes and their connections.
The rising risk of flooding and the role of nature-based solutions
Nature-based solutions can significantly reduce flood impacts by slowing and absorbing runoff, offering added benefits such as improved air quality and biodiversity. Public awareness and education are key to expanding support for these approaches, with communities needing clear communication about flood risks and benefits.
AI river forecasts may be accurate—but based on flawed logic
A new study found that popular AI tools for predicting river flow often misinterpret how heat and evaporation affect water, raising concerns for flood and drought planning. The researchers developed a hydrology-specific 'explainable AI' framework to uncover these issues.
Strategic river sensors could have forewarned of Texas Camp flood disaster
A recent study recreated the July 4 flood conditions and found multiple spots upstream where local communities could have placed water level monitors to give early warnings about rising water. The research aims to make those sensors cheap, easily accessible, and open source so anyone can use them.
AMS 2026 Meeting showcases atmospheric science and the “human factor”
The 106th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society will focus on the intersection of technology and human decision-making in weather, water, and climate sciences. The meeting will feature keynote presentations, Presidential Sessions, and named symposia highlighting key Earth science topics.
FAU survey: Hurricane season ends, but weather woes push Floridians to move
A Florida Atlantic University survey finds that 36% of Floridians have moved or are considering relocating due to weather hazards. The survey also reveals concerns about climate change, with only half of Floridians believing it is caused by human activity.
Severe floods threaten global rice yields, study finds
Global rice yields have suffered significantly due to severe flooding, with losses of approximately 4.3% per year between 1980 and 2015. The study highlights the need for adoption of flood-resistant rice varieties in vulnerable regions to avert future losses.
Study provides new forecasts of remote islands’ vulnerability to sea level rise
A new study has analyzed a rare flooding event in the Maldives in July 2022 and found it could become a far more common occurrence in the future. By 2050, predicted rises in sea levels, coupled with increased extreme weather events, may result in such flooding happening every two to three years.
Climate change and rising sea levels to worsen urban health risks in Mumbai, study co-led by Princeton and University of Chicago reveals
A recent study co-led by Princeton and University of Chicago found that deaths caused by rainfall and rising sea levels are almost ten times higher than official statistics suggest in Mumbai. The research highlights the human toll of extreme urban flooding, with slum residents facing disproportionate risks, particularly children under ...
Conflict, climate change and public health
The Lancet Countdown report links climate change to violence and community health, emphasizing the need for social and economic changes to prevent conflict. Strengthening food systems and ensuring emergency responses can reduce grievances and protect healthcare workers.
International scientists issue State of the Climate Report, highlight mitigation strategies
A new report published in BioScience reveals Earth's climate crisis is accelerating at an alarming rate, with 22 of 34 planetary vital signs now at record levels. The study emphasizes that climate change mitigation strategies are available and urgently needed to limit warming.
Cul-de-sac effect: Why Mediterranean regions are becoming more prone to extreme floods in a changing climate
New research reveals that prolonged accumulation of rain over several days, fueled by mountains blocking moisture from the Adriatic Sea, causes extremely rare floods. The study identifies a 'cul-de-sac' effect, where stationary cyclones channel humid air toward vulnerable regions, increasing flood risk.
Coral skeletons left by a medieval tsunami whisper warning for Caribbean region
Researchers estimate a medieval tsunami struck Anegada between 1381 and 1391, based on analysis of coral skeletons. The finding supports efforts to prepare for future tsunamis in the Caribbean region.
Tracking flood frequency key to protecting B.C. communities: UBC study
A UBC study reveals that even modest increases in river flows can dramatically raise flood frequency, with major implications for infrastructure and community safety. The researchers call for a shift in flood management, focusing on tracking how often floods occur, rather than just their size.
The Red Sea went completely dry before being flooded by the Indian Ocean
The Red Sea experienced a massive disruption 6.2 million years ago, completely changing its marine life and transforming into a barren salt desert. The catastrophic flood from the Indian Ocean rapidly refilled the basin, restoring normal marine conditions within less than 100,000 years.
U of A researchers reveal the importance of data choice in effective flood insurance
A study by University of Arizona researchers found that selecting the right data for flood insurance can significantly improve accuracy, speed, and predictability. The type of data used affects not only payout timing but also confidence in anticipating future payouts, influencing program costs.
Is flooding under climate change more predictable than we thought?
Researchers from Japan developed a new statistical method to increase accuracy of flood risk projections across 70% of the Earth's landmass. This approach merges climate scenarios with different socioeconomic pathways, offering policymakers powerful insights for adaptation and preparedness strategies.
AI boosts National Weather Model flood prediction accuracy sixfold
A new study developed a flood-forecasting AI that can be tuned for any country, reducing errors in national flood prediction programming. The hybrid model combining the AI with the National Water Model was four to six times more accurate, improving forecast accuracy and potential economic impacts of floods.
High Mountain Asia’s shrinking glaciers linked to monsoon changes
Research from the University of Utah and Virginia Tech reveals that seasonal shifts in rainfall and snowfall patterns are exacerbating glacier melting across the region. Glaciers in Central Himalaya, Western Himalaya, and Eastern Himalaya are especially vulnerable to accelerated ice loss and water availability threats.
UH researchers to develop AI to aid in emergency food distribution
University of Houston researchers are developing an AI-powered dashboard for Florida food pantries, aiming to streamline stakeholder collaboration and distribute resources to families in need. The tool will enable emergency coordinators to respond quickly to spikes in demand, prioritizing the needs of vulnerable populations.
After the storm: to rebuild or relocate?
Residents and government officials in a flood-prone community have differing views on adapting to climate change, with economic concerns top priority. Long-term residents support voluntary buyouts and nature-based solutions, while local officials prioritize rebuilding high-value properties.
How are coastal New Jersey communities communicating hazards of climate change?
A recent study by Drexel University researchers analyzed 24 coastal New Jersey communities' communication of climate-related hazards. The analysis found wide variation in the number and extent of mitigation actions taken, with stormwater management and road improvements being the most frequently mentioned projects.
Large study uncovers specific impacts of flooding on older adult health
A large study examines 17 years of Medicare hospitalization claims and major flooding events, finding increased rates of specific health issues among older adults. The research highlights the need for targeted outreach, robust evacuation planning, and improved access to medical services to protect public health during climate change.
Identifying landslide threats using hydrological predictors
A new framework developed by Northwestern University and UCLA scientists integrates various water-related processes with a machine-learning model to predict landslide threats. The framework identifies three main pathways leading to landslides: intense rainfall, rain on already saturated soils, and melting snow or ice.
A novel AI-powered flood damage assessment
A novel AI-powered flood damage assessment using satellite imagery has been developed, achieving 74% of fully supervised performance with just 10% labeled data. The Simple Prior Attention Disaster Assessment Net (SPADANet) model improves recall by over 9% compared to existing models.
Scientists will use a $1M grant to build a support system addressing sea level rise and flooding in South Florida
A University of Florida team will create a decision-support system to help local leaders make science-based choices on land use, infrastructure, and climate adaptation. The project aims to reduce flood risk and protect groundwater using nature-based strategies.
Clear-cutting linked to 18-fold rise in extreme floods, UBC study finds
A new UBC study found that clear-cutting can lead to an 18-fold rise in extreme floods, with effects lasting over 40 years. The study also reveals that landscape factors, such as slope direction, play a crucial role in shaping a watershed's response to treatment.
New study reveals widespread and overlooked flooding across NC
A new study from UNC-Chapel Hill reveals repetitive flooding in North Carolina is far more common and widespread than previously recognized. Over 90,000 buildings flooded in at least one event, with 43% located outside of FEMA's designated high-risk areas.
How Germany’s 2021 floods could have been even worse
New research suggests that the devastating 2021 floods in Germany could have been even more damaging with small shifts in atmospheric conditions. The study found that rainfall characteristics could have lasted longer and spread across larger areas, causing worse flooding downstream.
Study reveals uneven land sinking across New Orleans, raising flood-risk concerns
A new study from Tulane University reveals that parts of New Orleans are sinking at an alarming rate, with some areas experiencing up to 2 inches of elevation loss annually. The findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the city's flood defenses remain effective.
Study finds early signs of widespread coastal marsh decline
Researchers developed a model to detect early signs of marsh decline using satellite observations, identifying vulnerable areas along Georgia's coast. The study found belowground biomass has declined across 72% of Georgia's coastal marsh since 2014.
When rain, snow, and soil align: The triple threat behind 2024's deadly central Asian floods
Record-breaking flooding in Central Asia was attributed to heavy snowmelt, extreme rainfall, and record-high soil moisture. Climate change amplifies compound disasters, posing significant challenges for predictions and projections of spring flooding risks.
Alps could face a doubling in torrential summer rainfall frequency as temperatures rise by 2°C
A new study predicts that a 2°C temperature rise could double the frequency of short-lived summer downpours in the Alpine region, causing severe damage and posing risks to lives. The analysis of nearly 300 mountain weather stations found that warm air retains more moisture, intensifying thunderstorm activity.
New study offers detailed look at winter flooding in California’s central valley
A new study uses satellite imagery to identify where winter floods occur in California's Central Valley, revealing areas of high flood risk and potential for groundwater recharge. The research aims to improve flood risk awareness and inform strategies for redirecting floodwaters to replenish depleted aquifers.
Multiple extreme climate events at the same time may be the new normal
Researchers at Uppsala University predict that concurrent extreme events will become more frequent due to climate change, posing new challenges for preparedness. The study examines six types of events and finds a sharp increase in combinations of heatwaves and forest fires, as well as heatwaves and droughts, in various regions worldwide.
Storm ready: FAU Sensing Institute’s weather network delivers real-time forecasting
The Florida Atlantic University Sensing Institute's SEA Econet network provides accurate rainfall and flood forecasting, supporting public safety during severe weather events. With over 160 atmospheric stations and more than 30 water-level stations across Florida, the network delivers real-time data to inform forecasts and warnings.
Researchers use deep learning to predict flooding this hurricane season
Researchers developed a new deep learning framework to predict extreme water levels during hurricanes, enabling smarter decisions and potentially saving lives. The framework, LSTM-SAM, analyzes patterns from past storms to make accurate predictions in areas with limited data, using transfer learning techniques.
Study finds coastal flooding more frequent than previously thought
A new study from North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reveals that coastal flooding is occurring more frequently than previously thought. The study found major flaws with the widely used approach of using marine water level data to capture instances of flooding.