A new study from the American Geophysical Union developed a new tool to monitor waterfall’ soundscapes to help environmental managers determine how much water can be diverted from a waterfall.
Waterfalls have a specific threshold of water flow that must be maintained to preserve their characteristic sound and appearance, according to research that used audio recordings and images to monitor waterfalls in Europe. With this new method, scientists can use a waterfall’s sound and appearance to track changes in its flow as human interventions and climate change impact water levels.
Waterfalls’ water is valuable for hydropower, irrigation and for supporting river habitats. Water managers need to strike a balance between diverting much-needed water and preserving a waterfall’s ecosystem and natural beauty for tourism. In some regions, climate change is also threatening waterfalls.
The new study used audio recordings and images of 15 waterfalls in Europe to understand how changes in water flow affect their appearance and sound. To learn more about the results click here.
