The Conversation

Huge volumes of sand have been swept offshore by Cyclone Alfred’s waves, leaving beaches and dunes looking very different. Javier Leon, Associate Professor in Physical Geography, University of the Sunshine Coast Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The damage from ex-Cyclone Alfred could have been so much worse – and we may not be so lucky next time. As the clean up begins, let’s build back better. Cheryl Desha, Visiting Professor, School of Engineering and Built Environment, Sciences Group, Griffith University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

These storms are very slow moving and getting ready to dump a lot of rain. Steve Turton, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Geography, CQUniversity Australia Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Snow and ice loss warms the land surface and air, setting off a feedback loop of further ice loss. This destabilises the landscape, with potentially hazardous impacts. Shaun Eaves, Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Andrew Lorrey, Principal Scientist & Programme Leader of Southern Hemisphere Climates and Environments, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) Brian Anderson, Senior Research Fellow, Antarctic Research Centre, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Heather Purdie, Associate Professor in Glaciology, University of Canterbury Lauren Vargo, Research Fellow, Antarctic Research Centre, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Brisbane is a subtropical city of more than 2.5 million people, situated on a flood-prone river. That’s why residents mustn’t get complacent after Cyclone Alfred. Margaret Cook, Research Fellow, Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

In short: the danger is not over. Residents in affected areas should remain cautious and heed official advice, to keep themselves safe. Steve Turton, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Geography, CQUniversity Australia Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

What drives surfers to hit the waves as a cyclone approaches the coast? And what will it take to get them to stop? Amy Peden, NHMRC Research Fellow, School of Population Health & co-founder UNSW Beach Safety Research Group, UNSW Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

When a cyclone hits, the wind is trying very hard to pull the roof off your house. It’s vital the roof stays on – but one weak link can spell disaster. David Henderson, Chief Engineer, Cyclone Testing Station, James Cook University Geoffrey Boughton, Adjunct Associate Professor, Cyclone Testing Station, James Cook University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Northern Rivers residents are preparing for Cyclone Alfred’s arrival – and drawing lessons from the 2022 floods. Rebecca McNaught, Research Fellow, University of Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

How do you stay safe while you begin the clean up and recovery? It can be helpful to have a plan of action ready. Yetta Gurtner, Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Centre for Disaster Studies, James Cook University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Both geostationary and polar orbiting satellites collect data in the visible and infrared regions. There are polar satellites collecting data in the microwave range. Sanjeev Kumar Srivastava, Associate Professor of Geospatial Analysis, University of the Sunshine Coast Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Warmer oceans, more rain and higher seas are likely to heighten Cyclone Alfred’s impact Liz Ritchie-Tyo, Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, Monash University Andrew Dowdy, Principal Research Scientist in Extreme Weather, The University of Melbourne Hamish Ramsay, Principal Research Scientist, Environment, CSIRO Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Scientists are increasingly worried about a potential slowdown of the major Atlantic ocean current. Now we know it would affect the Southern Hemisphere Himadri Saini, Research Associate at Climate Change Research Centre, UNSW Sydney Laurie Menviel, Associate Professor, Climate Change Research Centre, UNSW Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

New research shows frogs and other amphibians are already on the brink of overheating in a warming world. Here’s how many will suffer as global temperatures rise. Patrice Pottier, Postdoctoral researcher in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UNSW Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

New ancient DNA research on Adélie penguin poo in Antarctica shows how several species respond to environmental change over time, including southern elephant seals. Jamie Wood, Senior Lecturer in Ecology and Evolution, University of Adelaide Theresa Cole, Postdoctoral technician in environmental DNA, University of Adelaide Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The maps show the predicted flood extent for the most at-risk areas of Brisbane, based on Bureau of Meteorology forecasts. Matt Garrow, Editorial Web Developer Nicole Hasham, Energy + Environment Editor Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

For millions of people, Cyclone Alfred will be their first. From “go bags” to sandbags, here’s what you should do to be as ready as possible. Yetta Gurtner, Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Centre for Disaster Studies, James Cook University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The seas off southeast Queensland are unusually warm, helping Cyclone Alfred intensify as it barrels towards the coast. Steve Turton, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Geography, CQUniversity Australia Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Fires and cities do not mix. Authorities have spent decades reducing the risk. But climate change will make some urban fires more likely. David Bowman, Professor of Pyrogeography and Fire Science, University of Tasmania Calum Cunningham, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Pyrogeography, University of Tasmania Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Globally, scientists predict each person could lose up to 58 hours of sleep a year by 2100 if planetary warming continues unchecked. Ty Ferguson, Research Fellow, University of South Australia Carol Maher, Professor, research professor in exercise, nutrition and activity, University of South Australia Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.