Articles tagged with Water Management
Researchers developed a method to accurately measure groundwater levels using satellite data, overcoming the challenges of traditional monitoring wells. This breakthrough provides valuable data for managing water resources and will improve models for scenarios like population growth and droughts.
Significant portions of the Ogalalla Aquifer are at risk of drying up due to excessive drainage. Michigan State University scientists propose policy solutions, including federal crop insurance changes and wholesale precision agriculture strategies, to avert water crisis.
Researchers at the University of Miami used satellite images to confirm the impact of saltwater intrusion on freshwater plants in the Everglades. The study found large patches of vegetation loss closer to the coast, while interior areas showed growth trends.
The 'Center for Advanced Water Research' will address global problems concerning integrated water resources management jointly. With the foundation of the CAWR, partners aim to overcome the challenges in the water sector using integrated approaches.
Agriculture faces increasing competition for water, but integrated water management plans can increase water security by utilizing blue, green, and gray waters. The symposium highlights the importance of protecting these three water sources to meet the world's growing demand for food.
The new journal publishes its first issue themed on 'Water Footprint Assessment (WFA) for better water governance and sustainable development'. Elsevier aims to bridge the gap between industrial water use practice and scientific research.
Researchers use satellite data to identify 'hotspots' of water scarcity in the US, warning of potential food supply risks due to groundwater depletion. The study highlights the need for a comprehensive national water policy to address these emerging issues.
Researchers used PIV system to measure flow field around Heteroxenia coral, finding polyp motion effectively sweeps water away from coral tissues. The accumulated effect of uncoordinated polyp activity enhances flow around colony, reducing re-filtration and improving nutrient exchange.
The Global Institute for Water Security at the University of Saskatchewan is generating science to address water security challenges in North America. Howard Wheater's research focuses on large-scale water monitoring and modelling to support better forecasting and prediction models for land and water systems.
Researchers have discovered that ancient Petra was extensively farmed on terraces, with wheat, grapes, and olives being cultivated. The complex systems of dam construction and water management were crucial to the region's agricultural success.
A team led by Assistant Professor Noah Molotch will identify thresholds of change in land use, forest management, and climate that may compromise the sustainability of trans-basin water diversions. The project aims to provide projections on future water supply and demand changes due to climate change.
North Carolina State University is leading a four-year research project to assess freshwater sustainability across the southern United States. The study will analyze historical hydroecological observations and population projections to determine how sustainable water resources will be over the next 10 to 30 years.
A new UC Santa Barbara-based project will investigate contaminants in urban water environments, focusing on identifying threats to surface waters and groundwater. The research aims to determine how to mitigate these issues and develop cost-effective solutions.
A new study reveals that groundwater in the upper Patapsco aquifer underlying Maryland is tens to hundreds of thousands of years old, with some samples dating back over a million years. This ancient water was recharged during cooler periods in earth's history and is now being rapidly pumped out by human activity.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that immediate induction of labor does not significantly improve pregnancy outcomes for women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes. Instead, expectant management is recommended to reduce the risk of maternal infection and neonatal sepsis.
Global knowledge brokers convene to address challenges of sharing knowledge with policy makers, international donors, and practitioners. The event aims to create a legacy document capturing ideas on reducing the gulf between knowledge and action.
The Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) on the next Landsat satellite will detect Earth's temperature using quantum physics-based detector arrays. This technology enables accurate measurements of land and water usage, vital for managing Western US water consumption.
The new survey emphasizes the need for an integrated, multi-sectorial approach to address climate change's impact on India's water resources. It identifies key recommendations for policymakers, including developing 'low regret' policies and improving water databases.
Experts recommend accounting for water scarcity and pollution in international trade rules to mitigate its impact. The UNESCO-IHE Institute's special report aims to integrate water management into global trade agreements, considering new concepts like virtual water and water footprint.
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that groundwater levels are influenced by precipitation three months earlier. The research provides unprecedented detail on how climate affects surface water and streamflow in the region, enabling better planning and policy decisions to mitigate water shortages.
The Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) has successfully completed its first round of thermal vacuum testing at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The test evaluated the fully-assembled instrument at its normal operating temperature, achieving results that surpass expectations in some areas.
A comprehensive study of Asia, Africa, and Latin America's major river basins finds that sufficient water exists to sustainably increase food production. Research suggests focusing on efficient use and rain-fed agriculture can generate two to three times more food.
A study by UC Davis scientists predicts that warming streams will be fatal to spring-run Chinook salmon in California unless water management strategies are implemented. Reducing hydropower diversions during warmest times could preserve salmon populations for a few decades.
A national database called WATERiD will provide accurate predictions of when underground water and wastewater pipes might fail. The database, launched on Sept. 1, aims to create a single point for utilities to access relevant information and accelerate decision-making.
The RainGain project aims to provide detailed precipitation and flooding data on an urban scale. TU Delft will utilize rain radar technology to measure local precipitation patterns in Rotterdam and other partner cities, enabling more effective urban water management and flood protection strategies.
The Urban Water ERC aims to develop new, sustainable ways to manage urban water. Researchers will work in close partnership with industry to address the critical importance of this issue.
The US nursery and greenhouse industry has launched an online knowledge center to promote sustainable practices, providing resources and tools for growers and students. The Green Industry Knowledge Center offers in-depth learning modules on water and nutrient management, irrigation, and substrate handling.
Watersheds are living systems essential for healthy communities, according to Canada Research Chair Margot Parkes. She advocates for an integrated approach to water management that involves communities, governments, and researchers working together.
A study by the University of Zaragoza found that Spain's precipitation has declined overall between March and June, reducing the length of the rainy season. The rains are heavier in October in the north west of the country.
The University of Oklahoma is establishing an Institute for Water and Sustainability, including the Oklahoma Water Survey, to benefit Oklahoma and the nation. The institute will provide research and data for informed decision-making regarding water conservation and use.
A new study suggests that a 60-year drought like the one in the 12th Century could occur in the Southwest, with devastating impacts on ecosystems and water systems. The team analyzed past temperatures and droughts to identify plausible worst-case scenarios, highlighting the need for improved water management planning.
Research published in PNAS reveals that windborne dust on high peaks in the Colorado River Basin reduces snow cover duration and increases runoff, leading to a 5% annual loss of water. This decrease in runoff affects water management, as peak flows occur earlier and are more compressed.
Sharon Walker, a US engineer, partnered with Ben-Gurion University in Israel to develop innovative approaches to water management. The collaboration aims to enhance global competency of graduate students and faculty through research and education.
NASA engineers have completed a critical design review of the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) instrument, which will help monitor water consumption in the U.S. West. TIRS will extend the Landsat database in the thermal infrared bands needed by various users, providing high-sensitivity cryogenically cooled detector arrays.
The world's waters are facing increasing pressure due to population growth, urbanization, and pollution, threatening food production and water resources. The Mekong River Basin is a prime example of water-related conflicts escalating over access to hydropower production and its impact on local livelihoods.
Researchers at Arizona State University and Indiana University found that communication improves joint outcomes when managing common-pool resources. In experiments with costly fines, participants improved their harvest output greatly when given a chance to communicate.
Dr. David Molden, winner of the CGIAR award for Outstanding Scientist of the Year, states that agriculture is both the cause and solution to many world water problems. The Comprehensive Assessment of Water Management in Agriculture highlights the potential to grow more food with limited water, particularly in areas of high poverty.
A Special Issue of Agricultural Water Management highlights the need for investments in agriculture to improve food security and address global hunger. Investments in irrigation and rainfed agriculture are crucial to increase food production and household incomes in developing countries.
A new MMS study examines the Loop Current and its effects on the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, revealing a connection between upper- and lower-layer currents and water mass characteristics. The research provides valuable insights for improving forecasting and predicting the impact of the Loop Current on oil and gas operations.
The world will need a 'Blue Revolution' to address the massive pressure on its water resources due to population growth, changing diets, and climate change. Investments in water can reduce poverty and improve agricultural productivity by refurbishing irrigation systems and promoting rainfed agriculture.
The region may need to import over a quarter of its rice, wheat and maize if current irrigation management is not improved or innovated. A new study warns that Asia's vast irrigation systems must be revitalized to meet the growing food demand without further straining water resources.
The NOAA-led Hydropalooza project is mapping the seafloor and coastline of Kachemak Bay, providing detailed data for safe navigation and ecosystem management. The data will be used to support local planning, maritime commerce, and recreational boating in the area.
A UNH researcher received a Presidential Environmental Award for his work on the South Coast Habitat Restoration Project, which restored ecologically important eelgrass meadows to tidal ponds in Rhode Island. The project utilized a site selection model developed by the researcher, identifying locations most favorable to eelgrass growth.
A new tool developed at Purdue University helps sort out how to choose the best non-point source pollution control strategies for water resources. By analyzing data from an area, it can compute the most cost-effective solutions in just a few hours.
Researchers from Swedish and German scientists found that better water management can significantly reduce future food crises by leveraging both green and blue water. This approach can lift billions out of water poverty and provide a new green revolution in poor countries, even if they face blue water scarcity.
A series of symposium papers explore AquaCrop and other agronomic models that estimate water use efficiency under varying conditions. The models were shown to adequately simulate WUE under well-watered conditions but tend to overestimate or underestimate WUE under water stress, limiting their usefulness for deficit irrigation scenarios.
A RAND Corporation study found that U.S. Army units can gain tactical and strategic advantages by better managing environmental issues during deployments, which can influence local support for the mission and overall success. The study recommends giving more weight to environmental considerations in planning and operations.
Researchers found water bears can withstand extreme dehydration and cosmic radiation in space, but are harmed by ultraviolet radiation. Ingemar Jönsson's team discovered that water bears can repair DNA damage after exposure to space conditions.
In southern Yemen, archaeologists have discovered evidence of ancient transitions from hunting and herding to irrigation agriculture around 5,200 years ago. The research team used GIS mapping and studied contemporary land and water rights to understand the development of expert knowledge of hydrology among early farmers.
The new satellite tool provides daily observations of small areas, allowing for improved yield assessments and modeling of water transfer. This enables the reorientation of irrigation towards crop parcels where it is most needed, facilitating significant improvements in cultivation practices.
Researchers warn that modern agriculture can lead to major disruptions of the world's water flows, particularly in the world's poorest regions. Ecosystem flips can have significant and sometimes devastating effects on human well-being, as global populations suddenly lose resources they are dependent on.
Global climate models project significant changes in water availability due to anthropogenic warming, with regions like high latitudes and Mediterranean basin expected to experience substantial decreases. Non-stationarity must be accounted for in water resources planning to ensure effective management.
Global water planning faces a fundamental shift due to changing climate patterns. Water managers must adapt to new, unpredictable conditions that challenge traditional approaches. The authors propose a revised framework incorporating shifting averages and variability.
A collaborative mapping tool developed by the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) allows emergency management officials to better coordinate event and incident planning. The system can track resources such as hospitals, transportation equipment, and water in real-time, enabling effective response and evacuation plans.
The Aquatest project aims to provide individuals and communities with the information they need to identify unsafe water and take action. The test, which can detect E. coli contamination, will be available in developing countries within 10 years, leading to improved water management and a potential decline in water-borne diseases.
A new risk assessment tool has been developed to help reduce the transfer of disease-causing bacteria from farmed environments to watercourses. The expert-weighted risk tool identifies fields and farmyards with the greatest likelihood of contaminating waterways, allowing farmers and landowners to prioritize clean-up efforts.
Seawater intrusion is a common cause of contamination in coastal aquifers worldwide, particularly in the Mediterranean region. In Spain, about 60% of coastal aquifers are contaminated, making it a serious phenomenon with significant economic and environmental impacts.
The CGIAR research program aims to develop climate-resilient crops like maize, sorghum, and millet that can withstand drought and heat. Researchers are using molecular biology tools to identify genetic hot spots in these crops, enabling them to capture solar energy more efficiently and produce greater yields.
The Comprehensive Assessment reveals that one-third of the world's population lives in areas where water is either over-used or cannot be accessed due to lack of infrastructure. The study calls for radical changes in water management to address the growing water crisis.
The USGS showcased its expertise in geospatial data sharing and the intersection of earth sciences with national security. The symposium brought together officials from various government agencies and state governments to discuss future coordination across the homeland security enterprise.