Australia has experienced some of the most dramatic effects of climate change - with the unprecedented burning of vast areas of its countryside (see previous blogs).  Recently, the weather turned to another extreme - thunderstorms, hailstorms and rain.  Large hailstones (the size of golf balls or bigger) have bombarded cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, damaging roofs, cars, trees, and infrastructure.  Flash flooding has occurred in some places due to heavy rain, plus there have been high winds and dust storms.

Whilst rain has been welcomed in that it has helped to ‘damp down’ some of the fires that have been raging, the intensity of the rain is not without problems in places. Heavy rainfall can result in further damage to ecosystems. The bare soil and lack of vegetation (much reduced to ash and debris) due to the drought and fires is at risk of being washed into rivers and waterways. The ash from the fires will contain a variety of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds,  plus metals such as copper, mercury and zinc. There will also be (probably) a variety of toxic compounds formed from the burning of plastics and other materials in the savage fires.  

On entering rivers / waterways, ash and sediments will increase the turbidity of the waters and have significant effects on the wild life.  Water plants will not have enough light to photosynthesise; so the oxygenation of the water will fall.   The mass of ash and sediment entering the water can in itself suffocate animals with gills (coating their gills with material hampering the diffusion of oxygen) or block their breathing tubes (tracheoles and spiracles).  Semi-burnt remains of plants and animals will increase the bacterial load of the water; the bacteria will use up much of the oxygen in the water - so fish and other animals will essentially suffocate.  As the water receives nutrients from the ash (especially in the form of nitrates and phosphate), these can cause an overgrowth of algae - especially certain types of blue green algae, which form ‘algal blooms’ that release toxins.

The effects of fire on riparian systems can continue for several months or indeed years before nutrient levels return to pre-fire conditions.  It is therefore important that

• there are measures to control soil erosion and sediment  / ash run off, preventing where possible debris and material being washed into rivers and bodies of water 
• vegetation is able to re-establish along the edges  of waterways - this not only helps prevent sediments entering streams but also allow ‘cool areas’ in streams (important for some fish species).
• water-quality monitoring programs are introduced that offer real-time sensing technology, with an early warning system of poor water quality. 

Further detailed information on Australian droughts and fires here and here.

as of today ,an update on the Australian weather Biggest rainfall in 20 years delivers much-needed relief

Wildfire Image by sippakorn yamkasikorn from Pixabay