Articles tagged with Floods
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
A NYU study found that 92% of residents preferred dynamic 3D flood visualizations over traditional maps in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The innovative method uses LiDAR scans to create immersive simulations, providing a more intuitive and realistic understanding of flood risks.
Researchers from Linköping University provide a severe impacts approach to guide property owners in preventing flooding by identifying design weaknesses, prioritizing worst-case scenarios, and promoting proactive measures such as installing backflow valves and raising entrance thresholds.
A new study projects that wind losses for homeowners in the Southeast will increase by 76% by 2060 and 102% by 2100. Texas is expected to experience the highest increase in losses, followed by Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
A team at the University of Oxford created a comprehensive map of the world's rivers, capturing complex branching systems. The new GRIT mapping system improves flood models, water management, and disaster planning, supporting AI-driven global data-driven models.
A study proposes five action fronts for civil defense units to increase their organizational capacity, including professionalization and resource allocation. Municipalities face challenges such as monitoring urban expansion, lack of financial resources, and social participation.
Geologists have connected a 120-million-year-old 'super-eruption' to its source, revealing insights into Earth's complex geological history. The discovery provides a more complete history of the Pacific Ocean basin and sheds light on volcanic activity in the region.
A recent study by Virginia Tech researchers found that a major earthquake could expand the coastal floodplain by 35-116 square miles, affecting thousands of residents and properties. The impact would be most severe in southern Washington, northern Oregon, and northern California.
Researchers found that high tree mortality in upper canopy can promote oak regeneration when maple is removed from understorey. Plantings on thinned forest plots showed fewer signs of drought stress, supporting oak growth.
A new study by MIT scientists finds that extreme storm tides will increase tenfold for Bangladesh, with what was once a 100-year event now striking every 10 years by the end of the century. The country's densely populated coastal regions are expected to experience more frequent and severe flooding events as a result.
A new study reveals that 81% of O’ahu's coastline could experience erosion by 2100, with a further 40% loss happening by 2030. The research used computer models incorporating satellite imagery to predict the seasonal movement of sand, resulting in more severe erosion projections than previous studies.
The study introduces an innovative method to detect and classify floodplains based on their ability to attenuate floods. The Hydraulic Floodplain Classification emphasizes the variable capacity of the landscape to influence flood routing, enabling better water resource assessments and floodplain management applications.
A massive analysis of over 300 million hospitalizations records in eight countries found that flooding increases the risk of serious diseases like cardiovascular, respiratory, and infectious diseases. The study highlights the need for better preparedness and response to mitigate health impacts of floods.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis analyzed rainfall data and found that the July 2022 floods were not as exceptional as initially thought. The study suggests storms like this will become more frequent due to global warming, which is increasing the frequency of extreme precipitation events.
A new study by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology reveals that soil moisture levels can increase rainfall area and amount in megastorm hotspots globally by up to 30%. This contrast results from atmospheric changes, enabling communities to better adapt to climate change.
A mass mortality event occurred in Triassic Wyoming, where dozens of giant amphibians called metoposaurid temnospondyls died together on an ancient floodplain. The study provides a unique snapshot of a single population and doubles the known number of individuals of the species Buettnererpeton bakeri.
Recent 'unprecedented' floods are not exceptional if looking further into the past, new research suggests. Geological palaeo-flood records reveal many previous floods exceeded modern peaks, highlighting the need for using these records in flood planning.
A new study reveals that two dam failures and flawed risk assessment amplified the Derna Flood, which was nearly twentyfold more destructive than expected. The research highlights the urgent need for improved flood mitigation strategies, especially in dryland regions.
A recent study by Concordia researchers found that solutions journalism in Canadian alternative media outlets is often constrained by institutional lack of support and daily pressures. Despite its benefits, the practice requires strong nurturing environments to flourish.
Prof. Günter Blöschl's research has made significant contributions to understanding the drivers of increasing flood risks under climate change and reveals that the last two decades have been markedly flood-prone compared to historical records.