As wildfires intensify across the West, researchers are studying how scorched trees could lead to a faster snowmelt and end up disrupting water supplies.
Graduate student Arielle Koshkin, left, takes notes as snow hydrologist Anne Nolin, right, measures snow reflectivity at the site of the 2021 Caldor Fire Monday, April 4, 2022, near Twin Bridges, Calif.
As climate change fuels the spread of wildfires across the West, researchers want to know how the dual effect might disrupt water supplies. Communities often rely on melting snow in the spring to replenish reservoirs during dryer months. If snow melts earlier than normal, that would likely leave less water flowing in the summer when it’s most needed, Nolin said.
“It was like, OK, we really need to understand this. This is the new norm,” said David Rizzardo of the California Department of Water Resources.In some fire-damaged areas, state officials are beginning to map snow from planes with cameras that measure albedo and have plans to upgrade remote sensing stations as well.
Late-season storms have since blanketed the carbon-coated snow with several inches of fresh powder, which Nolin said could help slow the melt.Meanwhile, the Caldor Fire that burned the area and more than 200,000 acres last year has left nearby communities scrambling over more immediate water worries.
Argentina Últimas Noticias, Argentina Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
After wildfires, scorched trees could disrupt water suppliesAs wildfires intensify across the West, researchers are studying how scorched trees could lead to a faster snowmelt and end up disrupting water supplies
Leer más »
Nearly 800 homes, 1,000 animals evacuated from Tunnel Fire in ArizonaDangerous fire conditions are creating the perfect fuel for wildfires to scorch through the arid landscapes of the southwest, with a destructive Tunnel Fire in Arizona.
Leer más »
This inflation is driven by strong demand—not kinks in supply chains—and will likely persistOPINION: Supply chains are disrupted, but that isn’t enough of a headwind to keep economic output from booming, fueled by massive household savings.
Leer más »
Fires then floods: Argentina province under water months after blazesArgentina's northeastern province of Corrientes has been hit by widespread floods, leaving cattle fields under water and inundating roadways, just months after widespread wildfires ripped through the region and burned important wetlands.
Leer más »
Plug Power Snags Walmart Fuel Deal As Green Hydrogen Revs Up Amid Oil Price SpikeThe fuel cell maker says it may supply up to 20 tons per day of hydrogen made from water and renewable electricity to power Walmart forklifts.
Leer más »