Articles tagged with Floods
Tropical Storm Nanmadol caused severe flooding and one death in southwestern Japan. The GPM satellite measured intense precipitation bands, with rain falling at a rate of over 3.3 inches per hour in an area near the Korea Strait.
Research by Lancaster University found that remote Amazonian cities are more vulnerable to environmental pollution, contaminated water, and health risks. Experts emphasize the need for 'adaptive capacity' through improved public services and disaster response planning to mitigate these effects.
A team of researchers led by Cody Ross measured water flow in the vadose zone, a critical region under the soil surface. They found that in the southeastern Canadian Prairies, old water accounted for a significant portion of streams, contradicting previous research.
A new study from the University of Waterloo found that strong individuals should prioritize their own safety before attempting to help weaker people in emergency situations. The research used computer modeling to simulate a flooded subway station, finding that overall survival rates were higher when strong members reached safety first.
A research team found that unusual tropical conditions, the stratospheric polar vortex, and climate warming contributed to record UK rainfall in winter 2013-14. The study shows a 10-15% contribution from climate change, with main causes being atmospheric dynamics linking the UK to the tropics and stratosphere.
A recent study by Louisiana State University researchers found that urban development has declined in coastal flood zones nationwide, but grown in inland counties. This trend poses a significant risk to populations living in inland flood zones, who may not be aware of the hazards despite migrating to coastal areas.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured images of Tropical Depression Calvin before it made landfall in southwestern Mexico on June 12. The depression brought heavy rain and created flooding across several Mexican states, including Oaxaca, Guerrero, Chiapas, Tabasco, and Veracruz.
A new study by researchers at Princeton and Rutgers universities found that sea-level rise will amplify moderate flooding in the southeastern US, while exacerbating severe flooding in areas like Seattle. Cities may need to prepare for more frequent severe events rather than common but less severe floods.
The iSeeFlood app, developed in 2016, is designed to gather data on flash floods, which can be dangerous to pedestrians and motorists. The app, which has now been made available for iPhones, encourages users to report flooding incidents, providing valuable information for cities and emergency services.
The Atlas of the Human Planet 2017 reveals that one out of three people worldwide is exposed to earthquakes, with 414 million living near active volcanoes. Exposure to natural hazards has doubled globally over the past 40 years, primarily due to urbanization and population growth.
A study by researchers at Binghamton University found that women who experienced higher levels of flood-related stress and displayed decreased pupil dilation to emotional faces were more likely to experience increases in depressive symptoms following the flood. This suggests that pupil dilation analysis could be used to identify those ...
Researchers created a physics-based sediment transport model to accurately describe the Yellow River's sediment load. The formula can be applied to study eroding coastlines worldwide and mitigate Huanghe floods, threatening 80 million people.
A new tool developed for China's Yellow River can predict and prevent its frequent floods, threatening 80 million people. The formula calculates sediment transport, enhancing the sustainability of eroding coastlines globally.
A team of researchers discovered that the Western Amazon sank twice, with ocean water from the Caribbean flooding the region for less than a million years. The study found distinct layers of marine pollen separated by non-marine types, as well as shark teeth and mantis shrimp fossils.
US bridges may be more vulnerable than previously thought, according to a new Stanford study. The research found that frequent flooding and extreme events driven by climate change could lead to increased collapses, with up to $250 billion in direct costs.
Scientists at University of Edinburgh have found that landslides in southern Himalayan regions can increase flood risk by altering river paths with gravel and pebbles, while softer rocks in northern regions produce dispersed sand downstream. The study helps improve flood risk maps for the Ganga Plain, affecting millions.
A study led by UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology finds that global warming is responsible for tripling of extreme West African Sahel storms in the last 35 years. Climate change will increase the risk of more frequent and severe flooding, as well as poor sanitation-related diseases in West African cities.
Heavy rainfall in Mocoa, Colombia triggered devastating flooding and mudslides that killed over 250 people. NASA's GPM mission provided crucial data on precipitation from its orbit, helping estimate the amount of rain that fell near the affected area.
NASA's Suomi NPP satellite captured an image of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie over Queensland on March 29, 2017. The system's clouds stretched from Townsville to Brisbane along the coast, with heavy rainfall expected in central and southeastern regions.
A new study reveals that much of Honolulu and Waikiki is at risk of groundwater inundation due to sea level rise. Groundwater levels are expected to rise by up to two feet, leading to flooding in the urban core, with 86% of active cesspools likely currently inundated.
Flood insurance is becoming unaffordable for many NYC households, with 33% projected to struggle financially if updated FIRM rates are adopted. The RAND Corporation study proposes affordable programs, including means-tested financial assistance and grants, to mitigate this burden.
A study by Colorado State University researchers found that an extreme flooding event in 2013 eroded over 500,000 cubic meters of sediment, equivalent to 115 years of weathering products. The flood also discharged large amounts of organic carbon and wood into reservoirs, affecting water storage capacity.
Heavy rainfall in Peru led to extensive flooding, landslides, and loss of life. NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission provided data on precipitation rates and totals, revealing storms dropping heavy rain at rates of over 137 mm per hour.
A new study projects significant increases in extreme sea levels along Europe's coasts by 2100, threatening millions of people with annual flooding. The research predicts that 5 million Europeans could face the risk of coastal flooding every year if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise.
Researchers found that rivers in regions with high erosion rates transport more sediment, which adjusts the channel geometry to moderate flows. This challenges the threshold channel model, which predicts a specific grain size range for gravel-bedded rivers.
Researchers tracked social media posts with specific tags before extreme weather events to identify areas at risk. This early warning system has the potential to improve prediction and monitoring of floods and other natural hazards, saving lives and protecting homes.
A new epoch name could raise awareness about humanity's planetary-scale impact and encourage action on climate change. However, it may also perpetuate technological hubris and ecomyopia, a phenomenon where societies ignore or fail to act on ecological information.
A new study finds that cumulative hazards from nuisance flooding in US cities will cost more than extreme events like Hurricane Katrina or Superstorm Sandy over time. The research predicts that by 2050, cities like Miami and Seattle may experience up to 700 hours of nuisance flooding per year.
The NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured a night-time image of the ex-tropical cyclone, showing it had become elongated as it weakened. The storm is expected to continue weakening as it tracks further inland on February 16, bringing heavy rain and localized flooding to parts of South Africa.
A new research framework developed by the University of Queensland aims to identify and track ecosystem services at risk due to growing human demand. The framework allows for analysis of supply and demand, natural system condition, and future demand changes, providing a basis for global assessments.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a 500-year cycle of flooding in central China, which can be used to predict broad precipitation patterns in the future. The findings provide insight into climate change over time and improve understanding of monsoon regions.
NASA used its Global Precipitation Measurement mission to analyze heavy rainfall in southern Thailand, which resulted in record-breaking totals. The analysis showed extreme rainfall of over 700 mm over the Gulf of Thailand and greater than 500 mm on land., Rainfall has increased significantly over Thailand during this La Nina year.
NASA's TRMM-based Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis reveals higher-than-average precipitation in California due to the Pineapple Express, causing widespread flooding and mudslides. The atmospheric river event has brought much-needed relief but also poses significant challenges.
A new study by University of Iowa engineers finds that flood risk is growing in the northern US and declining in the southern half, due to shifting rainfall patterns and groundwater levels. The research suggests regional variations can be attributed to changes in rainfall and climate change.
The NOAA has awarded $8 million in funding for 11 coastal resiliency projects across the US, focusing on wetland restoration, coral reef conservation, and dam removals. These projects aim to enhance ecosystem resilience and reduce risks from extreme weather events.
A University of Michigan-led team is mapping surface ruptures and earthquake-triggered landslides in New Zealand using a combination of satellite imagery, drone footage, helicopter observations, and on-foot data collection. The high-resolution maps will help response teams assess landslide threats and prepare for future large earthquakes.
The winter floods of 2015/2016 in the UK were the most extreme on record, with record peak flows at several rivers and a estimated insurance bill of over £1.3 billion. The floods affected 16,000 properties in England, causing life-changing financial losses and incredible stress to those impacted.
Research identifies mesoscale convective systems as primary cause of increased heavy rainfall in the region. The study found a significant increase in the frequency and duration of these storms over the past 35 years.
Jorge Cueto's PhD thesis focused on developing telescoping structural systems for 'rise on demand' flood walls, which can be installed below ground level and raised when flooding occurs. His company, Smart Walls Construction LLC, recently received a $225,000 NSF grant to test and commercialize the invention.
A University of Illinois study suggests that the Mississippi River's natural course could permanently reroute Dogtooth Bend peninsula, leaving approximately 15,000 acres of farmland inaccessible by road. The researchers propose three alternative solutions to mitigate this threat and ensure sustainable land use in the region.
A comprehensive study of Australian natural hazards finds increasing heatwaves and extreme bushfires, but uncertain projections for storms and rainfall. Temperature-related hazards are projected to become more extreme, while others may see increased frequency or intensity, with complex interlinkages between climate extremes.
A new study from the University of Delaware has found that people prefer to invest in conservation, such as protecting key areas of a watershed, over traditional water treatment plants. Participants in the field experiment were more willing to donate to conservation causes than drinking water utilities.
A long-term experiment found that plant mixtures with high diversity alleviated flooding effects on crops, while monocultures were more vulnerable. Soil properties improved in diverse mixtures, allowing for faster water drainage and higher oxygen levels.
The Colorado River Delta has benefited from recent engineered spring floods, with bird diversity increasing by 43% in restoration areas. Groundwater recharge has also improved, recharging the aquifer for irrigation and benefiting native plant species.
Glacial lakes in Bolivia are increasing in size, posing a threat to communities and infrastructure downstream. The study found that glacier recession could lead to glacial lake outburst floods, which have already occurred in the region, causing devastating effects on villages and farmland.
New research from Alaska analyzed 800 watersheds and found that intact flood plains can mitigate the impacts of a warmer, wetter future on salmon spawning habitat. The study predicts up to 16% loss of coho salmon spawning habitat by the 2080s in narrower, steeper streams.
Hurricane Matthew's heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding and deaths in North Carolina, with rivers still rising on Oct. 12. The NASA rainfall analysis used IMERG data to estimate the storm's total rainfall, which was over 20 inches in some areas.
Researchers propose new model of megaflood-carved landscapes, suggesting that deep canyons can be formed in bedrock by significantly less water than previously thought. This study applies numerical flood models to the 'channeled scablands' in eastern Washington State and Mars, revealing that channels were likely formed by flood dischar...
A new computer simulation predicts that storm-related flooding on the New York City coastline similar to Hurricane Sandy's scale will become more common in coming decades. The worst-case scenario sees a 17-fold increase by 2100 due to sea-level rise and varying storm activity.
Climate change and sea-level rise will increase the frequency of floods like Sandy's in NYC, with projected increases of up to 17 times more frequently. The study predicts that floods as intense as Sandy's will occur at least three times more frequently by 2100.
Researchers at Indiana University have discovered a new molecular structure with potential applications in reducing nuclear and agricultural waste. The 'supramolecule,' which consists of two negatively charged ions, could be used to remove sulfate ions from nuclear waste storage processes and extract harmful phosphate ions from the env...
A study by mathematicians at the University of Strathclyde found that intense Atlantic storms coincide with high spring tides to cause devastating flooding in the Firth of Clyde. The research used a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model to simulate sea-level surges during storms, revealing the highest risk of flooding occurs when storms...
Hurricane Newton is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rains to Baja California Sur, Mexico, with total rain accumulations of 8-12 inches. The storm's trajectory suggests it will pass over the Gulf of California late this afternoon or evening.
Hurricane Hermine made landfall near Saint Marks, Florida with 80 mph winds, and then moved into Georgia where it weakened to a tropical storm. The NASA/NOAA GOES Project created an animation showing the development of Hermine into a hurricane during the afternoon of Sept. 1.
A severe low-pressure system brought intense tropical moisture to the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in record-breaking rainfall totals over southern Louisiana. At least 4 people have died in the floods, which also affected southeastern Mississippi and western Louisiana.
The IMERG data revealed the most extreme rainfall fell over the northern Gulf of Mexico, with estimates suggesting 20-35 inches of precipitation. Heavy rainfall and flooding have affected parts of Florida, Louisiana, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
A new study reveals that Democratic voters are more likely to perceive a higher probability of flood damage, expect climate change to increase the risk, and invest in individual protection measures. Republicans, on the other hand, are less likely to trust government to address flood risks and receive federal disaster relief.
Researchers provide geological evidence for China's Great Flood, dated to 1920 BC, contradicting traditional timelines and offering a new perspective on the Xia dynasty's origins. The study suggests that the flood may have inspired a cultural response to an extreme natural disaster that connected groups along the Yellow River.
NASA's IMERG data revealed strong bands of heavy rain extending east-west over north-central Maryland, with localized areas experiencing higher rates. The area affected suffered devastating flooding, including the historic town of Ellicott City, where two people drowned and numerous cars were damaged.
A team of scientists released key recommendations to build and sustain land in coastal Louisiana using Mississippi River sediment diversions. The plan aims to mimic natural processes that originally built the land, taking advantage of winter flood peaks and spring sand, while minimizing socio-economic effects.