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%.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 24, 2025
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
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.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateJan 21, 2025
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.
SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalJournal of Glaciology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 2025
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...
SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalWater International·TypeCase study·DateJan 14, 2025
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.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·DateJan 9, 2025
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.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
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.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 7, 2025
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.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 6, 2025
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.
SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 6, 2025
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.
SourceAustralian National University·TypeObservational study·DateJan 6, 2025
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.
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
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.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 12, 2024
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.
SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalEnvironmental and Sustainability Indicators·DateDec 7, 2024
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.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalEarth s Future·DateDec 6, 2024
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
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.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 4, 2024
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.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing·DateNov 25, 2024
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
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.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEcosystem Services·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 25, 2024
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.
SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 19, 2024
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.
SourceConcordia University·JournalHydrology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 19, 2024
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
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.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 7, 2024
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
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.
SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalScientific Data·DateOct 31, 2024
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.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 23, 2024
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.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateOct 23, 2024
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.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 16, 2024
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.
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
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.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEnvironmental Microbiome·DateOct 10, 2024
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.
SourceUniversity of Potsdam·JournalEarth s Future·DateOct 8, 2024
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.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeObservational study·DateOct 2, 2024
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.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 30, 2024
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.
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
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.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateSep 26, 2024
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.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Forests and Global Change·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2024
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.
SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalOxford Open Climate Change·TypeContent analysis·DateSep 19, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
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.
SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalEarth's Future·DateSep 17, 2024
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.
SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Oceans·DateSep 12, 2024
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.
SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalEarth's Future·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2024
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.
SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalEarth s Future·DateSep 10, 2024
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.
SourceAmerican Meteorological Society·JournalWeather Climate and Society·DateSep 10, 2024
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
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.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 9, 2024
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.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2024
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.
SourceNewcastle University·JournalWeather and Climate Extremes·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 29, 2024
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
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.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalTrends in Plant Science·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 29, 2024
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.
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.
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.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalWater Resources Research·DateAug 21, 2024
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
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.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 19, 2024
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.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalAGU Advances·TypeObservational study·DateAug 7, 2024
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.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytopathology·DateAug 7, 2024
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
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.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2024
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.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2024
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.
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
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.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNatural Hazards·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 31, 2024
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.
SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2024
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.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalEarth's Future·DateJul 24, 2024