Articles tagged with Floods
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.
A new study ranks live oaks and American sycamores as champions among 17 "super trees" that can mitigate air pollution and climate change in urban areas. The research provides a three-part framework for selecting suitable trees, identifying high-impact planting sites, and engaging with community leadership to make the project a reality.
A collaborative research study found Cryptosporidium prevalence to be 20-25% across Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, posing a serious threat to dairy cattle and human life. The parasite is concerning due to its ability to become infectious in chlorine, increasing the risk of infection through traditional methods.
A new study estimates that burrowing animals like badgers and porcupines can weaken levees to the point of collapse, causing localized flooding. Dens at higher elevations in a levee are more dangerous than those near the bottom, with potential for catastrophic failure.
Research found that households in different cultures are motivated to adapt to climate change by factors such as self-efficacy and perceived costs. However, these drivers vary across countries, with previous flood experiences having little effect on adaptation intentions in some regions, but discouraging it in others.
Researchers created a single-cell map of corn's root, identifying key regulators of cellular diversity that help crops tolerate drought and flooding. The study found that the genetic regulator SHORT ROOT (SHR) plays a crucial role in expanding cortex tissue, leading to increased tolerance of climate stressors.
A new study published in Science of the Total Environment found that forests can reduce storm flows, but only when small-scale floods occur. In contrast, forests offer little to no protection against larger and more devastating flood events.
A new framework assesses flood risk by integrating climate model outputs and hydrologic models to predict uncertainty. The study found that climate uncertainty dominates overall uncertainty, and areas prone to flooding in the future will be mostly the same as current ones.
New research from a University of South Carolina scientist reveals that rising rivers pose a danger to coastal communities and those farther upstream due to climate change. The study shows how river processes affect entire watersheds down to the coast, contributing to more intense flooding.
A recent study found that earthquakes and extreme rainfall lead to a significant increase in landslide rates in Nepal during the monsoon season. The research, published in Nature Communications, reveals that landscape damage caused by the April 2015 Gorkha earthquake increased landslide risk by six times.
International researchers used machine learning to forecast marsh establishment under various environmental conditions, revealing that controllable local factors are more important than global climate change. The study suggests smart management of tidal flats can counteract threats and strengthen wetlands.
A new prediction framework can forecast extreme climate events like floods and heatwaves up to two days in advance, allowing for crucial preparation time. This network-based approach analyzes large-scale connectivity patterns in observational data to improve forecasting accuracy.
A record-breaking summer of flooding in eastern Asia prompted an international team to research and submit findings on the event to a special journal issue. The studies highlighted unusual behavior of an anti-cyclone and its connection to the Indian Ocean's warming, leading to persistent extreme rainfall.
A new Digital Solutions Hub will provide a gateway to interconnected toolkits and resources, integrating existing data sources on pollution, flooding, biodiversity, geology, carbon capture, and environmental health. The hub aims to improve decision-making by providing cross-sectional data for informed decisions in various sectors.
A new study has found that Greenland's ice sheet is experiencing increased frequency and intensity of extreme ice melting events, leading to a 21% rise in meltwater runoff over the past four decades. This raises global flood risk and disrupts marine ecosystems.
A study has created a massive database of academic papers documenting global adaptation actions to climate change. The research found that people are taking action, but these efforts tend to be fragmented and may not be enough to deal with the expected effects of climate change.
Satellite images reveal a substantial increase in saltmarsh area and stable trends of tidal flat areas after 2012, driven by decreased anthropogenic activities and increased conservation and restoration efforts. Conservation efforts have positively impacted China's coastal wetlands, mitigating the loss of these important ecosystems.
A study by University of Cincinnati professor Michael J. Fry found that a single large warehouse would be the most cost-efficient approach for disaster relief supplies, but a single location is vulnerable to destruction. The research suggests cooperation between government and relief organizations can improve response effectiveness.
Research finds climate stabilized due to increased rock weathering and erosion, which converts CO2 into insoluble carbonate; this process took 20,000-50,000 years. Lithium isotope analysis supports theory, showing increased weathering and erosion during Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum.
A study found that climate change increased the probability of heavy rainfall by 70% in Brazil's Minas Gerais state, leading to severe flooding, deaths, and massive damage. The extreme event caused over 90,000 people to be temporarily homeless and resulted in significant economic losses.
A new methodology creates a watershed-scale flood model based on LiDAR data, providing precise elevation readings and riverbed depth information. The system can predict flood conditions and provide warnings to area residents, making it applicable to large rivers and smaller streams.
The Mars rover's images show a complex watery cycle for the lake at Jezero Crater, with steady water flow and dramatic deposits from high-energy floods. The findings help guide the rover's sampling strategy, focusing on rocks that could contain signs of past life.
A new model developed by Skoltech researchers optimizes satellite radar system design, balancing performance characteristics with other mission parameters. The study identifies optimal designs for small satellite platforms, particularly in the 8-12 GHz and 4-8 GHz frequency bands.
Heavy precipitation affected a significant portion of China, with the Yangtze River basin experiencing extreme flooding and multi-day rain events. The study found that the East Asian Summer Monsoon front played a dominant role in bringing persistent precipitation to the region.
Researchers from GFZ and NGRI used seismic data to identify three phases of a catastrophic flood, including rockslide and debris flow. The study found that seismic networks can be used to warn of impending flash floods, with available warning times varying by distance and speed.
Researchers found that lake breach floods played a crucial role in shaping the Martian surface, creating river valleys with nearly a quarter of the Red Planet's total volume. The study's findings suggest that these floods had a lasting impact on the surrounding landscape, influencing the formation of other nearby river valleys.
International research reveals that children will face a disproportionate increase in lifetime extreme event exposure due to climate change. The study, led by Prof. Wim Thiery of VUB, quantifies the impact of climate change on children born between 1960 and 2020, showing they will experience more heatwaves, droughts, crop failures, riv...
Researchers say the July 2021 flood in western Germany was more destructive than predicted, with mobilization of dead wood and sediment contributing to its impact. The event highlights the need for science to better understand precipitation-induced floods and their associated self-reinforcing effects.
Researchers developed WebFRIS, a web-based platform to provide socio-economic vulnerability analysis and simplify flood risk information. The tool can help formulate targeted solutions and enhance social capacity and resilience in flood-prone regions.
Researchers have created a global database of 63 tailings flows since 1928, revealing catastrophic events occur every two to three years on average. The study highlights the importance of understanding water-to-solids ratios and downstream terrain in preventing mass casualties and environmental damage.
Climate change is altering flooding patterns, with moderate storms producing less runoff due to increased soil moisture, but extreme storms causing more devastating flooding. The study's findings have significant implications for infrastructure design and flood risk mitigation strategies.
A new assessment indicates that higher emissions will significantly impact Venice's flood risk, emphasizing the need for improved projections and protection infrastructure. The study highlights the importance of accurate sea level projections and the potential for extreme events like meteotsunamis to exacerbate flooding.
A new study predicts extreme sea levels will become 100 times more frequent worldwide, with an annual occurrence by the end of the century. The research, led by Claudia Tebaldi, suggests rising temperatures will have a significant impact on coastal regions, particularly in the tropics and lower latitudes.
A new study assesses the impacts of sea level rise and wetland change on storm surge flooding in the Chesapeake Bay region. The results show that even relatively weak storms in 2100 could have a greater impact than high-intensity storms today, with significant property damage and effects on people.
A study by North Carolina State University found that surface waters in eastern North Carolina were more likely to face dual contamination from human and swine waste after Hurricane Florence. The presence of Arcobacter, a pathogen not associated with human or swine fecal markers, was also discovered.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin tracked water storage in 14 major US aquifers over 15 years, finding that irrigation habits can be managed more effectively in humid regions. The study highlights the importance of surface water in replenishing groundwater, which helps dampen the impacts of irrigation.
Researchers say surprise is a key factor in disastrous river floods, with improved flood warnings and protection measures contributing to declining casualties. Asia is the worst-hit region, with over 125 million people affected annually by such disasters.
Research in the southern Murray-Darling Basin has found a downward spiral in water availability, driven by accelerated changes in climate. Since the 1990s, cool season rainfall and river heights have significantly decreased due to increased evaporation and changed precipitation patterns.
A review of previous scientific studies on pollutant release from sediments during extreme flood events reveals significant risks to human and environmental health. The study highlights the need for good river management to address long-term consequences of pollutants in riverbeds.
A new study updates the world scientists' warning of a climate emergency, highlighting worsening environmental conditions despite reduced fossil fuel use during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors emphasize the need for profound changes in human behavior and policy shifts to mitigate the crisis.
Researchers at Texas A&M University developed a framework to assess community resilience after natural disasters by analyzing location-based data from essential establishments. The study found that communities with low resilience experienced more flooding, but the level of impact did not necessarily correlate with recovery time.
The SaferPlaces web service uses open data to identify areas at risk and plan protection measures, such as building modifications and new dikes. By mapping hazards and damages, users can simulate the effects of measures on the platform, ensuring user-friendliness and efficiency.
A new study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin aims to find a balance between protecting society from flooding and preserving environmental and cultural viability in urban river deltas. The tool uses a cost-benefit model to examine how to balance natural function with societal desire for landscape stability.
A new study by UTA researchers shows that building seawalls along the San Francisco Bay shoreline could increase flooding and incur hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. The team's findings suggest that non-traditional approaches, like strategic flooding, can provide more sustainable solutions for coastal communities.
Researchers found that coastal communities in San Mateo County are at risk of financial instability from flooding, with lower-income households disproportionately affected. The study's new methodology aims to provide a human-centered approach to risk assessment, focusing on the residents most likely to lose their livelihoods when water...
A study using San Francisco Bay models found that protective coastal structures can exacerbate flooding along other parts of the shoreline. The analysis estimated significant regional increases in economic damage, up to $723 million, under certain sea-level rise scenarios.
The study reveals that seawalls can increase flooding and incur significant damages, while strategic flooding areas can absorb increased water and avoid damage. Bay Area communities need to coordinate their approaches to sea-level rise adaptation to find solutions that benefit the whole bay.
A new study reveals that coastal wetlands provide more flood protection than previously thought, reducing water levels by up to 2 metres and protecting inland areas. The research found that wetlands can reduce storm-driven flooding by 35% and damages caused by 37%.
Scientists from Würzburg, Germany, have identified a protein in the plant Arabidopsis thaliana that detects and translates acidic conditions into an electrical signal. This discovery could lead to more tolerant crops for waterlogging conditions.
New Stanford research shows muskrat populations are a bellwether for the health of the Peace-Athabasca Delta, a protected landscape in northeastern Alberta, Canada. The study demonstrates how human-driven changes to water systems and the global climate affect even this most protected ecosystem.
West Virginia University has launched a new initiative aimed at bridging the gap between science and policy, with a focus on addressing the state's most pressing water issues. The Bridge Initiative brings together over two dozen faculty researchers to translate their work into actionable policies for policymakers.
A University of Kansas study reveals the critical role of a diverse network of local champions in Tulsa's successful flood control efforts. The authors highlight the importance of communication, collaboration, and adaptability in managing risks and facilitating change.
A study led by the University of Hawaii at Manoa found that US Pacific and Gulf of Mexico coastlines will experience rapid increases in high-tide flooding days, with extreme months also emerging
Researchers found that coastal overtopping is set to increase exponentially by 2050, with a 50-fold increase possible under high emission scenarios. Global warming will exacerbate flooding risks in tropical areas and other hotspots, necessitating adaptation measures.
Researchers from The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science have developed a new flood forecasting system that can predict extreme flooding events with a 32-hour lead time. This system is based on models of land surface and river routes, combined with meteorological data and statistical analysis.
Experts from Kazan Federal University and partners have tested novel gel particles to improve oil recovery in high-temperature and mineralized reservoirs. The new technique showed a significant increase in recovery, up to 100 thousand tons, and proved the efficiency of reagents under harsh conditions.
A team of 53 scientists determined the deadly winter debris flow in Uttarakhand, India was caused by falling rock and glacier ice that melted on its descent. The study used satellite imagery, seismic records and eyewitness videos to produce computer models of the flow, shedding light on emerging hazards in the region.
A new study from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory uses a hydraulic model to quantify the impact of climate change on flooding in Houston, Texas during Hurricane Harvey. The research reveals that 14% to 15% of the cost of flooding was due to climate change.
A coalition of scientists analyzed satellite imagery and seismic records to understand the cause of the Uttarakhand disaster, finding that climate change is contributing to its frequency. The study suggests that a giant landslide triggered a devastating debris flow, destroying hydropower facilities and killing hundreds.
Researchers analyzed the causes and scope of the devastating Chamoli flood, which killed over 200 people and destroyed two hydropower plants. The study used satellite imagery and digital models to reconstruct the event, highlighting the risks of hydropower projects in fragile alpine ecosystems.