Articles tagged with Floods
A new scale has been developed to characterize the strength and impacts of atmospheric rivers, which can deliver heavy precipitation to the Western United States. The scale assigns five categories to atmospheric rivers based on the amount of water vapor they carry and their duration in a given location.
The study focuses on two coastal regions in Thailand, assessing the impact of climate change on erosion and flooding. The Thai-coast project will enhance coastal community resilience through multidisciplinary research.
Researchers at VTT developed a new and more accurate method for estimating the probability of extreme events, such as storms, floods, and earthquakes. The new method improves estimation accuracy, especially when data is limited, and contributes to economically optimal safety in natural hazard preparation.
Research suggests that smaller snowstorms will decrease in number, but the most powerful nor'easters will remain frequent and crippling. The study's findings have significant implications for transportation, economy, and infrastructure along the Eastern Seaboard.
DJ Seo, a civil engineering professor at UTA, is working on a project to merge forecasts and metrics from multiple sources into a single, integrated forecast. This will provide emergency management officials with more accurate and understandable information to make informed decisions during major weather events.
University of Texas at Arlington researcher Yu Zhang has earned a $515,565 grant from NOAA to develop a method that combines inputs from the joint polar satellite system with the National Water Model. The goal is to enhance snow product accuracy and predict spring melt and runoff more effectively.
A new study by Michigan State University found that hundreds of dams planned for the Mekong River basin could disrupt the region's flood dynamics, threatening food security and ecosystem balance.
Research found that global water supplies are shrinking as soils dry out due to climate change, leading to drought-like conditions. Despite intense rain, large rivers are drying out, and urban flooding is becoming more common.
A study found that homes in hurricane-hit areas of the US are being rebuilt with larger footprints, often exceeding pre-storm sizes. This trend increases coastal risk and puts strain on subsidized insurance funding for properties in at-risk areas.
A new study uses citizen science to enhance flood forecasting by integrating water level data into models. The Hydrological Alert Model with Participatory Basis (HAMPB) model has shown promising results in improving forecast accuracy.
Recent studies highlight the need for updated adaptation plans to address severe weather events, with hard-adaptive measures like seawalls increasing long-term vulnerability. Increasing hazard awareness through education can reduce vulnerability, while effective communication strategies can mitigate flood damages.
New research found that overflowing crater lakes on Mars carved canyons rapidly, possibly in weeks, using high-resolution satellite images. This process likely played a major role in shaping Mars' surface without plate tectonics.
Researchers recreated Hurricane Harvey using computer models and weather data, finding that urbanization led to a wetter hurricane with higher flood peaks and more damage. The study highlights the need to consider urban development when calculating hurricane risk and preparing for hurricane damage and recovery.
A recent study by Michigan State University found that floods significantly transport large amounts of organic carbon through ecosystems, contrary to the traditional view of the carbon cycle as vertical. The research analyzed over 1,000 watersheds across the US and found that wetlands play a crucial role in storing and releasing carbon.
Researchers found that increases in diarrheal disease cases were closely tied to periods of rainfall, flood recession, and changes in surface water quality. The study suggests that adapting water treatment facilities to handle rapid shifts in surface water quality is crucial to mitigate the risk of waterborne disease.
A Kiel-based study reveals that 49 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Mediterranean are at risk due to sea-level rise and storm surges. The sites face increased flood risk of up to 50% and erosion risk of up to 13% by 2100, according to a spatial database and model simulations.
Researchers will integrate citizen science data from CrowdHydrology into the National Water Model to improve predictions of flooding. The project aims to enhance communication about flooding during emergencies and connect first responders with accurate, near real-time data.
A recent study found that glacial lake outbursts can trigger massive erosion and landslides, causing widespread damage to infrastructure. The research, published in Science, suggests that non-climatological drivers such as earthquakes and climate change may play a significant role in shaping fluvial erosion rates.
Tropical Depression Rosa's remnants brought heavy rainfall potential to east central Arizona on Oct. 2, with the strongest storms located over the region according to NASA's infrared view.
A team of researchers found that land area in Hawai'i vulnerable to future sea level rise may be double previous estimates. The 'bathtub' model underestimates the full extent of potential damage due to sea level rise, particularly on Hawaii's high-energy coasts.
Researchers found that residents and property owners are more likely to adopt green stormwater infrastructure practices if they have experienced flooding or erosion. The study suggests a flexible approach to encourage effective stewardship of these practices across diverse populations and landscapes.
Princeton University researchers have discovered a precise timeline for the Columbia River flood basalts, which they believe caused ancient global warming. The team's use of tiny zircon crystals has provided an unprecedented level of precision, revealing that 95% of the eruptions occurred within a 750,000-year window.
A recent study reveals a significant increase in the frequency and severity of floods on the Amazon River, with extreme floods occurring every four years. The research attributes this change to changes in the surrounding seas, particularly the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
Florence brought massive rainfall to the Carolinas, exceeding 30 inches in some areas, causing record or major flooding along many rivers. The storm's heavy rainfall caused widespread damage and at least 20 fatalities.
Hurricane Florence made landfall near Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, bringing estimated maximum winds of 90 mph and a minimum central pressure estimate of 958 millibars. The storm's infrared imagery showed the power and extent of its massive storm system.
A new study suggests that global coastal wetlands can migrate further inland to secure their future and avoid catastrophic losses. The research finds that with enough space, coastal wetlands could gain up to 60% in elevation, mitigating the impact of sea level rise on global warming and coastal flooding.
A Stanford University study found that lack of transparency in US home buyout programs leads to lower participation rates and perpetuates social inequality. The research suggests increasing clarity on decision criteria, community involvement, and emphasis on equitable relocation can improve the program's effectiveness.
NASA's Aqua satellite detected Tropical Depression Gordon's center over Arkansas on September 7, with maximum sustained winds near 10 mph. The depression is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 3-6 inches, causing local flooding and flash flooding in Missouri and the Midwest.
Scientists investigate the type characteristics of extreme precipitation events and their flood risk in the Yangtze-Huaihe River Valley. Persistent EPEs are linked to continuous flood peaks and severe floods. The study also identifies areas with high flood risk, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions.
Tropical Depression Gordon is expected to produce significant rainfall accumulations of 3-7 inches in northwest Mississippi and Arkansas, potentially causing local flooding. The depression is moving west-northwest at 8 mph, with little change in strength forecast over the next 48 hours.
A study by researchers from UNIGE reveals that global warming 56 million years ago had a more significant impact on the environment than currently thought, with floods increasing by a factor of eight and landscapes transforming into arid plains.
Typhoon Jebi's rainfall affected Shikoku and most of Honshu's south central coastal regions, with estimated amounts over a one-week period ranging from 100 mm (~4 inches) or more. The storm caused significant flooding, including at Kansai International Airport near Osaka, resulting in fatalities and injuries.
A new study reveals that Amazonian wetlands are home to an astonishing 3,615 tree species, exceeding expectations by three times. This comprehensive list of tree species was compiled from forest inventories and botanical collections, providing valuable insights into the region's biodiversity.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a system to harness data from smartphones to forecast weather patterns, particularly those that lead to flash floods. The smartphone sensors can monitor various atmospheric conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and light levels, providing valuable data for accurate forecasts.
A recent study by researchers at Uppsala University reveals that catastrophic flood events can lead to decreased human proximity to rivers, particularly in areas with low structural flood protection. This shift may help reduce exposure to future flooding events.
Human settlements with low flood protection levels tend to resettle further away from rivers after floods. Satellite data analysis in 16 countries showed that the distance between humans and rivers increased, especially in areas with high flood fatalities.
Severe monsoon floods affected Kerala state in India with extreme rainfall totals of up to 469 mm. Heavy rain bands brought intense precipitation to the southwest coast of India.
Researchers at NYIT have developed a 3D data modeling tool called IN-SOURCE to simulate and visualize the impact of environmental conditions on FEW distribution networks and urban infrastructure. The tool aims to help policymakers make informed decisions about infrastructure investments and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Climate change poses unprecedented flood risk unless timely adaptation measures are taken in Europe. Coastal defense structures need to be installed or reinforced to withstand increasing extreme sea levels.
Heavy rainfall caused flash floods and power outages in Virginia and Texas, while NASA's IMERG program estimated rainfall totals of over 8 inches in some areas. The analysis was based on satellite data from the GPM mission and used algorithms developed by NASA's PMM science team.
Researchers found elevated E. coli levels in Houston's major bayous immediately after Harvey, decreasing over two months. Fecal bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes were highest in homes with stagnant floodwater inside. Residents should exercise caution when handling post-Harvey floodwaters.
Climate change is projected to double rain-on-snow flood risk in the Sierra Nevada, Colorado River headwaters, and Canadian Rocky Mountains by the end of this century. This could lead to a 200% increase in localized flood risk and strain existing infrastructure.
Research from UTSA Assistant Professor Vikram Kapoor confirms high levels of fecal contamination in Texas waterways following Hurricane Harvey. The study found elevated levels of E. coli and enterococci concentrations above regulatory levels, posing risks to human health and environmental quality.
A landmark study by Newcastle University researchers finds that heavy, short rain storms are intensifying rapidly in Australia, leading to increased flash flood and urban flooding risks. The study, published in Nature Climate Change, shows that these extreme events are substantially larger than expected under climate change.
A study by researchers at the University of Waterloo found that flood losses in the Halifax, Nova Scotia area could increase by up to 300% if steps are not taken to address climate change. The study suggests that governments need to plan for rare but high-impact flood events and warn citizens about growing flood risks.
A £340,000 research project is examining the history of farming in the Amazon region. Dr Bronwen Whitney and her team are reconstructing the long-term agricultural history of Llanos de Mojos using palaeoethnobotany and landscape archaeology.
The model uses mathematical equations to translate incompatible data streams into a neutral format, enabling comparison and analysis of satellite imagery and social media posts. Researchers tested the model using data from a 2013 flood in Colorado, resolving incompatibility issues and accurately estimating flooding locations.
Researchers at Tohoku University have identified a key gene responsible for deepwater rice's ability to thrive in flood conditions. The SD1 gene enables the plant to increase its height and accumulate ethylene, allowing it to ride out lengthy floods.
A new study identifies the SD1 gene as responsible for the deepwater rice adaptation, which enables plants to rapidly grow taller to keep above floodwaters. This discovery highlights the intrinsic complexity of plant adaptation strategies and could offer solutions for breeding modern rice varieties to cope with climate change.
A team of researchers has found a connection between seasonal sea level fluctuations and Rossby Waves, which can escalate the risk of nuisance flooding. This discovery may lead to a new tool for coastal communities to anticipate and prepare for rising tides.
A tropical disturbance brought extremely heavy rainfall to southern Texas, resulting in record-breaking flood levels. Over 15 inches of rain fell in Hidalgo County, with IMERG estimates indicating 21 inches fell in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission captured extreme rainfall rates of up to 3.5 inches per hour in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Heavy flooding is expected along the coast of Texas into Louisiana, with a high risk of rip currents and minor coastal flooding.
A multidisciplinary team at UC Santa Barbara found that immediate responses to disasters like wildfires and floods can have unintended consequences. By prioritizing long-term planning and adaptation strategies, decisionmakers can mitigate the risks of climate change-mediated disasters.
Researchers analyzed historical hurricane scenarios to model potential grid disruptions and identified clusters of businesses and community resources that could be outfitted with microgrids to improve resilience. Microgrids, also known as resilience nodes, enable enhanced adaptation and response to electric grid disruptions.
Researchers reconstruct Boston Harbor's water level record for 1825-2018, finding a nearly a foot rise in relative sea level and tidal trends driving increased flood risk. The study highlights the importance of combining historical data with modern measurements to understand extreme weather events.
Subtropical Storm Alberto brought heavy rain to the southeastern US, with IMERG estimates showing up to 8 inches of rain over central Alabama. The storm's passage also led to flash flood watches for several states, causing 6 deaths in total.
Subtropical Depression Alberto's center has been located near latitude 38.7 degrees north and longitude 87.4 degrees west, approximately 80 miles southwest of Indianapolis, Indiana. The depression is moving toward the north-northeast at 17 mph, with maximum sustained winds near 30 mph and higher gusts.
Alberto has weakened to a subtropical depression with strongest storms circling its low-level center, producing heavy rainfall and flash flooding concerns.
A new study assesses the economic impact of intensifying river floods on a global scale, finding that China's flood damages could affect EU and US industries. The US economy may be particularly vulnerable due to its unbalanced trade relation with China, while stronger trade relations could mitigate losses.
Research reveals a significant rise in postpartum haemorrhage in Victoria, with one in five women experiencing primary blood loss after childbirth. The study highlights the need for improved monitoring and treatment protocols to address this concerning trend.