Articles tagged with Floods
A new study provides a quantitative estimate of the effects of continental flood basalts on climate, vegetation, and oceans during the time of the dinosaurs. The researchers found that temperatures would cool by as much as 4.5 degrees Celsius due to volcanic gas emissions but return to normal within 50 years after an eruption ceased.
Heavy flooding in southeastern India has caused at least 70 reported deaths, with Chennai experiencing exceptionally high casualties. NASA's Integrated Multi-satellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) data indicate rainfall totals of over 200mm in large areas of Tamil Nadu and northern Sri Lanka.
NASA's RapidScat instrument gathered wind speed and direction data on the storm's remnants over the western Gulf of Mexico. The data showed strongest sustained winds near 80.5 mph/129.6 kph north and west of the center, contributing to heavy rainfall and flash flooding in Texas and other Gulf Coast states.
Hurricane Patricia broke records as the strongest eastern North Pacific hurricane on record, with a minimum central pressure of 880 millibars and maximum sustained winds near 200 mph. The storm is expected to produce catastrophic impacts in southwestern Mexico, including life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.
Typhoon Koppu brought extreme heavy rainfall to the Philippines, causing deadly flooding and mudslides. The GPM satellite data showed most of Luzon received over 300mm of rain, with some areas reaching 760mm.
Floodwaters in Vermont (2011) and Colorado (2013) highlighted the impact of downstream increases and decreases in stream power on erosion and sedimentation. The study successfully predicted river channel and floodplain responses in almost 90% of cases, revealing the potential role of downstream changes in stream power.
Researchers found a dramatic increase in major storm occurrence along the New York City and New Jersey coast over the last 1,000 years. The combined effects of sea-level rise and changing hurricane characteristics have raised the likelihood of devastating flooding.
Tropical Depression 16E made landfall in northwestern Mexico on September 21, bringing heavy rainfall and threatening life-threatening flash floods. The depression is expected to produce 3-5 inches of rain across the northern Baja California peninsula and Sonora, with isolated amounts of up to 12 inches possible.
A new study quantifies the synergy of sea-level rise and big coastal storms, projecting a 4-75 fold increase in flood index across the US East coast by 2100. The combined effects of these two climate hazards could produce alarming spikes in flooding, with projections suggesting a 35 to 350 times increase in the Northeast.
Twin tropical cyclones brought catastrophic rainfall to Japan, causing widespread flooding, landslides, and over one million evacuations. NASA's GPM Core satellite provided critical rainfall data, showing Honshu received over 100mm of rain, with extraordinary totals near the south-central coast.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.