Hydrological Cycle

Bigger and wetter storms mean drier conditions over time

Scientists uncover how mid-latitude westerlies contribute moisture to Asian water towers

Researchers identify a 'vertical conveyor' mechanism that transports moisture from the mid-latitudes to the Asian Water Towers through a process of nocturnal decoupling. This process integrates up to 30% of westerlies-advected moisture into the local cycle without precipitation, sustaining near-surface moisture accumulation.

Glacial lakes are growing rapidly in Alaska, and research shows where growth will continue

Research shows glacial lakes in Alaska expanding 50% faster than previously recorded, posing significant hazards and altering ecosystems. The study identifies areas where lakes may form and grow, helping with infrastructure planning and predicting changes to ecosystems, hazards, and recreation.

Extensive freshened water beneath the ocean floor confirmed for the first time

An international team has successfully documented and sampled freshened water within a zone nearly 200 metres thick beneath the ocean floor. This discovery sheds light on offshore freshened groundwater systems and their relevance to coastal communities relying on groundwater for freshwater supply.

Concordia study finds snow droughts in western and southern Canada could affect nearly all Canadians

A new method developed by Concordia researchers shows how small but widespread snowpack declines can ripple across Canada's water supply. The study found that usable snow water has declined sharply in areas of the Canadian Rockies, affecting a quarter of Canada's land mass and 86% of its population.

Study reveals how superionic state enables long-term water storage in Earth's interior

Scientists found that water and key minerals enter a superionic state at extreme depths, preserving water for geological timescales. This discovery provides new insights into deep water cycling and the long-term storage of ancient water and hydrogen.

Organic carbon in a submarine pressure cooker

The study found that organic materials in sediments decompose under supercritical conditions, releasing hydrogen molecules. This process is a more significant source of dissolved hydrogen in the ocean than previously believed.

Missed signals: Virginia’s septic strategies overlook critical timing, study warns

A new study reveals that Virginia's current approach to managing septic system failures misses a critical factor: the time-varying relationship between hydrological stressors and septic system performance. This gap limits the state's ability to proactively identify and intervene in high-risk areas before failures occur.

AMS 2026 Meeting showcases atmospheric science and the “human factor”

The 106th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society will focus on the intersection of technology and human decision-making in weather, water, and climate sciences. The meeting will feature keynote presentations, Presidential Sessions, and named symposia highlighting key Earth science topics.

AMS Science Preview: Railways and cyclones; pinned clouds; weather warnings in wartime

Researchers investigate how adjacent cities exacerbate each other's heat island effects. A study also highlights the need for improved hindcasting infrastructure in climate science. Additionally, a campaign monitors pinned clouds over industrial sources of heat and finds that trees are more reliable against heat stress than buildings.

Tracing mountain water to its hidden sources

A team of researchers, led by Lijing Wang, used field data and modeling to explore the factors influencing mountain headwater streams. They found that evergreen forests act as a buffer for excessive snowmelt flow, while subsurface conditions like permeability control streamflow dynamics.

The future fate of water in the Andes

Researchers project that Chile's glaciers will only be able to contribute half of today's runoff meltwater during extreme dry summer months. They call for effective water management strategies and coordinated global climate policies to mitigate future megadroughts.

Sand mining threatens the future of critical SE Asian ecosystem

The study found that sand mining in the Mekong River is causing a decline in the reverse flow system that feeds water into Tonlé Sap Lake. The lake is home to 885 species and provides livelihoods for almost two million fishers, but its future is at risk due to the increased extraction rates.

FAU’s CAROSEL offers new ‘spin’ on monitoring water quality in real time

Researchers track benthic nutrient fluxes using a new device called CAROSEL, which measures nitrogen released from sediments in real-time. The findings reveal daily rhythms in oxygen fluxes and highlight the importance of understanding sediment-water interactions in managing aquatic ecosystems.

Predicted CO2 levels cause marked increase in forest temperatures

Researchers found that elevated CO2 levels can cause leaf temperatures to rise by up to 1.3°C in forests, with a greater impact during extreme heatwaves. This change is likely caused by reduced transpiration and could have significant effects on the water cycle globally.

Study finds humans outweigh climate in depleting Arizona's water supply

A study published in Water Resources Research reveals that human groundwater pumping has depleted Tucson-area aquifers more than natural climate variation over the past few decades. The research team reconstructed groundwater ages, recharge rates, and water table depths using chemical and isotopic markers.

And Swiss glaciers continue to melt

The Swiss Alps have experienced its fourth greatest shrinkage of glacier ice since 2003, with over 1,000 small glaciers disappearing since 2015. The rapid melting was driven by low snowfall and record-breaking heatwaves in June 2025.

Purifying radioactive soil with sunlight alone... DGIST successfully developed “artificial plant” technology

The research team developed an artificial plant device that simulates plant transpiration, collecting and purifying radioactive cesium using sunlight alone. The technology significantly reduces the concentration of cesium in contaminated soil within 20 days.

Running dry – a new study warns of extreme water scarcity in the coming decades

A new study reveals that global warming is accelerating the risk of multi-year droughts leading to extreme water scarcity. The frequency of Day Zero Droughts will increase sharply over the coming decades, affecting 750 million people globally by the end of this century.

New climate models to reveal secret life of water

Scientists at Rice University and NSF NCAR are developing a new climate model that can track water's unique fingerprints, providing insights into the water cycle and its impact on climate systems. The project aims to better understand how much rain falls, where moisture comes from, and how it travels through the atmosphere and oceans.

The tipping of the last resilient glaciers

Researchers studying Tajikistan's Kyzylsu Glacier found that the glacier likely reached its tipping point in 2018, with decreasing snowfall causing it to melt. The study uses computational models driven by new local observations and demonstrates the importance of densifying observational data in understanding anomalous glacier behavior.

“Major floods and droughts every 15 years” ... AI forecasts a crisis

A new study led by Professor Jonghun Kam predicts that Pakistan will experience major floods and severe droughts on a periodic basis, exacerbated by accelerating global warming. The AI model forecasts these extreme weather events every 15 years for the upper Indus River, and roughly every 11 years for surrounding rivers.

The 8,000-year history recorded in Great Salt Lake sediments

A University of Utah geoscientist analyzed carbon and oxygen isotopes in lake sediments to document profound changes arising from agriculture and rail causeway. The study reconstructs the lake's water and carbon budgets through time, highlighting two distinct human-driven shifts: one related to settlement arrival and another to the con...

Unraveling the enigma of low-velocity zones beneath tectonic plates

Researchers have discovered that low-velocity zones beneath subducting tectonic plates are caused by partial melts generated from upwelling water-rich mantle material. These melt pockets rise through the mantle, creating a global water-recycling loop and lubricating plate motion.

Scientists warn of urgent need to tackle changes impacting river deltas

A new framework identifies key causes of changes affecting river deltas, including climate change, sea level rise, and human activities. The framework provides a basis for prioritizing timely, locally grounded action to address the complex challenges facing these critical ecosystems.

Save twice the ice by limiting global warming

A new study finds that limiting global warming to 1.5°C could save twice as much glacier ice as current policies, which project an average of +2.7°C. This would mitigate 10cm of sea-level rise and preserve up to 39% of global glacier mass.

Research project investigates freshened water under the ocean floor

A groundbreaking expedition aims to validate hypotheses about the origin of freshened groundwater in offshore aquifers. Researchers will collect sediment and water samples from beneath the ocean on the New England Shelf, shedding light on the dynamics of these systems and their influence on nutrient and element cycling.

UT Austin grad students find missing link in early Martian water cycle

Researchers Mohammad Afzal Shadab and Eric Hiatt developed a computer model that calculates the time it took for water on early Mars to percolate from the surface down to the aquifer, finding a 50-200 year timeframe. This process could have covered Mars with at least 300 feet of water.

Microorganisms employ a secret weapon during metabolism

A study found that microorganisms using the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle dominate in shallow-water hydrothermal systems. This energy-efficient process enables them to transfer carbon into organic molecules, allowing them to survive in harsh conditions.

Three University of Virginia Engineering faculty elected as AAAS Fellows

Three UVA Engineering faculty members have been elected as AAAS Fellows for their groundbreaking work in computer architecture, energy transport, and hydrology. Sandhya Dwarkadas, Patrick E. Hopkins, and Venkataraman Lakshmi were recognized for their innovative research and contributions to their respective fields.

Cleaning microplastics

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a system that actively removes microplastics from water in a single cycle. The microcleaners, made from biodegradable materials, use the Marangoni effect to self-disperse and capture microplastics, which are then collected by skimming.

NASA scientists find new human-caused shifts in global water cycle

New research using 20 years of observations shows significant changes in the global water cycle, primarily driven by agricultural activities. These shifts have implications for water management practices, such as designing infrastructure for floods or developing drought indicators.

New study from Chapman University reveals rapid return of water from ground to atmosphere through plants

A Chapman University-led study estimates that plants store about 786 km³ of water, which takes just five days to flow through them. This rapid transit time is significantly faster than other parts of the global water cycle.

Study links climate change and earthquake frequency

A recent Colorado State University study demonstrates that climate change can affect earthquake frequency, as glaciers recede and slip along faults increases. This suggests that earthquake activity could increase as glaciers melt, impacting hazard assessment and seismology.

Three-quarters of Earth’s land became permanently drier in last three decades: UN

The UN reports that over 77.6% of the world's land experienced drier conditions in recent decades, with drylands expanding by nearly a third larger than India. This trend is driven by human-caused climate change and has dire implications for agriculture, ecosystems, and people living in affected areas.

Loss of lake ice has wide-ranging environmental and societal consequences

The world's freshwater lakes are freezing over for shorter periods due to climate change, affecting more than a billion people worldwide. Changes in ice duration have major implications for human safety, water quality, biodiversity, and global nutrient cycles.

Deep underground flooding beneath arima hot springs: A potential trigger for the 1995 Kobe (Hyogo-Ken Nanbu) earthquake

A study found that a significant increase in plate-derived water beneath Arima Hot Springs occurred before the 1995 Kobe earthquake, potentially weakening the fault and triggering the quake. This phenomenon is similar to increased chloride ions and radon in groundwater, which have been reported as precursors to earthquakes.

Location, location, location: Snowpack storage and runoff timing in burn scars depend on site and terrain

Snowmelt rates vary by slope orientation and receive varying amounts of solar radiation. The study found that burned south-facing slopes accumulate less snow and melt earlier than other aspects due to increased solar radiation absorption. This understanding will improve models and tools for water managers.

Turning seawater into fresh water through solar power

Researchers have designed an energy-efficient device to produce drinking water from seawater using solar power, addressing the critical need for clean water in coastal nations. The new technology can continuously desalinate water without major maintenance, producing up to 20 litres of fresh water per square meter.

The risk of global water scarcity is greater when accounting for the origin of rain.

A new study reveals that risks to global water security are significantly higher when considering the environmental conditions and governability of areas where moisture evaporates before falling as rain. This approach identifies regions with high water scarcity risk, including those dependent on neighboring countries for upwind moisture.

Rice’s Sylvia Dee working to improve projections of extreme droughts, floods

Sylvia Dee's research aims to address critical gaps in the observational record of Earth's hydrologic cycle, using a global database of water isotope observations. This will enable more accurate climate modeling and help communities assess and reduce risks associated with extreme weather events.

Plucking water from the air

Researchers developed a system that passively alternates between capturing and generating water, eliminating manual labor requirements. The system uses mass transport bridges to optimize efficiency and effectiveness, producing 2-3 liters of water per square meter daily.

Fresh findings: Earliest evidence of life-bringing freshwater on Earth

Researchers have found evidence of fresh water on Earth dating back to four billion years ago, shedding light on the planet's early history and the emergence of life. This discovery suggests landmasses and freshwater played a crucial role in supporting life within a relatively short time frame after the planet formed.

Drought in the Cerrado (Neotropical savanna) is the worst for at least seven centuries, study shows

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that the Cerrado biome in Brazil is experiencing its worst drought in at least 700 years, caused by global warming. The research used chemical analysis of stalagmites to extend the perception of drought back seven centuries and linked it to disruption in the hydrological cycle.

Could fishponds help with Hawaiʻi’s food sustainability?

A study by University of Hawaii researchers suggests that revitalizing Indigenous aquaculture systems, known as loko iʻa fishponds, can increase locally available seafood production. This revival has the potential to boost local food production and provide a sustainable solution to Hawaiʻi's seafood supply.

UT Arlington grad student earns fellowship from atomic energy agency

Suprina Shrestha, a UT Arlington graduate student, has been awarded the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship from the International Atomic Energy Agency. The fellowship aims to support women in studying nuclear-related subjects and will provide financial assistance for her research in isotope hydrology.

Scientists uncover comparable net radiation between the high-elevation Tibetan Plateau and the low-elevation Yangtze River region

The study reveals comparable net radiation between the Tibetan Plateau and Yangtze River region, with minimal disparity primarily due to differences in longwave radiation. Surface heat fluxes vary significantly depending on soil conditions, with grassland exhibiting higher latent heating and lower sensible heating.

Humans have driven the Earth’s freshwater cycle out of its stable state

A new study reveals that human activity has altered the global freshwater cycle, resulting in a significant increase in dry and wet deviations. The research found that the frequency and spread of these exceptions have nearly doubled compared to pre-industrial conditions.

Low oxygen in lakes may breathe new life into conservation efforts for water quality

A study published in Global Change Biology found that low deep-water oxygen concentrations lead to increased algae growth and further oxygen declines. This positive feedback cycle can result in frequent algal blooms, disrupting lake ecosystems and human health.

New study sheds new light on forests' role in climate and water cycle

A new study sheds light on the complex relationship between forests and the climate system, highlighting the impact of forest emissions on cloud formation and global temperatures. Researchers emphasize the need for improved climate models to accurately represent these interactions.

How can we evaluate the quality of global water models?

Researchers evaluated global water models using new approach, finding inconsistencies in climate regions and water extremes, with implications for agriculture and groundwater use. The study highlights the need for improved model evaluation methods to inform decision makers and improve model development.

Study links changes in global water cycle to higher temperatures

Researchers have reconstructed a global history of water over the past 2,000 years, showing that the global water cycle has changed during periods of higher and lower temperatures. The study found that when global temperature is higher, rain and other environmental waters become more isotopically heavy.

Humans are disrupting natural ‘salt cycle’ on a global scale, new study shows

A new study led by University of Maryland Professor Sujay Kaushal reveals that human activities are making the planet's air, soil, and freshwater increasingly salty. This acceleration of the natural salt cycle poses an 'existential threat' to ecosystems and human health if current trends continue.

Rivers may not recover from drought for years

Researchers have developed a new method to measure the duration and severity of hydrological droughts in streams and rivers, which can persist for up to 3.5 years after drought conditions end. The study found that baseflow droughts are strongly tied to groundwater levels and can impact water management and ecosystem services.

Researchers make strides in harnessing low-grade heat for efficient energy conversion

A team of researchers has made breakthroughs in harnessing low-grade heat sources for efficient energy conversion. They developed a highly efficient Thermally Regenerative Electrochemical Cycle (TREC) system that converts small temperature differences into usable energy.

International report confirms record-high greenhouse gases, global sea levels in 2022

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.

Even treated wastewater affects our rivers

A new study by Goethe University Frankfurt found that effluents from treated wastewater treatment plants alter invertebrate communities in Hesse's waters. Pollution-tolerant taxa like worms and crustaceans increase, while sensitive species like stonefly and caddisfly larvae decline.

Under the weather: Scientists should spend more time in the rain

Researchers highlight the importance of human observation of storm events to understand wet weather's impact on the natural world. Direct observation can enhance understanding, incite curiosity, and strengthen bonds with nature, enriching environmental education and inspiring research.

ERC Consolidator Grant for geoscientist Daniel Herwartz

Daniel Herwartz receives 2 million euros funding from ERC Consolidator Grant for his project KinO, which explores temperature fluctuations associated with mass extinction and improves temperature reconstructions of ancient ocean temperatures.

African smoke over the Amazon

Research reveals that soot particles in the Amazon rainforest come primarily from African bushfires, not regional fires. This discovery highlights the significant role of atmospheric transport in distributing pollutants across continents.