Droughts, as a research topic, encompass the characterization, drivers, impacts, and prediction of prolonged periods of abnormally low water availability in the atmosphere, soil, and hydrological systems. Scientific study distinguishes meteorological, agricultural, hydrological, and socio-economic droughts, often quantified using indices such as the Standardized Precipitation Index or Palmer Drought Severity Index. Research investigates land–atmosphere feedbacks, large-scale circulation anomalies, soil moisture deficits, vegetation stress, and groundwater depletion, as well as the modulation of drought frequency, duration, and intensity by climate variability and anthropogenic climate change, with implications for water resources management, ecosystem functioning, and risk assessment.
If drought in an area persists longer, elephants move closer to areas near human settlements. This is the finding of research by biologist Irene Bouwman of Radboud University. During short-term droughts, the animals remain ...
Ecology
13 hours ago
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Which farming strategies can help agricultural operations better manage yield risks caused by climate change and fluctuating prices in the agricultural product market? A new study by ZALF published in the journal Agricultural ...
Ecology
17 hours ago
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Heat is no longer a future climate risk. It is already here.
Environment
18 hours ago
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A McGill University study suggests that diversifying crops and replacing annual wheat with a perennial grain could help protect soil health as climate change brings more variable rainfall. The research is published in the ...
Ecology
19 hours ago
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The UK braced for a record-breaking heat wave Tuesday as hundreds of schools closed early for the next two days and train companies slashed services.
Environment
21 hours ago
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Deforestation is a major problem across Africa. It is widely recognized that deforestation harms biodiversity, but tree loss also harms dietary quality, as nutritious fruits, nuts, seeds and leaves disappear from the landscape. ...
Ecology
Jun 23, 2026
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Images of families displaced by floods, prolonged droughts or extreme storms have become a distressingly regular feature of the daily news. As the impact of climate change intensifies, so does concern over its effects on ...
Environment
Jun 22, 2026
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Soils that are exposed to prolonged drought often develop desiccation cracks, which impact soil properties and exacerbate moisture loss through evapotranspiration. Now, a study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ...
Earth Sciences
Jun 18, 2026
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Spain registered its third-warmest year on record in 2025, with 25 single-day heat records set during the period, national weather agency AEMET said Wednesday.
Environment
Jun 17, 2026
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Climate change could push UK rivers to dangerous extremes and bring more frequent rapid swings between wet and dry conditions—a phenomenon known as hydroclimatic whiplash—according to research led by the University of East ...
Earth Sciences
Jun 17, 2026
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