Map showing drought conditions in the western United States in 2020

Does Less Pollution Mean Less Precipitation?

IIHR researchers Wei Zhang and Gabriele Villarini (IIHR director) have published research linking urban sprawl to an increase in rainfall and flooding during Hurricane Harvey.
Jerry Schnoor speaks in front of an audience about climate change.

A Dangerous Experiment

Climate change is here, Jerry Schnoor says, but uncertainties remain. How much will the temperature rise? What we will do about it?
IIHR's Andres Martinez (center) adjusts a sensor measuring airborne PCBs near the New Bedford Harbor in Massachusetts.

New Bedford Harbor a Source of Airborne PCBs

IIHR researchers are part of a team studying airborne PCBs near New Bedford Harbor, Mass.
Tools and resources developed by the Iowa Flood Center are making a difference for Iowa communities faced by repeated flooding. Case in point, Cedar Rapids—2016 was very different from 2008.

A Flood Story: 2008 vs. 2016

In 2008, Cedar Rapids took a major hit from flooding. In 2016, floodwaters came again. What happened this time?