Natural Disasters
Articles tagged with Natural Disasters
Antarctica sea ice collapse driven by triple whammy of climate chaos, scientists find
A new study reveals Antarctica's sea ice collapse is driven by a triple whammy of climate chaos, resulting in record-breaking lows. The Southern Ocean's transformation led to the loss of vast areas of ice equivalent to Greenland, destabilizing global ocean currents and accelerating global warming.
What a devastating earthquake revealed about future quake risk
Wildfire smoke risks understudied, review paper warns
Huge tsunami in popular area for Alaskan cruises provides lessons in steep, mountainous terrain
A massive 481-meter-high landslide-tsunami hit an Alaskan fjord, providing valuable lessons for those in steep, mountainous terrain. The event, triggered by glacial retreat, highlights the importance of improved monitoring to mitigate climate-related hazards.
Dan M. Frangopol earns third ASCE Wellington Prize for infrastructure resilience research
Dan M. Frangopol has been awarded the third ASCE Wellington Prize for his groundbreaking study on probabilistic connectivity assessment of road networks subjected to ground motion and tsunamis. The research provides a more realistic assessment of network performance under extreme conditions, helping engineers and planners identify vuln...
Salmon becoming river ‘ghosts’ due to deadly droughts and violent floods
A study by University of Essex and NOAA Fisheries reveals that young Californian Chinook salmon are struggling due to extreme weather and habitat destruction. The research found that juvenile salmon thrive in wet conditions but face high mortality rates during winter storms, leading to 'river ghosts' dying unseen
The wildfire paradox: How social media quickens response but strains resources
New research from the University of Waterloo shows that social media posts can speed up wildfire response but also trigger costly over-reaction. The study analyzed Twitter data on California wildfires and found that while emotional posts can amplify urgency, they also distort resource allocation.
A third of animal habitats on land could experience multiple extreme events by 2085, new study
A new study warns that by 2085, 36% of animal habitats on land may experience multiple extreme events like heatwaves, fires, or floods. However, rapidly cutting emissions to net zero could limit the areas affected to just 9%.
Wildfire-driven deforestation rates in California among highest in world
A study by University of California, Davis found that California's conifer forests have lost between 6% and 11% of their area over the past three decades due to wildfires. Reforestation efforts are not keeping pace with the losses, with only about 1% of deforested Forest Service lands being replanted between 2016 and 2023.
How landslides happen without heavy rainfall: Early strong runoff coincides with weak geomaterials
A study published in Geology found that up to 75.7% of landslides occur during low or no rainfall periods, with early-stage rainfall reaching the sliding surface through three runoff supply modes and two migration stages. The team recommends mass monitoring, public education, and engineering mitigation measures to prevent such disasters.
Human changes in land-cover increase global landslide fatalities in mountains considerably
A new study reveals that human transformations in land cover have a substantially greater influence on landslide fatalities than physical factors, particularly in low- and lower-middle-income nations. This research highlights how increasing human pressure on nature worsens the vulnerability of socioeconomically disadvantaged people.
Researchers predict melting glaciers may threaten future water security
Researchers predict that glaciers in High Mountain Asia may threaten future water security due to rapid melting caused by warming temperatures. The study found significant losses in glacier mass between 2002 and 2023, which could intensify short-term flood risks and reduce long-term meltwater availability.
Maternal psychological anxiety could harm a developing fetus
Researchers found that maternal anxiety about radiation exposure during the Fukushima nuclear accident was linked to increased rates of preterm births, lower birth weights, and severe birth outcomes. Socioeconomic factors, such as education level and income, played a role in mitigating these effects.
Natural disasters trigger 69% surge in public protests across Latin America, new research finds
A new study reveals that natural disasters lead to a 69% spike in public protests across Latin America. Smaller communities tend to face the longest economic recoveries, with damage persisting for up to four months.
Wildfires an increasing threat for species during climate change
A study by researchers at the University of Gothenburg finds that wildfires pose an ever-increasing threat to biodiversity, with nearly 84% of vulnerable species facing a higher risk by the end of this century. Climate action can reduce the occurrence of wildfires and mitigate the risks to species worldwide.
Modeling mangroves' capacity to protect coastal communities
Researchers from Kyoto University developed a numerical model to evaluate mangrove wave attenuation, revealing that root submersion and water depth significantly impact wave reduction. The study's findings suggest that mangroves can mitigate disasters and help communities adapt to climate change.
Tropical volcanoes and Asian droughts
Researchers from the University of Tokyo have discovered a link between tropical volcanic eruptions and droughts in Asia. The study found that large eruptions can suppress monsoon convection, leading to reduced precipitation and droughts.
Low snowpack kindles more severe wildfires, western study finds
Researchers from Western Colorado University found that low snowpack extends fire season and increases severity of forest fires. Years with low snowpack are consistently associated with higher burn severity across watersheds studied from 1985 to 2021.
New paper outlines pathways to equitable flood adaptation
A new perspective in Nature Water highlights how urban flooding measures often exacerbate environmental injustices for society's most vulnerable groups. The study identifies two main reasons for this unequal distribution of risk: higher exposure to climate hazards and limited resources, leading to a lower capacity to bounce back.
Invasive grasses may be turning B.C.’s burn scars into the next wildfire
A UBC study finds invasive grasses are a sleeper threat on B.C.'s post-fire landscape, with the window to stop them narrow. The research highlights three actions to reduce risk: vehicle and boot washing stations, targeted seeding, and early herbicide treatment.
How do thirsty plants hold out during drought?
Salk Institute scientists created a high-resolution atlas showing how droughts affect plant cells. They identified a gene, Ferric Reduction Oxidase 6 (FRO6), that could be targeted to create more resilient crops. FRO6 expression in mesophyll cells partially maintained leaf growth under drought stress.
Housing displacement, employment disruption, and mental health after the 2023 Maui wildfires
The study found that wildfire exposure and its socioeconomic consequences were associated with increased psychological distress beyond the burn zone. Integrating mental health care, housing stability, and economic recovery are crucial for disaster response and climate resilience strategies.
Typhoons: the hidden lifeline in a drying world
Researchers found that removing typhoon-induced precipitation leads to sharply declining soil moisture and more severe drought conditions worldwide. The effect of typhoons varies by region, acting as a condition that exacerbates drought in some areas, while mitigating it in others.
Dangerous thunderstorms: Better models through soil-moisture data
A research team analyzed 2.2 million thunderstorm events to identify a physical explanation for their formation. The study found that differences in soil moisture generate near-surface winds, leading to intense thunderstorms. High-resolution satellite measurements of soil moisture were crucial for this analysis.
Stress-testing the Cascadia Subduction Zone reveals variability that could impact how earthquakes spread
Researchers found the Cascadia Subduction Zone to be more active than previously thought, with signs of shallow earthquakes and fluid flow detected offshore. The study suggests variable fluid pathways could alter the behavior of large earthquakes on the fault, potentially influencing the severity of future events.
FAU Harbor Branch awarded $900,000 for Gulf of America sea-level research
The FAU project will integrate high-resolution modeling, observational data, and advanced machine learning to improve understanding of regional sea-level variability in the Gulf of America. The team aims to produce decision-relevant scenario outputs and empower stakeholders with actionable information for future-oriented decisions.
Why the planet doesn’t dry out together: scientists solve a global climate puzzle
Researchers have shown that ocean temperature patterns limit the global spread of droughts, with synchronised droughts affecting only 1.8% to 6.5% of global land. The study identified 'drought hubs' in regions like Australia, South America, and southern Africa.
Rising simultaneous wildfire risk compromises international firefighting efforts
Scientists warn that synchronised extreme fire weather, characterized by warm and dry conditions, has increased worldwide since 1979, straining international firefighting cooperation. The number of high-risk days with simultaneous fires is more than doubling, making wildfires harder to tackle and increasing air quality issues.
National analysis maps hospital vulnerability to flood-driven traffic disruptions
A German nationwide study uses a new simulation approach to map hospital vulnerability to flood-driven traffic disruptions. 75 hospitals across Germany are identified at risk of patient surges beyond their regular capacity due to an increase in demand by more than 30 percent.
NASA selects UW-led STRIVE and EDGE teams for satellite missions
The University of Washington's STRIVE team will examine the atmosphere where weather forms, while the EDGE team will study the three-dimensional structure of the Earth's surface. These satellite missions aim to provide new insights into temperature, trace gases, and air pollution.
How fire-loving fungi learned to eat charcoal
Fungi have evolved unique strategies to digest charcoal and other pollutants, including gene duplication and horizontal gene transfer. These discoveries could lead to new methods for cleaning up contaminated environments.
How social media data and analytics are informing disaster management research
A systematic review examines how social media users can be utilized as a 'human sensor network' for disaster management. The study finds that refined social media data contributes strongly to identifying needs during disasters, strengthening community resilience and allocating resources faster.
Exposure to wildfire smoke late in pregnancy may raise autism risk in children
A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that exposure to wildfire smoke during the third trimester may raise the risk of autism diagnoses in children. Mothers who were exposed to more than 10 days of wildfire smoke had a 23% higher risk of their child being diagnosed with autism by age 5.
Analyzing submerged fault structures to predict future earthquakes in Türkiye
A new 3D model of the fault beneath the Marmara Sea reveals where a future major earthquake could take place, helping improve earthquake forecasts. The study uses magnetotelluric measurements to identify distinct high-resistivity and low-resistivity zones, shedding light on ongoing processes of fault mechanics.
NTU Singapore-led study reveals El Niño could reduce life expectancy gains by 2.8 years by 2100, cause trillions in economic losses
A new study led by NTU Singapore reveals that El Niño events can persistently slow long-term improvements in mortality rates, leading to enduring reductions in life expectancy. The research estimates that El Niño could reduce life expectancy gains by 2.8 years and cause economic losses of up to US$35 trillion by 2100.
Lessons from the Caldor Fire’s Christmas Valley ‘Miracle’
Researchers analyzed the Caldor Fire's impact on the Lake Tahoe Basin and found that pre-fire treatments significantly reduced fire severity. The most effective treatment types did not include controlled fires, highlighting the importance of other methods such as thinning and sweeping up unburned fuel piles.
Strategic river sensors could have forewarned of Texas Camp flood disaster
A recent study recreated the July 4 flood conditions and found multiple spots upstream where local communities could have placed water level monitors to give early warnings about rising water. The research aims to make those sensors cheap, easily accessible, and open source so anyone can use them.
AMS Science Preview: Volcanic rain, dust storms, and unstable Antarctic air
Recent research reveals that volcanic eruptions can cause unpredictable weather patterns, including volcanic rain, dust storms, and unstable Antarctic air. The study also found that the Antarctic surface atmosphere has become less stable and more prone to gravity waves since the 1950s.
Do natural disasters have long-term impacts on mortality in older adults?
A study analyzing Medicare claims data found that older adults who lived through Hurricane Harvey had a 3% elevated risk of dying within 1 year. Mortality risk was highest among those with chronic health conditions like Alzheimer's disease, and Black and Hispanic/Latino populations experienced higher mortality risks than other groups.
The smoky signature of climate change
Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences quantify the role of climate change in wildfires and air quality, finding that 60-82% of total burned area in western US forests is directly attributable to warming temperatures and drier conditions caused by climate change.
Integrated atmosphere-to-seafloor monitoring needed to better forecast cyclones, researchers say
A team of researchers emphasizes the need for an intelligent observation network to track and forecast tropical cyclones. By combining unmanned aerial, surface, and underwater vehicles, they aim to create a dynamic observation network across the atmosphere, ocean surface, and water column.
Sky-high smoke
A study published in Science Advances found that unusually large particles of wildfire smoke had a significant cooling effect on the region they were observed in, increasing outgoing radiation by 30-36% compared to smaller smoke particles. This effect has not been included in current climate models.
Homes that can withstand extremes: New study reveals pathways to housing resilience
Researchers identified key building code features that impact hazard resilience, including prioritizing structural elements like lateral support. Smarter regulation and stronger structures can work together to create safer homes, but local expertise is crucial in places with independent-minded populations.
GeoFlame VISION: Using AI and satellite imagery to predict future wildfire risk
A new computer model, GeoFlame VISION, uses AI and satellite imagery to produce a dynamic wildfire risk map for the entire US. The model shows that California's eastern, southwestern, and northwestern parts are at high risk due to Santa Ana winds.
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.
Flood risks in delta cities are increasing, study finds
Research shows that flooding in delta cities like Shanghai can expand by up to 80% and be much deeper by 2100 due to extreme climate events, sea-level rise and land subsidence. A major adaptation effort is required to raise defences and construct mobile flood barriers.
FAU survey: Hurricane season ends, but weather woes push Floridians to move
A Florida Atlantic University survey finds that 36% of Floridians have moved or are considering relocating due to weather hazards. The survey also reveals concerns about climate change, with only half of Floridians believing it is caused by human activity.
Over half of global coastal settlements are retreating inland due to intensifying climate risks
Over half of global coastal settlements have retreated from the coast over the past 30 years in response to intensifying climate hazards. Coastal regions in Africa and Oceania lead the retreat, while poorer regions often expand shoreline settlements due to economic needs.
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.
Ancient bogs reveal 15,000-year climate secret, say scientists
Researchers have discovered that sudden shifts in the Southern Westerly Winds 15,000 years ago triggered a massive growth of ancient bogs across the Southern Hemisphere. The study found that the shifting winds created an ideal climate for the swamps to form, and now believe they play a crucial role in regulating carbon stores in peatland.
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.
Climate change and rising sea levels to worsen urban health risks in Mumbai, study co-led by Princeton and University of Chicago reveals
A recent study co-led by Princeton and University of Chicago found that deaths caused by rainfall and rising sea levels are almost ten times higher than official statistics suggest in Mumbai. The research highlights the human toll of extreme urban flooding, with slum residents facing disproportionate risks, particularly children under ...
Mapping urban gully erosion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
This study provides the first nationwide map of urban gullies in the DRC, quantifying their extent, recent dynamics, and human impacts. Researchers found that gullies were formed mainly due to anthropogenic factors such as unplanned urbanization and inadequate infrastructure.
Dry grass: Research project explores the effect of multi-year drought on grasslands
A recent paper in the journal Science investigates the impact of drought on grasslands, finding that moderate droughts do not lead to long-term losses. In contrast, extreme droughts can cause significant species loss and reduced plant life. The study's results have implications for global carbon and climate modeling.
Beauty and fear
A new study explores how emotions play a crucial role in communicating natural disasters, finding that balancing fear with positive emotions like fascination and confidence can improve disaster preparedness. The research highlights the importance of recognizing and channelling emotions to promote self-efficacy and motivation.
Conflict, climate change and public health
The Lancet Countdown report links climate change to violence and community health, emphasizing the need for social and economic changes to prevent conflict. Strengthening food systems and ensuring emergency responses can reduce grievances and protect healthcare workers.
World’s leading medical journal details the climate emergency
The Lancet Countdown report reveals that the world is facing unprecedented levels of health threats due to climate change, with millions of lives lost unnecessarily. The report calls for urgent action to limit future harm by prioritizing human health in policy decisions.
AI-powered model predicts floods, improves water management worldwide
A new AI-powered model forecasts flooding impacts and manages water resources globally, revealing shifts in the balance of water between rivers, groundwater, and landscapes. The model provides reliable data for local-scale water management, flood forecasting, and ecosystem protection.
Most of Wine Country’s agricultural workers have been exposed to wildfires, new survey finds
A new survey conducted by UC Berkeley researchers found that approximately 75% of agricultural workers in Sonoma County have worked during wildfires since 2017. The study also found that half of the farmworkers reported having ailments like headaches or sore throats after working during a wildfire.