The study found that extreme rainfall days have increased significantly in metropolitan São Paulo, with a four-fold rise over the past seven decades. The researchers also observed an increase in consecutive dry days, suggesting that heavy rainfall events are becoming more concentrated in shorter periods.
Researchers have created a preliminary design for giant kinetic umbrellas to provide shade during fair weather and form a flood barrier in advance of storms. The proposed structures, made of reinforced concrete, would be able to withstand acute storm surges with stability at 75% of their deployed height.
Severe flooding in the Midwest delayed crop growth by around two weeks and reduced maximum seasonal photosynthesis by 15 percent. This led to a 100 million metric ton reduction in net carbon uptake from June to July 2019.
A new study has found that current flood risk estimates rely on inadequate methods for calculating damage, which match poorly with observations. A beta distribution characterizes building damage at a given flood depth, revealing a high-variability relationship between depth and damage.
Researchers at Rice University found that Buffalo Bayou's natural form is better at absorbing floodwater and preventing it from spilling over into heavily populated areas. The study shows that urban development in the Brays watershed increased the 100-year flood plain, making it more prone to flooding.
A global study found that mangroves provide $65 billion in annual flood protection benefits, reducing flood damages and increasing coastal safety. Mangrove restoration can be easily done and has already been successful in projects worldwide.
Research finds that river delta vegetation can delay and reduce floodwaters, providing communities more time to prepare for storm surges and flooding. The study suggests that managing vegetation type can decrease the impact of coastal flooding by reducing downstream water height.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a comprehensive statistical framework to predict the evolution of floods in extreme situations like hurricanes. The algorithm considers underground drainage channels to provide an accurate representation of how floods propagate, enabling timelier emergency response.
The study found that massive flood events in the eastern North Pacific Ocean, known as the Missoula Floods, may have contributed to abrupt climate changes in the Northern Hemisphere. The researchers reconstructed sea surface temperature and salinity patterns using fossil plankton data from marine sediment cores.
A new study published in Science Advances shows that freshwater flowing into the North Pacific Ocean triggered widespread changes throughout the northern hemisphere during the last ice age. The researchers used computer modeling and fossil records to track the movement of floodwaters, which mixed with saltwater and altered ocean circul...
Nur Yazdani's new tool helps stakeholders design home slab elevations to protect against future storms, reducing economic losses and casualties. The software will be tested in four Texas counties and includes outreach education for homeowners.
Ethan Yang, a Lehigh University professor, receives a NSF CAREER award to study the effectiveness of rain gardens and rain barrels in reducing urban flooding. He plans to use smart sensors and AI-powered modeling to monitor and analyze the impact of green infrastructure on flood mitigation.
Tropical cyclone 18P has organized into a tropical depression near American Samoa, with maximum sustained winds of 30 knots. It is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm by Feb. 22 and then dissipate due to vertical wind shear.
A recent study found that Wikipedia's coverage of natural disasters is biased towards wealthy countries, particularly the USA and Canada. The study analyzed 458 flood events and found a greater tendency to cover these events in middle- and high-income countries.
A new study predicts the Len Small levee will continue to fail even if repaired due to erosion and increased precipitation. The levee's failure has caused severe damage to homes and businesses, and agricultural land degradation.
New research highlights the crucial role of coastal plants in shoreline defences, which are under threat from climate change-induced rising sea levels and extreme storm events. The study calls for integration of long-term monitoring with flood risk models to predict the impact of storms on coastal ecosystems.
Researchers at McGill University have launched interactive story maps to highlight the importance of wetlands, which support a disproportionately high number of endangered species. Wetlands also naturally combat climate change by storing carbon dioxide underground.
Research in mice shows that the glymphatic system floods the brain during a stroke, triggering severe swelling and cell death. This discovery could lead to new treatment strategies focused on restoring blood flow and inhibiting the spread of depolarization.
New Stanford research finds that winter floods driven by rainfall can be 2.5 times larger than those driven by snowmelt. As global warming increases precipitation falling as rain, flood sizes increase exponentially, posing a significant threat to infrastructure in Western US.
Research reveals that cumulative flooding damage to earthen levees often goes unnoticed due to invisible signs of distress. The study highlights the need for prioritized rehabilitation efforts and accurate identification of high-risk levees.
A new study explores how ranchers make decisions about managing their land, finding that cultural considerations and the desire to maintain traditional practices are key drivers. The research highlights the importance of considering the complex social-ecological factors at play in private lands conservation.
The remnants of Ex-tropical Cyclone Blake have generated rainfall over desert areas in Western Australia, triggering four area flood warnings. The NASA Aqua satellite captured visible images of the elongated shape of the remnants, which stretched from central to southeastern Western Australia.
The remnants of Tropical Storm Blake are moving southeast through the South Interior area of Western Australia, threatening heavy rainfall and strong winds. Damage from the system is expected due to winds averaging 31-37 mph and potential flooding from daily rainfall totals of 3-6 inches.
Researchers used ancient marine fossils to fingerprint temperature and carbon levels of seawater during the middle Miocene Climate Optimum. The study found that massive volcanic eruptions triggered a decline in ocean pH, leading to increased sea-levels and flooding.
A new project aims to connect networks of groups developing sustainable and resilient cities worldwide. The NATURA network will link early-career scholars and practitioners to share knowledge on climate change resilience.
A new study finds that volunteer tourism can aid disaster recovery in communities by considering local conditions and the community's needs. The study examined the impact of volunteer tourism programs in Nepal after the 2015 earthquake, showing its potential to contribute to recovery and resilience.
Researchers estimate that glacier lake outburst floods (GLOF) could reach peak discharges of up to 15,600 cubic meters per second, posing a major threat to rivers and communities in the region. The study highlights the importance of monitoring lake levels and historic outbursts in determining GLOF hazard.
Researchers uncover the oldest known coastal defence system built by ancient settlers to protect against rising oceans. The ancient Tel Hreiz seawall in Israel was a temporary reprieve from sea level rise, abandoned and inundated over time.
A new study has identified areas in the US where investing in conservation today can save billions of dollars in potential future flood damages. The research found that acquiring and protecting lands with a high risk of flooding could prevent devastating losses.
A study by researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography found that atmospheric river storms (ARs) pose a significant flood risk in the West, causing nearly $51 billion in damages over 40 years. The majority of these damages were caused by just ten ARs, with some areas experiencing over 99% of flood damage from ARs.
Yu Zhang is studying how to assess costly economic and ecological impacts of natural disasters on industries and waterways around the Neches River basin in southeast Texas. He's investigating whether wetlands can filter out pollutants that enter Texas waterways following extended flooding.
Florida Atlantic University has received a $1.68 million grant from the Florida Division of Emergency Management to develop a framework for managing flood risks across the state. The project aims to help communities guide future mitigation projects and assist local communities in moving up in the Community Rating System.
A NASA study found that near-real-time satellite data can save an average of nine minutes per emergency response, potentially saving millions of dollars in disaster scenarios. The research used the 2011 Southeast Asian floods as a case study and developed a model to deploy in future disasters.
Researchers found that urbanization decreases 'flashiness' -- rise and fall rates of water flow in streams -- in arid urban watersheds. This is the opposite pattern observed in wetter regions like the East. The study suggests lessons for better stormwater management everywhere.
Researchers will conduct baseline studies on stream morphology and aquatic habitats before bridge construction and develop predictive models for Texas Department of Transportation. They aim to determine the downstream ecological impacts of bridge construction on freshwater mussels and assess floodwater's force on typical bridges.
Experts from the University of Surrey have found that nature-based solutions (NBS) can effectively combat climate-related natural disasters. NBS were used to combat floods and heatwaves, with hybrid solutions being the most frequently used method in Europe.
Researchers are investigating strategies to mitigate coastal flooding in Santa Monica Bay and Humboldt Bay using natural and nature-based features, as well as artificial structures. The study aims to understand the effectiveness of these approaches in controlling local flood hazards and improving quality of life for nearby communities.
Typhoon Hagibis brought damaging winds, rough surf, and heavy rainfall to Japan, causing widespread flooding and landslides. Rainfall totals reached as high as 994 mm in Hakone, with at least 31 deaths reported and over 186 people missing.
A new report by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology reveals that Edinburgh is losing around 15 football pitches of green land each year. Urban creep and expansion are major contributors to this loss, with homeowners adding features like conservatories and driveways that harm vegetation.
Researchers analyzed FEMA's property buyout program, finding it concentrates in lower-income neighborhoods with greater social vulnerability. The study aims to inform revised buyout practices and climate adaptation policies to support managed retreat in response to climate change.
A recent study analyzed FEMA-funded voluntary property buyouts, finding they tend to target poorer neighborhoods in wealthier counties. The researchers emphasize the need for increased transparency in reporting to fully evaluate program efficacy.
A team of researchers found that Peruvian glaciers have retreated by 30% since 2000, with the rate of retreat accelerating since 2013. The increased melting is linked to El Niño events and has significant implications for water supply, agriculture, and natural hazards.
NASA's Terra satellite captured a visible image of Post-tropical Cyclone Lorenzo as it neared Ireland on Oct. 3, showing frontal features and cloud-filled center of circulation west of Ireland. Met Eireann has issued rainfall and wind warnings for Ireland due to the storm's heavy rains and high winds.
Researchers developed a more efficient statistical model to analyze extreme weather events globally, identifying regions with high precipitation levels and predicting their frequency. The model can handle vast amounts of data from multiple locations, providing valuable insights for disaster planning.
A new satellite mission, SWOT, will enhance flood modeling globally, even in extensively studied regions. It will provide more accurate floodplain maps and predictions for areas affected by snowmelt, hurricanes, and ice jam breakup.
NASA's Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) estimated heavy rainfall totals of 16-24 inches between Freeport and Beaumont, Texas, and 6 inches in southwestern Louisiana. The IMERG product provides near-real-time rain estimates every 30 minutes, combining satellite observations with other data sources.
Researchers have discovered that certain plant species, including wild tomato and alfalfa, share common genes with rice that enable them to survive flooding. The study aims to improve crop resilience to flooding by activating these genes in other plants.
Compound flooding events are projected to occur more than once every six years along the UK and Dutch coastlines. The probability of high sea levels and heavy precipitation occurring simultaneously will heavily increase in Northern Europe under a warmer future climate.
The 'Flying Fish' robot uses a water-reactive chemical reaction to create gas, which propels it out of the water and into a glide of up to 26 meters. The robot can travel long distances without additional power, making it suitable for collecting water samples in hazardous environments.
Research found that people experiencing storm and flood damage are about 50% more likely to experience poorer mental health, even when the damage is minor. The study suggests that climate change will increase the frequency and intensity of storms and floods in the UK, highlighting the need for mental health support.
A large international study led by TU Wien demonstrates climate change's influence on river flood magnitude. Regional patterns show changes in flood severity and frequency, with northwestern Europe experiencing increasing floods and southern Europe seeing decreasing flood levels.
A multinational study has shown that flood events are becoming increasingly severe in north-western Europe, while decreasing in southern and Eastern Europe. The research, which analyzed river flow data from thousands of locations over a 50-year period, provides clear evidence of the link between climate change and flooding.
A large international research project found that climate change is impacting the severity of flood events across Europe. Floods are increasing in central and north-western Europe due to rising precipitation and soil humidity, while decreasing in southern Europe where warmer temperatures lead to increased evaporation.
A $2 million NSF grant will support the study of nature-based strategies to prevent urban flooding and manage stormwater in cities like Pittsburgh and Chicago. The project aims to develop engineering tools that integrate green infrastructure with existing built systems to improve water quality and ecological health.
Research finds that a warming planet will alter ocean waves along more than 50% of the world's coastlines, leading to significant implications for coastal flooding and erosion. The study projects changes in wave patterns under different climate scenarios, with some areas experiencing increases in mean wave heights and others decreases.
Researchers at Princeton University have created new maps that predict coastal flooding for every county on the Eastern and Gulf Coasts. The study finds that 100-year floods could become annual occurrences in Northern coastal towns, primarily due to sea level rise. In more southern latitudes, storms are expected to increase in strength...
West Virginia University research predicts a 10-degree spike in average temperature by the end of the 21st century, leading to more frequent droughts, heat waves, and flooding. Increased evaporation due to warmer air temperatures exacerbates these extremes, threatening water security and ecosystem health.
Researchers analyzed a 120-year data set to confirm climate change's impact on precipitation events and floods. The study found six of seven highest precipitation events occurred within the last 20 years, with three storms resulting in abnormally large floods.
NASA's GPM core satellite analyzed Barry's rainfall rates several hours after it made landfall on the coast of Louisiana. Heavy rain bands were revealed by the data, with rainfall rates exceeding 10 mm/hour in some areas. The storm brought heavy rains and flooding to the mid-Mississippi Valley as it moved through the region.
Tropical Storm Barry moved slowly north through Arkansas and Louisiana, causing widespread flooding along the Mississippi River. The storm dropped up to 15 inches of rain in some areas, with local flash flooding remaining a likely threat.