Researchers have developed a new analysis based on a river’s catchment area as opposed its length.
California
Forest Fires Could Boost Western U.S. Water Supplies
Streamflow in the West has been below average since the early 2000s, but a new analysis shows that streams aren’t as dry as expected.
Fiber-Optic Cables Can Produce High-Resolution Underground Maps
Telecom fiber repurposed as distributed acoustic sensing arrays can image near-surface structure and potentially improve seismic hazard mapping in urban areas.
Rising Seas Boost Tsunami Impacts on Distant Shorelines
Modeling suggests that rising sea levels will render Southern California ports increasingly vulnerable to waves from distant-source tsunamis.
Rethinking How Valley Fever Spreads
Scientists have long assumed that dust storms lead to infections with the desert soil fungus Coccidioides, but new evidence suggests otherwise.
Managing Strategic Water Resources in a Changing Climate
Another significant step has been taken in methods for managing water resources in the face of climatic changes and other future uncertainties. Dynamic adaptation is becoming a reality.
Clever Wood Use Could Mitigate Wildfires and Climate Change
California plans to use forest thinning to reduce wildfire risk. New research suggests the state could also see a climate benefit by repurposing waste wood produced by thinning.
Termite Fumigation in California Is Fueling the Rise of a Rare Greenhouse Gas
The insecticide sulfuryl fluoride isn’t included in federal or state emissions reduction goals.
No Relief from Rain: Climate Change Fuels Compound Disasters
Climate change is increasing the risk of fire-rain events, raising mudslide concerns in fire-prone communities.
Earthquakes Ripple Through 3D Printed Models of Los Angeles
Using stainless steel models, researchers find that high-frequency seismic waves—the most damaging to buildings—are attenuated in the Los Angeles sedimentary basin.