Latest news with #UniversityofBern
The Star
a day ago
- Science
- The Star
One of China's largest rivers faces flood risk from torrents of water and ice
Dangerous torrents of water and ice that could decimate several coastal cities are a worrying threat hanging over the Yellow River, China's second-largest waterway. Researchers have found that global warming is leading to the formation of massive blocks of ice that could break apart at any moment, thereby increasing the flood risk in a geographical region already highly prone to flooding. Located in China, the Yellow River is over 5,400km long and is one of the world's largest rivers. Considered the cradle of Chinese civilisation, it is also known as "China's Sorrow' due to its impressive and deadly floods, which have been ravaging the region for over two centuries. And the risk of flooding could increase in the coming decades due to a specific phenomenon exacerbated by climate change, according to research conducted by scientists from the University of Bern (Switzerland) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Beijing, China), and published in the journal Science Advances. Based on data and statistical models compiled over the past 160 years, the study authors found that ice jams (accumulations of natural materials carried by water) are likely to increase the risk of flooding in the Yellow River. More specifically, these ice jams are related to blocks of ice formed near the river's source (the Tibetan plateau) that break up when temperatures rise in early spring, but which have gradually moved downstream over time due to global warming. The water then migrates to the colder currents of the river and freezes, creating an ice "traffic jam' that threatens to collapse, releasing torrents of ice and water." Our findings show that ice-jam floods are strongly influenced by large-scale atmospheric teleconnections, including the Arctic Oscillation, Siberian High and Ural Blocking, which regulate regional thermal contrasts and cold-air intrusions," the researchers write. Although these potential floods seem to be more likely to occur in coastal areas, they could have devastating consequences for nearby ecosystems and infrastructure, according to the study authors. They particularly emphasise the increased risk of flooding for several coastal cities in China (notably Binzhou, Dongying and Shandong) and the resulting water shortages. "Our study bridges historical and future perspectives, emphasising the need for adaptive flood management as climate change shifts hydrological risks worldwide," the scientists conclude. – AFP Relaxnews
Deccan Herald
6 days ago
- Science
- Deccan Herald
Europe's oldest lake settlement uncovered in Albania
Archaeologists working on the shores of Ohrid Lake in Albania are convinced they have uncovered the oldest human settlement built on a European lake, finding evidence of an organised hunting and farming community living up to 8,000 years ago. The team, from Switzerland and Albania, spends hours each day about three metres (9.8 feet) underwater, painstakingly retrieving wooden stilts that supported houses. They are also collecting bones of domesticated and wild animals, copper objects and ceramics, featuring detailed carvings. Albert Hafner, from the University of Bern, said similar settlements have been found in Alpine and Mediterranean regions, but the settlements in the village of Lin are half a millennium older, dating back between 6,000 and 8,000 years. "Because it is under water, the organic material is well-preserved and this allows us to find out what these people have been eating, what they have been planting," Hafner said. Multiple studies show that Lake Ohrid, shared by North Macedonia and Albania, is the oldest lake in Europe, at over one million years. The age of the findings is determined through radiocarbon dating and dendrochronology, which measures annual growth rings in trees. More than one thousand wood samples have been collected from the site, which may have hosted several hundred people. It is believed to cover around six hectares, but so far, only about 1% has been excavated after six years of work. Hafner said findings show that people who lived on the lake helped to spread agriculture and livestock to other parts of Europe. "They were still doing hunting and collecting things but the stable income for the nutrition was coming from the agriculture," he said. Albanian archaeologist Adrian Anastasi said it could take decades to fully explore the area. "(By) the way they had lived, eaten, hunted, fished and by the way the architecture was used to build their settlement we can say they were very smart for that time," Anastasi said.
Observer
21-07-2025
- Science
- Observer
Europe's oldest lake settlement uncovered in Albania
Archaeologists working on the shores of Ohrid Lake in Albania are convinced they have uncovered the oldest human settlement built on a European lake, finding evidence of an organised hunting and farming community living up to 8,000 years ago. The team, from Switzerland and Albania, spends hours each day about three metres (9.8 feet) underwater, painstakingly retrieving wooden stilts that supported houses. The are also collecting bones of domesticated and wild animals, copper objects and ceramics, featuring detailed carvings. Albert Hafner, from the University of Bern, said similar settlements have been found in Alpine and Mediterranean regions, but the settlements in the village of Lin are half a millennium older, dating back between 6,000 and 8,000 years. "Because it is under water, the organic material is well-preserved and this allows us to find out what these people have been eating, what they have been planting," Hafner said. Europe's oldest lake settlement uncovered in Albania Multiple studies show that Lake Ohrid, shared by North Macedonia and Albania, is the oldest lake in Europe, at over one million years. The age of the findings is determined through radiocarbon dating and dendrochronology, which measures annual growth rings in trees. More than one thousand wood samples have been collected from the site, which may have hosted several hundred people. It is believed to cover around six hectares, but so far, only about 1% has been excavated after six years of work. Hafner said findings show that people who lived on the lake helped to spread agriculture and livestock to other parts of Europe. "They were still doing hunting and collecting things but the stable income for the nutrition was coming from the agriculture," he said. Albanian archaeologist Adrian Anastasi said it could take decades to fully explore the area. "(By) the way they had lived, eaten, hunted, fished and by the way the architecture was used to build their settlement we can say they were very smart for that time," Anastasi said. —Reuters
NDTV
17-07-2025
- Science
- NDTV
Europe's Oldest Lake Settlement From 8,000 Years Ago Found In Albania
Lin: Archaeologists working on the shores of Ohrid Lake in Albania are convinced they have uncovered the oldest human settlement built on a European lake, finding evidence of an organised hunting and farming community living up to 8,000 years ago. The team, from Switzerland and Albania, spends hours each day about three metres (9.8 feet) underwater, painstakingly retrieving wooden stilts that supported houses. The are also collecting bones of domesticated and wild animals, copper objects and ceramics, featuring detailed carvings. Albert Hafner, from the University of Bern, said similar settlements have been found in Alpine and Mediterranean regions, but the settlements in the village of Lin are half a millennium older, dating back between 6,000 and 8,000 years. "Because it is under water, the organic material is well-preserved and this allows us to find out what these people have been eating, what they have been planting," Hafner said. Multiple studies show that Lake Ohrid, shared by North Macedonia and Albania, is the oldest lake in Europe, at over one million years. The age of the findings is determined through radiocarbon dating and dendrochronology, which measures annual growth rings in trees. More than one thousand wood samples have been collected from the site, which may have hosted several hundred people. It is believed to cover around six hectares, but so far, only about 1% has been excavated after six years of work. Hafner said findings show that people who lived on the lake helped to spread agriculture and livestock to other parts of Europe. "They were still doing hunting and collecting things but the stable income for the nutrition was coming from the agriculture," he said. Albanian archaeologist Adrian Anastasi said it could take decades to fully explore the area. "(By) the way they had lived, eaten, hunted, fished and by the way the architecture was used to build their settlement we can say they were very smart for that time," Anastasi said.
Ammon
17-07-2025
- Science
- Ammon
Europe's oldest lake settlement uncovered in Albania
Ammon News - Archaeologists working on the shores of Ohrid Lake in Albania are convinced they have uncovered the oldest human settlement built on a European lake, finding evidence of an organised hunting and farming community living up to 8,000 years ago. The team, from Switzerland and Albania, spends hours each day about three metres (9.8 feet) underwater, painstakingly retrieving wooden stilts that supported houses. The are also collecting bones of domesticated and wild animals, copper objects and ceramics, featuring detailed carvings. Albert Hafner, from the University of Bern, said similar settlements have been found in Alpine and Mediterranean regions, but the settlements in the village of Lin are half a millennium older, dating back between 6,000 and 8,000 years. "Because it is under water, the organic material is well-preserved and this allows us to find out what these people have been eating, what they have been planting," Hafner said. Multiple studies show that Lake Ohrid, shared by North Macedonia and Albania, is the oldest lake in Europe, at over one million years. The age of the findings is determined through radiocarbon dating and dendrochronology, which measures annual growth rings in trees. More than one thousand wood samples have been collected from the site, which may have hosted several hundred people. It is believed to cover around six hectares, but so far, only about 1% has been excavated after six years of work. Hafner said findings show that people who lived on the lake helped to spread agriculture and livestock to other parts of Europe. "They were still doing hunting and collecting things but the stable income for the nutrition was coming from the agriculture," he said. Albanian archaeologist Adrian Anastasi said it could take decades to fully explore the area. "(By) the way they had lived, eaten, hunted, fished and by the way the architecture was used to build their settlement we can say they were very smart for that time," Anastasi said. Reuters
