Very interesting the historical links between deforestation and increased flooding then forest regeneration and reduced flooding. This mirrors a more recent study here in Coed Y Brenin (on a much smaller scale) and our own observations after clear felling higher up on our watershed- water levels in our streams rose much more rapidly and then sank just as quickly. As the regrowth got going and more water was held in the vegetation and absorbed into the soils, the reverse occurred.
Also, good point about not blaming everything on climate change- here in the UK the weather has always been capable of remarkably variability and extremes. Blaming climate change is an easy target and can mask other things that we are getting wrong.
I've been watching the National Weather Service website almost constantly since the flood began. They update water levels regularly and give predictions so one can plan accordingly. Historic floods are listed there in order of severity. One would expect to see them gradually getting worse, but that's not the case.
Interesting isn't it? I've been recording rainfall here for a few decades and while there's considerable variation from year to year its still within the same boundaries so a ten year average shows no appreciable change. There seemed to be a trend towards dryer springs/early summers but, as I have often found on more than one occasion, as soon as I think I've spotted a regular pattern, it changes completely! So this spring has bucked the trend and we have had rain pretty much every day and that looks set to continue for another fortnight and maybe longer. At least the fire risk is right down...
Glad you and the animals are not experiencing too much inconvenience or damage from the flooding. May it recede for all soon!
Thank you, Malika. Unfortunately there will probably be a lot of property damage to local businesses from this one.
I am sorry to hear that. 😢 Sending prayers to the Ohio Valley.💕
A reasoned and sane account. Glad you’re only a bit inconvenienced!
Thanks, Lisa!
Very interesting the historical links between deforestation and increased flooding then forest regeneration and reduced flooding. This mirrors a more recent study here in Coed Y Brenin (on a much smaller scale) and our own observations after clear felling higher up on our watershed- water levels in our streams rose much more rapidly and then sank just as quickly. As the regrowth got going and more water was held in the vegetation and absorbed into the soils, the reverse occurred.
Also, good point about not blaming everything on climate change- here in the UK the weather has always been capable of remarkably variability and extremes. Blaming climate change is an easy target and can mask other things that we are getting wrong.
I've been watching the National Weather Service website almost constantly since the flood began. They update water levels regularly and give predictions so one can plan accordingly. Historic floods are listed there in order of severity. One would expect to see them gradually getting worse, but that's not the case.
Interesting isn't it? I've been recording rainfall here for a few decades and while there's considerable variation from year to year its still within the same boundaries so a ten year average shows no appreciable change. There seemed to be a trend towards dryer springs/early summers but, as I have often found on more than one occasion, as soon as I think I've spotted a regular pattern, it changes completely! So this spring has bucked the trend and we have had rain pretty much every day and that looks set to continue for another fortnight and maybe longer. At least the fire risk is right down...