Articles tagged with Floods
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
Germany can expect increased flood losses due to climate change, with potential damages reaching up to 500 million euros per year, according to a recent study. The research suggests that without adaptation, flood-related damage could multiply in the future.
Typhoon Nepartak brought severe problems when it moved ashore, causing thousands of home destructions in China and at least three deaths in Taiwan. NASA's IMERG estimated totals indicated over 500 mm (19.7 inches) in some areas, with even greater rainfall calculated in non-affected regions.
A recent study suggests that re-wetting dried riverbeds releases dissolved carbon and greenhouse gases, including methane and CO2. This process may also contribute to ocean acidification. However, restoration of wetlands is expected to outweigh the negative effects, supporting biodiversity and mitigating storm erosion.
Researchers found that the Atchafalaya Basin, with restored access to riverine sediment, is more stable than surrounding areas like Terrebonne Basin. The basin has emerged above mean sea level and maintained its shoreline despite rising waters and sediment loss.
A new study reveals that changes in wind patterns are the main driver of California droughts, rather than moisture levels. Researchers analyzed 30-year data sets to find that atmospheric circulation disturbances have a significant impact on drought frequency and severity.
NASA's Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) data revealed extreme rainfall in West Virginia during June 20-26, 2016, with 12.6 inches reported in affected areas., The IMERG analysis also showed heavy rain producing thunderstorms, causing flash flooding in the region.
A controlled pulse of water to the Colorado River Delta released stored greenhouse gases, including methane and carbon dioxide. This study highlights the need for a long-term approach to manage riverbed carbon storage in response to changing climate conditions.
Researchers require improved techniques to grasp climate change causes and its impact on communities, according to Professor Peter Stott. Better information will help policymakers safeguard people from extreme weather events.
A new study published by researchers at the University of Delaware's Disaster Research Center aims to sharpen planners' insight on how many people may leave a given area during a hurricane. The study found that demographic data, such as race and socioeconomic status, influence evacuation decisions, with white respondents having a highe...
Russell Johns and his team aim to revolutionize alkali-surfactant-polymer (ASP) flooding to improve oil recovery efficiency and production, benefiting the US energy sector and surfactant industry. They will develop methods for creating optimal chemical balances and simulate fluid behavior in reservoirs to predict oil recoveries.
A University of Liverpool study reveals that the Caribbean Sea's unique resonance produces oscillations in the Earth's gravity field, detectable from space. These changes can cause significant sea level fluctuations, influencing coastal flooding and climate regulation.