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University of Reading show why flooding follows droughts

15 August 2022
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A viral social media post by the University of Reading has illustrated why flash flooding is common following a period of drought.

The post shows an experiment by Dr Robert Thompson, in which three cups full of water are covered, turned upside down and placed on grass with varying levels of moisture, before the covering is then removed.

The video shows the different rates at which the water is released from the cup, with the one on wet grass counterintuitively emptying far quicker than the one on dry grass, showing that in heavy rainfall the water runs off ground, causing flash flooding.

Credit: University of Reading/Dr Rob Thompson
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Read more - Reading FC new strip highlights climate crisis

In the description of the YouTube video, Dr Thompson further explains that the wet grass took nine seconds to empty, the ‘moist’ grass, around the level of normal summer, took 52 seconds, and the dry, parched grass was on course to take around fifteen minutes.

The post is the latest move by the University of Reading to highlight the dangers associated with extreme weather and climate change. Back in July, the University 'partnered for the planet' with Reading FC for Show Your Stripes day, launching a number of consultations to probe sustainability measures the club could take.

Reading FC has since included the climate stripes, developed by the University of Reading's Professor Ed Hawkins, on the sleeves of its home kit for the 22/23 season. Each new shirt comes with a tag explaining the meaning behind the stripes.

It reads: "Climate change is one of the biggest issues facing the planet. To tackle this threat, we must work together. These warming stripes on your shirt, created at the University of Reading, show clearly and vividly how average temperatures in Berkshire have risen over nearly two centuries. Use this shirt to start a climate conversation".

Read more - Reading FC and University of Reading strike up sustainability partnership


Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset.

A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise.

Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.

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