AdvertisementWith Australia's Hillsides Stripped Bare By Fire, Scientists Rush To Predict MudflowsFebruary 10, 2020Rebecca HersherMeredith RizzofacebookEmailBushfires followed by intense rain can cause unsettled sediment and debris to contaminate local water reservoirs. Melbourne's water authority invested in catchments to combat this threat, though scientists are still trying to understand when and how these debris flows occur. (Meredith Rizzo/NPR)