Articles tagged with Floods
Research teams compared climate simulations to assess drought, water scarcity and river flooding impacts. The study found that frequency of drought may increase by over 20%, while 40% more people are at risk of absolute water scarcity without reduced greenhouse-gas emissions.
A new review finds that sea level rise and shoreline retreat are the two most certain factors expected to increase future flood risk from tropical cyclones. Accelerated sea level rise will significantly intensify flooding by these storms.
Researchers say sea-level rise will become the dominant driver of flooding and coastal damage, even if storm activity changes. The study suggests a holistic approach to manage coastal systems to mitigate this threat.
The EASAC report highlights a 60% rise in extreme weather events in Europe over the last 30 years, including heatwaves, floods, and storms. The report emphasizes the need for immediate EU-driven action to adapt to future climate disruption and reduce uncertainties in regional climate models.
The Geological Society of America is presenting a late-breaking session on the 2013 Colorado flood event, which was triggered by unprecedented heavy rainfall. Speakers will discuss causes, processes, and effects of the flood, including its impact on dams, infrastructure, and lives.
A new study by UCSB researcher Michael Singer shows that sediment-absorbed mercury is being transported from the Sierra Nevada mountains to the Central Valley lowlands through major floods. This process poses a huge risk to the region's ecosystems and human population, as mercury-laden sediment is carried into ecologically sensitive re...
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding how burned landscapes respond to rainfall, enabling the development of treatments to mitigate damage. Debris flow models have helped explain where these events are most likely to occur and how large they might be.
Researchers predict that future storms could cause even more damage to New York City's barrier islands, such as Staten Island and Long Island. To mitigate this risk, the scientists propose building parks on these areas instead of rebuilding homes in flood zones.
Heavy rainfall from Hurricane Raymond is causing widespread flooding along Mexico's Pacific Ocean coast, with precipitation rates reaching up to 153 mm/hour. The National Hurricane Center warns of hurricane-force winds, storm surges, and coastal flooding due to the storm's stationary motion.
The new field guide delves into the geological history of the Rocky Mountains, spanning over 1.7 billion years. The book also examines the effects of unprecedented heavy rains and catastrophic flooding that hit the region in 2013, causing widespread destruction and altering the landscape.
Tufts University geologist Andrew Kemp warns that rising sea levels make coastal areas vulnerable to flooding from smaller storms. He cites glacio-isostatic adjustment and ocean thermal expansion as factors contributing to sea-level rise.
A University of Illinois survey found that homeowners are willing to pay for storm-water runoff management to reduce flooding in their basements. The study also showed a strong demand for water quality improvements and environmental benefits, with residents willing to pay for low-impact development approaches.
The NJIT Flood Mitigation Engineering Resource Center will investigate alternative measures for flood mitigation in the Hackensack/Moonachie/Little Ferry area. The project aims to enhance existing efforts and provide a comprehensive strategy for protecting citizens from future floods through innovative engineering measures.
Tropical Storm Manuel dropped heavy rains causing widespread flooding and landslides that claimed the lives of 21 people. The TRMM satellite's data showed rain totals exceeding 350mm along Mexico's Pacific coast, with some areas experiencing extreme rainfall that forced the closure of Acapulco airport.
A new approach to calculating flooding costs will be presented at the International Conference on Flood Resilience. The methodology combines land use information with data on vulnerability to estimate past and future damage. This method has already been used in Barcelona and Dhaka to assess heavy rain event impacts.
Heavy rainfall was recorded in western Taiwan due to Tropical Storm Kong-Rey, with rates exceeding 205mm/hour. The storm passed through the region on August 28, causing widespread flooding and damage.
Landsat satellites analyze post-fire images to estimate burn severity, helping crews focus restoration efforts on high-risk areas. By analyzing maps created with Landsat data, teams can identify areas at risk of post-fire flooding and implement restoration projects to mitigate damage.
Heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Trami and monsoon rains caused severe flooding in the northern Philippines, including Manila, resulting in three deaths and two missing. The storms enhanced each other's rainfall, bringing heavy downpours to the region.
A new study estimates that the global cost of flooding could increase from $6 billion to $52 billion per year, with some cities facing losses exceeding $1 trillion if inaction is taken. The top 10 most at-risk cities are in developed and developing countries, with high wealth but low protection levels.
A new map ranks 30 UK cities on their preparedness for climate change, with huge variation in readiness levels across the country. London and Leicester scored highly, but many cities lack effective strategies and monitoring systems to mitigate flooding and droughts.
A University of Iowa study analyzed 70 years of flood records in Texas and found that human modifications, such as river regulation, contribute significantly to the state's flood-prone nature. Tropical cyclones are less responsible for major floods in Texas than in other regions.
A new study finds that atmospheric rivers are projected to increase in frequency and intensity under future climate change scenarios, leading to more severe and frequent winter floods in the UK. The research suggests that thermodynamic changes in the atmosphere, rather than natural climate variability, are driving these changes.
Researchers have discovered direct geochemical evidence linking massive floods to the formation of the world's deepest gorge, the Tsangpo Gorge in the Himalayas. The study found that the presence of uranium-bearing zircon grains downstream was higher than expected, indicating a sudden and catastrophic event.
D.J. Seo's research will provide timely and location-specific information for dispatching emergency personnel in flash-flooding situations, reducing response times by up to 30 minutes. The prototype will also examine the impact of development on rainfall-runoff response and improve water conservation programs in North Texas.
Researchers at Indiana University have developed a five-sided macrocycle called cyanostar, which can bind large negatively charged ions. The molecule has unprecedented properties, including the ability to form dialkylphosphate rotaxanes and demonstrate applications in environmental remediation and lithium ion battery processes.
A NASA satellite captured infrared imagery revealing a large area of disorganized thunderstorms and strong gusty winds over the southeastern Gulf. The system has a high chance (60%) of becoming a subtropical or tropical cyclone within 2 days, posing a threat to southern Florida.
A team from Michigan State University is studying the Napo River's ecohydrology to assess its impact on the region. The research aims to document the river in its 'wild' state before major engineering work is conducted, guiding economic development and promoting conservation.
A NASA-University of Iowa collaboration uses ground instruments and satellite observations to improve flood forecasting. The study evaluates the accuracy of NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission satellite rainfall data.
The Dutch Delta Program Commissioner won the 2013 INFORMS Edelman Award for his work on preventing flooding using operations research techniques. The project resulted in €7.8 billion less investment costs while strengthening the country's defense against devastating floods.
Engineers at Oregon State University developed a new interactive system to create networks of small wetlands in Midwest farmlands, capturing 29% of runoff using only 1.5% of land. The approach helps prevent massive floods and retain water in a warming climate.
The US Army Corps of Engineers, USDA, and FEMA invested over $51 million in restoring the 2011 flood-damaged Birds Point-New Madrid floodway. Experts recommend revising the comprehensive plan to integrate levee engineering with ecological infrastructure to mitigate future flooding.
Scientists have discovered buried flood channels on Mars using 3D reconstructions, suggesting recent hydrologic activity. The findings indicate that floods may have induced climate change in the past.
Climate change is a range of possible events with varying likelihoods, and moderate actions today can reduce negative impacts. Experts like Mark Berliner emphasize the need to understand this spectrum of possibilities rather than adopting an all-or-nothing approach.
A University of Pennsylvania-led study quantifies sediment transported to wetlands by the 2011 Mississippi flood, which may help maintain the area's wetlands. The research found that the flood deposited more than half a year's worth of sediment in some areas, making it a key factor in maintaining wetland elevations.
This study investigates the sedimentary fingerprint of the 2011 Mississippi River flood across the Louisiana coast, identifying key indicators of sediment provenance. Chemostratigraphy also reveals a complete Late Permian to Early Triassic sequence in western Utah, shedding light on the Permian-Triassic mass extinction event.
A new report from Griffith University shows that most households did not make any changes to reduce their flood vulnerability despite lessons learned from the 2010-11 Australian floods. The research found that residents prioritized general home improvements over resilience measures, and insurers often only paid to replace like-for-like.
Tropical Storm Oswald brought extreme rainfall to northern Queensland, with NASA's TRMM satellite measuring over 600mm of rain in some areas. The storm caused severe flooding, cutting off communities and forcing travelers to cancel plans.
Scientists recommend measures to adapt Santiago to climate change, including a monitoring system, green areas, and cooling roofs for low-income households. The city is expected to experience an increase in extreme heat and floods by 2050 due to rising temperatures and decreased precipitation.
A new study emphasizes the importance of including infection prevention and control in hospital preparedness plans for flooding. Key findings include the need for cleaning and disinfection, remediation of mold, and post-flood surveillance to prevent outbreaks of flood-related infectious diseases.
A study suggests removing sea defenses in low-lying coastal areas could reduce the impact of flooding associated with rising sea levels. The research highlights the need for strategic planning to balance flood protection and erosion control.
Experts argue that uncertainty about climate change impacts should not delay decision-making on adaptation measures. The costs of adapting to climate change include infrastructure upgrades and risk reduction strategies.
A study examining attitudes towards government responses after extreme weather events found that perceptions of helplessness can lead to a lack of personal action to prevent flooding. The research, led by the University of Exeter, highlights the need for governments to adapt to climate change and invest in flood resilience.
Professor Catherine Seavitt Nordenson suggests using soft infrastructure to mitigate flood damage without harming outlying areas. Techniques include restoring wetlands, creating reefs and artificial islands, and seeding oyster beds to absorb water and dissipate wave energy.
A study led by University of Washington researchers identifies unusual weather patterns that contributed to the 2010 India flood, which killed 193 people. The findings suggest that organized clouds in high mountains can tap into additional moisture from nearby bodies of water, leading to severe flash flooding.
A study by University of Hawaii researchers found that future sea level rise will double previous predictions of flooding, with low-lying coastal areas vulnerable to 'groundwater inundation.' Groundwater levels near the surface threaten coastal communities more than previously thought.
The animation shows Hurricane Sandy's transformation from a strengthening tropical depression to a ferocious Nor'easter that brought devastating damage to the mid-Atlantic region. Total damage was estimated at $20 billion dollars.
A team of University of Pennsylvania geologists observed how sediment was deposited in the Mississippi Delta during the 2011 flood. They found that diverting water into the Atchafalaya River Basin built up sediment in wetland areas, whereas the Mississippi River plume had a more focused and less sediment-rich effect.
A new study finds that deforestation in snowy regions consistently causes more floods, both big and small. In mountainous areas, trees help control snowmelt, but without them, water flows faster, leading to a significant increase in flood frequency.
Hurricane Isaac made two landfalls in southeastern Louisiana, causing widespread flooding due to its slow movement and intense energy from warm Gulf waters. The storm also brought isolated tornadoes as it moved inland, posing a significant threat to the region.
A new study reveals that Shanghai is the most vulnerable city to severe flooding due to its exposure to powerful storm surges and subsiding land. The index also ranks Dhaka and Manila as highly vulnerable cities, while European cities like Marseille and Rotterdam excel in resilience.
Tropical Storm Kai-tak is affecting the northern Philippines with warnings in effect. The storm is expected to make landfall north of Hong Kong on August 16 and will pass through the Luzon Strait.
A study published in Nature Geoscience found that a significant percentage of the Mississippi River's sand load is diverted into the Bonnet Carre spillway wetlands, rather than flowing into urban areas. This discovery offers new insights into the potential for controlled diversion to mitigate land loss in coastal Louisiana.
A team of scientists is investigating the hazard posed by landslide-tsunamis in the Arctic to the UK over the next 100 to 200 years. The study aims to clarify the frequency and timing of major Arctic submarine slides and assess their impact on human society and infrastructure.
NASA captures satellite images of Tropical Storm Debby covering the entire state of Florida with a large white blanket of clouds. The storm is expected to continue crawling to the northeast, bringing heavy rainfall and tropical-storm-force winds to the region.
A two-year grant from NOAA, NASA, NSF, and DOE will help the University of Miami improve seasonal climate predictions for severe floods or droughts in South Florida. The team aims to establish a comprehensive multi-model prediction system available in real-time to all sectors.
The University of Bristol scientists developed a technique to calibrate six Amazon gauges using ICESat elevation data, correcting large discrepancies in water levels. This method enables researchers to accurately estimate water levels and river slope, crucial for understanding the exchange of water with floodplains and other processes.
A new flood simulation tool, combined with the Dams Sector Analysis Tool, enables rapid visualization and training for emergency responders. The software can model catastrophic flooding in under 24 minutes, improving disaster management and preparedness.
Researchers found bands of fast and slow growth in Edmontosaurus fossils, indicating periodic seasonal stresses. The study suggests these dinosaurs adapted to Arctic conditions by living year-round, rather than migrating to warmer regions.
A University of Missouri research team is conducting a two-year study to reclaim developed flood plain land and keep waterways free of pollutants. The project uses 777 willow trees to filter water and potentially produce a cash crop for farmers.
Tropical Storm Daphne brought heavy rainfall and flooding to the Fuji Islands in Fiji, causing at least three deaths and thousands of evacuations. The storm's rainfall totals reached over 600 millimeters, with some areas experiencing intense rain within a wide band of precipitation.