Scientists find shocking changes in global river flooding
UC study examines changing river flows around the world
CNN highlighted a study by an environmental engineer at the University of Cincinnati who tracked changes in river flows in waterways around the world.
UC College of Engineering and Applied Science Assistant Professor Dongmei Feng and her research partner, Colin Gleason at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, mapped the flow of water in nearly 3 million rivers, creeks and streams for the past 35 years and discovered more water flowing in upstream headwaters and decreasing flows downstream where more people live.
The study published in the journal Science identified an increase in catastrophic floods known as 100-year floods in upstream waters over the last 35 years.
Researchers found significant declines in water flow in 44% of downstream sections of rivers and significant increases in 17% of upstream sections.
These changes can have profound effects on navigability, pollution, portability and even hydroelectric power. More sedimentation can cut off water flow to dams and damage turbines.
“We found that the rivers around the world are changing,” said Feng, the study’s lead author, who teaches environmental engineering at UC.
More UC environmental engineering in the news
Workers dig a new monitoring well at UC's groundwater observatory on the banks of the Great Miami River. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
- Courthouse News Service: New study discovers major changes in global river flows
- El Mundo: (Spain) The flow of 17% of world's rivers has surged in upper reaches, causing major floods
- Welt der Physik: (Germany) Rivers in Transition
Related Stories
Money matters
January 9, 2026
A Lindner-led team led by University of Cincinnati PhD candidate Sharmeen Merchant published “Gender Differences on Dual-Earners’ Money as Achievement Congruence and Needs-Supplies Fit" in the Journal of Business and Psychology. This research took an in-depth look at the psychological role money plays in households with two sources of income, and showed how a couple's alignment on financial needs impacts job fulfillment.
Engineering Colorful Solutions: Michael Tito Manianchira’s Co-op Experience at Shepherd Color Company
January 9, 2026
Discover how University of Cincinnati chemical engineering student Michael Tito Manianchira bridges classroom learning and hands-on innovation through his co-op at Shepherd Color Company. Explore his journey tackling real-world challenges in advanced pigment manufacturing and developing industry-ready skills.
Removing Barriers to Higher Education
January 8, 2026
Cincinnati media covered the rollout of the Bearcat Affordability Grant which provdes a pathway to tuition-free college for students of famlies who make less than $75,000 per year and are residents of the state of Ohio.