Nonperennial rivers are a major—and growing—part of the global river network. New research and science-based policies are needed to ensure the sustainability of these long-overlooked waterways.
rivers
Europe’s Rivers Are the Most Obstructed on Earth
By analyzing satellite imagery of rivers worldwide, researchers have pinpointed over 35,000 obstructions like dams and locks that affect an environment’s ecology, hydrology, and water resources management.
Scientists Search for Deltas on Saturn’s Largest Moon
Saturn’s moon Titan has rivers that empty into seas…but where are the deltas?
Remote Landslide Puts Fraser River Salmon on Shaky Ground
An alliance of First Nations, provincial, and federal leaders worked with scientists, engineers, and emergency responders to rescue critical salmon stocks in western Canada.
The Shape of Watersheds
Streams in flatter watersheds have carbon cycles more sensitive to temperature increases.
New Isotope Model Predicts Denitrification from Riparian Zones
A new model quantifies the relative contributions of denitrification and other processes of nitrogen uptake, such as by plants, from groundwater in riparian areas around streams.
The Eternal Nile Is Even More Ancient Than We Thought
Deep-mantle flow helps maintain the river’s steady course.
Hydropower and Bugs
Alpine hydropower plants commonly flush sediment that accumulates at intakes, but the associated rapid rise in discharge, turbidity, and streambed instability put aquatic insects at risk.
Are Beavers Nature’s “Little Firefighters”?
It’s about dam time: Beavers are acknowledged for their firefighting skills in five recent blazes.
Looking for Prehistoric Pollen? Check the Floodplains
A new methodology calculates the soil properties most likely to preserve pollen.