A team of researchers developed a unified model to predict human movement during large-scale extreme events. The model reveals 'spatiotemporal decay' and 'temporal decay,' showing people limit their mobility near disaster zones and exhibit faster changes in lower income areas.
SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 10, 2022
Researchers have discovered that reactive oxygen species (ROS) can serve as a communication signal to indicate plant stress, which is critical for crop survival and can significantly decrease with multiple stressors. By monitoring ROS levels, farmers can identify plants under stress and take corrective measures to prevent crop loss.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology·DateAug 1, 2022
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that allowing cross-border evacuations can reduce evacuation time by 14% and improve public safety. However, intermunicipal cooperation is required to make this approach effective.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·DateJul 26, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new resilience sensing system can identify areas in danger of collapse and measure the success of conservation efforts. Global average resilience has declined over the last 20 years, with regions such as the Amazon rainforest showing signs of loss of resilience.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 21, 2022
Researchers recover data from sensors swept away by massive underwater avalanche in Congo Canyon, providing new insights into sediment flow and seabed cable breakages. The study reveals the hazards of powerful turbidity currents and their impact on global communications.
SourceUK Research and Innovation·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateJul 20, 2022
A new study by Oregon State University found that Houston residents experienced a significant increase in chemical exposure after Hurricane Harvey, with 75% of chemicals detected at higher concentrations. The study used silicone wristbands to measure exposure to hazardous chemicals, including pesticides and industrial compounds.
SourceOregon State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022
A new national study found that households led by women, those with children under age 18, renters, low-income individuals, and minority groups are less likely to be minimally prepared for disasters. The researchers recommend targeting these vulnerable groups with disaster preparedness resources.
SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 18, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
A new computer model developed by Louisiana State University oceanographer Giulio Mariotti shows that barrier island retreat will accelerate by 50 percent within a century due to rising sea levels. The model challenges the common assumption that barrier islands respond instantly to sea level rise, revealing a lag between the two.
SourceLouisiana State University·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 7, 2022
A new approach to developing flood maps uses confidence intervals to capture the uncertainty in flood predictions, providing a more realistic depiction of flood zones. This simplified method is more accessible and cost-effective than traditional methods, producing acceptable results with less effort and lower costs.
Researchers analyzed the catastrophic failure of Japan's Misasa Railroad Bridge, revealing that flood hydrodynamic forces exceeded seismic design standards by nearly double. The study recommends increasing space under bridges to reduce submersion and designing structures to withstand overflow.
SourceHiroshima University·JournalJournal of Bridge Engineering·DateJun 30, 2022
New research finds that limiting global warming to 1.5°C could reduce human exposure to water scarcity, heat stress, and vector-borne diseases by 10-44% globally. The study also identifies West Africa, India, and North America as regions with projected increased climate change risks.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalClimatic Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 28, 2022
Researchers studying Mexico City's 700-year history highlight the need for democratic adaptation decisions and prioritizing climate justice over technological innovation. The city's complex water management system, built on an island in a saline lake, demonstrates trade-offs between flood control and urban development.
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.
A new analysis demonstrates that mangrove and coral reef restoration can be a cost-effective solution for coastal flood reduction. The study found that the benefits from reduced flood damage exceed the costs of restoration, making nature-based solutions an attractive option for funding.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalEcosystem Services·DateJun 17, 2022
Climate-related events and air pollution disproportionately affect socially and economically disadvantaged children, exacerbating health issues such as preterm birth, respiratory illness, and malnutrition. The authors emphasize the need for simultaneous adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect children's health.
SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 15, 2022
Researchers warn policymakers that inadequate charging networks can derail EV adoption efforts, particularly if floods disrupt charging infrastructure, affecting not just the immediate area but also farther away. Strong public confidence in the network is crucial for long-term adoption and meeting carbon reduction targets.
SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateJun 15, 2022
A new study found that conventional methods for calculating flood risk underestimate frequencies, especially at the 100-year flood, due to neglecting unique roles of each flood type. Researchers from DRI, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Colorado State University investigated historic floods in 308 watersheds.
SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 14, 2022
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.
A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that extreme weather events exacerbate gender-based violence by creating socioeconomic instability, structural power inequalities, and mental stress. This can lead to physical injury, unwanted pregnancy, and long-term consequences for victims.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 13, 2022
Researchers have found a signaling molecule that helps plants survive flooding by triggering a molecular emergency power system. Pretreating plants with ethylene improves their chances of survival. The study could lead to the development of resistant plant varieties to combat waterlogging and flooding in agriculture.
SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateJun 10, 2022
A new study reveals that Nor'easters produce flood levels just as severe as hurricanes, but occur much more frequently in the Mid-Atlantic region. The intense storms can cause significant damage and disruption along the coastline, with some events surpassing those from tropical cyclones.
SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateJun 2, 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.
A recent study found that global warming is likely to increase the frequency of strong Western Pacific Subtropical High events, leading to enhanced flood risk in East China. This is due to increased sensitivity of rainfall and atmospheric convection to sea surface temperature variability under warmer climates.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 30, 2022
A multidisciplinary project aims to develop a decision-making tool to estimate the risk of water contamination in flooded areas. The research team will collect public data and conduct field work to test their approach in small study areas, ultimately enabling Québec to reduce health risks by better protecting water quality.
SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateMay 25, 2022
A new study proposes designing permeable pavements to reduce flood impacts in Australia, with the potential to store up to 50% of rainfall and reduce urban flooding by up to 50%. The proposed system takes into account local soil types and rainfall intensity, and has been tested on 107 towns and cities across Australia.
SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalSustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 24, 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.
Researchers have identified a cork-like substance called suberin that helps protect rice roots from floods and drought. By understanding how suberin is produced, they hope to use gene editing or selective breeding to make the crop more resilient to climate change.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022
Researchers at Universities of Cologne and Bayreuth found that flooding frequency and topography determine the abundance of microplastics in an alluvial Rhine soil. The study, published in Science of the Total Environment, revealed that microplastics can accumulate in floodplains and be transported into deeper soil layers.
SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateMay 18, 2022
A Brazilian study found that inclusion of visually impaired individuals is crucial for effective disaster prevention policy. The research highlighted barriers to their participation and proposed solutions such as smartphone apps and education to mitigate vulnerability to environmental hazards.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Science·DateMay 10, 2022
A new online tool, HazardAware, provides disaster readiness reports for 13.3 million addresses in 196 counties along the Gulf of Mexico, including all of Florida. The tool assesses a property's resilience to hazards such as hurricanes and flooding, and offers customized mitigation information to reduce future hazard loss.
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 future super cyclones will disproportionately affect populations in South Asia, particularly India, with increased exposure to extreme flooding. If greenhouse gas emissions continue at current levels, over 250% of India's population may experience flooding exceeding 1 meter by 2050.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalClimate Resilience and Sustainability·DateMay 8, 2022
A new study provides a framework for predicting snowpack runoff and its impact on flood risk during rain-on-snow events. By leveraging hourly data from existing snow monitoring stations, researchers have created a decision support tool that can help water managers prepare for potential flooding.
SourceDesert Research Institute·JournaliScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 3, 2022
A new study found that Portland residents are willing to pay $442.40 per household for green roofs that reduce stormwater runoff by three times per year, decrease urban heat island effect by over one degree, and bring in a significant amount of bees, birds, and butterflies. The cost would be added to sewage and stormwater utility bills.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·TypeSurvey·DateMay 3, 2022
A new online portal developed by UKCEH enables forecasters to provide communities with more reliable warnings about large storms in the Sahel region. The portal uses state-of-the-art weather forecast models to predict storm behavior, taking into account factors such as land surface temperatures, soil moisture, and atmospheric humidity.
SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 3, 2022
A new study projects that climate change will more than double the frequency of intense tropical cyclones globally by 2050, increasing maximum wind speeds by up to 20%. This will disproportionately affect low-income countries and regions that are not currently prone to these events.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2022
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
Researchers used complex networks to study synchronized structures of extreme rainfall events, revealing regions with similar climatological behaviors. The analysis showed that extreme rainfalls are not independent but have a degree of similarity globally.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalChaos An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science·DateApr 26, 2022
A new virtual reality (VR) experience is educating children aged 10-12 about bushfires, helping them learn how to be safer in emergencies. The project demonstrates the effectiveness of immersive VR experiences in delivering positive learning outcomes for primary children.
SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Educational Computing Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2022
Researchers predict widespread increases in flash flooding events across the US, with a predicted 10% increase in the Southwest and 8.6% in the central US. Climate change may lead to more frequent and intense flash floods, requiring improved infrastructure and early warning systems.
SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 26, 2022
A severe rainstorm over Kauai in April 2018 resulted in $180 million in damage and 532 homes destroyed. The study found that supercell thunderstorms triggered the deluge, which set a new US 24-hour rainfall record of nearly 50 inches.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalMonthly Weather Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 21, 2022
Research from Portland State University finds that cities are inconsistently placing green infrastructure in areas prone to flooding, disproportionately affecting non-white and low-income residents. However, some cities like Portland and Phoenix are making efforts to increase investments in these neighborhoods.
SourcePortland State University·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 15, 2022
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.
The study analyzed tide gauge observations along coastlines in Europe and found that changes in storm surges have altered the likelihood of extreme sea-level events. While some areas see an increase in extreme flooding, others see a decrease, with human-induced climate change partly to blame.
SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022
Scientists detected a seismic signal indicating a massive landslide triggered by the rapid recession of the West Grenville Glacier in British Columbia. The resulting tsunami devastated forest, salmon spawning habitats, and logging camps, killing hundreds of thousands of fish and potentially affecting bears and eagles.
SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022
A Rice University-led team is studying the impact of climate change on flooding in the Mississippi River, which affects over a quarter of the US population. The research aims to understand how climate warming will alter the frequency and magnitude of flooding by comparing paleoclimate data with modern models.
A new study by Resources for the Future and Columbia University finds that losing a hectare of wetlands can cost society an average of $1,900 in flood damages per year. In developed areas, this figure rises to over $8,000. The research highlights the importance of preserving wetlands for flood mitigation.
SourceResources for the Future (RFF)·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateApr 1, 2022
A study has shown that wind variations over the southern Red Sea are the main drivers of sea-level extremes, driving levels up and down depending on wind direction. This understanding is crucial for coastal planning and management to mitigate the impact of storm surges and coastal erosion.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalWeather and Climate Extremes·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 22, 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.
A Brazilian study proposes a methodology to involve secondary school students in mapping natural disaster hazards and impact prevention. The students, aged between 2019-2021, were trained to identify areas prone to flooding and landslides using aerial photographs taken by drones.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalDisaster Prevention and Management An International Journal·DateMar 10, 2022
Research led by Dr. Petra Holden from the University of Cape Town found that catchment restoration through alien tree management can reduce climate change's impact on drought streamflow. The study shows that clearing moderate levels of invasion can result in a 3-16% amelioration of human-derived climate change impact.
SourceUniversity of South Africa - Cape Town Campus·JournalNature·DateMar 9, 2022
The Bureau of Reclamation released a new report evaluating current and emerging snow measurement technologies to enhance water supply forecasting. The report identifies under-utilized emerging technologies with potential to improve forecast accuracy in the near term.
A study by University of Texas at Austin researchers found that narrow but deep channels across the coastal plain landscape play a significant role in moving water, particularly during floods. The channel networks covered over 12,000 square miles and were separated into distinct drainage basins.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 28, 2022
Researchers used AI to predict flood damage in the US, finding a high probability of flood damage for more than 1.01 million square miles across the country. The study suggests that recent FEMA maps do not capture the full extent of flood risk, with 84.5% of reported damage not within high-risk flood areas.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 22, 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.
Scientists monitoring hundreds of US streams with sensor technology are gaining insights into how freshwater vital signs shift in response to land development and climate change. The data, made publicly available, will help track changes over time and provide a better understanding of the 'pulse' of streams.
SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 2022
Research found that anaerobic microbial transformation on Tonle Sap Lake's floodplains produces substantial amounts of dissolved carbon dioxide, highlighting the importance of this process in tropical freshwater ecosystems. This discovery has significant implications for understanding global carbon cycles and the impact of climate change.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2022
Researchers identified that the changing weight of ice sheets caused the entire landscape to tilt, changing the course of the Missoula megafloods. This finding provides a new perspective on Washington state's Channeled Scablands, carved by massive floods at the end of the last ice age.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2022
Scientists from Nagoya University investigate the formation of air channels in wetland plants, which help them survive floods and droughts. The study reveals that a phytohormone called auxin is required for normal root growth, and two factors lead to the induction of aerenchyma formation in response to flooding.
SourceNagoya University·JournalTrends in Plant Science·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 4, 2022
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.
Climate change projections indicate a dramatic increase in extreme rainfall-surge events along the US East and Gulf coasts, with compound flooding events expected to worsen flood risks. Sea level rise and storm intensification are identified as key drivers of this phenomenon.
SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2022
Researchers have developed an interest in studying glacial lakes and their impact on glacier behavior and downstream ecosystems. Over a 35-year period, a team of scientists has produced a detailed inventory of glacial lakes and dams in Alaska and northwest Canada.
SourceColorado State University·JournalThe Cryosphere·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2022
Geosapiens receives major funding from the Canadian Space Agency to develop innovative approaches to flood mapping. The project aims to integrate satellite imagery data for real-time flood zone identification and risk assessment.
SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateJan 27, 2022
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 Brazilian study found a correlation between dealing with COVID-19 and environmental disasters, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and community resilience. The study also identified a lack of continuity in funding for disaster relief and pandemic response.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 19, 2022
A team of researchers, including NOAA and William & Mary, has developed the world's first three-dimensional operational storm surge model, called SCHISM. The model forecasts coastal flooding in complex coastal regions by incorporating fine-scale features like engineered structures and culverts into its forecasts.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalNatural Hazards·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 13, 2022
Research reveals that the 2020 Yangtze River flooding was caused by an unusual anticyclone and frequent latitudinal swings of the Meiyu front. The study aims to improve forecasting skill before and during monsoon season.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 10, 2022
A new study reveals that Indigenous communities in Canada are more vulnerable to flood-related hardship due to pre-existing socioeconomic factors. The research highlights the importance of considering social vulnerability when assessing flood risk in these communities.
SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Science·DateJan 6, 2022
The frequency of thunderstorms in some fast-growing African coastal cities has doubled over the past 30 years, mostly linked to land use change. Deforestation exacerbates storm activity, causing increased rainfall and flooding in urban areas.
SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 4, 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.
The study predicts that the Balearic Islands will lose between 56 and 65% of their beach area permanently due to climate change. This loss is mainly attributed to sea level rise, which will cause devastating inroads on the coastline.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 16, 2021
The Forest Condition Monitor tool uses color-coded visualization to identify areas of high-stress forests across Europe, allowing for targeted conservation efforts and research. Scientists can study these regions to understand eco-physiological processes and warn forest owners of potential risks.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateDec 15, 2021