Research briefs

The formation of a distinct pattern of sea surface temperatures in the middle of the North Pacific Ocean can predict an increased chance of summertime heat waves in the eastern half of the United States up to 50 days in advance, according to a new study led by a scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR).

An international research team has put together a map using satellite data that details the countries in Europe with the highest likelihood of experiencing wildfire damage - with large fires occurring more frequently near Wildland-Urban Interface areas in the countries of Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Italy and Spain.

According to a new study of the European Commission Joint Research Centre, adaptation efforts should favour measures targeted at reducing the impacts of floods, such as relocation and vulnerability reduction, rather than trying to avoid them. Reducing vulnerability includes early warning systems, dry and wet flood proofing, and floating buildings, among others.

Volcanic ash can damage jet engines but the chemical composition of the ash, which varies depending on its source, plays a crucial role in determining how much damage it can cause. Volcanologists from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have developed a new risk assessment model.

Forests nationwide are feeling the heat from increasing drought and climate change, according to a new study by scientists from 14 research institutions. 'Over the last two decades, warming temperatures and variable precipitation have increased the severity of forest droughts across much of the continental United States,' said James S. Clark, lead author of the study...

The Flood Re insurance scheme will fail to reduce flood risk and the number of London households eligible for the scheme could increase by up to 75% during its lifespan, according to a paper published today by the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the London School of Economics and Political Science...

Recovering from a traumatic event for some can mean finding a new appreciation of life – for others it is a slow process fraught with negativity. 'Having more close emotional ties is generally related to better mental health and personal wellbeing several years after a disaster. Involvement in local community groups and organisations is also associated with more positive outcomes,' says Associate Professor Gibbs, from the Centre of Health Equity, one of the chief investigators on the Beyond Bushfires project..,

Homes were destroyed last month in bushfires near Lancefield, Victoria, lives have been lost as fires continue to sweep through southern Western Australia. Alongside the devastating loss of life and properties, many properties potentially in the path of bushfires are inadequately insured...