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Human alterations of the global floodplains 1992–2019

Published Article

Global

Publication date: July 28, 2023

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This global study quantifies human alterations to floodplains across 520 major river basins from 1992–2019, using high‑resolution land‑use data to reveal extensive conversion of natural floodplain ecosystems to agriculture and developed areas. Results highlight accelerating degradation, increased flood risk, and the need for improved conservation and restoration strategies.

Subject Tags

  • Rivers
  • Watersheds

Abstract

Floodplains provide critical ecosystem services; however, loss of natural floodplain functions caused by human alterations increase flood risks and lead to massive loss of life and property. Despite recent calls for improved floodplain protection and management, a comprehensive, global-scale assessment quantifying human floodplain alterations does not exist. We developed the first publicly available global dataset that quantifies human alterations in 15 million km2 floodplains along 520 major river basins during the recent 27 years (1992–2019) at 250-m resolution. To maximize the reuse of our dataset and advance the open science of human floodplain alteration, we developed three web-based programming tools supported with tutorials and step-by-step audiovisual instructions. Our data reveal a significant loss of natural floodplains worldwide with 460,000 km2 of new agricultural and 140,000 km2 of new developed areas between 1992 and 2019. This dataset offers critical new insights into how floodplains are being destroyed, which will help decision-makers to reinforce strategies to conserve and restore floodplain functions and habitat.

Citations

Rajib, A., Zheng, Q., Lane, C. R., Golden, H. E., Christensen, J. R., Isibor, I. I., & Johnson, K. (2023). Human alterations of the global floodplains 1992–2019. Scientific Data, 10(1), 499.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-023-02382-x

TNC Authors