Articles tagged with Floods
A new study shows Puerto Rico's capacity to produce record-breaking floods and landslides, highlighting the need for adaptation in planning tools. The island's limited water storage capacity is exacerbated by sediment infilling reservoirs, leading to water scarcity.
A Stanford University study found that coastal flooding in the Bay Area leads to significant travel time delays and an increase in vehicular accident rates, particularly in residential neighborhoods. The research highlights the importance of prioritizing road safety in climate adaptation planning.
A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University researchers found that floods in most UK areas no longer follow historical patterns due to climate change and human intervention. This challenges traditional flood frequency analysis methods, which may lead to underestimation of flood peaks and catastrophic consequences.
The Mesaverde Group in the Wyoming-Utah-Colorado region is characterized by four tectonically driven classic wedges with large basinward and landward shoreline shifts. A new K-Ar illite dating application constrains the timing of subduction in West Sarawak, Borneo, offering insights into the dynamic interaction between tectonic control...
Dr. Nick Fang is developing a statewide guidance manual for early warning systems and a flood information system for Houston, using $250,000 grants from the TWDB and city of Houston. The tools aim to enhance flood resilience in Texas communities, providing real-time warnings and predictive analytics.
A new study examines the antecedents of disaster preparedness in firms, finding that organizational experience with disaster is a powerful motivator, but also notes the importance of external learning and collaboration. Effective disaster preparation requires working with others to learn from best practices.
Deep pools below waterfalls are refuges for fish and aquatic animals during summer months when river temperatures become lethal. Waterfall jets can liquefy sediment, triggering debris flows that damage property and threaten lives. Researchers provided a new framework to predict plunge pool fill and evacuation patterns.
Urban megaprojects have severe implications for environmental processes, disrupting urban water flows, biodiversity, and flood regimes. The study's findings emphasize the need for community involvement and funders' accountability to ensure sustainable development.
A new study by Stevens Institute of Technology researcher finds that human-caused sea level rise contributed $8.1 billion to Hurricane Sandy's damage, with an additional 71,000 people and 36,000 homes affected. The research uses novel modeling techniques to quantify the costs of storm damage caused by climate change.
New guidelines for coral reef restoration aim to optimize efforts for ecosystem benefits and human protection from flooding. Research suggests targeting shallow, energetic areas for restoration to reduce coastal flooding.
A recent study published in Nature Climate Change warns that flash flood risk may triple across the Third Pole due to global warming. The study found that one in six glacial lakes pose a high to very high risk to downstream communities, with potential transboundary natural disasters expected to increase.
The study reveals that glacial lake outburst floods in the Himalayan region and Tibetan plateau could triple in the coming decades, posing a significant threat to communities and infrastructure. The risk of transboundary disasters will also increase, with new hotspots emerging in regions like the Western Himalaya and Pamir.
In 2020, China experienced a warm and wet climate, with floods and droughts being the most prevalent types of disasters. The mean air temperature was 0.7°C above normal, and annual rainfall was 10.3% above average.
A recent study found that a disproportionate number of new homes built in struggling neighborhoods will end up in high flood-risk areas. Climate change is expected to disproportionately impact these communities, leading to increased inequality and systemic risks such as mortgage defaults and foreclosures.
A new Stanford University-led study estimates that single-family homes in floodplains are overvalued by nearly $44 billion collectively, with the average home losing around 2% of its value. The study suggests that inadequate disclosure laws and unaware buyers drive up financial risks, which could destabilize the real estate market.
New research using Synthetic Aperture Radar data from Sentinel-1 satellites shows improved ability to detect, monitor, prepare for and withstand natural disasters like bushfires and floods. SAR data provides valuable insights for hazard mitigation and complementing existing Earth observation programs.
A study analyzing high-resolution model simulations found that mountainous terrain, particularly the Nanling Mountains in Jiangxi Province, initiates back-building convective lines. This leads to torrential flooding and heavy rainfall within the mei-yu front rainband.
A research group from Tohoku University has developed an AI model that can accurately identify flooded buildings using news media photos within 24 hours of a disaster. The model achieved an 80% estimation accuracy, showcasing the potential for rapid damage mapping and accelerated disaster response.
A new study reveals coral reefs offer over $1.8 billion in annual flood protection to US coastal communities, preventing 100-year flooding zones from increasing by 23% and impacting 53,800 more people. The US has 200 miles of high-value reefs worth millions per mile.
The Himalayan region is prone to devastating glacial lake outburst floods due to rising temperatures and extreme precipitation. A network of satellite-based monitoring stations could provide in situ and real-time data on GLOF risk, helping to mitigate future events.
A nationwide review of hazardous waste sites found that living near a Superfund site could decrease life expectancy by over two months. Those with lower incomes and sociodemographic disadvantage face the greatest risk, with decreases in life expectancy ranging from seven to 15 months.
Hokkaido University researchers have developed a model that explains the causes of past glacial river floods in northern Greenland and predicts future flooding risks. The study reveals that torrential rainfall was the primary driver of the 2016 flood, while warm temperatures were responsible for the 2015 event.
Climate change will drive droughts, heat waves, floods, and low river flows in the Colorado River basin. The study found an average temperature rise of 5.5 degrees Celsius and a significant increase in concurrent extreme hydroclimate events.
A Rice University study found that runoff from Houston's 2016 Tax Day flood and 2017's Hurricane Harvey flood carried human waste onto coral reefs more than 100 miles offshore. The research showed that even marine ecosystems far from shore can be affected by severe events, highlighting the need for increased monitoring and protection.
A research team from the University of Tokyo analyzed global flood risk modeling uncertainties, finding large uncertainties mainly associated with runoff data. The study identifies key areas for improvement in hydrological modeling to enhance future predictions of flood risk.
A new study links increased precipitation in Italy to historical accounts of saints' miracles, demonstrating a unique cultural response to climate change. Researchers integrated paleoclimate proxies with historical records, revealing exceptional moisture levels and unusual water miracles in sixth-century texts.
A recent study published in Environmental Research Letters finds that climate change greatly increases the risk of flood-related displacement, with a 50% increase for each degree of global warming. Even if population growth is stabilized, the risk will still rise significantly, with projected increases of up to 110% by the end of this ...
Researchers analyzed soil samples from the Manchester neighborhood in Houston, finding nearly half contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are linked to poor health outcomes and different types of cancer. The highest concentrations were found near major highways and industrial facilities.
A new study finds that global warming significantly increases the risk of population displacement due to river floods, even when accounting for population growth. The research projects a 110% increase in globally averaged displacement risk by 2100 if climate change is aligned with the Paris Agreement, highlighting the need for rapid ac...
A study by researchers at the University of Connecticut and others found that race and stream flow are significant indicators of flood risk behavior in US cities. The models showed two diverging patterns among metro areas, with 'risk-enduring' communities taking less action against flooding after a disaster.
A new study finds that combining urban development and climate change caused by greenhouse gases will increase extreme precipitation over future US metropolitan regions. Cities like Atlanta, Denver, Phoenix, and Houston are vulnerable to flooding due to these twin forcing agents of environmental change.
A global analysis reveals that breaking Rossby waves and intense moisture transport are two interconnected processes driving large-scale extreme precipitation events globally. These processes, especially in dry subtropical regions, can cause devastating catastrophic flooding and loss of life.
A new study found that increased tidal ranges due to human alterations cause more nuisance flooding days in many coastal locations. Coastal nuisance flooding causes problems such as flooded roads and overloaded stormwater systems, and researchers urge caution in altering sensitive estuarine systems.
Researchers found that warming temperatures intensify future rainfall extremes, with largest increases to short thunderstorms causing dangerous flash flooding. This study highlights the urgent need for climate change adaptation measures as heavier short-term rainfall increases flash flood risks globally.
New research highlights how extreme rainfall associated with climate change harms babies' development, leading to smaller birth-weight and premature birth. The study found that even non-extreme intense rainfall resulted in lower birth-weight, with children from disadvantaged households facing the most severe effects.
Researchers explore incorporating Earth observation data into flood forecast-based early action to reduce disaster risk and losses. The study identifies opportunities for using EO data in FbA, focusing on predefined triggers and impact-based forecasting.
A new study suggests that grandfathered rates in the National Flood Insurance Program could lead to losses for the NFIP as flood risk grows due to rising sea levels. Experts recommend replacing grandfathering with a gradual phase-in of risk-based insurance prices and providing means-tested assistance to lower-income households.
New research finds that job opportunities in coastal cities across Bangladesh are attracting more people, leading to increased migration to the coast. Meanwhile, populations already living along the coast tend to stay due to limited alternatives and increased flood damage.
The Columbia River basin is projected to experience a significant increase in flooding severity and expansion of the flood season due to climate change. The magnitude of one-, 10- and 100-year floods is likely to rise nearly everywhere in the region, with the largest increases expected for the Willamette River and its tributaries.
Researchers studying soil conditions at US military installations along coasts aim to understand the effects of sea level rise and flooding. They will collect data through intensive monitoring and laboratory experiments to develop geospatial modeling tools.
A new study finds human-induced climate change responsible for the retreat of Palcaraju Glacier, leading to a significant increase in glacial lake outburst flooding. The research provides critical evidence for an ongoing case in German courts, highlighting the need for protective measures and reimbursement.
Researchers introduce metacoupling, an integrated approach that considers local and global scales to tackle environmental crises. The framework allows scientists to view the world as it truly is, with human actions influencing nature across space and time.
A recent study found that dams can decrease the number of people globally exposed to historical once-in-100-year floods by approximately 15% downstream of dams. Integrating dam landscapes into existing flood modeling frameworks is crucial for realistic assessments of population exposure to present and future floods.
A new study finds that even a modest sea level rise would place 100 airports below mean sea level by 2100, posing a significant risk to global passenger and freight movements. The researchers ranked airports at risk from sea level rise, with some in Asia and Europe topping the list.
Healthcare workers must be vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect both themselves and patients. Provinces should include exemptions for those with underlying health issues or other reasons.
Scientists discover nearly 300 novel microbial species near a deep-sea volcano, revealing new insights into their extreme environment. Researchers also develop self-healing elastomers with unprecedented adhesion strength, and create a flood mapping tool to visualize water spread for any scenario and terrain.
A new study by Stanford researchers reveals that climate change has substantially contributed to the growing cost of flooding in the US. The analysis, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that changes in precipitation accounted for 36% of actual flood damages from 1988 to 2017.
A regional study from Dartmouth College found increases in extreme streamflow events across the US and Canada, including more frequent floods and droughts. The research analyzed records dating back to 1910 and identified significant changes in precipitation levels on river systems.
New research suggests that phosphorous and calcium levels in Amazonian dark earth are orders of magnitude higher than in surrounding soil, correlating with 16 trace elements that indicate pre-settlement river flooding delivered nutrients. This finding challenges the long-held theory that controlled burning created these fertile sites.
An international research team proposes a 'glocal' approach to better predict and prevent flooding disasters by combining global forecasting with local observations. The proposed system, GHS-F, aims to provide highly detailed and consistent rain-flood information, which could help avoid some flooding damage.
Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology predict that 100-year and 500-year flood levels will become regular occurrences in Jamaica Bay, New York by the end of the century. Climate change is expected to lead to more intense and frequent storms, causing greater flooding even if storm intensity remains the same.
A new study using ancient tree rings reveals that the Brahmaputra River's flooding is more frequent than previously thought, with estimates underestimating the danger by nearly 40%. The research found that the river's discharge was much wetter in the past, with periods of extreme flooding that may not be comparable to modern times.
A new study finds that bridge construction in rural Nicaragua significantly increases integration, leading to substantial positive economic impact on rural economies. Bridges also increase labor income for households in non-flood periods and agricultural productivity, resulting in higher profits and investments.
A QUT-led study reveals jaguars in the Amazon can cope with drought and flood, but repeated exposure leads to rapid decline. The species' long-term survival is threatened by climate change and food scarcity, with predictions suggesting a potential population crash in 30 years.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology developed a new method for recovering heavy oil, achieving 55% recovery compared to 35-33% with alkaline water or regular water. The method uses a viscoelastic material to improve sweep efficiency.
Mangrove forests are under pressure from three distinct threats: sea-level rise, lack of mud supply, and squeezed habitats. The study found that river dams decrease mud supply, while buildings and seawalls occupy space required for mangroves' survival.
A team led by Eric Gaidos discovered the mechanism behind glacial lake floods, which are some of the largest on Earth. The researchers found that hydraulic connections between glaciers and lakes can lead to sudden and unpredictable floods.
Researchers studied a 2014 GLOF event in Ladakh, India, to understand the cause of rapid lake level rise. They found that increased glacial melting caused thawing ice cores to drain through subsurface tunnels without spilling over.
Researchers have discovered microplastics in groundwater, which can contaminate drinking water sources and harm ecosystems. The presence of microplastics in groundwater has been linked to increased toxicity and bioaccumulation, posing a significant risk to human health and the environment.
A team of Penn State researchers suggests considering uncertainties when deciding how high to elevate houses in river flood zones. By looking at the range of possible outcomes, decision makers can improve their choices, reducing both the probability of flooding and net costs.