Watersheds
Articles tagged with Watersheds
When the Schuylkill swallowed the city: Lessons from Hurricane Ida’s historic flood
Bigger and wetter storms mean drier conditions over time
Wildfires leave lasting risks: Improving predictions of hazardous debris flows in burned areas
Researchers developed a new method to predict debris flows in post-fire landscapes, incorporating vegetation recovery, which reduces unnecessary warnings and improves accuracy. The updated method reflects changes in soil absorption and plant water uptake after wildfires, providing more accurate hazard maps and rainfall threshold guidance.
Mapping microplastic movement in rivers and streams across Pennsylvania
A recent study investigated microplastic movement in freshwater ecosystems across Pennsylvania, finding that watersheds with higher population densities and adjacent wastewater treatment plants had higher concentrations of microplastics. The research also revealed local features, such as forests and rural areas, play a critical role in...
Opioids and other drugs accumulating in freshwater fish
A new study reveals that freshwater fish are accumulating antidepressants, opioids, and other drugs of abuse in their bodies, which can alter their behavior, development, and reproduction. The research uses a novel analytical method to detect these substances in small fish living in rivers receiving urban wastewater.
Warmer winters and snow drought may threaten western U.S. water by speeding flows, study finds
A new study finds that warmer winters will lead to faster water transit times in the western United States, negatively impacting summer water levels and quality. The research focuses on the Naches River basin, where snowpack declines have already resulted in earlier spring discharges.
Waikīkī faces escalating threat of sewage-contaminated flooding as sea level rises
A new study reveals that Waikiki is facing a fundamental shift in flood hazards as sea levels rise, transitioning from rainfall-driven floods to tidal process-dominated events. The team identified two key pathways, storm drain backflow and groundwater emergence, which will increase public exposure to sewage-contaminated waters.
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.
New study assesses potential dust control options for Great Salt Lake
A new collaborative study evaluates potential dust control measures for the Great Salt Lake, considering effectiveness, cost, water demand, maintenance needs, and ecological impacts. The analysis emphasizes the importance of long-term planning, sustained maintenance, and careful consideration of unintended consequences.
Road salt creates more harm to freshwater life than expected, study finds
Research by University of Missouri scientists found that road salt is deadly to freshwater snails when paired with the presence of predators, causing nearly 60% higher mortality rates. The study suggests practical solutions to reduce salt pollution in waterways, such as cutting road salt use by up to 50%.
Boston College scientists help explain why methane spiked in the early 2020s
A combination of weakened atmospheric removal and increased emissions from warming wetlands, rivers, lakes, and agricultural land led to the surge in methane levels. Climate variability amplified methane emissions across interconnected ecosystems, with key contributions from tropical Africa and Southeast Asia.
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.
The vast majority of US rivers lack any protections from human activities, new research finds
The US has more than 4 million miles of rivers, but existing regulations only account for less than 20% of total river length. Freshwater conservation strategies have historically focused on land use and development, leaving gaps in protection measures for lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
Scientists map Mars’ large river drainage systems for first time
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have mapped Mars' large river drainage systems, outlining 16 areas where life could have existed. These systems are crucial for understanding Martian habitability and potential past life.
Island-wide field surveys illuminate land-sea connections in Mo‘orea
Researchers found that nutrients in lagoons are highest near the island, lower offshore, and linked to human activities on land. Precipitation acts as a key mediator for connections between land use and lagoon waters.
Study: Rio Grande basin at serious risk from overuse of water
A new study found the Rio Grande basin is severely depleted, with only half of used water being replenished by natural processes. The primary cause of overconsumption is irrigated agriculture, particularly cattle-feed crops like alfalfa and grass hay.
Forests recovering from acid rain mine rocks for nutrients, leading to less acidic streams and more acid-sensitive soils
A long-term study in the White Mountains of New Hampshire found that recovering forests are using roots to mine minerals for nutrients, leading to improved stream pH but depleted soil fertility. This process enhances mineral weathering, which can make forests more vulnerable to future pollution.
Orange rivers signal toxic shift in Arctic wilderness
As Arctic permafrost thaws, geochemical reactions unleash metals like cadmium, harming fish and disrupting ecosystems. The Salmon River's transformation poses indirect threats to Indigenous communities and other species.
Study IDs what can help collaborative groups actually accomplish their goals
A new study suggests that adopting a 'mixed services transition approach' can improve the ability of collaborative groups to deliver their stated goals. This approach involves starting with small-scale implementation activities while formal planning is finalized, securing additional funding and outlining changes in structure.
Strategically bringing back beavers could support healthy and climate-resilient watersheds
A new Stanford-led study maps beaver dams and ponds using high-resolution aerial imagery, aiding managers in prioritizing areas for restoring wetlands and reintroducing beavers. The research reveals key factors influencing beaver dam length and pond area, providing a practical tool for managing habitats and waterways.
AMS science preview: New lightning record, fewer hurricanes, fire forecasts
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.
New global study shows freshwater is disappearing at alarming rates
A new global study reveals unprecedented freshwater loss since 2002, with four continental-scale mega-drying regions in the northern hemisphere. The findings warn of severe consequences for water security, agriculture, and sea level rise.
New Chesapeake Bay Watershed stream maps double documented stream miles
A new dataset doubles documented stream miles in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, allowing for more accurate characterization of water flow and land use. The high-resolution data will help prioritize restoration projects, such as streamside tree plantings and pollutant filtering.
Global mercury levels in rivers have doubled since Industrial Revolution
New research from Tulane University finds that global riverine mercury pollution has more than doubled since the pre-industrial era, with primary drivers including wastewater discharge, soil erosion, and industrial activities. This increase poses significant health risks to humans and wildlife through consumption of contaminated fish.
Water quality could be degraded by development and conversion of forests upstream, with sediment levels and nitrogen concentrations also worsened, per modelling analysis of the Middle Chattahoochee watershed of Georgia, Alabama, and Florida
Modelling analysis reveals sediment levels and nitrogen concentrations will increase with development and forest conversion upstream. The study forecasts water quality degradation at drinking water intakes across the regional watershed.
DDT residues persist in trout in some Canadian lakes 70 years after insecticide treatment, often at levels ten times that recommended as safe for the wildlife which consumes the fish
A study found DDT residues in trout from Canadian lakes, with levels up to ten times the recommended safe limit. The persistence of these residues poses a risk to wildlife that consumes the fish.
How proactive salmon conservation in the North Pacific can deliver global benefits
A new study reveals how proactive salmon conservation in the North Pacific can protect biodiversity and advance global conservation goals. The stronghold strategy aims to proactively protect iconic salmon systems that sustain healthy watersheds, safeguarding food security and mitigating climate change.
Classifying floodplains: an innovative approach to flood mitigation
The study introduces an innovative method to detect and classify floodplains based on their ability to attenuate floods. The Hydraulic Floodplain Classification emphasizes the variable capacity of the landscape to influence flood routing, enabling better water resource assessments and floodplain management applications.
New research reveals groundwater pathways across continent
A simulation mapping underground water on a continental scale reveals that rainfall and snowmelt flow much farther underground than previously thought. The study also shows that more than half of the water in streams originates from aquifers previously believed to be too deep for streams.
AMS 2025 meeting promotes atmospheric science for a “thriving planet”
The 105th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society will address key issues in weather, water, and climate. The meeting features a Presidential Forum on physical, social, cultural, and economic impacts of climate change, with experts from the region of the Mississippi River Delta.
AMS science preview: Hurricane damage; kimchi and air pollution
Recent studies analyze hurricane damage, water flow into dams, marine heatwaves, and the impact of air pollution on vegetable market prices in South Korea. Hurricane Katrina remains the most damaging U.S. hurricane, while a new system predicts extreme air pollution episodes in India's New Delhi megacity.
Colorado River basins could face tipping point, drought study warns
A new study warns that Colorado's West Slope basins, supporting a $5 billion agriculture economy, face a potential tipping point due to drought vulnerability. The research suggests that even moderate climate change and streamflow declines can threaten water storage, agriculture, and municipal supplies.
Inland Delaware watersheds impaired by human waste
A new study reveals that human waste, both treated and untreated, is responsible for the microbial impairment in Delaware's inland waterways. The researchers found a majority of microbial signatures in the water matched a human waste signature, indicating infrastructure issues with septic systems may be to blame.
SwRI awarded grant to characterize Las Moras Springs watershed
Researchers at Southwest Research Institute will conduct a 12-month targeted water-sampling campaign to analyze the Las Moras Springs system and its relationship with the Pinto Creek watershed. The project aims to improve water management and conservation efforts in Kinney County, Texas.
Large herbivores have lived in Yellowstone National Park for more than 2,000 years
Researchers analyzed steroids from animal dung in lake sediments to determine the dominant large herbivores that lived in northern Yellowstone National Park. The study found bison and elk as primary species for the last 2,300 years, with impacts on local ecosystems.
Concerning levels of PFAS in fish miles away from large contamination source
A new study by Harvard researchers finds alarmingly high PFAS concentrations in fish tissues even up to 8 km from the military base. The results underscore the urgent need for more comprehensive monitoring of PFAS in aquatic ecosystems, particularly in regions where freshwater fishing is an important food source.
It could take over 40 years for PFAs to leave groundwater
Researchers found PFAS in groundwater up to 43 years old and concentrations that exceed health advisory levels. The study suggests it could take over 40 years for PFAS to leave contaminated groundwater, highlighting the need for continued cleanup efforts and long-term monitoring.
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.
What’s really ‘fueling’ harmful algae in Florida’s lake Okeechobee?
Research by FAU Harbor Branch reveals that managing both phosphorus and nitrogen is crucial for tackling toxic cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Okeechobee. Human waste is identified as a major source of nutrients, with elevated nitrogen levels found in urbanized estuaries and the Kissimmee River.
Traditional infrastructure design often makes extreme flooding events worse
A new study led by the University of Michigan found that traditional stormwater infrastructure design can exacerbate flooding during severe weather events. The problem lies in the failure to recognize flood connectivity, leading to unanticipated interactions between different stormwater systems.
Land-sea “tag-team” devastated ocean life millions of years ago reveal scientists
A team of researchers discovered that a 'tag-team' between the oceans and continents led to severe environmental crises, causing mass extinctions of marine species. The study found that chemical weathering pulses disrupted the oceans, leading to anoxic events that had profound impacts on marine ecosystems.
New collaborative research generates lessons for more adaptive lake management
A new study by Utah State University explores the potential of collaborative modeling to improve reservoir operations and adapt to variable inflow and declining storage. The research involved 26 Colorado River Basin managers and experts who used Google Sheets during video calls to discuss consuming, banking, and trading water.
Waters along Bar Harbor, Acadia home to billions of microplastics
Researchers discovered an estimated 400 billion microplastic fibers in Frenchman Bay and its tributaries, with concentrations highest in the bay itself. The study found that microplastics were transported from land through rivers and estuaries into the bay, posing a significant threat to marine life and humans.
Clean Water Act leaves about 55% of water flowing out of rivers vulnerable to pollution, new study suggests
A new study reveals that the Supreme Court's ruling weakening the Clean Water Act leaves many US waterways vulnerable to pollution. Ephemeral streams, which only flow during weather events, contribute significantly to river systems' total output, with 55% of water coming from them on average.
Computer modelling shows where Arizona’s winter precipitation originates
Researchers used a weather model to pinpoint the source of wintertime precipitation in Arizona, finding it comes from a central Pacific moisture source rather than El Niño/La Niña events. The study's findings could improve seasonal precipitation forecasts for the region and potentially other areas globally.
Upstream and downstream: River study highlights cross-country inequities
A new research commentary by Griffith University researchers explores transboundary watersheds and their impact on global biodiversity. The study identifies over 1,050 transboundary watersheds globally, with more than 70% of sediments produced in a different country than the country where they were discharged.
Sewage overflows linked to increase in gastrointestinal illnesses
A new BU study links sewage overflows to increased risk of acute gastrointestinal illnesses in downstream communities. Residents are at a 62% higher risk of developing AGI within four days after large-volume combined sewer overflows, regardless of drinking water source.
Trees on UT’s campus endure droughts with help from leaky pipes
A study found that trees along UT's Waller Creek flourish during droughts due to wastewater from leaky city pipes, which also affects tree growth patterns. The research highlights the unintended positive consequences of urbanization on climate-resilience of stream ecosystems.
Oil palm plantations are driving massive downstream impact to watershed
Researchers found that oil palm plantations in Indonesia's Kais River Watershed are causing significant increases in precipitation, runoff, and soil moisture, leading to dramatically worse water quality. The transition from tropical rainforest to oil-palm plantation has resulted in a 16.9% increase in sedimentation, 78.1% increase in n...
Planning at multiple scales for healthy corals and communities
A new study by Stanford researchers explores the effects of different watershed interventions on coral health, finding that regional-scale approaches yield better results. The research identifies key areas for restoration, protection, and sustainable agriculture to support both ecosystem and societal benefits.
Switch to green wastewater infrastructure could reduce emissions and provide huge savings according to new research
A new study from Colorado State University suggests that transitioning to green wastewater-treatment approaches, financed through carbon markets, could save $15.6 billion and reduce CO2-equivalent emissions by 30 million tonnes over 40 years. The research explores the potential economic tradeoffs of switching to green infrastructure an...
Rice’s Mark Torres wins NSF CAREER Award to examine river water chemistry
Mark Torres' $612,930 grant aims to analyze variations in river water chemistry using machine learning approaches and bridge the gap between theory and practical application. The project will inform policy decisions and drive sustainable solutions for safeguarding our planet's waterways.
Diverse habitats help salmon weather unpredictable climate changes
A new study shows that restored salmon habitat should resemble financial portfolios, offering fish diverse options for feeding and survival. This diversity helps the fish weather various conditions as the climate changes.
Study: 'Legacy' phosphorus delays water quality improvements in Gulf of Mexico
Research by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign suggests that phosphorus legacy in riverbeds can delay water quality improvements in the Gulf of Mexico. It may take years or even decades for the reductions to be seen at the Gulf, according to a study published in Science of the Total Environment.
Permafrost alone holds back Arctic rivers — and a lot of carbon
New research reveals permafrost's dominant role in shaping Arctic rivers and storing massive amounts of carbon. Thawing permafrost could unleash billions of tons of CO2, exacerbating climate change.
Climate change behind sharp drop in snowpack since 1980s
A new Dartmouth study finds that seasonal snowpacks have shrunk significantly over the past 40 years due to human-driven climate change. The sharpest global warming-related reductions are in the Southwestern and Northeastern United States, as well as in Central and Eastern Europe.
Economic complexities of forest restoration: What’s in it for landowners?
A study by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found that economic solutions like cost-sharing and carbon payments can benefit landholders if the right tree species are planted on infertile soils. Annual carbon payments, in particular, made forests growing back after trees were removed financially viable.
UMass Amherst researchers develop grassroots framework for managing environmental commons
The UMass Amherst team created a multiscale ecological framework to assess and respond to ecological threats in the Lake Yojoa watershed. The framework focuses on local perception of threats, consequences, and solutions, providing a valuable baseline for conservation and governmental organizations.
Drexel University study projects more water shortfalls in Schuylkill Watershed in next 20 years due to climate change
A Drexel University study projects 82 more days of water shortfalls in the Schuylkill Watershed, which could only meet demand about 67% of the time due to climate change. This would lead to drought-like conditions and require difficult tradeoffs in resource management.