Hydro-Climatic Extremes in the Anthropocene
- 2023
- Book
- Author
- Christopher Ndehedehe
- Book Series
- Springer Climate
- Publisher
- Springer International Publishing
About this book
This book explores how human civilization has contributed to changes in the Anthropocene, an era that marks a fundamental change in the way mankind has interacted with the Earth system. It examines the 21st century in the context of human development of water infrastructures, climate change impacts on freshwater resources, groundwater depletion, rising population, land use change, extreme events (droughts, floods, and wildfires). The implications of climate change impacts on environmental assets and the global water cycle are also highlighted. The book takes a pragmatically trans-disciplinary and holistic approach to the discussion of these issues, and the Earth system in the Anthropocene, drawing from a plethora of case studies. The capabilities of machine learning tools in satellite hydrology applications have been demonstrated as well as the feasibility of remote sensing data and innovative geospatial tools in environmental assessment. The book further showcases the multiple strengths and potential of new multi-disciplinary satellite radar programmes and geodetic missions, to measure and characterize extreme events, and their links to global climate, as well as in remote sensing of the environment. The aim is to provide innovative tools and a scientific framework that underpin our fundamental understanding of environmental systems, and the complexities of socio-hydrological systems in the Anthropocene. Policy issues have also been raised as an important aspect that can strengthen the management and administration of water resources, particularly in emerging economies where observational data is often lacking, limited, or difficult to access. It also highlights the lessons learned from freshwater hotspots (e.g., Lake Chad and Lake Urmia) where prolonged droughts and human activities have led to a permanent loss of surface water. It identifies the role of institutions and stakeholders in driving policies that underpins water management and climate change adaptation. The book articulates the novel applications of remote sensing tools as part of a monitoring framework that can alert stakeholders and the public sector to the dangers of mismanagement of freshwater in these hotspots and help facilitate water governance approaches. The book fills a critical gap in the multi-disciplinary aspect of planetary science, particularly in understanding the impacts of climate change and human actions on freshwater resources, as well as the stability of the Earth system.
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Table of Contents
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Frontmatter
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The Anthropocene
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Frontmatter
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Chapter 1. Understanding the Anthropocene
Christopher NdehedeheThe chapter 'Understanding the Anthropocene' delves into the concept of the Anthropocene, a new epoch defined by human-induced environmental changes. It discusses the rise in global sea levels, driven by factors such as glacier mass loss, groundwater depletion, and changes in land cover. The chapter explores the impacts of human activities on the water cycle, including the construction of dams and reservoirs, and the consequences of these changes on freshwater availability and climate. It also highlights the challenges posed by groundwater depletion, deforestation, and the increasing frequency of extreme events like droughts and floods. The text emphasizes the need for effective planetary stewardship to mitigate the deleterious impacts of the Anthropocene on both human well-being and natural ecosystems.AI Generated
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AbstractThe Anthropocene is a new era that marks a fundamental change in the way humans have interacted with the Earth system. As opposed to the relative stability of the Earth system under Holocene conditions, in the Anthropocene, human activities (e.g., dam constructions, groundwater abstraction, and deforestation) are now the predominant drivers of these changes, surpassing those caused by natural processes and climate change. The scale of human activity driving these changes in the Anthropocene is now global. This chapter examines the twenty-first century in the context of how human civilization and increasing population through various human activities have contributed to changes in the Earth system in the Anthropocene. Human–landscape interactions will continue to change the Earth’s morphology in the Anthropocene due to urbanization and pressures from the growing human population. Anthropogenic activities such as land reclamation, human-managed reservoirs, groundwater depletion, deforestation, water transfer, and land cover change, among others, have contributed to major landscape transformations and the alterations of the Earth system in the Anthropocene. Human interference in the global water cycle is also articulated in this chapter.
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Hydro-Climatic Extremes
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Frontmatter
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Chapter 2. Hydro-Climatic Extremes: Climate Change and Human Influence
Christopher NdehedeheThe chapter delves into the historical significance of hydro-climatic extremes like droughts and floods, highlighting their devastating impacts on ancient civilizations and modern societies. It discusses the role of industrialization and urbanization in exacerbating these events, focusing on the increasing frequency and intensity of droughts and floods. The text explores the predictions of climate models under different scenarios, emphasizing the need for resilience and adaptation strategies. It also covers the socio-economic implications of these extremes, including migration, conflicts, and the impact on food security. The chapter concludes with a discussion on operational monitoring frameworks and the importance of satellite data in understanding and managing these extreme events.AI Generated
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AbstractThe impacts of extreme events, such as floods and droughts, can have devastating consequences. So far, the effects of these events on human societies, including the loss of lives and properties, as well as their influence on economic investments, have continued unabated. Living with climate extremes in the twenty-first century has become a way of life. However, it is also a concept that demands thorough understanding. This understanding is crucial for enhancing plans for adaptation, making risk-based decisions, implementing mitigation strategies, and improving drought resilience. This chapter delves into the impacts of extreme events, including their socio-economic implications and the changes in the characteristics of hydroclimatic extremes. It also explores socio-hydrological systems and examines the role of climate shocks in causing water crises, affecting food security, driving migration, and triggering geopolitical conflicts. The chapter discusses the threats of climate-induced water scarcity and the risks associated with mismanaging environmental assets. Furthermore, this chapter emphasizes the need for effective water governance in large freshwater hotspots to alert stakeholders and the public sector to these dangers. As a crucial step towards achieving these goals, this chapter underscores the importance of operational monitoring, utilizing innovative tools that deepen our understanding of changes in environmental systems.
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Water Resources
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Frontmatter
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Chapter 3. How Much Freshwater Is Available?
Christopher NdehedeheThis chapter delves into the global freshwater crisis, highlighting that despite water being essential for life and ecosystems, over 2 billion people face water stress or scarcity. The limited availability of freshwater, coupled with increasing demand and climate change, poses significant threats to water security. The chapter discusses the spatial and temporal variability of freshwater resources, the impacts of climate change on water availability, and the challenges faced by regions heavily reliant on water resources. It also explores innovative management strategies and the importance of building resilience to ensure sustainable water use and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The chapter underscores the urgent need for effective water governance and management practices to address the growing water scarcity and maintain ecosystem functions.AI Generated
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AbstractIn today’s world, evidence of critical freshwater problems exists. More than 2.3 billion people are currently facing water stress and/or living in areas with extreme water shortages. This number is expected to double by 2050 due to frequent extreme droughts. Freshwater availability is under threat due to prolonged extreme drought, and the aggressive exploitation of non-renewable groundwater resources in some regions poses a lot of danger to its future availability. As climate risk continues to amplify in regions with critical water challenges, managing freshwater resources is therefore now an important aspect of governance. This chapter articulates some of the issues associated with freshwater changes and availability in the Anthropocene, providing new perspectives on the state of the world’s water resources. It also discusses important water concepts (e.g., water security, demand, and crises), and the need to pursue sustainability of freshwater and build resilience. -
Chapter 4. Satellite Hydrology Programmes: Capabilities and Benefits
Christopher NdehedeheThe chapter 'Satellite Hydrology Programmes: Capabilities and Benefits' delves into the transformative impact of satellite technology on hydrological monitoring. It begins with the historical context of space-based observations, starting with the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957, and traces the evolution of satellite missions like TIROS, Nimbus, and ESSA-1. The chapter underscores the pivotal role of satellite hydrology-specific missions such as the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) in quantifying terrestrial water resources. It discusses the advanced capabilities of these missions, including radar systems and geodetic techniques, which provide unprecedented insights into water cycle dynamics. The text also highlights the benefits of satellite hydrology in climate change tracking, groundwater monitoring, and surface water management. Additionally, it explores the potential of emerging technologies like the Mass change and Geosciences International Constellation (MAGIC) and the SWOT mission in advancing our understanding of freshwater resources. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the critical importance of satellite hydrology in addressing global water challenges and supporting sustainable water management practices.AI Generated
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AbstractThis chapter discusses some of the new capabilities and methods to assess changes in global terrestrial hydrology underpinned by recent advances in satellite technologies. Some of these new satellite programmes (e.g., the Surface Water and Ocean Topography mission) have radar capabilities that will help track the pace of climate change. Satellite hydrology missions such as the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment and radar altimetry have contributed to improving the understanding of the impacts of climate change and human influence on the water cycle, thus helping with policy and management decisions related to water resources. The benefits and various applications of these satellite hydrology missions are discussed. The need for a more comprehensive management and policy framework to address increasing water challenges is also stressed. -
Chapter 5. Can the Wells Run Dry?
Christopher NdehedeheThe chapter begins by defining groundwater drought as a distinct type of drought characterized by prolonged low groundwater levels due to reduced rainfall, intensive human water extraction, or both. It highlights the unique challenges posed by groundwater drought, which can be caused by either natural factors or human activities. The text explores the global status of groundwater, including the critical role it plays in sustaining freshwater-dependent ecosystems and human well-being. It discusses the impacts of groundwater overdraft, salinization, and pollution, and the need for sustainable management practices. The chapter also delves into the concept of groundwater drought as a new type of drought and how it can be measured using various indices. It emphasizes the importance of adaptation and resilience in the context of climate change and provides an overview of global groundwater recharge and discharge processes. Additionally, the text discusses the challenges and constraints in groundwater management, including the need for sustainable limits and the importance of compliance and enforcement in water policies. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the need for comprehensive and targeted measures to ensure the sustainability of groundwater resources.AI Generated
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AbstractTo efficiently manage groundwater resources and prevent groundwater drought (when the wells run dry), groundwater monitoring must be prioritized in large aquifers around the globe. In this chapter, global groundwater status, as well as key challenges, constraints, and groundwater processes (e.g., recharge, discharge, etc.), are detailed. The concept of groundwater drought and how it can be measured are discussed. Sustainable limits and the importance of adaptation and resilience in the context of groundwater hydrology and climate change are also highlighted.
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Environmental Sensing
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Frontmatter
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Chapter 6. Remote Sensing of the Environment
Christopher NdehedeheThe chapter discusses the vital role of Earth resources satellites in environmental monitoring, particularly their use in informed decision-making for sustainable development. It highlights the increasing sophistication of new sensors and their applications in various fields, such as water resources management and disaster response. The chapter also delves into the challenges and capabilities of these satellite missions, emphasizing the potential of new technologies like NISAR in providing detailed environmental data. Additionally, it explores the integration of satellite data with other methods to improve groundwater management and disaster preparedness, making it a valuable resource for professionals in the field.AI Generated
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AbstractSatellite remote sensing is emerging as an important technology that will drive understanding of critical environmental science geared towards achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. To help foster the Sustainable Development Agenda, experts across multidisciplinary fields of remote sensing are now working with end users in the application of remote sensing products to provide insights that underpin policies. New satellite sensors, including radar technology, have emerged to help improve science applications in key aspects of the environment, including the monitoring of groundwater, coastal wetlands, extreme events and hazards, snow/glaciers and ice sheets, forest ecosystems, soil moisture, permafrost, pollution, etc. In this chapter, the focus is on radar missions, given their sophistication and all-weather imaging capabilities. The novel NASA-ISRO SAR Mission (NISAR) has emerged as a sophisticated radar mission with broadened applications compared to other well-known radar systems. Among other things, the NISAR is discussed in detail, and its mission objectives, scope, and broad multidisciplinary capabilities in environmental assessment are highlighted. The potential of its combination with satellite gravity missions to improve the assessment of groundwater status and impacts associated with overabstraction is stressed.
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Machine Learning in Hydrology
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Frontmatter
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Chapter 7. Assimilated Deep Learning to Assess Terrestrial Hydrology
Christopher NdehedeheThe chapter delves into the application of deep learning techniques to assess terrestrial hydrology, focusing on the impacts of climate change on freshwater availability. It introduces the use of GRACE satellite data to monitor terrestrial water storage and highlights the importance of understanding climate teleconnections and sea surface temperature patterns in predicting hydrological changes. The chapter also discusses the methodology of statistical decomposition and back propagation neural networks used to model these complex interactions. The case study of South America is used to illustrate the practical application of these techniques, showcasing the potential of deep learning in enhancing our understanding of global water cycles and climate dynamics.AI Generated
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AbstractIn this chapter, an assimilated deep learning approach is employed to improve understanding of the links between global climate teleconnection patterns (e.g., ENSO) and changes in terrestrial water storage (TWS). To this end, a hybrid deep learning framework was developed to reconstruct climate-driven TWS and to assess the influence of key climatic drivers on the spatio-temporal distribution of TWS. Using South America as a case study to showcase the potential and utility of this framework, the methodology, challenges, and prospect of machine learning in satellite hydrology are also detailed. -
Chapter 8. Deep Belief Network for Groundwater Modeling
Christopher NdehedeheThe chapter delves into the application of Deep Belief Networks (DBN) for groundwater modeling, using the Great Artesian Basin as a test bed. It discusses the influence of terrestrial water storage (TWS) and climate indices such as ENSO, NAO, AMO, IOD, and PDO on groundwater level fluctuations. The study employs machine learning techniques to forecast groundwater levels up to five months in advance, showcasing the potential of DBNs in enhancing the accuracy of hydrological predictions. The chapter also covers data assimilation methods and uncertainty evaluation, providing a comprehensive approach to groundwater management and forecasting.AI Generated
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AbstractIn this chapter, the potential of Deep Belief Network (DBN) as a novel machine learning framework in predicting groundwater is explored, leveraging the Great Artesian basin as a tentative test bed. Furthermore, the DBN methodological framework, design, implementation, training, and validation are discussed in detail. -
Chapter 9. Integrated Machine Learning in Satellite Hydrology
Christopher NdehedeheThe chapter delves into the application of Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite data for assessing freshwater status and changes in terrestrial water storage (TWS). It highlights the limitations of traditional methods, such as data gaps and errors, and introduces integrated machine learning techniques to address these challenges. The integrated approach combines convolutional neural networks and support vector machines to reconstruct TWS data, offering a promising solution for enhancing the accuracy and reliability of hydrological predictions. The chapter also discusses the implications of climate variability on TWS and the importance of comprehensive input parameters for accurate modeling. By showcasing the potential of advanced machine learning algorithms, this chapter provides valuable insights into the future of satellite hydrology and water management.AI Generated
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AbstractThe existing gaps (or some missing monthly observations) in the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) data limit its use in climate change studies. Data gaps provide an opportunity to reconstruct the time series of GRACE-derived terrestrial water storage (TWS) product or extend it backward to favor climate change assessments. To address this limitation, the use of machine learning models to reconstruct GRACE data is gradually emerging, emphasizing the importance of accurately filling these data gaps. This chapter demonstrates the utility of an integrated machine learning technique that shows faster convergence rates, finer predictions, and more efficient reconstructive properties for non-linear systems. By exemplifying the reconstruction process of TWS using this technique, this chapter discusses how the reconstruction of GRACE data can help improve understanding of the influence of climate variability on terrestrial hydrology. -
Chapter 10. Regularized Neural Network for Tide Modeling
Christopher NdehedeheThe chapter delves into the intricacies of tide modeling, focusing on the use of Regularized Neural Networks (RNN) to predict tide levels. It begins by introducing the concept of tides and their significance in marine and construction activities. The text then discusses the limitations of existing tide prediction methods, such as the least squares model and Support Vector Machine Regression (SVMR). The main contribution of the chapter is the evaluation of RNN's performance compared to Standard Neural Networks (SNN) and traditional techniques. The analysis is conducted using data from Lagos, Nigeria, and the results are validated through various statistical tests, including the Jarque–Bera test. The chapter highlights the potential of RNN in improving the accuracy and generalization ability of tide prediction models, making it a valuable resource for professionals seeking advanced methods in environmental forecasting.AI Generated
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AbstractTide is an expression used to describe the periodic variations in water level, typically characterized by the vertical rise and fall of sea levels induced by the gravitational forces of the moon, sun, and rotation of the earth. To support the accurate prediction of tide for several marine and construction activities in coastal regions among other applications, this chapter evaluates the potential and efficiency of Regularized Neural Network (RNN) in modeling tide levels. The RNN implemented in this study is developed by a systematic optimization of the Standard Neural Network (SNN). To assess the performance of the proposed RNN, its numerical results are compared with those of the SNN and conventional least squares technique using the Jarque–Bera test statistics and other evaluation metrics. The mathematical formulation and modeling framework are also detailed.
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Impacts of Extreme Events
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Frontmatter
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Chapter 11. Drought Characteristics and Impacts in the Anthropocene
Christopher NdehedeheThe chapter 'Drought Characteristics and Impacts in the Anthropocene' delves into the perturbations of the Earth system due to anthropogenic activities and their impact on drought characteristics. It highlights the expected increase in drought risk and the need for improved understanding of drought properties to enhance preparedness. The study combines climate models and satellite observations to predict changes in drought duration and intensity, emphasizing the implications for global hydrology and water availability. The chapter also discusses groundwater drought, anthropogenic drought, and the role of climate teleconnections in predicting drought variability. It concludes by stressing the importance of maintaining balance and justice in the Earth system to address the challenges posed by drought and climate change.AI Generated
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AbstractDrought assessments on global scales are beginning to diagnose the complexities of drought, in terms of drivers, propagation, termination, frequency of dry spells, physical processes, and the role of human activities in regulating drought processes. However, in terms of future climate outlook, there is still limited knowledge on changes in drought properties (e.g., duration) and impact (e.g., extent) on a global scale, especially with the expected increase in carbon emissions that will result from socio-economic changes. This understanding is critical and underpins our effort in drought-preparedness and ability to increase resilience through improved forecast, managing water supplies, and allocation under drought. One of the main goals of this chapter is to demonstrate how climate models (e.g., Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6) and satellite observations can be combined to improve understanding of contemporary and future (2040–2070 and 2070–2100) changes in drought characteristics (e.g., duration) and impacts (e.g., extents) following the work of Ndehedehe et al. (2023). This chapter discusses how such changes may impact on groundwater hydrology and the availability of water resources in general. Additionally, it articulates how global climate teleconnection patterns are important predictors of these changes. The faithfulness of climate models in predicting drought impact on water availability and hydrological systems are detailed. -
Chapter 12. Floods and Wildfire Events
Christopher NdehedeheThe chapter begins by introducing the intensifying impacts of climate change on floods and wildfires, with a focus on the devastating events of recent years. It discusses the humanitarian crises caused by floods, such as the 2022 floods in Nigeria, and the growing threat of wildfires, particularly in regions like the Amazon and Australia. The text then delves into the advanced techniques and systems used for assessing these extreme events, including machine learning models and satellite-based remote sensing. It highlights the importance of early warning systems and the need for improved prediction models to mitigate the impacts of these disasters. The chapter also explores the long-term changes in global fire occurrence and the impacts of wildfires on freshwater resources, providing a comprehensive overview of the challenges and potential solutions in this critical area of research.AI Generated
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AbstractIn this chapter, changes in the characteristics of floods and wildfire events and how they have impacted human developments and progress are discussed. The techniques and frameworks for improved assessments of these extreme events are also detailed.
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Backmatter
- Title
- Hydro-Climatic Extremes in the Anthropocene
- Author
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Christopher Ndehedehe
- Copyright Year
- 2023
- Publisher
- Springer International Publishing
- Electronic ISBN
- 978-3-031-37727-3
- Print ISBN
- 978-3-031-37726-6
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-37727-3
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