Articles tagged with Natural Disasters
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.
An international team of researchers proposes that a meteorite impact just west of Winslow, Arizona, created Meteor Crater and triggered a massive landslide in the Grand Canyon. The study found evidence of a paleolake forming at the same time, with driftwood dating back to around 55,000 years.
A new study from UNC-Chapel Hill reveals repetitive flooding in North Carolina is far more common and widespread than previously recognized. Over 90,000 buildings flooded in at least one event, with 43% located outside of FEMA's designated high-risk areas.
Researchers developed a user-friendly mapping system to track private wells, septic systems, and other community locations. This data helped distribute disaster relief in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, providing actionable information for public health officials.
New research reveals that lakes relying on groundwater connections maintain stable water levels and buffer climate change impacts. Shallow lakes are vulnerable to rising temperatures and reduced rainfall due to high evaporation rates.
A study of tree pollen records in Northern Australia reveals a 150,000-year record of monsoon patterns, showing a potential intensification of the monsoon system due to climate change. This could lead to increased flooding in Australia and droughts in East Asia.
Researchers analyzed seismic waveform data to reveal a complex source process with multiple rupture episodes. The study found that the earthquake exhibited unconventional rupture behavior, with asymmetric ruptures propagating in both north and south directions.
Researchers found that thick ice cover suppressed volcanic eruptions, but as glacial ice melts, pressure builds and magma is released, leading to more frequent and explosive eruptions. This phenomenon could occur worldwide, including Antarctica, and may have global climate impacts, including long-term warming.
A new online platform, SMRT-Flames, estimates the health impacts of wildfire smoke and provides fire managers with tools to assess potential smoke exposure. The app uses a Harvard-developed computer model to predict how fires would behave across regions and how smoke would pool and disperse.
A new framework developed by researchers aims to better predict and understand cascading land surface hazards, which can increase the risk of subsequent events. The study's findings could help improve disaster response and build societal resilience after natural hazards.
A study of 100,000 water samples from 500 river basins found elevated levels of contaminants like organic carbon, phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment persisting for years after wildfires. Water managers can use this data to inform planning strategies for increasing wildfire resilience.
A new study predicts that a 2°C temperature rise could double the frequency of short-lived summer downpours in the Alpine region, causing severe damage and posing risks to lives. The analysis of nearly 300 mountain weather stations found that warm air retains more moisture, intensifying thunderstorm activity.
A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar, causing widespread collapse of vulnerable buildings that led to majority of deaths and destruction. The report calls for adopting modern seismic building codes and prioritizing retrofitting of existing structures.
Scientists at the Naval Research Laboratory are working with NASA to better understand pyrocumulonimbus clouds, which can inject smoke into the upper atmosphere and alter weather patterns. The Injected Smoke and Pyrocumulonimbus Experiment (INSPYRE) aims to enhance predictive weather modeling through detailed analysis of wildfire-induc...
The Florida Atlantic University Sensing Institute's SEA Econet network provides accurate rainfall and flood forecasting, supporting public safety during severe weather events. With over 160 atmospheric stations and more than 30 water-level stations across Florida, the network delivers real-time data to inform forecasts and warnings.
Researchers at Uppsala University predict that concurrent extreme events will become more frequent due to climate change, posing new challenges for preparedness. The study examines six types of events and finds a sharp increase in combinations of heatwaves and forest fires, as well as heatwaves and droughts, in various regions worldwide.
A new study finds that increasing atmospheric evaporative demand is making droughts 40% more severe globally over the past 40 years. As the atmosphere warms, air can hold more moisture, leading to increased water demand and pulling more water from soils, rivers, and plants.
Dr. Ghosh's expertise combines clinical, social science, and policy research to address the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations. His initiatives focus on developing interventions against heatwaves, hurricanes, and flooding.
A new study from North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reveals that coastal flooding is occurring more frequently than previously thought. The study found major flaws with the widely used approach of using marine water level data to capture instances of flooding.
Researchers developed a new deep learning framework to predict extreme water levels during hurricanes, enabling smarter decisions and potentially saving lives. The framework, LSTM-SAM, analyzes patterns from past storms to make accurate predictions in areas with limited data, using transfer learning techniques.
Using site characterization data from multiple disciplines, researchers can now accurately predict the occurrence of marine landslides. The correct sequence of site investigations and integration of data is crucial for maximizing information and confidence in landslide models.
Aurora, a state-of-the-art machine learning model, delivers high-quality forecasts for key environmental systems like air quality, weather, and tropical cyclones. The model's flexibility enables it to be used for various future scenarios, including flood risks, wildfire spread, and renewable energy output.
A new study projects that wind losses for homeowners in the Southeast will increase by 76% by 2060 and 102% by 2100. Texas is expected to experience the highest increase in losses, followed by Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
A new international study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution found that fertilizer can help plants survive short-term periods of extreme drought. The researchers added nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to 26 sites across 9 countries and found a 24% increase in plant growth with fertilizer addition.
Researchers at Texas A&M University developed a new AI model to speed up building damage assessments and predict recovery times after a tornado. The model uses remote sensing, deep learning, and restoration models to generate damage assessments in under an hour, providing actionable intelligence for first responders and policymakers.
A new guidebook from Northern Arizona University provides essential support for individuals and communities affected by wildfires in Arizona. The comprehensive resource covers topics such as insurance, erosion control, emotional recovery, financial aid, and more to help residents recover from the aftermath of these devastating events.
The University of Texas at Arlington researcher Yunyao Li has been selected by NASA to develop a system that provides early warnings of hazardous air pollution from wildfires. The project aims to enhance wildfire air quality forecasting capabilities and develop tools for decision-making processes related to health management.
Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology built three embankment dams to divert lava flows in Iceland, delaying the molten lava by up to 16 days. The dams were constructed using in situ material and showed promising results in protecting civil society and critical infrastructure.
The study found that biological particles like pollen and plant matter are effective at forming ice in clouds, leading to precipitation. The researchers suggest that weather models should consider these particles, which are expected to increase in the atmosphere as temperatures rise.
Geologists have connected a 120-million-year-old 'super-eruption' to its source, revealing insights into Earth's complex geological history. The discovery provides a more complete history of the Pacific Ocean basin and sheds light on volcanic activity in the region.
A recent study by Virginia Tech researchers found that a major earthquake could expand the coastal floodplain by 35-116 square miles, affecting thousands of residents and properties. The impact would be most severe in southern Washington, northern Oregon, and northern California.
The American Meteorological Society warns that catastrophic cuts to federal science agencies like NOAA threaten the US weather enterprise, which supports public safety, private sector operations, and national security. A strong weather enterprise is essential for America's economic leadership.
Research reveals the mechanism behind peak extratropical cyclone activity in spring East Asia, with intensified low-level jet streams facilitating system formation. This understanding can improve climate predictions and adaptation strategies for the region.
The proposed elimination of NOAA Research would drastically undercut the scientific backbone needed for accurate weather forecasts and services. Key stakeholders like the American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association urge action to maintain competitiveness in weather forecasting.
Researchers studying ancient rhino teeth found at Nebraska's Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park discovered that prehistoric rhinos lived in large herds. The animals' limited mobility suggests they didn't respond to the volcanic eruption or migrate seasonally, instead likely dying from prolonged exposure to ash and lack of food.
A new study by UC Davis School of Medicine identifies four major areas of need among wildfire victims, including mental health support and health information. The research reveals that mental health needs are the most predominant health-related need at all time points.
Recent research highlights increased fire activity in the western US, with wildfires becoming less prone to calming down at night. Meanwhile, extreme turbulence on hurricane flights has led to a new 'bumpiness' metric. Climate extremes are also evident in shifting energy demands for heating and cooling in Chinese megacities.
A study found that a hydrothermal system created by an asteroid impact helped marine life flourish in the Gulf of Mexico for at least 700,000 years. The system generated and circulated nutrients, supporting high-nutrient environments that favored certain types of plankton.
Climate change drives large increases in electricity demand and costs in Texas due to extreme temperatures. Meanwhile, atmospheric rivers become more frequent, larger, and moister globally. Diagnostic studies also predict malaria outbreaks with five-month lead time using sea-surface temperature anomalies.
A new research infrastructure called SAFAtor aims to close the gap in ocean data by collecting real-time pressure, temperature, and seismic data from deep-sea telecommunications cables. The project will deploy sensor technology along an undersea cable to monitor climate and geological hazards.
A new study developed a computer model to predict household displacement duration in US communities after disasters, accounting for socioeconomic factors. The model combines physical damage estimates with socioeconomic characteristics to help inform risk mitigation strategies.
A Japanese research team investigated the connection between housing damage from the Great East Japan Earthquake and all-cause mortality. The study found no significant relationship between the two, suggesting that public health efforts may have suppressed mortality rates.
Researchers propose a new local electricity market to harness the power of homeowners' grid-edge devices in case of outages or attacks. Devices like solar panels and electric vehicles can pump power into the grid or rebalance consumption.
Researchers at Purdue University are studying mosquito antennae to develop acoustic sensors that can detect natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis. By mimicking the unique structure of these antennae, they hope to create more sensitive sound-detection technology.
Research published in Nature Communications reveals that fewer forest fires are burning today than in the past, despite recent record-breaking fire years. This 'fire deficit' allows fuel to build up over time, creating conditions for more severe fires. The study highlights the importance of beneficial management fires on the landscape.
Researchers analyzed tropical storm-related precipitation to understand its impact on local water resources and provide insights into climate predictions. The study aims to help communities prepare for extreme storms and manage water resources before and after the storms.
Researchers developed a new data assimilation algorithm using the LETKF technique to enhance global precipitation estimates. The model improved accuracy and computational efficiency, making it suitable for large-scale applications, particularly in mountainous regions.
A survey conducted by Professor Takahiro Endo at Osaka Metropolitan University found that Hiroshima Prefecture provided a free water inspection service for well owners after the 2018 floods, promoting their initiative to open inspected wells to the public. This collaborative effort supplemented local governments' emergency water supply...
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that lower access to air conditioning increases the need for emergency care for wildfire smoke exposure. People living in areas with low air conditioning availability are at higher risk, especially children and the Black population.
Researchers found that taller Japanese black pine trees have deeper roots, making them more resistant to disasters. Shorter trees are more likely to fall due to inadequate root growth.
New research from Colorado State University finds that wildfire smoke has a modest impact on long-term solar power generation activity in the US. The study, published in Nature Communications, shows that power generated from photovoltaics remained relatively stable even in extreme fire seasons, with losses averaging around 5%.
A nationwide analysis of Japan's plastic litter removal from rivers found that natural disasters and extreme weather events contribute to spikes in collected plastic waste. The study, led by Tokyo University of Science, also identified positive correlations between basin population, plastic litter recovery, and cleanup activities.
Volcanologists' unique skillset can help urban governments customize lessons learned globally to address specific geographic, demographic, and economic challenges. By applying global knowledge to individual scenarios, cities can prepare for increasingly dangerous climate perils.
The Chemical Insights Research Institute has launched a new public service website offering valuable guidance and tips for protecting community health before, during, and after wildfires. The site provides up-to-date information to help residents prepare for the health risks of wildfires in WUI areas.
When two tropical cyclones collide in the Indian Ocean, they can intensify considerably, leading to extreme interactions between the ocean and atmosphere. The study found that effects occurred that have only been observed with much stronger cyclones, including a cooling effect of three degrees Celsius and upwelling of deep water masses.
A new study finds that California's wildfire response is biased towards wealthier communities, leaving marginalized populations without access to necessary resources. The analysis of over 500 wildfire incidents revealed a significant disparity in resource allocation based on socio-demographic factors such as race and economic status.
A new study reveals that lower-quality public housing units are disproportionately located in areas with high flood risk, putting residents at risk of catastrophic damage. The research also highlights the disproportionate impact on people of color and those with limited ability to recover from flooding.
The World Drought Atlas depicts the systemic nature of drought risks, highlighting their interconnectedness across sectors. It underscores the need for national plans and international cooperation to build resilience against harsher droughts, which are expected to affect 3 in 4 people globally by 2050.
A new study estimates a 1-meter sea level rise by 2100 will affect over 14 million people and $1 trillion worth of property along the Southeast Atlantic coast. The study emphasizes the need for holistic coastal resilience strategies to address multiple climate-related hazards.
The new system uses AI technology combined with Earth observation data to detect risks of events that might trigger forced displacement, delivering timely alerts ahead of emergencies. It will help humanitarian actors plan and respond more effectively, minimizing response times and avoiding duplication of efforts.