Articles tagged with Natural Disasters
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A global research effort by Colorado State University reveals that extreme, prolonged droughts in grasslands and shrublands result in more than twice the loss of plant productivity compared to moderate droughts. The study suggests that these ecosystems lose their ability to recover over time under prolonged dry conditions.
Researchers estimate a medieval tsunami struck Anegada between 1381 and 1391, based on analysis of coral skeletons. The finding supports efforts to prepare for future tsunamis in the Caribbean region.
Researchers found a strong link between compound droughts and wildfires in California, leading to increased fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations. The study shows that severe droughts can substantially raise wildfire risk, with PM2.5 levels increasing by 9.5·m³ under extreme conditions.
A recent study found that UK heatwaves have led to unseasonable drying of vegetation, bypassing natural ecological processes that limit the spread of wildfires. The extreme heat conditions increased the risk of wildfire incidents, with a 500% increase in 999 calls and 14 major incidents during the 2022 heatwave.
Researchers found two bacterial strains on grape leaves that can degrade guaiacol, a compound causing smoky taste in wines exposed to wildfire smoke. The study provides hope for developing biotechnological strategies to restore flavor in tainted wines.
Researchers created a high-resolution 3D liquefaction hazard map using machine learning and geotechnical data. The model accurately predicted soil properties and liquefaction risk, identifying high-risk areas in reclaimed coastal zones and river floodplains with unprecedented clarity and precision.
A recently discovered chain of events in a Chilean earthquake was found to have supercharged its strength, breaching temperatures above 650 degrees Celsius and leading to increased shaking. The study's findings have implications for future earthquake hazard assessments and could support emergency response and long-term planning.
A study by University of Arizona researchers found that selecting the right data for flood insurance can significantly improve accuracy, speed, and predictability. The type of data used affects not only payout timing but also confidence in anticipating future payouts, influencing program costs.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that 2023 marine heatwaves significantly exacerbated the record-breaking East Asian summer heatwave. The study revealed that changes in cloud cover and water vapor enhanced solar radiation reaching the ground, amplifying surface temperatures.
Researchers from Perugia University explore how machine learning can aid in earlier hazard detection and improved risk communication. However, they caution that ML tools must be used responsibly and transparently to ensure accurate predictions and avoid potential pitfalls.
A new study suggests that water, even heavy rainfall, can play a role in or trigger seismic events, improving models of seismic activity. The research also helps identify optimal sites for drilling to tap sources of supercritical geothermal energy.
An earthquake swarm in Santorini was triggered by magma displacement, generating over 28,000 recorded earthquakes. The study reveals the chain of events that led to this seismic activity, including a hydraulic connection between two volcanoes.
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.
Researchers from Japan developed a new statistical method to increase accuracy of flood risk projections across 70% of the Earth's landmass. This approach merges climate scenarios with different socioeconomic pathways, offering policymakers powerful insights for adaptation and preparedness strategies.
A new study estimates that US wildfires could cause up to 70,000 deaths annually by 2050 due to increased smoke pollution. The researchers also found that no community is safe from smoke exposure and estimated economic damages could reach $608 billion annually.
A new study reveals that small electric charges between particles play a crucial role in forming highly concentrated clusters in turbulent environments. This discovery has significant implications for climate research, medicine, engineering, and science, enabling better predictions and controls.
Researchers will generate maps showing the intensity and extent of an earthquake, helping to identify regions with a higher probability of infrastructure damage. The simulation will recreate a hypothetical scenario of an 8.1 magnitude earthquake in Mexico's Michoacán state.
A new study reveals that Gulf of Aqaba corals have endured four consecutive and intensifying marine heatwaves without mass bleaching. The findings raise hopes for the future of this globally-significant coral reef amid worsening climate change, but highlight the urgent need for regional conservation policies.
A new study developed a flood-forecasting AI that can be tuned for any country, reducing errors in national flood prediction programming. The hybrid model combining the AI with the National Water Model was four to six times more accurate, improving forecast accuracy and potential economic impacts of floods.
Researchers at MIT have traced the energy released by 'lab quakes' and found that 80% of a quake's energy goes into heating up the region around the epicenter, while only 10% causes physical shaking. The study's findings could help seismologists predict earthquake vulnerability in regions prone to seismic events.
A University of Michigan study reveals that the sudden loss of dinosaurs allowed forests to flourish, stabilizing sediments and creating broad meanders in rivers. This change had a profound impact on landscapes, demonstrating how life can alter its environment through catastrophic events.
Researchers analyzed seeds from a now-extinct plant population on Nishinoshima, tracing its lineage to nearby Chichijima island. The study found distinct genetic traits and a strong founder's effect due to limited seed dispersal opportunities.
A new study in the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America identifies 13 attributes of resilience in disaster response and preparedness. Agility and diversity are found to be crucial in both phases, while creativity and connectivity become vital during the response phase.
Researchers found that wildfire chars can suppress methane production by supporting the growth of bacteria that outcompete methanogens. This natural process could have important implications for mitigating greenhouse gases and climate change.
Researchers at Princeton University found that major tropical eruptions create distinct flooding patterns depending on plume location and dispersal. The patterns mostly divide along the line of the equator, with increased rainfall in the tropics in one hemisphere and decreased flooding.
Research suggests that black-tailed prairie dogs can reduce wildfire behavior by altering landscape features and promoting the growth of fire-resistant vegetation. By incorporating prairie dog activity into fire behavior models, land managers could develop more effective strategies for prevention and mitigation.
A study found that disaster-induced displacement from home was associated with increased depression and anxiety symptoms, especially among those who never returned home. This highlights the urgent need for mental health care for displaced populations, particularly socially vulnerable groups.
The State of the Climate report reveals record-high greenhouse gas concentrations, with CO2 levels reaching 422.8 parts per million, a 52% increase from pre-industrial levels. Global temperatures also reached a new high, with annual growth increasing to 2.4 ppm yr−1.
Glacier-caused flooding is an annual threat in Juneau, with record-breaking floods over the past two years impacting hundreds of homes. The USGS provides real-time monitoring data to help emergency managers make informed decisions about evacuations and road closures.
University of Houston researchers are developing an AI-powered dashboard for Florida food pantries, aiming to streamline stakeholder collaboration and distribute resources to families in need. The tool will enable emergency coordinators to respond quickly to spikes in demand, prioritizing the needs of vulnerable populations.
A new study suggests that exposure to wildfire-derived PM2.5 is linked to increased mortality and morbidity, with a 93% underestimation of the actual death toll. The research estimated 535 annual deaths from all causes due to short-term exposure to wildfire smoke.
Residents and government officials in a flood-prone community have differing views on adapting to climate change, with economic concerns top priority. Long-term residents support voluntary buyouts and nature-based solutions, while local officials prioritize rebuilding high-value properties.
Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology used machine learning algorithms to predict bearing layer depth and assess liquefaction risk. The study found that random forest models outperformed others, especially with increasing spatial data density.
Researchers developed a customized parametric insurance system using Probabilistic Tsunami Risk Assessment (PTRA) to quantify tsunami losses and payouts. The proposed framework reduces overpayment by 60.9% while maintaining risk reduction, potentially saving lives and money.
Recent research from American Meteorological Society journals predicts a new record for lightning and a decrease in hurricane frequency. Additionally, fire forecasts have been updated to better manage water resources in Colorado's Gunnison River Basin.
A large region of unusually hot rock deep beneath the Appalachian Mountains in the United States could be linked to Greenland and North America splitting apart 80 million years ago. The 'mantle wave' theory suggests that hot, dense rock slowly peels away from the base of tectonic plates after continents break apart.
A new study attributes the extreme nature of the floods to climate change, linking it to intensified rainfall and warning that storms will become even more intense as the planet warms. The research calls for building resilience in a warming world through advanced early warning systems and community-based flood warnings.
A new framework developed by Northwestern University and UCLA scientists integrates various water-related processes with a machine-learning model to predict landslide threats. The framework identifies three main pathways leading to landslides: intense rainfall, rain on already saturated soils, and melting snow or ice.
A novel AI-powered flood damage assessment using satellite imagery has been developed, achieving 74% of fully supervised performance with just 10% labeled data. The Simple Prior Attention Disaster Assessment Net (SPADANet) model improves recall by over 9% compared to existing models.
Researchers identified counties with vulnerable populations susceptible to longer-term power outages in the five-state region. Findings showed that hurricanes/tropical storms and heat waves were associated with the longest power outages, clustering in coastal and riverside counties.