Articles tagged with Floods
A NASA study suggests that black carbon particles are responsible for changes in precipitation patterns over China, leading to increased flooding in the south and droughts in the north. The study used climate computer models and aerosol data to analyze the effects of black carbon on hydrologic cycles in China and India.
A new report reanalyzes national weather service estimates to provide a comprehensive understanding of US flood damage trends. The data show that North Dakota has suffered the most per capita economic losses due to flooding.
A team of scientists led by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Professor Jun Abrajano refutes the Noah's Flood Hypothesis by presenting sediment evidence of sustained interaction between the Mediterranean and Black Seas. This contradicts the theory that a massive flood destroyed freshwater mollusks in the Black Sea.
Researchers have developed a new technique that predicts Madden-Julian Oscillations (MJOs), which can provide two-weeks notice for storms. This allows scientists to issue storm warnings weeks earlier than current conventional weather forecasting, supporting sustainable development efforts.
A proposed flood protection system for Venice, known as MOSE, is facing criticism over its potential to prevent flooding and harm the lagoon's ecosystem. Environmentalists warn that keeping the gates closed could disrupt the natural water flow, leading to toxic substance buildup and damaging the delicate ecosystem.
A study analyzing satellite images of the 1999 hurricane flood area found that over 200 NC livestock operations were flooded, contaminating wells and posing a risk to local residents. The research highlights the need for improved monitoring and regulation of industrial animal farms in flood-prone areas.
A new NASA study warns of increased winter flooding in California as global warming alters streamflow patterns. The study projects a drier growing season, with snowmelt-driven watersheds experiencing early streamflow increases and higher flood risks.
A recent study by Washington University in St. Louis researchers attributes increased flood levels on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers to the placement of thousands of wing dams, built by the US Army Corps of Engineers in the 1930s and '40s. The structures impede water flow during floods, causing water levels to rise.
A new research project could help forecast floods and associated cholera outbreaks in Bangladesh, aiding farmers and improving quality of life. The team will use computer modeling to pinpoint Indian Ocean conditions and rainfall patterns, enabling local forecasts that can aid communities.
Researchers are testing new advanced weather technology to monitor rainfall in watershed basins as small as one square kilometer. The technology will provide more precise and accurate flood and flash flood warnings, helping emergency management officials prepare for events.
Researchers at Clemson University are testing 15 houses with hurricane-resistant retrofits to determine their effectiveness. The study aims to provide more accurate estimates of retrofit costs and benefits, helping homeowners decide whether the expense is worth it.
Researchers at Penn State aim to improve flood prediction by evaluating past storms with different forecasting methods. They found that convective parameterization schemes can help forecast rainfall, but the best scheme varies depending on the season and atmospheric conditions.
Massive sheets of lava produced by flood basalt eruptions generated intense heat, pushing ash and gas into the upper atmosphere and causing dramatic global-scale climate shifts. These events are now believed to have contributed to mass extinctions, including those that wiped out dinosaurs.
A new program, 'Health Works After the Flood,' aims to address post-flood stress and potential domestic violence among blue-collar working women. The initiative builds on a previous project and will provide training and support to local communities to minimize domestic violence at home and in the workplace.
The Dartmouth Flood Observatory uses satellite images from NASA's Terra spacecraft to pinpoint flooded areas and provide precise mapping accuracy, aiding United Nations World Food Program staff. The new composite surface images have been used to identify the worst-hit areas of the current flooding in Southeast Asia.
Researchers discuss new strategies for understanding ecosystems, managing water resources, and assessing environmental policies. Warren Washington, Kathleen Miller, and Roger A. Pielke, Jr. present key findings on tackling complex environmental challenges.
Certain plant species can trigger an adaptive reaction to flooding by producing life-saving shoots, but the exact process is unclear. Dutch biologists hope to unravel this process at the physiological and molecular level to develop crops that can cope with floods.
A study found that US natural disaster planning is poorly implemented, with only 20% of available funds spent on mitigation projects. Researchers recommend improving hazard reduction planning through infrastructure development, land use planning, and environmental protection.
Scientists have gained a clearer picture of massive volcanic eruptions by analyzing lava composition, indicating that the lava originated from the lower mantle. The findings suggest that the eruptions played a role in the greatest mass extinction event in Earth's history, wiping out up to 95% of plant and animal species.
Inflatable dams offer a range of benefits, including flexible flood protection solutions and minimal maintenance requirements. They can be used to control water levels, prevent backflows, and even provide recreational spaces while maintaining flood protection.
The USGS, in partnership with state agencies, will continue to monitor the Red River's flow and water quality over the next four weeks. This effort aims to assess the impact of the unprecedented flood and gather data for flood forecasting, design, and environmental regulations.
Researchers suggest restoring natural wetlands in floodplains as a solution to address flooding problems. The strategy is based on lessons learned from the 1993 Upper Mississippi River floods and has cultural and economic implications for landowners and communities along the Illinois River.
The USGS is tracking the northward movement of the Red River floodwaters, taking measurements to improve forecasts for evacuations upstream. Crucial to understanding the impact on upstream communities will be how much water is contributed by the Pembina River.
The current floods in North Dakota have broken multiple records, including a 100-year-old record of 85,000 cubic feet per second. The Red River's predicted crest is expected to reach 54 feet, posing significant threats to emergency managers and evacuation orders.
The USGS report provides a detailed overview of the nation's wetland resources, including their types, distribution, and conservation efforts. The 103 million acres of remaining wetlands in the United States support critical habitat for waterfowl and reduce flood severity while improving water quality.
The USGS is reporting record-high floods in several states, including West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. The Little Kanawha River in West Virginia peaked at a historic 57,200 cfs, while the Ohio Brush Creek reached an 71-year high of 80,000 cfs.
The USGS network has been severely impacted by recent floods, with 146 streamflow measuring stations damaged or destroyed. This has hampered efforts to provide basic floodflow measurements, particularly in California where 79 gages were affected.
In 1996, 50% of streamgaging stations reported above-normal flows, while 29% reported below-normal flows. Record wet years on both coasts led to high loads of sediment, nutrients, and chemicals affecting water quality and living resources.
The USGS has prioritized flood-level data to emergency-management teams, providing information on past floods, likelihood of recurrence, and flood effects. Field crews have repaired telemetry equipment, despite interrupted real-time transmission, and will study landslides to determine cause and effect.
A new USGS report explores the environmental consequences of dams, including erosion, waterfowl habitat changes, and loss of river sand bars. The report emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary scientific approaches to minimize negative impacts and promote informed decisions about dam management.
The Yanomamo tribe, numbering around 25,000, is facing a major survival crisis due to the devastating floods in Venezuela's Amazon region. The flooding has imperiled clusters of Yanomamo living near the Orinoco River and destroyed their staple food crops, leading to increased sicknesses and potentially uncontrollable epidemics.