Articles tagged with Floods
Geologists have connected a 120-million-year-old 'super-eruption' to its source, revealing insights into Earth's complex geological history. The discovery provides a more complete history of the Pacific Ocean basin and sheds light on volcanic activity in the region.
A recent study by Virginia Tech researchers found that a major earthquake could expand the coastal floodplain by 35-116 square miles, affecting thousands of residents and properties. The impact would be most severe in southern Washington, northern Oregon, and northern California.
Researchers found that high tree mortality in upper canopy can promote oak regeneration when maple is removed from understorey. Plantings on thinned forest plots showed fewer signs of drought stress, supporting oak growth.
A new study by MIT scientists finds that extreme storm tides will increase tenfold for Bangladesh, with what was once a 100-year event now striking every 10 years by the end of the century. The country's densely populated coastal regions are expected to experience more frequent and severe flooding events as a result.
A new study reveals that 81% of O’ahu's coastline could experience erosion by 2100, with a further 40% loss happening by 2030. The research used computer models incorporating satellite imagery to predict the seasonal movement of sand, resulting in more severe erosion projections than previous studies.
The study introduces an innovative method to detect and classify floodplains based on their ability to attenuate floods. The Hydraulic Floodplain Classification emphasizes the variable capacity of the landscape to influence flood routing, enabling better water resource assessments and floodplain management applications.
A massive analysis of over 300 million hospitalizations records in eight countries found that flooding increases the risk of serious diseases like cardiovascular, respiratory, and infectious diseases. The study highlights the need for better preparedness and response to mitigate health impacts of floods.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis analyzed rainfall data and found that the July 2022 floods were not as exceptional as initially thought. The study suggests storms like this will become more frequent due to global warming, which is increasing the frequency of extreme precipitation events.
A new study by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology reveals that soil moisture levels can increase rainfall area and amount in megastorm hotspots globally by up to 30%. This contrast results from atmospheric changes, enabling communities to better adapt to climate change.
A mass mortality event occurred in Triassic Wyoming, where dozens of giant amphibians called metoposaurid temnospondyls died together on an ancient floodplain. The study provides a unique snapshot of a single population and doubles the known number of individuals of the species Buettnererpeton bakeri.
Recent 'unprecedented' floods are not exceptional if looking further into the past, new research suggests. Geological palaeo-flood records reveal many previous floods exceeded modern peaks, highlighting the need for using these records in flood planning.
A new study reveals that two dam failures and flawed risk assessment amplified the Derna Flood, which was nearly twentyfold more destructive than expected. The research highlights the urgent need for improved flood mitigation strategies, especially in dryland regions.
A recent study by Concordia researchers found that solutions journalism in Canadian alternative media outlets is often constrained by institutional lack of support and daily pressures. Despite its benefits, the practice requires strong nurturing environments to flourish.
Prof. Günter Blöschl's research has made significant contributions to understanding the drivers of increasing flood risks under climate change and reveals that the last two decades have been markedly flood-prone compared to historical records.
Research reveals Atlantic Ocean storms are primary drivers of Sahara lake filling, contradicting previous theories. Heavy precipitation events triggered by extreme rainstorms reshape water availability in the desert, with implications for ecosystems and human settlements.
Researchers created a new GIS-based multi-criteria decision tool to guide decisions on using nature-based shorelines or hybrid solutions in the Florida Keys. The study finds that nearly 8% of the shoreline is suitable for nature-based solutions, while 67% is already vegetated or represents another natural shoreline.
A new study shows that climate change affects short-term precipitation events lasting hours by significantly increasing their frequency, while longer-term rainfall events lasting days are influenced by global weather phenomena like El Niéo. This distinction is crucial for assessing the risk of flooding in different regions.
Climate change drives large increases in electricity demand and costs in Texas due to extreme temperatures. Meanwhile, atmospheric rivers become more frequent, larger, and moister globally. Diagnostic studies also predict malaria outbreaks with five-month lead time using sea-surface temperature anomalies.
A recent survey of nearly 500 small-scale farmers in Madagascar's northern Sava region found that nearly all are experiencing changes in temperature and rainfall, making farming more difficult. Many farmers are struggling to adapt to these changes and alter their practices despite recognizing the need for change.
Researchers Garett Sansom and Lindsay Sansom will evaluate soil conditions in Settegast and Lakewood neighborhoods for cancer-causing heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The project aims to identify residents' environment-related concerns and develop a better understanding of local priorities and challenges.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Hawaii found that subsidence is a major factor in future flood exposure in low-lying areas. The study highlights that areas like Oahu's south shore are experiencing land sinking nearly 40 times faster than others, exacerbating flooding sooner than anticipated.
A new study reveals that more extreme flood predictions significantly impact real estate demand in the UK, particularly along the coast. Researchers found that when confronted with flood prediction maps, respondents demonstrated a clear preference for safer, lower-risk locations.
Researchers from University of Jyväskylä recommend addressing vulnerabilities in coastal communities, such as uncontrolled shrimp farming and pollution. They suggest supporting environmentally friendly livelihoods like freshwater harvesting and agroforestry to promote sustainable development in mangrove forest areas.
Researchers introduce a performance-based framework that integrates hydroclimate variability, hydrology, machine learning, community knowledge and feedbacks between physical and social systems. This approach enhances understanding of flood risks while emphasizing long-term community resilience.
A new study reveals Arabia's rainfall was significantly more extreme in the past, with the region once resembling a vegetated savannah. The findings underscore the critical need for enhanced climate resilience and disaster preparedness to address the growing threat of extreme weather events.
Global glacier mass loss has increased by 36% since 2000, with 6,542 billion tons lost between 2000 and 2023. This results in an 18 mm annual contribution to global sea-level rise, making glaciers the second-largest contributor after ocean warming.
Global glacier melt accelerated over the last decade, with a 36% increase in meltwater compared to the previous decade. This poses significant risks to drinking water supplies, particularly in South America and Asia due to rising sea levels and increased flooding after the melt season.
A new study by the University of Graz finds that long-lasting intense cut-off lows will become more frequent in the Northern Hemisphere due to climate change. These storms can lead to prolonged heavy precipitation and increased flood risk in regions such as Canada, northern Europe, Siberia, and China.
Research highlights the impact of wind on wildfire growth, with areas in the US Southeast vulnerable to extreme heat and precipitation events. Meanwhile, a study suggests the 'drought' of EF5 tornadoes may be due to stricter ratings rather than changes in tornadoes.
The European Wetland Map combines various GIS data on wetland types and their distribution to create a standardized dataset that enhances understanding and management of European wetlands. The map informs policy decisions and supports climate mitigation and biodiversity policies.
A collaborative effort investigates the Sikkim Himalaya flood, exploring its drivers, causes, and downstream impacts. The research aims to inform disaster risk reduction and build resilience in vulnerable regions.
A recent study analyzed the devastating flood disaster in the Himalayas in October 2023, which destroyed large areas along and surrounding the Teesta River. The researchers reconstructed the exact time of its onset using high-resolution satellite images and digital elevation models.
The 2023 Sikkim flood was triggered by a landslide into South Lhonak Lake, releasing massive amounts of water and sediment that caused widespread devastation. Climate warming intensified the event, with heavy rainfall priming the landscape for landslides that compounded sediment transport and downstream destruction.
A recent discovery in the Amazon reveals a unique drainage and irrigation system that enabled the Casarabe society to produce maize throughout the year. This innovation allowed for at least two harvests of maize per year, ensuring a stable food supply.
A recent study has employed machine learning algorithms to improve the accuracy of flood season rainfall predictions. The findings show that combining climate system numerical models with ML-based correction methods results in substantial improvements, increasing prediction scores by up to 7.87%.
A new study reveals that a colossal 'megaflood' refilled the Mediterranean Sea around 5.97-5.33 million years ago, marking the end of the Messinian Salinity Crisis. The Zanclean Megaflood is believed to have had discharge rates and flow velocities dwarfing any other known floods in Earth's history.
A new study using satellite images tracks the evolution of a glacier lake in the Karakoram Mountains, revealing its life cycle and potential hazard to nearby communities. The research highlights the importance of monitoring glacier surges and lakes to reduce future damage.
A survey conducted by Professor Takahiro Endo at Osaka Metropolitan University found that Hiroshima Prefecture provided a free water inspection service for well owners after the 2018 floods, promoting their initiative to open inspected wells to the public. This collaborative effort supplemented local governments' emergency water supply...
Research links intensifying hydroclimate whiplash to the atmosphere's ability to absorb and release more water as temperatures rise. This 'whiplash' sequence in California has increased fire risk by twofold, with severe drought followed by record-breaking rainfall.
The project creates a comprehensive U.S.-Japan flood risk data inventory and develops a two-way coupled, multi-scale, agent-based model that considers marginalized groups. Researchers will use the developed model to evaluate the impact of insurance policies on these groups.
Researchers identified mesoscale convective systems as the primary cause of severe flash flooding in Nusantara, with MJO and equatorial waves playing a crucial role in MCS development. Local factors also modulated the intensity and duration of the event, highlighting the need for improved rainstorm forecasting and risk management.
A study by North Carolina State University found that 24% of developed land in the US is within 250 meters of a 100-year floodplain, despite efforts to reduce flood risk. This 'safe development paradox' creates a false sense of security, leading to increased development in areas threatened by flooding.
A study in Nature Medicine reveals large floods are associated with higher death rates from major mortality causes, including infectious diseases and cardiovascular conditions. Floods disproportionately affect older people and females, with increased risks of injury deaths and neuropsychiatric conditions.
The 2024 Global Water Monitor Report reveals a worsening trend of intense floods, prolonged droughts, and record-breaking climate extremes. The report found that rising temperatures are changing the way water moves around the planet, with devastating consequences for human populations and ecosystems.
The 105th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society will address key issues in weather, water, and climate. The meeting features a Presidential Forum on physical, social, cultural, and economic impacts of climate change, with experts from the region of the Mississippi River Delta.
New research maps 35 years of river changes on a global scale, revealing 44% of downstream rivers saw decreases in water flow, while 17% of upstream rivers saw increases. This shift has significant implications for flooding, ecosystem disruption, and freshwater supplies.
A new analysis of over 3,000 studies reveals that flooding increases preterm births by around 3% and low birth weights in children born during flood events. The study highlights the need for emergency services to evacuate pregnant people before flooding events.
A new study reveals that lower-quality public housing units are disproportionately located in areas with high flood risk, putting residents at risk of catastrophic damage. The research also highlights the disproportionate impact on people of color and those with limited ability to recover from flooding.
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University found that agricultural land preserved around river confluences can reduce flood risks, with stronger correlation near confluence points. This Eco-DRR approach uses existing environmental resources to improve resilience against flooding.
Researchers call for a shift away from outdated bathtub modeling, which oversimplifies flood risks, and towards dynamical modeling that accounts for key factors like storm drains and levees. The study found that bathtub models are consistently inaccurate, with scores below 0.5 on the critical success index.
A study by USC Dornsife scientists used satellite imagery, digital models, and field data to analyze the June 2021 Melamchi flood's triggers. The research found that heavy monsoon rainfall combined with excessive snowmelt overwhelmed river systems, causing catastrophic flooding.
A state-of-the-art flood monitoring dashboard is being developed in Central Appalachia to test its reusability and replicability. The project uses generative artificial intelligence to provide communities with the information and tools needed to build resilience in the face of climate change.
A new AI tool generates realistic satellite images of future flooding, which can help communities visualize and prepare for approaching storms. The method combines a generative artificial intelligence model with a physics-based flood model, producing more accurate and realistic images than an AI-only approach.
A new UBC-led study reveals that preserving key natural ecosystems across Canada can significantly reduce rainwater runoff and protect homes and livelihoods. The research identifies 201,000 square kilometres of watersheds as critical for flood prevention, supporting wildlife while reducing reliance on costly infrastructure.
Geology researchers from UTEP are partnering with Bhutanese scientists to better understand and mitigate the impact of glacial floods on rural mountain villages. The project aims to use geophysical methods to identify changes in water levels and sediment transport, potentially helping vulnerable villages create early warning systems.
Researchers found a 10.8% price discount in the AEP 100 flood zone and a 4.4% discount in the AEP 500 flood zone, highlighting the financial burden of flood risk on homebuyers. The study emphasizes the need for policymakers to safeguard communities and manage real estate markets as climate patterns intensify.
Researchers developed a machine-learning tool that provides accurate predictions for flood-prone areas, using historical data and weather-based predictors. The model can predict short-term river discharge with high accuracy, giving real-time data on water movement through the river.
The partnership aims to improve the speed and accuracy of flood damage assessments by combining multi-modal data sources and a novel vision language model. The system will enable first responders to quickly allocate resources and respond more efficiently to weather disasters.
A new study will use advanced integrated hydrologic models to predict New England's water budget changes, tracking shifts in the water table, rainstorm intensity, and drought timing. The research aims to help prepare for an uncertain future by understanding where climate change is altering weather patterns.
A new study reveals nearly one in five people in Small Island Developing States are exposed to coastal and inland flooding, trebling to over 60% in some countries. Climate change is exacerbating the risk of flooding across these nations, with even a 1.5°C increase projected to affect over 20% of populations.