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Two Rhode Island coastal flood defense projects provide lessons for making future infrastructure projects more successful

Researchers analyzed two US Army Corps of Engineers flood megaprojects in Rhode Island that emerged simultaneously after hurricane activity around the 1950s. The study found that strong public support and political backing were crucial factors in advancing one project, while the other failed to gain momentum due to environmental concer...

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalJournal of Water Resources Planning and Management·TypeCase study·DateFeb 16, 2023

Glacial flooding threatens millions globally

A global assessment identifies areas most vulnerable to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods, highlighting the need for targeted risk management actions. The study reveals 9.3 million people in High Mountain Asia are at highest risk, with India and Pakistan accounting for nearly half of the global total.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2023

As extreme weather events become more often and intensify, the number of people and places exposed to flooding events is likely to grow

A new study from the University of North Carolina found that over ten new residences have been built in NC's 100-year floodplains for every residence removed through government buyouts. This trend contributes to increasing risk, despite community and government efforts to reduce flood damage.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJournal of the American Planning Association·DateFeb 7, 2023

A faster, more accurate 3D modelling tool recreates a landscape’s digital twin down to the pixel level

The new automated method, called HybridFlow, uses large-scale aerial images to produce precise 3D models of cityscapes and landscapes. This technology has potential applications in natural disaster risk assessment and mitigation, enabling informed decision-making and evaluation of risk-mitigating factors.

SourceConcordia University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 7, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Devastating cost of future coastal flooding for many developing nations predicted in new study

A new study predicts devastating socioeconomic impacts of future extreme coastal flooding on developing nations caused by climate change. Without adaptation measures, the number of people affected could increase from 34 million in 2015 to 246 million by 2100, with expected annual damage costing over five percent of national GDP.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 6, 2023

Tree rings reveal 400 years of rainfall patterns, forecasting an increase in extreme weather conditions in Pakistan and Afghanistan

A study using tree rings reveals a 400-year trend of increasing droughts and floods in the Kabul River Basin, with severe events becoming more frequent. The research suggests that climate change is intensifying hydrological cycles, leading to devastating consequences for natural resources management.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 30, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Worst impacts of sea level rise will hit earlier than expected

A new study using high-resolution land elevation data finds the biggest increases in inundation will occur after the first 2 meters of sea level rise, covering more than twice as much land as older elevation models predicted. Coastal communities have less time to prepare for sea level rise than expected.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalEarth s Future·DateJan 24, 2023

Half of US coastal communities underestimate sea level risks

A new study finds that many US coastal communities rely on low estimates of sea level rise, omitting high-end scenarios that could result in costly and dangerous underestimates. The study's authors hope to identify and address gaps in how communities use the most recent assessments of sea level rise in their policy decisions.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalEarth s Future·DateJan 24, 2023

A changing flood recipe for Las Vegas

Researchers from DRI and partners find that urbanization and climate change are changing the timing and intensity of flood risk in Las Vegas. Flood intensity has increased since the mid-20th century, with an abrupt shift occurring in the mid-1990s.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·TypeNews article·DateJan 18, 2023

Pakistan's health crisis: Inside & outside the flood zone

Pakistan's health challenges have been compounded by natural disasters, including the 2022 floods, which affected over 33 million people. The country is experiencing a slowdown in reducing maternal and child mortality, high fertility rates, and persistent gender disparities.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 18, 2023
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.

Forest landslides’ frequency, size influenced more by road building, logging than heavy rain

A long-term study of forest landslides in the Pacific Northwest reveals that management history has a greater impact on landslide frequency and severity than rainfall. The research, led by Oregon State University, found that decades of road building and logging practices affected flooding, landslides, and erosion patterns.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEarth Surface Processes and Landforms·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2023

Reversed flow over Tibetan plateau caused extreme Asian summer climate in 2022

A recent study found that reversed flow over the Tibetan Plateau led to extreme climate events in subtropical Asia in 2022. Strong descending motion on the eastern side of TP caused persistent heat waves, while strong ascending motion on the western side caused excessive rainfall and flooding.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateJan 16, 2023

Offshore and coastal risk analyses may misrepresent wave storms from extreme weather like bomb cyclones

Researchers found that global wave models can vary in their estimates of extreme wave heights by up to 20 feet, which can lead to underprotected areas during extreme events. The study emphasizes the need for considering multiple models and modern observational data to better assess offshore and coastal risks.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 11, 2023
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

New UCF-developed battery could prevent post-hurricane electric vehicle fires

The UCF-developed battery uses saltwater as an electrolyte, eliminating volatile solvents and overcoming limitations of previous aqueous batteries. The novel design allows for fast charging in just three minutes and increased stability, making it a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2023

Researchers propose a more effective method to predict floods

A team of researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and other institutions has identified a flexible and user-friendly model for predicting flood frequency in a changing environment. The fractional polynomial-based regression method is more effective than existing models, which often fail to account for factors like climate ...

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of Hydrology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 9, 2023

Changing ocean circulation intensifies extreme events in the Indian Ocean

A new study reveals that changing ocean circulation strengthens precipitation patterns in the Indian Ocean, leading to more intense flood events and droughts. The research suggests a mutual amplification of these effects due to global warming and weakened ocean circulation.

SourceMARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 5, 2023

After hurricanes, Florida neighborhoods see steady housing demand, wealthier residents

A new study finds that Florida neighborhoods affected by hurricanes experience gentrification, with average income of new buyers increasing while long-term demand stays stable. Weaker income households struggle to access affordable housing options after the storms.

SourceResources for the Future (RFF)·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 4, 2023
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.

Padgett named NSF BRITE Fellow

Jamie Padgett, a Rice University professor, has been awarded a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation's BRITE Fellows program. With this funding, she will develop methods for infrastructure resilience modeling in response to uncertain, evolving conditions resulting from earthquakes, hurricanes, and other disasters.

SourceRice University·DateDec 9, 2022

Assessing El Niño ‘flavors’ to unravel past variability, future impact

Scientists analyze past El Niño events to better understand climate patterns over the past 12,000 years. They found that Eastern Pacific events have increased in frequency, while Central Pacific and Coastal events have decreased, resulting in changes in hydroclimate in the tropical Pacific.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 8, 2022
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.

Mekong Delta will continue to be at risk for severe flooding

A study by Hokkaido University reveals that the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has caused more frequent heavy rainfall in the Mekong Delta, resulting in increased flooding risk. The findings suggest that better weather predictions and preparation can help mitigate the negative effects of floods and droughts in the region.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

Coupled computer modeling can help more accurately predict coastal flooding, study demonstrates

A new coupled computer modeling approach can accurately predict compound flooding events, such as the one caused by Hurricane Florence in 2018. This technique combines ocean and river models to better capture the interactions between storm surges and rain-induced flooding.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalJournal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 7, 2022

Study shows the majority of California’s coastal airports are vulnerable to increased flooding caused by climate change

A new study found that 39 out of 43 California's coastal airports have assets exposed to projected flooding by 2100. Sixteen airports have assets within their boundaries, while 23 have assets outside their jurisdiction at risk from flooding. The study highlights the need for collaborative climate adaptation plans to address this issue.

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 5, 2022
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.

Low-cost sensor records the level of rivers

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed a cost-effective method to measure river levels around the clock using a GNSS antenna and Raspberry Pi microcomputer. The device is capable of transmitting data continuously via mobile communication, making it suitable for area-wide flood warning systems.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalWater Resources Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2022

Using satellites for faster flood information

Researchers used satellites with radar imaging sensors to map flooding and assess flood impacts in Queensland. The technique combines images from optical satellites with information from imaging radar satellites, providing faster update times and more accurate data.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalRemote Sensing·TypeObservational study·DateNov 22, 2022

Climate crisis and anthropic pressure are destabilizing the Pantanal

Researchers found that summer rainfall and autumn-winter dry days are increasing, leading to fluvial discharge and sediment load in rainy seasons and water deficits in dry seasons. The Pantanal's complex geomorphology, including mega-fans and self-affine landforms, makes it susceptible to anthropic interference.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of South American Earth Sciences·DateNov 17, 2022

Dam safety: New study indicates probable maximum flood events will significantly increase over next 80 years

A new study by UNSW and the University of Melbourne found that estimates of Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP) for large dams in Australia are expected to increase by 14-38% on average over the next 80 years. This is due to climate change and outdated modelling, which has not been updated since at least 20 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalWater Resources Research·DateNov 14, 2022
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.

FEMA’s home buyout program weighted in bureaucracy, lacks equity

Researchers at Cornell University found that FEMA's federal home buyout policies are inaccessible and inequitable due to bureaucratic hurdles. By studying regional and state programs, the team suggests that coordinating local strategies can make these buyouts more effective and equitable for all communities.

SourceCornell University·JournalClimatic Change·DateNov 14, 2022

Using 1980s environmental modeling to mitigate future disasters

Using 1980s environmental inventories, researchers found that disaster risk assessment could have predicted the damage from the Great East Japan Earthquake. The study compared composite risk maps from the 1980s with post-2011 hazard maps to show a significant increase in high-risk areas.

SourceShinshu University·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2022

Climate change to impact mountains on a global scale

A new study warns that climate change will negatively impact mountain landscapes and human activity, increasing risks of natural hazards like avalanches and river floods. Mountain communities are also affected, with traditional practices like transhumance and agriculture dying out due to changing weather patterns and water scarcity.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalPeerJ·DateNov 7, 2022

The Paris Agreement – better measurement methods needed

A study by Linköping University finds that current measurement methods are insufficient for reducing emissions and meeting the Paris Agreement's 2°C target. The researchers highlight the need for cheap and easy-to-use methods to track all types of greenhouse gas emissions at a local level.

SourceLinköping University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 7, 2022
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.

Cooperation among hydropower producers could hold the answer to reviving the mighty Mekong

Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design show that restoring natural water availability to the Mekong's floodplains is possible through coordination among hydropower producers. By altering dam release decisions and production plans, key components of hydrological variability can be restored, leading to improved ec...

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalNature Sustainability·DateOct 31, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Scientists warn in report that climate change has pushed Earth to “code red”

Scientists warn that climate change is at the door and pounding hard due to rising global temperatures, natural disasters, and infectious diseases. The report highlights urgent need to protect nature, eliminate fossil fuel emissions and support socially just climate adaptations.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 26, 2022
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 comprehensive assessment of ocean warming highlights future climate risks

A comprehensive review of ocean warming reveals that global ocean heat content has increased by over 90% since the 1950s. The study predicts that if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced, ocean warming will continue to accelerate, leading to more intense storms, droughts, and sea-level rise.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·DateOct 18, 2022

Flooding significantly impacts food security, new study finds

A new study reveals that flooding can have both detrimental and beneficial effects on food security in Africa. Over 12% of those experiencing food insecurity had their status affected by flooding, with impacts varying by time period and regional scale.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 17, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Under pressure: rethinking coastal land use and adaptation strategies

Researchers found that conventional engineered solutions are limited in their ability to adapt to climate change, while nature-based solutions can help coasts absorb impacts of coastal floods and storm surges. The study suggests a shift towards resilience strategies such as living shorelines, constructed wetlands, and strategic retreat.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalEnvironmental Management·TypeObservational study·DateOct 12, 2022

Media coverage of hurricanes reinforces images of people of color as victims, study finds

A new study from the University of Kansas reveals that media coverage of Hurricane Harvey in 2017 perpetuated racial biases in image presentation, showing people of color as displaced migrants, women as damsels in distress, and white men as saviors. The study highlights how these representations reinforce cultural narratives and stereo...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalCritical Studies in Media Communication·TypeObservational study·DateOct 10, 2022

Study shows challenge of promoting citizen science to help prevent disasters caused by flooding

A workshop on flood risk governance in Brazil and the UK identified research gaps, including local data, integration systems, and visualization tools. Innovative initiatives are being developed using tools such as an app that empowers citizens to input data and improve disaster prevention.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalDisaster Prevention and Management An International Journal·DateOct 5, 2022

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study identifies hundreds of hospitals on Atlantic and Gulf coasts at risk of flooding from hurricanes

A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that hundreds of hospitals on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts are at risk of flooding from Category 1-4 storms, with sea level rise expected to increase this risk by 22% this century. The study highlights the need for coastal hospitals to prepare for greater risks in the future.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalGeoHealth·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 29, 2022
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.

Rapid land sinking is making many coastal cities worldwide vulnerable to sea level rise, finds international group of scientists

A team of international scientists found that many densely populated coastal cities worldwide are at risk from sea level rise due to land subsidence. The study used satellite images to estimate the rate of land sinking in 48 cities, with median speeds ranging from 16.2mm/year to 43mm/year.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateSep 20, 2022
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Increasing impacts of floods and droughts worldwide

A study published in Nature found that floods and droughts are becoming more frequent and intense, despite improvements in risk management. The international research team identified two successful cases of flood management: Barcelona and Central Europe.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalNature·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 6, 2022

Hydropower dams induce widespread species extinctions across Amazonian forest islands

New research from the University of East Anglia finds that hydropower developments lead to flooding forests, driving biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruptions. The study reveals widespread species extinction, especially among large-bodied species, highlighting the need for sustainable energy security and biodiversity conservation.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Stormwater management ponds may not hold the solution for depleting wetlands

New research from the University of Waterloo suggests that relying on stormwater management ponds to restore wetlands is unsustainable and lacks critical ecosystem services. The study found a low proportion of wetlands left in areas with high pond creation rates, posing an environmental challenge.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateAug 11, 2022