A map of the world’s free-flowing rivers shows a shrinking number can still meander as they please. New plans for hydropower will further constrain flow.
dams & reservoirs
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Modeling River Boulders to Improve Hydropower Sustainability
Large stones in streams provide crucial habitat for fish. Modeling the boulders and streamflow offers fresh insights into how water engineering projects alter aquatic habitats.
Posted inFeatures
The Renaissance of Hydrology
Hydrology has evolved as a transdisciplinary, data-driven science in a remarkably short period of time.
Posted inScience Updates
When Floods Cross Borders, Satellite Data Can Help
With so many eyes in the sky, residents living downstream from dams now have many ways to see—and prepare for—potential dangers.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Small Wetlands Retain Lion’s Share of Nutrients
Still-water ecosystems are key to combating explosive algae growth.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Dam Discharge Events Alter Water Flow in an Estuary in Spain
Three-year observations suggest that increased sediment concentrations inhibit vertical transfer of momentum between water layers for more than 2 months after a high-discharge event.
Posted inNews
Water Infrastructure Needs Get Bipartisan Nod at House Hearing
A letter released at the event calls on President Donald Trump to ensure that money from a national harbor maintenance fund is used solely to improve ports and harbors.
Posted inNews
Key House Member Makes a Conservative's Case for Water Projects
The White House and Democrats want to see an infrastructure package move through Congress. One House subcommittee chairman intends to make sure that water resource projects are part of the plan.
Posted inOpinions
Defining Snow Drought and Why It Matters
Swings from snow drought to extreme winter rainfall make managing reservoirs, like the Oroville Dam, incredibly difficult. But what exactly is "snow drought"?
Posted inScience Updates
International Effort Tackles Landslide Hazards to Keep the Peace
Earth scientists work with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to help keep a border-straddling hydroelectric power plant on the Black Sea coast safe from landslides.