Science

Rivers cover lots more of the Earth than we thought

Rivers and streams cover more of the Earth than previously thought and therefore play a greater role in controlling concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, according to a new study.

Using satellite images from NASA, the team developed the Global River Widths from Landsat (GRWL) Database, the most comprehensive global map of river length and width.

“We were able to measure over two million kilometers of rivers that were wider than 30 meters,” says George Allen, an assistant professor of geography in the College of Geosciences at Texas A&M University.

For the rivers that were too narrow to accurately measure from the satellite images, the researchers applied a novel statistical technique that utilized the fractal characteristics of river networks. “There are many more narrow rivers than wide rivers, and we found that the relationship between river length and width is actually pretty predictable,” Allen says.

“We added up all the rivers and streams around the world [and] got an area larger than the size of Texas. The estimate was significantly larger than the previous best estimate, particularly […]

More about rivers and watersheds:

Why river floodplains are key to preserving nature and biodiversity in western USA

WWF Report Explores Rivers’ Less Valued Benefits

How planting trees and grasses can help stabilise farmland in a changing climate

The veins of America: Stunning map shows every river basin in the USA

Water and wetlands

River Revives After Largest Dam Removal in USA History

Cleansing the Air at the Expense of Waterways

3 Surprising Ways Water Depends on Healthy Forests

Summary
Article Name
Rivers cover lots more of the Earth than we thought
Description
Rivers and streams cover more Earth than thought and play a greater role in controlling greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, according to a new study.
Author
Publisher Name
Futurity - Texas A&M University
Publisher Logo

Recent Posts

Why Isn’t the LA Regional Board Doing More to Protect Groundwater?

Protecting Groundwater Through the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board The Los Angeles Regional…

13 hours ago

Biden administration warns states of cyberattack threat to water, wastewater systems

(The Hill) — The Biden administration warned governors Tuesday that “disabling” cyberattacks are targeting drinking…

4 days ago

Cocopah Tribe: habitat restoration along the Colorado River to address climate change

Map: Tribe will restore areas along the Colorado River to address climate change. The Cocopah…

4 days ago

70 million Americans drink water from systems reporting PFAS to EPA. Is yours on our map?

At least 70 million Americans get their water from a system where toxic PFAS "forever…

5 days ago

Carbon Capture: Evaluating Underground CO2 Sequestration in California

Natural gas production. (Photo: ucr.edu) California’s natural gas power plants are being wasted While the…

6 days ago

Watershedding: taps run dry across Johannesburg — unprecedented water crisis

Residents of the township of Soweto, South Africa, queue for water Saturday, March 16, 2024.…

1 week ago