Sarah Derouin
(She/Her)
As seen in:
AGU's Eos,
Bottom Line,
Medium,
MSN,
MSN Brasil,
The New York Times,
BBC,
Estadão,
PBS NewsHour,
Soundcloud,
Stanford University
and
Covers:
geology, environment, climate, engineering, technology, archaeology, biology, oceanography, paleontology, wildfires, history
Articles by Sarah Derouin
Mangroves May Be Losing Their Grip on Carbon Storage as Sea Levels Rise
Mangrove forests straddle the edge of land and sea along some tropical and subtropical coastlines. These trees and shrubs have distinctive tangles of roots that trap sediment and produce organic matter, forming dense soils and efficiently storing carbon. Though mangroves cover only 1% of Earth’s surface, they store a whopping 15% of global ocean carbon in their trapped soils. Their location along coastlines means mangroves are at the mercy of changing sea levels and sediment availability.
Mangroves May Be Losing Their Grip on Carbon Storage as Sea Levels Rise
Space 7 hours ago See a helicopter destined for Mars and a spectacular flowery frame for the Milky Way — May's best science images nature.com - By Davide Castelvecchi • 7h A microcosm within. A field of lupines in bloom appears to enclose the Milky Way in this fish-eye perspective from New Zealand.
Wetter storms drive need for resilient infrastructure as hurricane season opens
Over 30 inches of rain fell in North Carolina during Hurricane Helene in 2024, destroying infrastructure and homes. Scientists say climate change is increasing rainfall from hurricanes and tropical storms. With the Atlantic hurricane season underway, this is the third in a three-part series looking at how engineers are making communities safer and infrastructure more resilient as storms grow stronger and more frequent. Read part 1, here, and part 2 here.
Inside Hurricane Harvey: ASCE president-elect recalls navigating Houston crisis
Houston responders rescue residents during Hurricane Harvey’s devastating 2017 flooding – an event that Carol Haddock, then the city’s acting public works director and now ASCE’s president-elect, helped lead. With the Atlantic hurricane season beginning June 1, this is the second in a multipart series looking at how engineers are making communities safer and infrastructure more resilient as storms grow stronger and more frequent. Read part 1, here.
Engineering for hurricanes: Modeling bolsters mitigation as Atlantic season begins
Wind tunnel models, including this one of a Panama City, Florida, coastal community, help civil engineers better understand surface wind forces and improve resilience to hurricanes. With the Atlantic hurricane season beginning June 1, this is the first in a multipart series looking at how engineers are making communities safer and infrastructure more resilient as storms grow stronger and more frequent.
Study explores new angles of carbon sequestration in cement infrastructure
In a bottom-up approach for estimating carbon uptake in cement-based products, the authors account for intricate geometries of structures. Infrastructure items like this bridge have high concrete surface areas. From the bridges of the Northeast to the stucco buildings in the Southwest, concrete is a dominant component of U.S. buildings and infrastructure.
Restoration of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest may hinge on market for native plants
Brazil’s Atlantic Forest is one of the richest biomes on the planet, hosting around 5% of Earth’s vertebrate species, but deforestation has decimated the region, with less than a quarter of original forests still standing. Reforestation efforts provide varying environmental, economic and societal values, also known as bioeconomics.
Could continental-scale mapping be the solution to infrastructure inequality?
Many informal settlements have thriving businesses and access to some infrastructure services. It is important for engineers to work with communities to understand their needs and goals. Disparity in access to reliable, high-quality infrastructure is a worldwide issue that generations of civil engineers have sought to solve.
East Asia: Marine heat waves can exacerbate heat and humidity on land
Researchers found the unprecedented 2023 East Asian marine heat wave increased land temperatures and humidity by up to 50%. In 2023, Earth experienced its warmest year since 1850, with heat waves stretching across oceans and land alike. East Asia, for example, experienced scorching temperatures and high humidity throughout the summer months. Humid-heat extremes like those seen that year can trigger heat-related illnesses and mortality at higher-than-average rates.
Marine Heat Waves Can Exacerbate Heat and Humidity over Land
In 2023, Earth experienced its warmest year since 1850, with heat waves stretching across oceans and land alike. East Asia, for example, experienced scorching temperatures and high humidity throughout the summer months. Humid-heat extremes like those seen that year can trigger heat-related illnesses and mortality at higher-than-average rates. As on land, the ocean around East Asia also experienced unprecedented warming in 2023.
Prayer-inducing, ‘temporary’ Massachusetts bridge will be replaced after 4 decades
Daily commuters over the Rourke Bridge in Lowell, Massachusetts, will soon be able to breathe a sigh of relief during their drive. The paradoxically long-lived yet temporary bridge is being replaced by a permanent structure that will have ample room for drivers, bikers, and pedestrians. Originally constructed in 1983, the temporary Rourke Bridge was planned to last a few years. Decades later, approximately 27,000 vehicles drive over the metal-plated structure each day.
The Southern Ocean may be building up a massive burp
The ocean has helped mitigate global warming by absorbing about a quarter of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, along with more than 90% of the excess heat those emissions generate. Many efforts, including assessments by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, have looked at how the oceans may continue to mitigate increasing emissions and global warming.
The Southern Ocean May Be Building Up a Massive Burp
The ocean has helped mitigate global warming by absorbing around a quarter of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, along with more than 90% of the excess heat those emissions generate. Many efforts, including assessments by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, have looked at how the oceans may continue to mitigate increasing emissions and global warming.
How Might Leftover Corn Stalks Halt Fugitive Carbon?
Across North America, abandoned oil and gas wells are leaking carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. As of 2022, there were more than 123,000 documented orphaned wells in the United States, but researchers suspect the real number may be anywhere from 310,000 to 800,000. Abandoned wells can be plugged by filling the drill holes with water or oil, but that process requires a substantial amount of liquid, as well as liquid assets.
Satellite scans can estimate urban emissions
Because the hustle and bustle of cities is driven largely by fossil fuels, urban areas have a critical role to play in addressing global greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, cities contribute around 75% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and urban populations are projected only to grow in the coming decades.
Satellite Scans Can Estimate Urban Emissions
Because the hustle and bustle of cities is driven largely by fossil fuels, urban areas have a critical role to play in addressing global greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, cities contribute around 75% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and urban populations are projected only to grow in the coming decades.
New model shows how to tackle cleanup challenges after cascading hazards
When the smoke clears, the waters recede, or the shaking stops, a palpable relief washes over communities struck by the natural hazards. But a new reality quickly sets in: dealing with the mounds of debris left after the catastrophe. After a natural disaster, waste disposal efforts can be stymied. Roadways and infrastructure can be destroyed or unreachable, creating delays to recovery. The resilience of a community is directly related to how long it takes to remove debris after a disaster.
1.1-mile tunnel to make highway safer would be California’s longest
In the shadows of California redwoods, a stretch of highway called the Last Chance Grade has been living up to its name. For decades, the 3-mile stretch of Highway 101 experienced repeated, devastating destruction. Landslides churn down mountain slopes, uprooting the roadway and necessitating a solution.
By 2051, emissions from coal mining on federal lands could drop by 86%
Federal lands—which make up about 640 million acres, or 28%, of U.S. soil—are used for many purposes, including conservation, recreation, and extraction of resources such as coal. Greenhouse gas emissions are released throughout the life cycle of coal use, including during its mining, transport, and combustion. In a new article published in Earth's Future, M. D.
By 2051, Emissions from Coal Mining on Federal Lands Could Drop by 86%
Federal lands—which make up about 640 million acres, or 28%, of U.S. soil—are used for many purposes, including conservation, recreation, and extraction of resources such as coal. Greenhouse gas emissions are released throughout the life cycle of coal use, including during its mining, transport, and combustion. Merrill et al. estimated the amount of coal production and coal-related greenhouse gas emissions from federal lands from 2024 to 2051.
84% dos modelos climáticos preveem mudanças abruptas em subsistemas da Terra
Com o aumento global das temperaturas, das perdas de biodiversidade e do nível do mar, os cientistas estão preocupados com a probabilidade de mudanças climáticas abruptas, particularmente em subsistemas sensíveis do sistema climático, como a Floresta Amazônica , o gelo marinho da Antártida e o Planalto Tibetano.
Abrupt climate shifts likely as global temperatures keep rising
As temperatures, biodiversity losses, and sea levels rise globally, scientists are concerned about the likelihood of abrupt climatic shifts occurring, particularly within sensitive subsystems of the climate system such as the Amazon rainforest, Antarctic sea ice, and the Tibetan Plateau. Abrupt shifts can manifest as, for example, large and sudden changes in the rate of precipitation in a monsoon system, ice melt in Antarctica, or permafrost thaw in the Northern Hemisphere.
Abrupt Climate Shifts Likely as Global Temperatures Keep Rising
As temperatures, biodiversity losses, and sea levels rise globally, scientists are concerned about the likelihood of abrupt climatic shifts occurring, particularly within sensitive subsystems of the climate system such as the Amazon rainforest, Antarctic sea ice, and the Tibetan Plateau. Abrupt shifts can manifest as, for example, large and sudden changes in the rate of precipitation in a monsoon system, ice melt in Antarctica, or permafrost thaw in the Northern Hemisphere. Terpstra et al.
New carbon-cutting bio-asphalt could prove to be industry disruptor
Hot, smelly, and utilitarian, asphalt is a go-to material for roadway construction. In the U.S., about 94% of roads are paved with asphalt, stretching more than 2.6 million miles. Asphalt also packs a climate punch, releasing carbon dioxide emissions throughout the production and installation process.
Mass timber helps create fossil-fuel-free home for fossils in New Jersey
Perched on a ledge separating an active fossil site and a water-filled quarry, the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University presents a dichotomy of ancient and modernity in one beautiful building. The museum boasts a striking combination of rich wood and smooth concrete construction. From the early days of planning, a team of architects and engineers focused on designing a fossil-fuel-free museum that puts sustainability and climate-smart materials to work.
Goldilocks conditions for wildfires: Twenty years of data show which areas are most at risk
As the global climate continues to warm, fire seasons have intensified, and large-scale wildfires have become more frequent in many parts of the world. Factors such as vegetation type, land use patterns, and human activity all affect the likelihood of ignition, but wildfire proliferation ultimately depends on two factors: climate and fuel availability.
The Goldilocks Conditions for Wildfires
As the global climate continues to warm, fire seasons have intensified, and large-scale wildfires have become more frequent in many parts of the world. Factors such as vegetation type, land use patterns, and human activity all affect the likelihood of ignition, but wildfire proliferation ultimately depends on two factors: climate and fuel availability. Kampf et al.
Concrete collaboration promising for speedy, cost-effective bridge repairs
The old joke about only two seasons – winter and road construction – might become obsolete. A new collaboration between researchers at Arizona State University and the Maricopa (Arizona) County Department of Transportation has transformed bridge repair work from a weekslong endeavor to a weekend project. The final project even came in far below the allotted budget. Further reading: How well does concrete-filled steel deck flooring perform under pressure?
Amazon forest loss leads to measurable drop in regional rainfall
The Amazon Basin lost about 27,000 square kilometers of forest each year from 2001 to 2016. By 2021, about 17% of the basin had been deforested. Changes to forest cover can affect surface albedo, evapotranspiration, and other factors that can alter precipitation patterns. And, as the largest tropical forest on Earth, the Amazon plays a crucial role in regulating climate.
Deforestation Is Reducing Rainfall in the Amazon
The Amazon Basin lost about 27,000 square kilometers of forest each year from 2001 to 2016. By 2021, about 17% of the basin had been deforested. Changes to forest cover can affect surface albedo, evapotranspiration, and other factors that can alter precipitation patterns. And, as the largest tropical forest on Earth, the Amazon plays a crucial role in regulating climate.
气候变暖正在改变欧亚大陆的干旱状况 - Eos
This is an authorized translation of an Eos article.
Heat and pollution events are deadly, especially in the Global South
Small particulate matter (PM2.5) in air pollution raises the risks of respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and even cognitive decline. Heat waves, which are occurring more often with climate change, can cause heatstroke and exacerbate conditions such as asthma and diabetes. When heat and pollution coincide, they can create a deadly combination.
Heat and Pollution Events Are Deadly, Especially in the Global South
Small particulate matter (PM2.5) in air pollution raises the risks of respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and even cognitive decline. Heat waves, which are occurring more often with climate change, can cause heatstroke and exacerbate conditions such as asthma and diabetes. When heat and pollution coincide, they can create a deadly combination.
Flood prediction could boost road resilience off Georgia's coast
Communities on small islands are on the front lines of worsening flood risks—not just from severe storms but from persistent tidal flooding events. Scientists estimate that within 15 years, high-tide flood events could triple for two thirds of communities along the East and Gulf Coasts of the United States. Sea level rise and tidal flooding can vary depending on local land morphology, offshore bathymetry, and wind direction and intensity.
Floating structures could be smarter option to cope with rising sea levels
Coastlines have always been a siren song to human settlers. The combination of abundant natural resources, fertile land, and proximity to shipping routes make near-sea living an attractive place to grow roots. Despite the benefits, coastal living can also be fraught – frequent flooding, sea-level rise, and pummeling from extreme storms can be a constant battle. Additionally, some coastal cities are running out of space to build.
Flood Prediction Could Boost Road Resilience off Georgia’s Coast
Communities on small islands are on the front lines of worsening flood risks—not just from severe storms but from persistent tidal flooding events. Scientists estimate that within 15 years, high-tide flood events could triple for two thirds of communities along the East and Gulf Coasts of the United States. Sea level rise and tidal flooding can vary depending on local land morphology, offshore bathymetry, and wind direction and intensity.
As US agroforestry grows, federal funding freeze leaves farmers in the lurch
Agroforestry has been steadily gaining ground over the past eight years in the U.S., with the number of projects increasing 6% nationwide. A federal funding freeze imposed on Jan. 27 put many agroforestry projects on hold pending a 90-day review. The freeze has had immediate impacts on farmers and the nonprofit organizations that support them, including a halt on reimbursement payments and stop work orders.
Seeping groundwater can be a hidden source of greenhouse gases Original
Scientists know that streams and rivers can contribute significant quantities of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. One way these bodies of water come to contain greenhouse gases is via groundwater, which picks up carbon and nitrogen as it seeps and flows through rock and sediment near rivers. Much research into greenhouse gas emissions from rivers assumes that before being released into the atmosphere, the gases in this groundwater mix with the currents of rivers and streams.
Seeping Groundwater Can Be a Hidden Source of Greenhouse Gases
Scientists know that streams and rivers can contribute significant quantities of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. One way these bodies of water come to contain greenhouse gases is via groundwater, which picks up carbon and nitrogen as it seeps and flows through rock and sediment near rivers. Much research into greenhouse gas emissions from rivers assumes that before being released into the atmosphere, the gases in this groundwater mix with the currents of rivers and streams.
Regional climate variability and more play role in Missouri River Basin's elevated streamflow
Stretching from Montana to Missouri, the Missouri River basin is one of the country's largest river systems. Over the past century, its average streamflow has increased by about 40%, with multiple years since 1990 experiencing extremely high flow. Streamflow is affected by factors including precipitation, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), as well as changes in the way land is used, such as replacing forest with cropland.
What Is Causing the Missouri River Basin’s Elevated Streamflow?
Stretching from Montana to Missouri, the Missouri River basin is one of the country’s largest river systems. Over the past century, its average streamflow increased by about 40%, with multiple years since 1990 experiencing extremely high flow. Streamflow is affected by factors including precipitation, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), as well as changes in the way land is used, such as replacing forest with cropland.
What Is Causing the Missouri River Basin’s Elevated Streamflow?
Share Stretching from Montana to Missouri, the Missouri River basin is one of the country’s largest river systems. Over the past century, its average streamflow increased by about 40%, with multiple years since 1990 experiencing extremely high flow. Streamflow is affected by factors including precipitation, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), as well as changes in the way land is used, such as replacing forest with cropland.
Long-held beliefs about degradation of nuclear reactors get second look
With nuclear energy getting a second look from many governments around the world and existing nuclear plants aging, it is important to have reliable information about the facilities’ susceptibility to degradation. New research may be of interest for those considering nuclear energy to reduce fossil fuel consumption while meeting rising energy demands.
El Niño, La Niña, and infectious disease: Understanding how ENSO cycles impact immunity and outbreak patterns
Variations in temperature, precipitation, and humidity can influence the spread of infectious diseases, including by altering the habitats of disease transmitters such as mosquitoes. Extreme weather events can disrupt health care responses as well.
The Interplay of ENSO and Immunity in Infectious Disease Outbreaks
Variations in temperature, precipitation, and humidity can influence the spread of infectious diseases, including by altering the habitats of disease transmitters such as mosquitoes. Extreme weather events can disrupt health care responses as well.
Tree ring records reveal climate-driven drought shifts across Europe and Asia Original
Determining the degree to which shifting drought conditions around the world are attributable to natural hydroclimatic variability and how much they are caused by climate change is a complicated task. Scientists often use complex computer models to simulate past climate variability and to identify unprecedented drought conditions. These models can also help identify the factors, such as temperature, precipitation, and changes in land use, that drive such conditions.
Tree ring records reveal climate-driven drought shifts across Europe and Asia
Unexpected Cancellations at Jimmy Carter Presidential Library Spark Concerns Over Oversight in Atlanta Controversy has arisen at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta, where three book events were suddenly canceled. As reported by …
A Warming Climate Is Shifting Eurasian Drought Conditions
Determining the degree to which shifting drought conditions around the world are attributable to natural hydroclimatic variability and how much they are caused by climate change is a complicated task. Scientists often use complex computer models to simulate past climate variability and to identify unprecedented drought conditions. These models can also help identify the factors, such as temperature, precipitation, and changes in land use, that drive such conditions.
Dallas-area cyclists, pedestrians celebrate unique bridge over highway
Bike commuters and weekend riders understand the perils of navigating busy roads. Although bike trails and lanes have been popping up in cities around the country, traveling from one area to another isn’t always easy. Sharing the road with cars, passing through large intersections, or riding under sketchy underpasses can make your trip unpleasant –even unsafe at times.
Thawing permafrost helped trigger ancient Icelandic landslides, new research shows
When glaciers and ice sheets melt, they can destabilize slopes and reactivate faults, which in turn can trigger landslides and reshape the surface of Earth over long periods of time. Researchers can monitor some locations in real time to determine which combinations of factors lead to landslides, but understanding what triggered landslides thousands of years ago is more difficult.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Sarah
Contact Sarah, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack