Articles tagged with Floods
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
Nuisance flooding in the US increased significantly in 2015 due to strong El Niño and rising sea levels. Cities such as Charleston, SC; Port Isabel, TX; and San Francisco, CA experienced record numbers of flooding days, with Wilmington, NC leading the way with an all-time high of 90 days.
Heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Colin led to widespread flooding in Florida and Georgia, with over 250 mm of rain recorded in some areas. NASA's IMERG data analysis showed Colin's heaviest precipitation occurred over central Florida, with extreme amounts exceeding 280 mm.
Heavy rainfall totals of over 20 inches were reported in parts of southeastern Texas, with IMERG estimating 431 mm (17 inches) during a week of major flooding. Flooding resulted in at least 6 deaths and a state of disaster was declared in 31 Texas counties.
Tropical Depression Bonnie has redeveloped into a tropical depression, threatening eastern North Carolina with heavy rain. The storm's movement and intensity are expected to change, with slight strengthening possible in the next 24 hours.
The University of Texas at Arlington associate professor has launched a new Android cell phone app called iSeeFlood to encourage public reports of flash flooding. The app integrates data from wireless sensors and radar systems to improve flash flood forecasting and warning systems, ultimately saving lives and property.
A recent study found that underwater grass beds at Susquehanna Flats can protect and maintain their own health despite harsh conditions. The beds exhibit a natural ability to reduce damage from extreme events through biophysical feedback processes.
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a method to predict avulsions in river deltas, which can cause flooding and destruction. The team used experimental flooding conditions to confirm the key factors contributing to avulsion locations.
Roanu is intensifying with defined eye and broad storm surge potential, threatening widespread flooding in Bangladesh. The cyclone has already caused massive landslides and flooding in Sri Lanka and could reach hurricane strength, posing a significant threat to the region.
Heavy rainfall caused catastrophic flooding in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, resulting in four deaths and thousands displaced. NASA's GPM satellite data revealed intense storms with precipitation rates exceeding 300 mm/h along a line of heavy rainfall on May 8, 2016.
A new study from Queen Mary University of London found that historic UK landfills in England and Wales contain high levels of contaminants that could harm marine life if eroded or flooded. The analysis of two landfill sites in Essex revealed pollutants at concentrations exceeding marine sediment quality guidelines, posing a significant...
Researchers found that moderate floods have a significant impact on river shaping, increasing erosion rates. However, extreme floods have limited additional effect on channel geometry, suggesting that landscapes can stabilize over long-term climate shifts.
NASA's GOES-West satellite captures organized circulation of Tropical Cyclone Amos, indicating imminent rapid intensification. The storm is expected to become a hurricane by April 22, with potential threat for flash flooding in American Samoa.
Researchers found that ants form rafts with different members occupying specific positions based on experience, demonstrating collective memory and cooperation. This phenomenon has implications for our understanding of social insects and potential applications in robotics and medicine.
A new study published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene documents the public health impacts after devastating flooding on a South Pacific island. Researchers found that 31 people died, mostly children under 14, and many more were injured or affected by infectious diseases.
Record Balkan floods of 2014 were likely caused by the temporary slowdown of giant airstreams and planetary wave resonance. The study found that extreme rainfall events are strongly increasing in the region, even more than globally observed.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed a new system to predict floods in real-time using advanced computing resources. With the National Flood Interoperability Experiment (NFIE), they can forecast floods continually, improving the accuracy and speed of flood warnings for communities nationwide.
A CU Denver study reveals that many communities fail to incorporate historic preservation into their disaster management plans, putting cultural resources at risk. The study identified numerous historic sites in hazardous areas, including those in Florida's National Register of Historic Places in a 100-year floodplain.
A new University of Miami-led study found significant increases in flooding frequency in Miami Beach over the last decade due to accelerated sea-level rise. The researchers suggest using regional sea-level rise projections to better prepare for future flood hazards in South Florida.
A new study uses multistripe laser triangulation (MLT) scanner to predict water movement through soil, identifying preferential flow patterns. The technique helps scientists manage water resources better by predicting recharge rates, water runoff, and soil erosion.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a faster and more accurate flood risk assessment method that relies on an algorithm to extract key causative events driving major floods. This new approach reduces the time taken for modeling while maintaining high accuracy, potentially saving properties and lives.
A new study by UC Santa Barbara researchers identified how flooding frequency and duration affect mercury biogeochemistry along a 40-mile stretch of the Yuba/Feather River system. The study found that about 5 percent of the total mercury in this lower section has the potential to become toxic.
A JRC-led research highlights four adaptation measures to reduce flood risk in Europe, prioritizing vulnerability reduction and relocation over traditional protection methods. The study suggests a combination of measures is more effective than individual actions, and recommends optimizing these strategies at the river basin level.
Researchers have developed a new method to track the hydrology of Eastern Washington's wetlands, providing insights into their behavior seasonally. The technique uses satellite images to identify structural elements of wetlands and delineate them from other parts of the landscape.
A recent study published in Ecological Engineering suggests that restoring wetlands in the Midwest can reduce peak river flows during floods by up to 17.5 percent. This approach could provide a natural and ecological option for flood management, serving as an additional tool for mitigating the impact of climate change.
Heaviest rainfall in the southern US was reported over 24 inches in Monroe, Louisiana, with over 4,958 homes damaged by flooding. NASA's TMPA analysis revealed a merged satellite rainfall image showing heavy rain stretching from northern Louisiana to south central Arkansas.
A new study forecasts that a 6-foot sea level rise will expose over 13 million American homes to flooding and other hazards, with Florida facing the greatest risk. The research provides policymakers with detailed information to develop practical adaptation strategies for protecting land threatened by frequent and repeated inundation.
Heavy rainfall and strong storms affected the southern U.S. on March 9, with over a foot of rain falling in Texas to Arkansas. The GPM satellite measured extreme precipitation rates, including 148 mm in one powerful storm.
Researchers found that strategic tree planting on floodplains can reduce peak flood height by 6-20% by slowing down rainwater arrival. Extensive forest and river restoration resulted in larger reductions, with mature forests reducing flood risk by up to 100 years post-planting.
New research reveals that global warming will increase rainfall in dry regions, but the additional water may not be available due to increased evaporation. This could lead to more frequent and intense flash flooding events in areas without adequate infrastructure.
Heavy rainfall caused flooding and landslides in northern Peru, with NASA's Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) measuring extreme rainfall totals of over 700 mm. The strong El Niño was partially blamed for the abnormally high rainfall.
A new method quantifies monetary losses from coastal floods under sea-level rise, showing that damage costs consistently increase at a higher rate. The study provides estimates of average annual costs of sea-level rise over longer time periods, helping policymakers assess adaptation measures.
A study found that public administrations in Germany rely on their own experiences in shaping participatory processes, rather than adopting best practices from other states. They also draw on experience from adjacent policy areas to optimize their processes.
A study by University of Stirling scientists found beaver dam building skills improve stream habitats, increasing species diversity by 28% and reducing pollutants. Beaver dams also store flood water and increase organic matter retention.
University of Exeter researchers present world-leading studies on climate tipping points and glacial lake outburst floods, shedding light on early warning signals and their implications for global action. The research aims to provide insights into the social and policy implications of these critical thresholds.
A recent study by the University of California, Davis, found that levees can actually increase flood risk for up to a third of residential structures and 22% of commercial structures behind them. The research team estimated long-term flood risk, probabilities of levee failure, and resulting economic losses in the Sny Island levee distr...
Scientists found that recent developments near the Meramec River, including a levee and landfill, significantly magnified flood levels. The study showed that floods are becoming more chaotic, unpredictable, and severe due to human activities such as development in floodways and floodplains.
A study by Oxford University scientists found that human-induced climate change increased the risk of severe storms in the south of England, leading to devastating flooding. The analysis attributed the increase in extreme rainfall to thermodynamic changes in the atmosphere and westerly air flow.
RapidScat satellite revealed sustained winds of 45 meters per second along the coast of southern New Jersey, causing flooding. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument on NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible-light image showing a blanket of snow stretching from Massachusetts to Missouri.
Researchers used social media data from Twitter and Flickr to identify hotspots in need of aid during the 2013 Colorado floods. The team's innovative approach combined remote sensing imagery with machine-learning algorithms to quickly analyze images and pinpoint areas affected by flooding.
The Headwaters Diversion system, built to protect agricultural lands from overflow and Ozark Plateau runoff, has increased peak flow of Mississippi River water and led to increased flooding. Climate scientists predict a continued pattern of extreme rainfall events, exacerbating the issue.
NASA analyzed rainfall totals in Paraguay and found the highest amounts occurred northeast of Asuncion, with over 400 mm recorded in central and southern parts. The strong El Niño phenomenon is believed to be the cause of the heavy flooding, affecting over 150,000 people across Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
The 2011 flood caused by Tropical Storm Lee had a significant impact on the geomorphology of several large watersheds in north-central Pennsylvania. Channel widening and bank erosion were common, and huge volumes of gravel were transported during the flood. The study suggests that part of the reason for these changes was related to the...
The NASA GPM mission analyzed extreme weather in the US from December 2015, detecting heavy rainfall, tornado outbreaks, and record-breaking flooding. The analysis revealed a line of tornadic thunderstorms moving through the Midwest, generating two tornadoes and 14 deaths.
A massive low pressure system generated severe weather, including tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and snow, in the southwestern and central US. The storm system brought significant impacts, particularly to Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle.
Geologists have discovered a unique landform in the Wabash River Valley that was formed by erosion from melting glacier floodwaters. The finding provides insight into how floodwaters may behave as glaciers continue to melt today, with potential effects on surrounding landscapes.
The US Pacific Northwest experienced extreme rainfall from Dec. 2 to 9, 2015, with areas receiving over 160 mm of rain and the open waters of the Pacific Ocean seeing totals over 310 mm. This heavy moisture was attributed to atmospheric rivers originating in the Western Pacific Ocean.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has granted a $750,000 program to enhance coastal resilience in Texas. The program aims to improve community planning and outreach, using tools like CHARM, to mitigate the impact of weather hazards.
Amar Flood's team at IU has created a tricarb molecule that self-assembles into flower-shaped crystalline patterns, a breakthrough in materials science. The team plans to use computer-aided design software to virtually experiment with millions of molecular compounds, reducing the time and cost of creating new materials.
Researchers have developed a new approach to recover flood frequency and magnitude data from temperate lakes, providing new sources of paleohydrological information. The study uses sediment dynamics to establish relationships between river discharge and deposit preservation, helping model and mitigate future flood risk.