Arctic rivers face big changes with a warming climate, permafrost thaw and an accelerating water cycle − the effects will have global consequences

A new study shows how thawing permafrost and intensifying storms will change how water moves into and through Arctic rivers.

Ambarish Karmalkar, Assistant Professor of Geosciences, University of Rhode Island • conversation
March 5, 2024 ~8 min

Humans are depleting groundwater worldwide, but there are ways to replenish it

Rapid and accelerating groundwater level declines are widespread in dry climates where groundwater is used for irrigation. But some communities have found ways to turn things around.

Richard Taylor, Professor of Hydrogeology, UCL • conversation
Jan. 24, 2024 ~10 min


Collaborative water management can be a building block for peace between Israelis and Palestinians

As the war between Hamas and Israel grinds forward, two experts explain how Israelis and Palestinians have cooperated to tackle their region’s water challenges.

Richard Friend, Senior Lecturer in Human Geography, University of York • conversation
Oct. 30, 2023 ~11 min

What is seawater intrusion? A hydrogeologist explains the shifting balance between fresh and salt water at the coast

Saltwater intrusion is bad for human health, ecosystems, crops and infrastructure. Here’s how seawater can move inland, and why climate change is making this phenomenon more frequent and severe.

Holly Michael, Director, Delaware Environmental Institute, and Professor of Earth Sciences and Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Delaware • conversation
Oct. 11, 2023 ~8 min

Wax may expose skiers to harmful ‘forever chemicals’

Skiers and snowboarders who wax their equipment may be exposing themselves to harmful PFAS and other chemicals, a new study shows.

Jillian McKoy-Boston U. • futurity
March 21, 2023 ~7 min

How dangerous was the Ohio chemical train derailment? An environmental engineer assesses the long-term risks

The slow release of information about the chemical spill and results of air and water tests have left many questions about the risks and long-term impact.

Andrew J. Whelton, Professor of Civil, Environmental & Ecological Engineering, Director of the Healthy Plumbing Consortium and Center for Plumbing Safety, Purdue University • conversation
Feb. 15, 2023 ~8 min

How California could save up its rain to ease future droughts — instead of watching epic atmospheric river rainfall drain into the Pacific

Urban infrastructure was designed to take stormwater out to the ocean quickly. Now, California needs that precious water.

Andrew Fisher, Professor of Earth Science, University of California, Santa Cruz • conversation
Jan. 6, 2023 ~7 min

The Horn of Africa has had years of drought, yet groundwater supplies are increasing – why?

High intensity rain has actually increased, which is topping up underground water stores.

Markus Adloff, PostDoctoral Researcher, Earth System Modelling, Université de Berne • conversation
Nov. 1, 2022 ~7 min


Britain's notoriously wet and cold climate is changing – you won't like what replaces it

The UK is no stranger to drought – especially southern England.

Ted Shepherd, Grantham Professor of Climate Science, University of Reading • conversation
Aug. 9, 2022 ~7 min

Paradox Basin groundwater isn’t as old as previously thought

Roughly 6 million years after the Grand Canyon's formation, researchers have discovered that nearby groundwater is much younger than they thought it was.

Mikayla Mace-Arizona • futurity
July 8, 2022 ~9 min

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