Analysis: What's causing the latest NSW floods? Here's what the science says | bencubby
years in a row, which is quite rare, and what it means is the soils are already soaked. When it rains, there’s really nowhere left for the water to go. The rivers are already full, so the water moves along the surface.”
“It’s a very unusual year – you don’t have to look very far in terms of rainfall records to see records being broken,” he said. At the same time, Australia’s national ecosystem mapping network, known as TERN, was monitoring an accumulation of saturated soil in the Murray-Darling region. The system, which uses remote sensors to map the topsoil water content of the whole continent in one-kilometre-square grids, showed deep blue patches indicating the highest levels of moisture in areas that have now become flood zones.
The clay soils in the state’s north and Central West – the current epicentre of the flood zone – hold three to four times as much water as coastal soils, but as a result they take much longer to dry out.“If you have a real gap between rainfall events, then the soil will have a capacity to absorb again,” Singh said. “The holding capacity will depend on the frequency of the rain. But most of the soils in these regions are already saturated.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NSW floods updates LIVE: ‘Heartbreaking’ floods hit NSW, againDominic Perrottet says there’s not one area across NSW that’s not at risk of flooding; SES perform 222 rescues, receive more than 900 calls for help in 24 hours. Follow updates here.
Read more »
NSW floods LIVE updates: Forbes told to evacuate as floods hit NSW Central WestOne of the state’s largest dams will spill vast amounts of water over the coming days and major flooding is expected at the regional centre of Forbes on Tuesday.
Read more »
Record-breaking flood emergency in NSW as thousands remain without power in SAFloodwaters are peaking across the NSW Central West for the 62nd day while thousands of South Australians remain without power for a third day. 9News
Read more »
'Wall of water' devastating NSW towns in flood crisisHelicopters and boats were used to carry out over 150 rescues in the inundated town of Eugowra, where people were forced to make for their roofs as floodwaters rose. 9News
Read more »
Forbes residents told to evacuate as NSW town prepares for second major flood in a fortnightNSW authorities say they are undertaking one of the biggest flood operations in the state's history.
Read more »
Record-breaking flood emergency in NSW as thousands remain without power in SADEVELOPING: A major emergency is unfolding in NSW's Central West, with more than 170 people rescued from devastating flash flooding. KateCreedon9 9News MORE:
Read more »