New data from over 1,000 rivers shows extreme waterway heating events last twice as long as they do atmospherically
New study shows US rivers warming at a record rate
The first in-depth study of river heat waves shows that inland marine heat waves are quickly getting which are worse as the planet heats up
A new 40 year Penn State analysis of nearly 1,500 rivers found that the frequency, intensity and duration of heat waves is increasing in streams, rivers and creeks around the US. Among the more immediate effects is the threat to trout, salmon and other species that are adapted to cooler temperatures. Heat decreases the amount of dissolved oxygen in water. Meanwhile, cold-water species often see their metabolism rise in warmer waters, meaning there’s less oxygen available.
The new analysis was published in the peer-reviewed journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The authors found that human-caused climate change is the primary driver of the trend, as snowpack dwindles and streams flow more slowly.
Other human factors such as dams and hard surface infrastructure also drive water temperatures higher.
.