Research from Harvard University suggests that flooding for hydroelectric development can increase methylmercury levels in Arctic ecosystems by up to 200 percent. The study found that freshwater from melting ice mixing with salt water creates a feeding zone for plankton that accumulates mercury and magnifies its effects on the food chain.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
NASA's GOES-East satellite tracked Tropical Storm Erika's movement from August 27 to August 29, showing its weakening as it passed through the Leeward Islands and into the Eastern Caribbean Sea. The storm's remnants are expected to produce heavy rainfall across portions of the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and eastern Cuba through Sunday.
Scientists created adjustable weirs to simulate flooding levels, allowing for realistic study of coastal wetland impacts. The low-cost approach provides a more accurate representation of natural conditions than traditional mesocosm studies.
SourceUniversity of Alabama in Tuscaloosa·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateAug 17, 2015
A new model suggests that wealthy countries' ability to mitigate flood risks through investments will be unsustainable in the long term. As a result, they may experience similar flood risk levels as developing countries.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 6, 2015
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Researchers found that massive storm systems can cause devastating tsunami-type waves, like in Typhoon Haiyan. The 'surf beat' phenomenon occurs when long wave groups approach shallow areas, breaking and transporting water onshore.
SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 6, 2015
A study found that simulated seawater flooding significantly reduced growth of sensitive vegetable seedlings. Salt-tolerant varieties like spinach, eggplant, and tomato showed less damage, with some experiencing a 43-67% reduction in photosynthetic rate after two weeks.
SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateJul 29, 2015
USF researchers found that storm surge, high rainfall, and rising sea levels contribute to devastating 'compound flooding' in coastal cities. Their analysis identified key mechanisms, including elevated water levels and moderate storm surges, which exacerbate flooding impacts.
SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 27, 2015
Researchers from ASU's School of Sustainability and surrounding institutions are developing holistic methods to assess urban infrastructure resilience. The team aims to incorporate natural systems into designs, creating 'safe-to-fail' scenarios that balance social, ecological, and technical needs.
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
Tropical Storm Nangka caused the evacuation of over 200,000 people in Japan and is moving towards the Sea of Japan. The storm's wind speed decreased to 40 mph as it moved northeastward, with forecasters predicting its dissipation in a day or two.
Scientists found a clear upward trend in unprecedented daily rainfall events globally, consistent with rising global temperatures. The average increase is 12% globally, but 56% in South East Asia.
SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalClimatic Change·DateJul 8, 2015
A new study from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that federal agencies are underestimating historic 100-year flood levels on major rivers in the Midwest by as much as five feet. This miscalculation has serious implications for future flood risks, flood insurance, and business development in an expanding floodplain.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Earth Science·DateJun 30, 2015
NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Depression Bill's remnants over the central United States on June 18. The storm is expected to bring significant rainfall and flash flooding to the eastern two-thirds of the US, including sections of Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Louisiana, and Texas.
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Tropical Depression Bill moved north-northeast through the southern U.S., affecting eastern Texas and Oklahoma. NASA satellites provided infrared, visible, and rainfall estimates for the storm's progression, while NWS forecasts heavy rain accumulations of 4-12 inches across several states.
Hurricane Carlos has caused coastal complications for western Mexico residents as it weakened and re-strengthened to hurricane force. The storm's compact structure and strong thunderstorms tightly circling the center have extended hurricane-force winds up to 10 miles from the center.
A new study reveals that humans deliberately caused about a third of floods in southwestern Netherlands between 1500 and 2000. The deliberate flooding was used as a tactic during the Eighty Years' War, with significant changes to the landscape resulting from these inundations.
SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·DateJun 9, 2015
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
Researchers at UT Austin study computational models and simulations of hurricanes like Ike to predict storm surge and flooding consequences. Advanced tools in high-performance computing are used to improve simulation accuracy.
SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·DateMay 29, 2015
Record-breaking floods hit central Texas and Oklahoma, with the Blanco River reaching a new crest of over 40 feet in Hays County. The floods are attributed to persistent widespread storms across the Southern Plains, fueled by El Nino.
A Queensland University of Technology study has found that flood victims experienced more psychological distress during the rebuilding phase than as waters inundated their homes and businesses. Aftermath stress was the strongest predictor of post-traumatic stress symptoms, with insurance company issues being a major contributor.
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
A new study shows that Colorado's extreme precipitation events can happen in any season and at all elevations across the state. The research found that high-elevation intense precipitation events have occurred in all months of the year, including summer, when that precipitation is more likely to be rain and therefore more of a flood risk.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·DateMay 20, 2015
A new database of coastal flooding in the UK has been launched, providing crucial information to prevent future flooding events. The 'SurgeWatch' database contains data on 96 large storms and their impact on UK coastlines.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScientific Data·DateMay 12, 2015
NASA predicts more severe weather for the Midwest, including tornadoes, flash flooding, and strong winds. The storm system is expected to bring heavy rain and hail, with cold air masses indicating strong convective storms.
A study found that local media played a sensitive role in helping West Cumbrian communities cope with traumatic events, while national media was often invasive. The research showed that communities responded positively to local support and shared experiences.
Researchers found eight major flood events in the central Mississippi River valley that contributed to Cahokia's emergence and decline. The study suggests that floods disrupted agricultural settlement patterns, leading to increased population density and farming intensity.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2015
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
Researchers from UMass Amherst found that about 10% of released water may be permanently lost, reducing downstream river flows. This 'hydropeaking' practice allows hydropower dams to operate more efficiently, but comes with a tradeoff: permanent water loss affecting aquatic life and ecosystems.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalHydrological Processes·DateMar 31, 2015
A computer modeling analysis led by UC Irvine scientists found that levee detonations in 2011 reduced the risk of flooding in a city upstream. The study showed that allowing levees to overtop naturally would have resulted in less erosion and similar damage to crops and buildings.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNatural Hazards·DateMar 20, 2015
A new study projects that large coastal populations in Asia and Africa will face the highest exposure to future sea level rise and storm surge flooding. Coastal areas with high population density, such as China, India, and Indonesia, are most vulnerable.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers developed a new hydrological model to predict the extent of flash flooding by analyzing rainfall patterns at the hillslope scale. The model reveals that certain frequencies of rainfall can amplify runoff and lead to more severe flooding.
Researchers at Penn University developed a new model of sediment transport in rivers, showing that even calm rivers creep forward slowly due to particle interactions. The study improves geologists' ability to predict erosion rates and landscape evolution over time.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2015
Hyongki Lee, a University of Houston researcher, is training South Asian government officials to independently manage their water resources. With the help of a novel software toolbox, these officials can better predict and prepare for floods and monsoons, saving lives and reducing devastation.
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
The report projects increased temperatures, heavy downpours, sea level rise, and intensified coastal flooding by the end of the century. It recommends further research and planning efforts to enhance resiliency in New York City and its metropolitan region.
SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 2015
Tropical Cyclone Lam brought heavy rain to the Northern Territory, causing flooding in low-lying areas and river rises over the central Top End. The cyclone made landfall as a Category Four storm, with sustained winds near 55 kph.
The study finds that the Dinner Creek Tuff Eruptive Center was a common source for mafic and silicic magmatism, linking the GRB eruptions and providing evidence for the location of Columbia River Basalt storage sites. This suggests that shallow crustal rhyolitic reservoirs played a key role in controlling the timing and place of eruption.
SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateFeb 19, 2015
A new study warns that the existing system of space-based rainfall observation satellites requires a serious overhaul due to weak spots in many developing countries. Replacing only two of the four satellites past their design life can help close data deficits considerably.
SourceCornell University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 16, 2015
A new study by Cornell University warns that the existing system of space-based rainfall observation satellites requires a serious overhaul due to aging technology and lack of international coordination. Replacing just two of the four outdated satellites could help close gaps in data coverage, but broader collaboration is still needed.
SourceCornell University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 12, 2015
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
A $3 million grant will restore 14.4 miles of streams in Pennsylvania, reducing flooding and improving water quality. The project will also create a riparian forest buffer to support a breeding population of native brook trout and other coldwater fish species.
Scientists studied the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon and found that it was formed by a series of distinct floods triggered by volcanic activity under glaciers. The floods, which occurred thousands of years apart, created the 100-metre walls and pushed three waterfalls, including Dettifoss, back upstream.
SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2015
Researchers from the University of Iowa analyzed daily stream gauge records from 1962-2011 and found that 34% of stations experienced an increase in flood frequency, while 9% saw a decrease. The study suggests that warmer temperatures and increased rainfall are contributing to the rising number of big floods in the region.
SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 9, 2015
Scientists at The University of Nottingham have developed new breeding techniques to enhance flood tolerance in barley and other crops. They identified the mechanism used by plants to sense low oxygen levels and reduced yield loss in water-logged conditions, leading to improved crop resilience.
SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateFeb 6, 2015
A new network of underground sensors in the Texas Hill Country is connected to NASA's SMAP satellite, providing vital information for determining drought and dangerous floods. The Texas Soil Observation Network will help answer questions about how much rainfall gets soaked up by the soil and how much fills reservoirs.
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
Researchers at UCSB show that changes in river channel boundaries directly impact flood hazard trends across the US. Channel capacity needs to be considered jointly with stream flow for accurate flood hazard calculation.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 22, 2015
A University of Illinois study found that levee breaches can cause permanent loss of agricultural productivity, with some fields losing up to 30% of their capacity. Implementing a soil conservation plan and updating survey maps could help restore land use after flooding.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Soil and Water Conservation·DateJan 13, 2015
A new NOAA study projects that most US coastal areas will face 30 or more days of flooding each year, up to 2 feet above high tides, by 2050. The study identifies 'tipping points' where local sea levels rise more than global projections, causing regions like Louisiana and the Gulf Coast to experience near-daily nuisance flooding.
University of Washington experts are using the physics behind rain-on-snow flooding to better predict risks. They found that warm, humid air surrounding raindrops is most to blame for melting snow, and that tree cover can reduce flood risk by slowing storm winds.
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A powerful storm system, known as the Pineapple Express, brought intense precipitation to the western US, causing flash flooding, landslides, and damage. The satellite imagery captured by NOAA's GOES-West satellite showed a stream of clouds associated with the moisture from Hawaii, leading to violent rain storms in California.
Researchers at the University of Iowa found that North Atlantic tropical cyclones significantly affect the Midwest, causing flooding in states hundreds of miles inland. The study used USGS stream gauge data to show a strong correlation between inland flooding and tropical cyclone passage.
SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateNov 11, 2014
A CU Denver study reveals that upgrading bridges, roads and infrastructure can help mitigate flood damage. The researchers suggest using scour control methods and improving construction materials to increase resilience against future flooding.
SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalProceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers·DateOct 28, 2014
Desert streams have surprisingly simple topography despite being shaped by flash flooding, according to researchers from UCSB's Earth Research Institute. The stream's form is maintained by complex interactions among rainstorms, sediment flows, and sediment grains present on the riverbed.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalGeology·DateOct 23, 2014
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
A new forecasting method uses complex networks analysis to predict extreme rainfall events in the South American Andes. The approach, developed by an international team of scientists, can accurately forecast 90% of extreme rainfall events under El Niño conditions and 60% under other conditions.
SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 14, 2014
NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared data on the thunderstorms expected to bring flash flooding to parts of Arizona and other desert regions in the US Southwest. The National Weather Service warned of up to an inch of rainfall possible across Arizona, leading to potential flash flooding.
In September 2013, Colorado experienced massive flooding triggering over 1,100 debris flows across a 3,400 square kilometer area. The floods were initiated on steep slopes with high areal concentrations of colluvial soils on sedimentary rocks.
SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateSep 29, 2014
Tropical Storm Odile continues to affect the US Southwest, bringing heavy rainfall and flash flood watches. The storm is predicted to weaken and potentially become a tropical depression by early Wednesday.
Engineers used tweets from the 2013 Colorado floods to study infrastructure damage, providing insights into damage distribution, geographic scope, and time progression. This study demonstrates the potential of social media for reconnaissance by non-emergency professionals after disasters.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateSep 3, 2014
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Hurricane Marie, over 400 miles in diameter, brings rough surf to southern California's coastline. The storm is expected to weaken and become a post-tropical cyclone as it moves northwest.
A comprehensive review examines potential influences on recent UK winter floods, including the role of global oceans and wind patterns. The study suggests that natural fluctuations may be responsible for extreme weather events, but also notes the importance of understanding the impact of climate change.
SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 26, 2014
A study published in Nature Geoscience suggests that intermediate vegetation growth is key to stabilizing river deltas. This 'just right' amount of vegetation slows water flow and promotes sediment deposition, helping prevent sea-level rise from damaging sensitive marshlands.
SourceIndiana University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 24, 2014
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
Researchers propose a new method of flood risk assessment that starts with the null hypothesis of 'no trend' but explicitly assesses statistical uncertainties. This approach could help water managers better estimate future flood risks and avoid wasting money on unneeded infrastructure.
SourceWiley·JournalWater Resources Research·DateAug 4, 2014
Researchers at Indiana University have successfully demonstrated the self-assembly of large, symmetrical molecules in 3D crystalline solids and 2D crystals. The 'bricks-and-mortar' approach shows promise for organic electronic devices such as field-effect transistors and photovoltaic cells.
SourceIndiana University·JournalChemical Communications·DateJul 31, 2014
A new NOAA study finds nuisance flooding is increasing on all three US coasts, with major increases in cities like Annapolis and Baltimore. Rising sea levels, land subsidence, and lost natural barriers are causing more frequent and severe flooding, especially during high tides.
A moisture stream from the remnants of Tropical Storm Wali caused early morning flash flood watches on July 19 and 21 for all Hawaiian Islands. Heavy rainfall generated by thunderstorms in the eastern half of the island resulted in a flood advisory, posing a threat to residents and visitors.
Tropical Storm Wali formed in Central Pacific Ocean as NASA's Terra satellite passed overhead, with maximum sustained winds initially at 35 mph. The storm is expected to maintain tropical storm status until Saturday before weakening to a depression.
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Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.