GeoLog

Open flood modelling: Real time inundation and human displacement forecasting is now possible!

Asmae Ourkiya September 27, 2024

Flash flood in Oman. Heavy rains cut roads crossing wadis. Photo taken by Anita di Chiara

Floods are powerful natural events that can wreak havoc on communities and ecosystems. Every year, millions of people are affected by floods, leading to loss of life, damage to homes, and disruption of daily life. This blog post explores a new method for quickly mapping flood zones and predicting their impacts. To help communities and decision-makers better prepare, the authors of a recent publica ...[Read More]

What I wish someone told me early in my career: meet Chloe Hill, our Policy Manager

Asmae Ourkiya September 26, 2024

‘What I wish someone told me early in my career’ is a new Geolog series that aims to provide valuable insights and guidance to early-career professionals within the European Geosciences Union (EGU) community. Each month, I will interview a staff member of EGU to share their personal career journey, experiences, challenges faced, and the tips they wish they had received earlier in their careers. Th ...[Read More]

September 2024 flooding in Central Europe: The Austrian experience

Günter Blöschl September 26, 2024

This blog post is co-published with the Hydrology Division (HS). Storm Boris is the latest in a series of deluges during one of Europe’s most flood-prone periods in 500 years, yet Vienna managed to avoid major damage. The city’s preparations may offer valuable lessons for other urban areas facing similar challenges. Dealing with record rainfall: September 2024 in Vienna When record rainfall ...[Read More]

Here is how HydroFATE, a new high-resolution model, is predicting contaminant hotspots in global waterways

Asmae Ourkiya September 24, 2024

Figure from journal: estimated risk quotient for sulfamethoxazole (SMX) using HydroFATE in parts of Southeast Asia, with a focus on India and Pakistan. The risk quotient was calculated using Scenario 2 (see paper for details). The black dots represent the location of wastewater treatment plants in the database HydroWASTE. For visual clarity, only rivers exceeding a long-term average flow of 0.1 m3 s−1 are shown on the map. Credit: Macedo et al, 2024.

Ever wonder what happens to the chemicals and medications we use once they go down the drain? The fourth Sunday of September each year marks the World Rivers Day, and this post is dedicated to our global rivers and what humankind can do to preserve our waters. This is because pharmaceuticals and household products, even after being flushed or washed away, don’t just disappear. Many of these substa ...[Read More]