Articles tagged with Floods
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.
A new chromosome-scale reference genome of grass pea has been published, improving on earlier draft assemblies and offering potential for climate-smart agriculture. The updated genome allows for improved breeding and gene editing to develop varieties with improved agronomic characteristics or low toxin content.
A new study from the University of Michigan reveals that triple exposure areas, where flood risk, social vulnerability, and climate change denial converge, hinder preparedness and resilience. These regions often have underestimated flooding risks, low income, mobility limitations, and skepticism towards climate change.
Researchers found that restoring coastal marshes can significantly help protect coastlines at a reasonable cost. A study by MIT graduate student Ernie I. H. Lee and professor Heidi Nepf shows that enhancing salt marshes in front of protective seawalls can reduce construction costs while still providing adequate protection from storms.
A new study uses deep learning to infer the frequency of atmospheric blocking events over the past 1,000 years, shedding light on their potential impact under climate change. The model was trained using historical data and large ensembles of climate model simulations.
Researchers at Rice University develop OpenSafe.AI, a system that leverages responsible AI and hazard models to provide timely insights for emergency response organizations and communities before, during, and after tropical cyclones and coastal storm events. The goal is to enable better preparation and navigation for severe weather.
Researchers found that extreme temperatures and humidity projected for the Amazon under climate change may increase methane-producing microorganisms in flooded areas and reduce methane uptake in upland forests by 70%. This could lead to a shift in the balance of greenhouse gas emissions, with significant global impacts.
Research finds a global imbalance in hydro-hazard studies, with more funding in wealthy regions despite greater disaster impacts in low-income areas. The study calls for more targeted research efforts to address this disparity and reduce the impact of future disasters.
A new study found a significant link between intimate partner violence and certain climate shocks, such as storms and floods, in 156 countries. Countries with higher GDP had lower rates of intimate partner violence, highlighting the need for climate mitigation efforts to reduce violence against women.
A new study reveals the flood insurance program's effects differ greatly among communities, with higher-population and wealthier areas benefiting more from discounts on premiums. Lower-income communities also see benefits, but only in areas with less racial and ethnic diversity, realizing a gain of about $6,000 per household.
A new study led by University of Illinois Chicago scientist Akintomide Akinsanola found that most Americans can expect wetter winters in the future due to global warming. Winter precipitation and extreme weather events are expected to increase across most of the country, with six regions experiencing more frequent very wet winters.
The SUPERSLUG initiative aims to forecast the impact of sediment slugs on river catchments and communities. The project will use a range of sensors and numerical models to provide comprehensive predictions of where and how long-term effects might be felt, up to decades or centuries after an event.
Coastal forests face uncertain future as sea levels rise, with trees more vulnerable to saltwater flooding than marshes. Tree ring analysis reveals nuanced effects of flooding, temperature, and precipitation on tree growth, highlighting species- and site-specific factors.
A new study found that most US cities are successfully limiting floodplain development by applying existing tools and strategies. In New Jersey, municipalities have consistently limited new housing in floodplains and impervious surface growth using conventional local ordinances and modest government capacity.
A new study finds that slow-moving landslides are frequently excluded from estimates of landslide risk, threatening people living on unstable slopes. Urban growth, climate change, and flood risk drive population shifts to safer areas, yet poorer populations may have limited options.
Researchers found that coastal dams can either increase or decrease flood risks, depending on the duration of a surge event and friction from water flow. The study, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, analyzed data from Charleston Harbor and other estuaries to make this surprising discovery.
A nationwide study found that over 840,000 new residential properties were built in floodplains across the US, with about 398,000 in Florida. Despite this, many communities have taken proactive measures to limit floodplain development through smart regulations and practices.
A new study finds that summer storms are stronger and more frequent over urban areas than rural areas, leading to increased flooding in cities. The research highlights the need for urban planners to prepare for floods as cities expand and climate change alters global weather patterns.
Research explores changes in global precipitation patterns and how they relate to climate change. Bird nests are found to predict rainfall in rural India, while heat stress is increasing in the southeastern US, particularly at night. European 'bomb' storms may intensify due to warming climate.
A new study found that soil erosion significantly contributed to devastating desert floods in Libya, claiming over 11,300 lives. The research highlights the urgent need for advanced earth observations programs to monitor arid areas due to climate change.
A global study published in PNAS found that most cities (over 60%) receive more rainfall than their surrounding rural areas, leading to worsened flash flooding. This is due to the convergence of air toward city centers caused by tall buildings and population density.
A new model developed by scientists can predict intense, localized heavy rainfall events caused by rapid air rises in clouds. This breakthrough offers potential to improve public safety and preparedness through early warning systems.
Entomology professor Esther Ngumbi is studying how flooded conditions affect tomato plants, including changes in microbial community, volatile organic compounds, and gene expression. She warns that increased flooding can undermine climate-resilient crop research.
Rice engineers developed an automated data fusion framework called OpenSafe Fusion to sense quickly evolving road conditions during urban flooding events. The framework leverages existing individual reporting mechanisms and public data sources, predicting whether a road is flooded or not.
A WVU statistician is developing new methods to analyze curve-type data for predicting extreme weather patterns, financial turmoil and pollution levels. The research aims to create innovative tools for understanding high-resolution data and addressing regional risks in mountainous states like West Virginia.
New research forecasts that worldwide flooding will increase by around half between 2020 and the turn of the century if countries fail to meet carbon emission pledges. In a low-emissions scenario, flood risk is anticipated to grow 7% between 2020 and 2050.
A new formula developed by UC Irvine researchers can project neighborhood-scale flood hazards anywhere in the world, taking into account the urban form and building density of a neighborhood. This tool has the potential to greatly improve flood risk assessments globally, helping cities prepare for more severe weather events.
A recent study by UT Arlington scientist Nathan D. Brown shows Alaskan land is eroding faster than it can be replaced due to climate change. The team mapped and dated floodplain deposits, determining permafrost extent, to model how permafrost formation varies with air temperature.
The impacts of natural disasters on plant health can be devastating, with the potential for direct effects from disasters like pathogen or vector dispersal. Human-driven disasters also create conditions favorable to the spread of plant pathogens, leading to crop loss and disease spread.
A new study suggests that California's affordable housing crisis is driving increased development in and near wildlands, putting residents at higher-risk for climate-related natural disasters. The research aims to understand the drivers of Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) growth and its impact on environmental dynamics.
A new study found that microplastics impact plant reproduction, while seawater flooding causes greater tissue death in coastal plants. Combining both stressors amplifies threats to ecosystem wellbeing.
A new paper found that subsurface barriers will likely lead to more groundwater flooding and result in less protection against saltwater intrusion into groundwater. The researchers recommend using additional plans to deal with extra water, such as pumps or French drains, to mitigate the risks.
Sylvia Dee's research aims to address critical gaps in the observational record of Earth's hydrologic cycle, using a global database of water isotope observations. This will enable more accurate climate modeling and help communities assess and reduce risks associated with extreme weather events.
A new mapping tool from North Carolina State University uses machine learning and open-source satellite imagery to model flooding in urban environments. The model creates maps that predict urban area flooding, helping officials make informed choices about flood resiliency and prevention resources.
Researchers at UC Irvine warn that nationwide flood risk models are unreliable for smaller areas, missing crucial factors like topography and infrastructure. A more detailed model, PRIMo-Drain, improves flood inundation predictions by including fine-resolution data on levees, channels, and stormwater systems.
A recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters found that most large flood events and potential flood peak periods in East Asia are dominated by mesoscale convective systems (MCS). The research revealed that among major floods from 2000 to 2021, 91% were related to MCS.
A three-year research study led by the University of Kansas is establishing best 'managed retreat' practices for communities at risk from repeated flooding and wildfires due to climate change. The study aims to understand how different cities and governments have considered managed retreat, including strategies like buyouts and partner...
Researchers used drones to map loko iʻa at the community level, providing insights into flooding and future sea level rise impacts. Drones accurately estimated observed flooding during extreme high tide events, while LiDAR models overestimated flooding by two to five times.
A recent study highlights the need for effective contingency plans and local community involvement in disaster response to mitigate losses. The analysis of landslides in São Sebastião, Brazil, revealed a breakdown in the early warning system, resulting in significant economic and human costs.
A new conceptual model, XRO, significantly improves predictive skill of ENSO events at over one year in advance, offering a transparent view into the mechanisms of equatorial Pacific recharge-discharge physics. This improves conventional climate model forecasting and provides robust quantification of extratropical Pacific, tropical Ind...
Researchers from UNIGE have measured the increase in soil erosion caused by global warming, with a four-fold increase observed in sediments from the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum. This study suggests that current warming could lead to similar effects, increasing flood risks and threatening populated areas.
A new study suggests that human activities may actually reduce the severity of droughts in certain regions. Climate model simulations indicate that aerosols and greenhouse gases produced by human activities have opposite effects on atmospheric chemical composition and precipitation mechanisms. This research challenges previous conclusi...
Researchers analyzed record storm surges in the UK and Ireland to improve flood prediction accuracy. They found that coastlines in the north experience the longest and largest surges, while those in southwest England have smaller geographical footprints.
A massive earthquake 2,500 years ago caused the Ganges River to change its course abruptly, affecting densely populated Bangladesh. The study suggests that a similar event could occur again in the future, with potentially devastating consequences.
A study by Dartmouth College finds that regenerative agriculture's impact on farmers extends beyond financial gain, influencing their relationships and quality of life. By adopting practices like reduced tillage and cover cropping, farmers experience reduced dependence on agrochemicals and improved soil fertility.
Researchers found that conventional benefit-cost analyses favor affluent communities, while an equity-weighted approach could reduce bias in hazard mitigation funding. This new method has the potential to improve resource allocation for socio-economically vulnerable areas.
New research reveals that Alaska's coastal communities will experience more frequent and severe flooding due to sea level rise. Currently, 22% of structures in 46 coastal communities are in flood plains, which is expected to increase to 30-37% by 2100.
Texas A&M University researchers have developed a 3D visualization technology to identify potential outcomes of hurricane flooding before it occurs. This allows for improved safety and reduced damage costs. The technology can also model specific buildings, accounting for basements, back entrances, and windows.
A significant shift in the Nile River's evolution around 4,000 years ago may have contributed to ancient Egypt's agricultural economy prosperity and cultural achievements. The research found that changes in the landscape enlarged arable land near Luxor and improved soil fertility.
A LSU study found that chronic relative sea level rise combined with short-term weather-related shocks, such as droughts and hurricanes, led to the decline of Phragmites-dominated stands in the marsh. The study suggests elevating marsh beds with sediment can improve resilience.
A study published by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics predicts significant economic impacts on provinces like Hunan, Jiangxi, and Guangdong due to increased heavy precipitation and droughts. The region's GDP is expected to be hardest hit under certain climate change scenarios, emphasizing the need for adaptation strategies.