In the context of deep geological radioactive waste disposal in Switzerland, this study investigates the hydromechanical behavior of Opalinus Clay from a borehole in Northern Switzerland at around 800 m depth. Laboratory experiments include the determination of petrophysical and water retention properties, and hydromechanical tests in a high-pressure isotropic cell. Various loading sequences were conducted on samples saturated...

The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) drives substantial variability in precipitation and drought risk over Australia. Understanding the combined effect of anthropogenic forcing and ENSO on Australian precipitation extremes over the coming century can assist adaptation efforts. Here we use 24 CMIP5 climate models to examine externally forced changes in the frequency of “droughts”, when precipitation falls below the pre-indus...