Articles tagged with Floods
A new land change model simulates interactions between urban growth, increased flooding, and human adaptation, offering deeper insights into adaptive capacities and identifying communities with limited resources. The model reduces projected developed land exposed to flooding by 5-24% depending on flood hazard zone.
A study of 110 Colorado facilities found that 74.5% are at risk of climate-related hazards, including wildfires, heatwaves, and floods. Incarcerated individuals from marginalized communities face added risk due to poor infrastructure and lack of agency.
Researchers created a rapid assessment tool, FAST, to estimate the depth of flooding and population exposure. The analysis estimated adaptation costs between $1.5-$3.6 billion for 7.4 million people affected by 1-2 meters of flood depth.
A research project involving citizens in flood-prone areas improves data collection and increases resilience. The methodology shows a combination of digital technologies, participatory methods, and co-production of new understandings to enable just and sustainable transformations.
A new study confirms the presence of deadly Vibrio bacteria in Florida's coastal waters following Hurricane Ian. The research, led by University of Maryland senior author Rita Colwell, found high levels of pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus, particularly in oyster samples from Lee County.
A new study finds that four out of five Miami-Dade County residents may face disruption or displacement due to sea-level rise, with lower-income people bearing the brunt. As habitable areas shrink and housing prices rise, only a small number of affluent residents can relocate, while many others are trapped in low-lying properties.
Researchers found that flooding led to subsidence, with areas flooded experiencing hotspots of subsidence exceeding 3 inches over a few years. The study used satellite data from 2015-2019 and found that subsidence was most pronounced in flooded locations, particularly those with high ice content.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that mandated disaster plans have mediocre quality and modest improvements over time. Despite regular updates, the plans fail to address key issues such as public engagement and land use policies, leading to repeated mistakes in areas prone to natural disasters.
A global decade-long study found that people impacted by floods are at significantly increased risk of dying between three and six weeks after the event. The risk of death increases by up to 4.9% for respiratory deaths and persists for up to 60 days, with peak mortality rates reached around 25 days.
A new study finds that global warming will lead to an increase in compound climate extremes such as heavy rainfall and heatwaves, which will have devastating impacts on communities. The regions most affected are already prone to geologic hazards and produce many of the world's crops.
A new study finds that most coastal communities will experience 100-year floods annually by the end of the century, even under a moderate carbon emission scenario. Rising sea levels will lead to an increase in extreme flood events worldwide.
River water quality is deteriorating during extreme weather events, such as droughts, heatwaves, rainstorms, and floods. The study found that water quality tends to decline during these events due to increased contaminant transport and reduced dilution.
Researchers at the University of Melbourne have developed a new simulation model that can predict flooding during an ongoing disaster more quickly and accurately. The Low-Fidelity, Spatial Analysis and Gaussian Process Learning (LSG) model can produce predictions as accurate as advanced models but at speeds 1000 times faster.
A University of Texas at Arlington study estimates human destruction of natural floodplains on a global scale for the first time. The research found that between 1992 and 2019, the world lost 600,000 square kilometers of floodplains due to human disturbances.
A recent study uncovered the facts behind the 1931 Yangtze River flood, which affected 25 million lives and claimed over 2 million lives. The research found that tropical El Nino-related sea surface temperature forcing and extratropical wave activities over the Eurasian continent combined to cause the disaster.
The State of the Climate report confirms record highs in greenhouse gas concentrations, global sea levels, and ocean heat content. Scientists from over 60 countries contributed to the annual review, providing a comprehensive update on Earth's climate indicators and notable weather events.
Historically underserved communities are more likely to live behind subpar levees with fewer resources to maintain infrastructure. The study highlights the need for targeted funding to address these disparities and reduce the risk of catastrophic levee failure.
A survey of 10,981 US adults found that toxic molds, fossil fuels, and antibiotics are common causes of chemical intolerance. The study suggests that reducing exposure to mold, pesticides, and other contaminants may help prevent future cases.
A new study suggests that emphasizing the need for energy independence and environmental stewardship could change people's minds about climate change. The research found that those who deny climate change often focus on personal experiences and local issues, but may not be aware of the scale of the problem.
Researchers found 27 million cubic meters of sediment moved through Houston waterways, equivalent to 40% of the Mississippi River's annual discharge. The study suggests river straightening can exacerbate sediment bypass, decreasing reservoir holding capacities by up to 1.6%
The University of Cambridge team warns that Africa's lack of hydromet infrastructure will lead to a surge in climate-related disasters and deaths. The continent has just 6% of the number of radar stations as Europe and North America, making it vulnerable to floods, droughts, and heatwaves.
Researchers at University of Miami and UC Irvine develop PRIMo to model flooding scenarios, enabling stakeholders to explore benefits and drawbacks of potential response measures. The project aims to address social inequalities in flood adaptation, informing action plans for local governments.
A new UBC study finds that clearcut logging leads to a significant increase in flood frequency and size, particularly in larger watersheds. The researchers used a novel method to isolate the effects of logging from climate background factors.
A Stanford analysis of planned relocations worldwide shows that community engagement is key to successful outcomes, with slower-paced efforts yielding better results for small communities. The study also found that distance and horizontal movement made little difference for livelihood outcomes.
Scientists monitored two wet seasons after the 2020 Bobcat Fire and found that significant portions of water flow came from absorbed ground water. The study contradicts the long-held theory that a waxy coating prevents soil absorption.
Large-scale agriculture is escalating flooding in the Argentinean Pampas by disrupting groundwater reserves, increasing flood coverage, and making precipitation-sensitive lands more vulnerable. This transformation has resulted in floods doubling their coverage and becoming more sensitive to changes in precipitation.
Climate change is shifting snowfall to rainfall on mountains across the Northern Hemisphere, increasing the risk of floods, landslides, and soil erosion. The study found that for every 1 degree Celsius increase in global temperature, high elevations can expect an average of 15% more rain.
The UK is investing £11 million to improve forecast accuracy for extreme weather events like storms, floods and droughts. Scientists are focusing on atmospheric turbulence to create more detailed models.
A Brazilian study combined urban expansion and land-use changes with hydrodynamic models to identify flood-prone areas of cities. The methodology, validated using actual data for São Caetano do Sul, can be used by other cities to devise public policies and make decisions to address flooding impacts.
Researchers analyzed mobile phone signaling records to understand how people moved in response to the 2021 Zhengzhou flood. The study found that female, adolescent, and older adults were more vulnerable to flooding due to lower mobility resilience. It also identified four abnormal patterns of human mobility, which accounted for 50% of ...
A new Stanford-led study quantifies the value of Belize's coastal mangrove forests in terms of carbon storage, tourism, and fisheries benefits. The findings suggest that relatively small amounts of mangrove restoration can have big economic benefits, while also providing protection against coastal storms and other risks.
A new Dartmouth study projects a 52% increase in extreme precipitation events in the Northeast by the end of the century. The region is expected to experience more frequent heavy rainfall events, with winter and spring contributing most to this projected increase.
A recent study by Dartmouth researchers finds that global economic losses from El Niño can persist for several years after the event, with a significant impact on the world's poorest nations. The study projects total losses of $84 trillion for the 21st century, highlighting the need for climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Researchers found that commercial properties in New York and Boston traded at lower values after Hurricane Sandy, despite no direct damage. This shift in perception is likely due to professional investors responding to changing flood risk perceptions post-Sandy.
A UMass Amherst study found that changing patterns of land use lead to increased runoff and decreased forested areas, resulting in higher stream flow and increased phosphorous and nitrogen concentrations. The research warns of impending water quality issues if urban planning does not implement sustainable land-use measures.
A team of scientists, including a University of Central Florida researcher, is developing oyster-based shoreline protection for U.S. coastlines. The project aims to create self-repairing reef-mimicking structures to mitigate coastal flooding and erosion.
Salt marshes reduce wave run-up on dikes, but their impact is dependent on foreshore elevation and marsh width. In some locations, marshes are absent where mud flats are low-lying, highlighting the need for human interventions or hard engineering solutions to enhance protection.
Physicians are urging primary care teams to use data-driven approaches to prevent and mitigate climate-related health issues, dubbed "precision ecologic medicine". This approach combines patient-specific data with climate-related information to predict and support vulnerable patients.
Scientists have used sub-surface imaging and aerial surveys to uncover the Red Lily Lagoon area in West Arnhem Land, revealing significant implications for understanding the First Australians. The study provides a new way to understand the rock art in the region, which is recognized globally for its significance and distinctive style.
A study published in Scientific Reports warns that sea level rises could lead to the flooding of sea turtle breeding grounds in Australia, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and the USA. The findings suggest that flooding could contribute to the loss of turtle nesting sites and negatively impact turtle populations.
A study published in Nature Sustainability found that countries with wide income gaps have significantly higher mortality rates during large-scale flood disasters. The researchers analyzed data from over 500 major floods and found a median mortality rate of 26 times higher in countries with an unequal distribution of income.
A new Dartmouth study examines how changes in precipitation and temperature due to global warming affect streamflow and flooding in the Northeast. The research finds that a warmer climate will lead to increased streamflow and higher flood risk, particularly if soils become wetter and more prone to heavy rainfall events.
A UFZ study shows that better communication and information can increase public support for nature-based flood prevention measures. People who feel connected to their community or informed about the measures are more likely to support them.
A study in Nature Communications Earth and Environment shows progress in Australia's nature-based rehabilitation efforts for sustainable environmental restoration. The research highlights the importance of adopting UN environmental goals as principles in river management to conserve river health and improve resilience.
A team led by Virginia Tech's Manoochehr Shirzaei has developed high-resolution digital maps to monitor land subsidence and sea-level rise, revealing vulnerable areas along the Atlantic East Coast. The data supports flood risk management and informs climate change projections, helping to refine models for hurricanes and storms.
A new study reconstructs the history of floods in KZN since 1840s, confirming that the April 2022 floods were likely the most catastrophic natural disaster ever recorded. The floods had a significant impact on lives lost, homes and infrastructure damaged or destroyed, and economic loss.
Storm geysers can cause significant flooding, damage, and injury due to poor city planning and inadequate drainage systems. A new computational model suggests increasing pipeline diameter and improving system design as effective preventive measures.
A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that climate change-related natural disasters have increased since 1980 and cost the US over $2 trillion in recovery costs. The analysis suggests that rising CO2 levels and temperatures will lead to more frequent and severe disasters, with exponentially increasing costs.
Researchers found that low-impact development practices, such as permeable pavement and bioretention cells, are effective in reducing flood risk in residential areas. Detention basins are also a viable option for areas with high impervious surfaces.
A new study published by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill estimates $562 million in previously unquantified financial risks arising from property value changes and uninsured flood damages in eastern North Carolina. The research team developed a new modeling framework using data on homes sales, mortgage loa...
A new Cornell University study finds that non-white homeowners are more likely to invest in costly flood protection measures than white homeowners. Homeowners with mortgages and those who own their homes outright take the fewest high-cost actions, while renters tend to take none at all.
Researchers developed a SMART approach to engage with communities in developing real-time early warning systems for floods, combining meteorological data with social factors. This approach aims to improve protection for vulnerable people and properties, particularly in mountainous regions.
A recent study found that malaria control programs in Amazonian Peru reduced the disease by 78% but saw a rebound when funding was cut, driven by climate change. Climate change has exacerbated malaria transmission, with rising temperatures and intense rainfalls contributing to the resurgence of the mosquito-borne disease.
A new NASA-led study confirms that major droughts and pluvials have been occurring more often due to climate change. The global total intensity of extreme events increased from 2002 to 2021, mirroring Earth's rising temperatures. This has significant economic and human impacts, especially in poor neighborhoods and developing nations.
A new study introduces a scale to measure atmospheric river intensity, enabling the identification of hotspots for the most intense events worldwide. The scale helps communities prepare for both beneficial and destructive effects of these storms, with AR-5 events occurring only once every two to three years.
A pioneering study finds that flood risks in the UK can be kept below a 5% increase by 2050 if all countries meet their carbon emission pledges. The research reveals dramatic regional variations in flood hazards, with areas like South East England and London facing significant increases in damage.
Researchers will collect data on flood risk and septic health to identify areas most at risk of failure due to climate change. The team aims to provide data-driven solutions for equitable climate adaptation measures.
Research from Princeton University's engineering school finds that climate change is making sequential damaging hurricanes more likely, with areas like the Gulf Coast facing double hits as frequently as once every 3 years. Rising sea levels and increased precipitation are driving this trend.
Researchers argue that polders are an important part of China's water heritage, reflecting the country's long history of water management. Over 2,500 years, polders have evolved in response to changing societal needs, adapting to agricultural modernisation and urban encroachment.
A new study finds that flood zone property prices are overvalued by $121–$237 billion, with low-income households losing up to 10% of their market value. The study warns of a real estate bubble threatening the US housing market's stability.