The human eye is quite good at identifying channel networks among the rich patterns exhibited by estuaries and braided rivers, but computers have a harder time doing so. Could they do better?
Rivers
River Ice Is Disappearing
Over the past 3 decades, the persistence of river ice has decreased by almost a week. The decrease in ice has important implications for ecology, climate, and the economy.
Science Gets Up to Speed on Dry Rivers
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.
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 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.
Looking for Prehistoric Pollen? Check the Floodplains
A new methodology calculates the soil properties most likely to preserve pollen.
Permafrost Thaws Rapidly as Arctic River Flooding Increases
As climate warms, Arctic rivers carry higher flows and flood earlier in the spring, causing underlying permafrost to thaw rapidly.
Diverting the Mississippi River May Not Save Louisiana’s Coast
New research finds that man-made river diversions have previously led to land losses.
Is Chicago Water Pollution Halting a Silver Carp Invasion?
Pollution is definitely not the solution to stopping invasive silver carp, researchers assert. But cleaner waters could affect the invasion front.
