bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the Ambition and Technical Feasibility of Delivering Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement
Authors: Gill Joel , Daniels Katherine , Maidment Dafydd , Salih Mohammed , Blythe Lara
Published: March 2024

Delivering the goals of the Paris Agreement, including limiting global temperature rise to no more than 1.5°C requires the setting and implementation of ambitious yet viable Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDCs. Article 4 of the Paris Agreement establishes a responsibility on each party to ‘prepare, communicate and maintain’ successive NDCs, each more ambitious than the last. Parties are then encouraged to work at a domestic level to achieve their NDC objectives.Based on an analysis of NDCs from eastern and northern Africa (including Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda) here we outline steps that would (i) strengthen opportunities for scientific input in the development of NDCs, ensuring that the mitigation and adaptation pledges included are both comprehensive and scientifically feasible, and (ii) improve aligned implementation strategies, ensuring coherence with higher education and research and innovation, and a cross-governmental approach to addressing climate change.A lack of engagement with appropriate expertise when developing NDCs may result in pledges that are not viable and/or the omission of feasible and impactful options. A lack of appropriate implementation planning, and policy coherence, may result in a skills shortage that hinders implementation of actions set out in NDCs and therefore the ability to deliver the mitigation and adaptation ambitions of the Paris Agreement. Collectively, the steps we propose would strengthen the NDC process, while also supporting global ambitions to improve education for sustainable development (Sustainable Development Goal 4.7), employment opportunities (Sustainable Development Goal 8.5, 8.6), and research capacity (Sustainable Development Goal 9.5).
Laboratory investigations and reactive transport modelling of potential near-well mineralogical changes during seasonal heat storage (HT-ATES) in Danish geothermal reservoirs
Authors: Holmslykke Hanne Dahl , Kjøller Claus
Published: March 2024

High temperature aquifer thermal storage (HT-ATES) in hot deep aquifers is considered to optimize the usage of commonly available energy sources. This study investigates potential near-well mineralogical changes induced by HT-ATES in two different Danish geothermal reservoirs: the mineralogically mature and calcite-free Gassum Formation, and the calcite-containing Bunter Sandstone Formation.Core flooding experiments at reservoir conditions and temperatures up to 150°C were performed with a core specimen from each of the two geothermal reservoirs and with synthetic formation water as the flooding fluid. Effluent brines for chemical analysis were collected during the experiments and mineralogical changes of the core material identified by mineralogical characterisation of the core material before and after the experiment. A 1D reactive transport model was constructed to simulate the laboratory experiment and the model was calibrated against the experimental data. This calibrated model was then extended to simulate the continuous injection for six months of heated formation water into the two sandstone reservoirs to evaluate potential near-well mineralogical and porosity changes. For the Bunter Sandstone Formation, the formation water was modified to a saturation index for calcite of -0.1 prior to injection to replicate a situation where precautions are made to avoid loss of injectivity due to calcium carbonate scaling at elevated temperatures.For the Gassum Formation, injecting formation water up to 100°C showed no significant changes in porosity. At temperatures ≥120°C, albite and siderite contents decreased, but the impact on reservoir porosity was minimal. However, calcite precipitation near the injection well at temperatures ≥120°C may reduce injectivity. In the Bunter Sandstone Formation, the use of slightly modified formation water resulted in considerable calcite dissolution in the reservoir at all investigated temperatures and dolomitization at 150°C. Our findings indicate a potential risk of near-well clogging caused by the precipitation of dolomite at this temperature. At lower temperatures, the calcite dissolution led to increased porosity, posing a potential risk to the rock's integrity.The study suggests that HT-ATES in reservoirs with high calcium carbonate content, like the Bunter Sandstone Formation, is challenging. Precautions to avoid calcium carbonate scaling may lead to dissolution, while neglecting precautions may cause scaling and clogging issues. In contrast, mineralogically mature and calcite-free sandstones, such as the Gassum Formation, may be suitable for excess heat storage, particularly at temperatures
How can the proposed  WIVERN satellite mission improve global snowfall measurements?
Authors: Maahn Maximilian , Battaglia Alessandro , Illingworth Anthony , Kollias Pavlos , Lhermitte Stef , Scarsi Filippo Emilio , Tridon Frederic
Published: March 2024

Snowfall is an important climate change indicator affecting surface albedo, glaciers, sea ice, freshwater storage, and cloud lifetime. Accurate snowfall measurements at high latitudes are particularly important for the mass balance of ice sheets and for sustaining healthy ecosystems, including fish and wildlife populations. Yet, snowfall remains a quantity which is hard to measure due to high spatial variability, the remoteness of polar regions and challenges associated with in situ measurements of snowfall. The recently decommissioned NASA CloudSat mission provided invaluable information about global snowfall climatology from 2006 to 2023. The CloudSat-based estimates of global snowfall are considered the reference for global snowfall estimates, but these data sets suffer from poor sampling and the inability to see shallow precipitation, which limits their use, for example, as input to surface mass balance models of the major ice sheets. WIVERN (WInd VElocity Radar Nephoscope) is one of the two remaining ESA Earth Explorer 11 candidate missions equipped with a conical scanning 94 GHz radar and a passive 94 GHz radiometer. The main objective of the mission is to measure global in-cloud winds using the Doppler effect, but can also quantify cloud ice water content and precipitation rate.  This presentation discusses the potential of the WIVERN mission to provide improved estimates of global snowfall measurements. Compared to CloudSat, WIVERN's 800 km swath provides 70 times better coverage and its 42 degree angle of arrival significantly reduces the radar blind zone near the surface (especially over the ocean). In addition, WIVERN's radar is accompanied by a radiometer, which can further improve the estimation of snowfall rates. The improved sampling is demonstrated for specific regions ( Antarctica, Greenland) by computing the sampling error at different spatial and temporal scales via simulations of WIVERN vs. CloudSat orbits based on the snowfall rates produced by ERA5 reanalysis. Clutter and signal to clutter ratio simulations are performed for oceanic surfaces and orographic terrains by using a geometric–optics approach and the WIVERN illumination geometry.  Our results show that the WIVERN sampling strategy significantly reduces the uncertainty in polar snowfall estimates, making it a valuable product for climate model evaluation and as an input to surface mass balance models of the major ice sheets.
Bedmap3: improved ice bed, surface and thickness datasets for Antarctica
Authors: Pritchard Hamish , Fretwell Peter , Fremand Alice , Moholdt Geir
Published: March 2024

We present Bedmap3, the latest suite of gridded products describing the surface elevation, ice-thickness and the seafloor and subglacial bed elevation of Antarctica south of 60°S. Bedmap3 incorporates and adds to all post-1950s datasets previously used for Bedmap1 and Bedmap2, including 84 new aerogeophysical surveys by 15 data providers, that represent an additional 52 million data points and 1.9 million line-kilometres of measurement. These latest data have filled major gaps particularly in East Antarctica, including the South Pole and Pensacola basin, Dronning Maud Land, Recovery Glacier and Dome Fuji, Princess Elizabeth Land, plus the Antarctic Peninsula, West Antarctic coastlines, and the Transantarctic Mountains. Our newly defined Bedmap3/RINGS grounding line product similarly consolidates multiple recent mappings of this spatially varying boundary into a single, spatially coherent feature. Using these new datasets plus updated rock-outcrop mappings, we have improved our interpolation of grounded ice thickness particularly in representing linear troughs under the ice sheet and in mountain ranges such that, in many parts of Antarctica, the subglacial landscape is visible in much greater detail than was previously available. Combined with updated surface topography, ice shelf thickness and bathymetry data, these products provide new opportunities for interpreting continental-scale landscape evolution, and detailed modelling of the past and future evolution of the Antarctic ice sheets.
Adsorption of fluoride from groundwater by Alumina Olivine Composite
Authors: Ghosal Pranjal , Ghosal Partha Sarathi
Published: March 2024

The removal of fluoride from groundwater is a major challenge in environmental engineering especially while dealing with real-life groundwater from field. The presence of other ions in groundwater impacts significantly which renders the efficacy of many adsorbent which may show significant performance in synthetic water. The present study was conducted with groundwater of fluoride level 8.8 mg/L that mostly representative the moderate to high level fluoride concentration in the area of the western part of the state of West Bengal, India. The adsorbent chosen in the study as Alumina Olivine Composite (AOC) prepared by a wet impregnation method followed by calcination.The adsorption system with real‒time groundwater was test with variation of dose, reaction time and agitation rate. The isotherm study, the variation of the adsorbent dose was chosen as 0.5 to 6 g/L. The best fitted model was found as Freundlich isotherm (R2=0.907 and Kf =0.527 (mg/g)(L/mg)1/n, 1/n = 0.641) along with the three parameter isotherm models, such as Hill, Redlich–Peterson, Toth with comparable R2. Thus, the adsorption model exhibited a favourable adsorption with significant capacity. The Kinetic study was conducted for 5‒480 min. The adsorption kinetic models are chosen as pseudo‒first-order (PFO), pseudo‒second‒order (PSO) and Elovich’s equation (EL) were used as the reaction‒based kinetic models, whereas, the liquid film diffusion model (LFD), intraparticle diffusion model (IDS and IDL) and double-exponential model (DEM). The Elovich’s equation was found to be the best‒fitted among the reaction based models with R2 value of 0.970. The applicability of double-exponential equation significantly described the adsorption diffusion model with a R2 value of 0.983, showed that the mechanism of adsorption govern by both intraparticle diffusion and film diffusion. This is further supported by the significant C value of 6.40 from intraparticle diffusion model. The present work established the wide applicability of the present adsorption system in field level water treatment units.Keywords Isotherm, Kinetics, Batch Study, Water treatment, Fluoride 
Surface processes and drivers of the snow water stable isotopic composition at Dome C, East Antarctica – a multi-datasets and modelling analysis
Authors: Ollivier Inès , Steen-Larsen Hans Christian , Stenni Barbara , Dreossi Giuliano , Casado Mathieu , Picard Ghislain , Arnaud Laurent , Cauquoin Alexandre , Werner Martin , Landais Amaëlle
Published: March 2024

The ability to infer past temperatures from ice core records has in the past relied on the assumption that after precipitation, the stable water isotopic composition of the snow surface layer is not modified before being buried deeper into the snowpack and transformed into ice. However, in extremely dry environments, such as the East Antarctic plateau, the precipitation is so sparse that the surface is exposed to the atmosphere for significant time before burial. Several processes have been recently identified as impacting the snow isotopic composition after snowfall, including moisture exchanges between the snow and the lower atmosphere, wind effects and diffusion inside the snowpack.Here we present the result of a study that combines existing and new datasets of the precipitation, snow surface and subsurface isotopic compositions (δ18O and d-excess), meteorological parameters, ERA5 reanalysis products, outputs from the isotope-enabled climate model ECHAM6-wiso and a simple modelling approach to investigate the transfer function of water stable isotopes from precipitation to the snow surface and subsurface at Dome C, East Antarctica. We find that (i) moisture fluxes at the surface of the ice sheet lead to a net sublimation of snow throughout the year, from 3.1 to 3.7 mm water equivalent over the 2018-2021 period, (ii) the precipitation isotopic signal only cannot account for the intra-annual to seasonal variability observed in the snow isotopic composition and (iii) the cumulative impact of post-depositional processes at the surface over five years lead to an enrichment in δ18O of the snow surface by 3.3‰ and a lowering of the snow d-excess by 3.5‰ compared to the precipitation isotopic signal. This study reinforces previous findings about the complexity and multiple origin of the snow isotopic composition at Dome C and provides a first step toward a quantitative attribution of the different processes building up of the isotopic signal in the snow surface that is crucial for the interpretation of isotopic records from ice cores.
A case study of aerosol effects impact on key meteorological characteristics in Ukraine during heat wave event in July-August 2
Authors: Pysarenko Larysa , Mahura Alexander , Nuterman Roman , Krakovska Svitlana
Published: March 2024

Aerosol effects play a significant role in Earth’s radiative balance, cloud formation and thus redistribution and change of meteorological characteristics. This study focuses on the case of heat wave event during July-August 2010 accompanied with wildfires, modeled using the seamless online-integrated Enviro-HIRLAM modeling system. We used reference (REF) run and running modes to simulate direct (DAE), indirect (IDAE) and combined (DAE+IDAE) aerosol effects. These runs fulfilled for domain at 15 km horizontal resolution (includes European territory), with downscaling to 5 km (includes the territory of Ukraine).During the heat wave event, aerosol effects caused the overall 2-m air temperature nighttime cooling and daytime warming being stronger for DAE. Locally, there were observed reversed dependencies reaching up to 5℃ differences compared to REF runs. Specific humidity changes were consistent with air temperature fluctuations showing a decrease at night and increase during midday hours without heterogeneous spatial distribution. IDAE effects caused homogeneously distributed slight decrease in 2-m air temperature, with no sharp changes in specific humidity. At midday, homogeneity disappeared for 2-m air temperature, whereas aerosol effects had no significant impact on specific humidity. DAE+IDAE caused mostly warming effect during night time, with local increase and decrease for specific humidity. For all running modes, there were no significant changes in grid-scale precipitation driven by aerosol effects.Occasionally, the heat wave event was accompanied with weather fronts. In comparison to anticyclonic synoptic conditions, the role of aerosol effects significantly increased during these weather fronts passage. In the case of a cold front, DAE showed a decrease in 2-m air temperature by -1,2℃ following the cold front areas, and warming on some distance up to +1,4℃ at midnight.IDAE effects resulted in significant warming before front and cooling after it. Specific humidity falls after cold front up to -4 g/m3. DAE+IDAE affected 2-m air temperature rise before cold front and cooling after during midday. Specific humidity changes unevenly and increases after cold front. Grid-scale precipitation amounts decreased during the cold front passage due to the impact of aerosol effects for all running modes.This study was supported by the grant of HPC-Europa3 Transnational Access Programme for projects “Integrated Modelling and Analysis of Influence of Land Cover Changes on Regional Weather Conditions/ Patterns” (MALAWE, HPC17ENAVF) & “Research and development for integrated meteorology – atmospheric composition multi-scales and – processes modelling” (Enviro-PEEX(Plus) on ECMWF; SPFIMAHU-2021). The CSC – IT Center for Science Computing (Finland) is acknowledged for computational resources.
Decade-Long Isotopic Analysis (18O & 2H) of Daily Precipitation in the Malaya Peninsula: Understanding the Complex Hydrometeorology
Authors: Oza Harsh , Löwemark Ludvig , Kontsevich George , Jirapinyakul Akkaneewut , Chawchai Sakonvan , Duerrast Helmut , Liang Mao-Chang , Madhavan Midhun , Wang Chung-Ho
Published: March 2024

The Malaya Peninsula, uniquely positioned between the South China Sea to the east and the Indian Ocean to the west presents a unique geographic vantage point for the study of ocean-ocean and ocean-atmosphere-land interactions, particularly in the context of climate change. Its proximity to the Indo-Pacific Warm Pool (IPWP) makes the region a critical nexus where global temperature rise intersects with significant ocean-atmosphere processes, such as Hadley and Walker circulations, El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), and Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO). These processes and their teleconnections play a pivotal role in shaping the regional climate, profoundly influencing rainfall patterns and freshwater availability in the peninsula. In our research, we conducted a decade-long analysis of oxygen and hydrogen isotopes in daily rainfall samples collected from Krabi, Thailand, a region situated in the northern Malaya Peninsula. Krabi faces the Andaman Sea and is characterized by a tropical monsoon climate. The region's climate is predominantly influenced by the North-South migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which governs the patterns of summer and winter monsoonal rainfall. The diverse topography of Krabi plays a critical role in local weather patterns, potentially intensifying the complexity of the region's dual monsoon system. The time series analysis of isotopic data brings to light three distinct patterns superimposed over the daily variability. There's a clear seasonal cycle, primarily driven by changes in moisture sources, indicating shifts in atmospheric moisture transport with the seasons. Additionally, multi-year patterns suggest the influence of complex ocean-atmospheric processes, likely reflecting teleconnections between the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. Intriguingly, we also observed a long-term trend of isotopic depletion without corresponding changes in rainfall volume, hinting at the potential impacts of ocean warming and broader climate change.This study underscores the importance of understanding the nuanced interplay of land, ocean, and atmospheric systems in regional rainfall dynamics. It has significant implications for regional climate models and paleoclimatic research. It highlights the sensitivity of the Malaya Peninsula's climate to both local topographical features and global oceanic phenomena, offering crucial insights into the regional responses to ongoing global climatic changes.
Hygroscopic Properties of Plateau Surface Salts: Insights from Chemical Composition and Isotope Signatures
Authors: Kong Xiangrui , Hao Yuxin , Qiu Yuhe , Li Jun , Liu Wanyu , Chen Lanxiadi , Zhang Xiying , Tang Mingjin , Niu Zhenchuan , Wang Sen
Published: March 2024

Evaporite salts from saline lakes and playas play active roles in the atmospheric cycles and the climate system, especially in the context of changing climate. This study investigates the chemical, isotopic, and hygroscopic characteristics of surface salt samples from two saline lakes, i.e., Mang’ai and Dalangtan (MA and DLT), in the Qaidam Basin. Samples from both lakes shared similar ionic compositions, with brines rich in Cl-, Mg2+, and Na+, and lakebed salts being primarily NaCl-based. Disparities in composition between MA and DLT crust salts were observed. Isotopic analyses revealed consistent δ34S values within samples from a single site, hinting at a common origin. The sulfur source for MA saline lake likely arises from nearby freshwater inflows and atmospheric deposits. The δ37Cl values varied by sample type, with solid samples typically exhibiting higher values than brines, attributed to 37Cl depletion during precipitation. On the hygroscopic properties, the ionic composition is identified as a key determinant. While brines started moisture absorption around 40% RH, lakebed salts commenced at 70% RH. The DLT playa salt, enriched in Na2SO4, demonstrated unique behavior, responding significantly only above 80% RH. The layered DLT samples showcased variable hygroscopic behaviors, particularly the early moisture uptake of the topmost layer, despite its ionic similarity to another layer, hinting at molecular or hydration disparities. In conclusion, this investigation unravels the multifaceted relationship between salt evaporites composition and their implications for atmospheric chemistry.
Climate projections over the Eastern Mediterranean Black Sea region using a pseudo global warming (PGW) approach.
Authors: Ludwig Patrick , Bagcaci Soner C. , Yücel Ismail , Yilmaz M. Tugrul , Sen Omer L.
Published: March 2024

This study presents high-resolution (4 km) simulations of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model using the pseudo-global-warming (PGW) approach. The aim is to investigate seasonal climatic changes in the Eastern Mediterranean Black Sea (EMBS) region between the periods of 2071-2100 and 1985-2014. The climate change signals retrieved from the CMIP6 GCMs under the highest emission scenario (SSP5-8.5) were added to ERA5 data to account for future climate perturbation. During the baseline period  (1995-2014), the dynamically downscaled ERA5 (not perturbed) and ground observations yielded daily near-surface temperature reach correlations of around 0.98 and daily precipitation correlations ranging from 0.60 to 0.76. The WRF simulations for the future climate accurately represent the low-level anticyclonic circulation over the EMBS caused by anomalous ridge development over southern Italy in winter (DJF) and the decrease in vertical pressure velocity and resulting low-level circulation due to heat-low development over the Eastern Mediterranean in summer (JJA) as represented by the GCMs. Likewise, the wetting and drying patterns in the regional WRF simulations match those in the GCM ensemble over the subregions of the EMBS in winter. However, abnormal precipitation increases occur in the WRF simulations over the Caucasus and nearby regions, which is a new insight as this pattern does not exist in the GCM ensemble. This abnormality is likely caused by the higher-than-expected sea-surface temperature (SST) of the Caspian Sea and considering high-resolution simulations over the complex topography of that region.
Determination of 222Radon (222Rn) from the hot and acidic fumaroles gases to the atmosphere of the highly populated Campi Flegrei caldera (Naples, Southern Italy) by using a RAD7 detector: a procedure overcoming instrumental limits
Authors: Iovine Raffaella Silvia , Minopoli Carmine , Avino Rosario , Caliro Stefano , Galli Gianfranco , Piochi Monica
Published: March 2024

Fumaroles spread out several elements to the atmosphere and may include radon that contributes to environmental radioactivity. The long-lasting vigorous gaseous emissions of the Campi Flegrei volcanic caldera, i.e., Solfatara and Pisciarelli, occur in densely inhabited areas of Naples where the population may be exposed to ionizing radiation from 222-radon. In 2021, we started a study on radon levels from the Solfatara and Pisciarelli fumaroles by using the RAD7 commercial detector, one of the most widely used instruments for measuring 222Rn, either dissolved in water or in soil gas. However, the local high H2S levels and hot temperatures did not allow direct measurements of Rn, resulting in the instrumentation (RAD7) damage. Thus, we developed a proper technique for sampling and measuring radon gas from fumarolic gases in such a “critical” areas to overcome the instrumental issue.At fumarole sites i.e., Bocca Nuova and Bocca Grande within the Solfatara crater, and Pisciarelli, the gas was periodically sampled in Tedlar® bag of 1 or 3 liters in order to have the possibility to repeat the measurements two or three times to verify the accuracy of the data.In laboratory, at first, H2S traps were prepared by filling silicone tubes with lead acetate powder, bordered, at both ends, by hydrophilic cotton and closed. Then the fumarole gas was transferred from the Tedlar® bag into a glass tube. Finally, radon gas was measured via a closed loop by using the RAD7. Rn printouts obtained from RAD7 were corrected for the time lag between sampling and measurement. RAD7 and charcoal canister measurements were compared to check the obtained results.Preliminary results, published in Iovine et al. (2023), demonstrate that the methodology utilized enables the analysis of Rn concentrations even in H2S-bearing gases, discharged from the fumaroles of the Campi Flegrei volcano and, most importantly, without instrumental issues. Fumaroles sampled and analyzed over time according to the methodology adopted, may be suitable for environmental radioactivity assessment and volcanic monitoring purposes as well. Iovine RS, Avino R, Minopoli C, Cuoco E, Caliro S, Galli G, Piochi M. (2023). A procedure to use the RAD7 detector for measuring 222Rn in soil gases exceeding instrumental limits: an application to chemically aggressive fumaroles of the Campi Flegrei area. Rapp. Tec. INGV, 473: 1­18, https://doi.org/10.13127/rpt/473.
Exploring historical anthropogenic influences on groundwater in the alluvial plain of the Upper Seine River
Authors: Jost Anne , Dass Gurpreet , Picourlat Fanny , Wang Shuaitao , Lestel Laurence , Eschbach David , Flipo Nicolas , Ducharne Agnès
Published: March 2024

Human activities have significantly influenced the hydrological functioning of wetlands since they were first settled, often with the aim of reducing their perceived inconvenient wetness. Reconstructing these historical developments and understanding their impacts on hydrosystems is essential to inform strategies for the sustainable management and conservation of these vital resources. We take the example of the upper Seine valley upstream of Paris, within the vast Bassée floodplain, to illustrate and quantify how the many artificial changes it has undergone over the centuries may have had a reciprocal effect on groundwater resources. We have identified three main types of land development, ranging from hydraulic works to direct groundwater abstraction, including land use changes associated with the extraction of alluvial sands and gravels that give rise to the gravel pit lakes that are particularly prominent in the study area. Our approach is based on a detailed cartographic reconstruction of each of these influences, feeding into a hydrogeological model of the plain. We outline the main principles behind its conception and then quantify the relative impacts of anthropogenic pressures on the aquifer system budget and water table depth.
The FLARE Workshop perspective on Fire’s Role in the Carbon Cycle
Authors: Burton Chantelle , Plummer Stephen , Liguori-Bills Noah , Perron Morgane , Kelley Douglas , Morrill Miriam , Vannière Boris , Hall Joanne , Hantson Stijn , Forkel Matthias , Völker Christoph , Dintwe Kebonye , Santin Cristina , Thoreson Jessie , Poulter Benjamin , Jones Matthew , Hamilton Douglas
Published: March 2024

Fire substantially influences and modulates the global carbon cycle through numerous processes, interactions, and feedbacks. Fires are also strongly intertwined with human activities; people act both as drivers of change through ignitions, suppression, land-cover change, prescribed burning, and climate change, and are affected in return by changes in fire regimes. Despite fire’s many complex interactions throughout the Earth System, it is often viewed only as a destructive process, and one that solely acts as a source of atmospheric carbon. In terms of fire’s carbon budget, the release of carbon only represents the very initial stages of the process, missing the drivers and complex ways in which fire shapes plant species evolution and ecosystem trajectories, nutrient cycling and redistribution, carbon allocation, deposition and sequestration over different spatiotemporal scales. Therefore, there is a clear need to fully understand the role of fire in the Earth System holistically. However, different aspects of fire’s role in the carbon cycle are often studied by different communities and disciplines, hindering this much-needed integrated understanding. Through the Fire Learning AcRoss the Earth Systems (FLARE) workshop (September 2023) we brought together fire scientists across multiple disciplines to facilitate transdisciplinary discussion. We propose that the visualization of fire processes as carbon colours across the Earth System can be a thematic tool for unifying disciplines. It explores all aspects of fire and smoke implications for living systems and opens questions about fire’s role in carbon budgets, afforestation, and climate change and related mitigation strategies. We also identified several scientific challenges for the community where, by working together, we can address some fundamental questions for fire’s role in the carbon cycle, such as: What is the contribution of fire and of individual fire events to the global carbon cycle? How do changes in fire regimes influence ecosystem stability across different timescales? How do future changes in fire regimes influence global climate, allowable emissions and carbon budgets, and temperature mitigation ambitions? In this presentation, we explore how we can bring a more interdisciplinary approach to fire science to address these fundamental questions.
Using U-Pb geochronology of syn-faulting calcite-mineralised veins to track the evolution of superimposed rifting events: the Inner Moray Firth Basin.
Authors: Tamas Alexandra , Holdsworth Robert E. , Tamas Dan M. , Dempsey Edward D. , Hardman Kit , Bird Anna , Underhill John R. , McCarthy Dave , McCaffrey Ken J.W. , Selby David
Published: March 2024

Constraining the age of formation and movement along fault arrays in superimposed basins helps us to better unravel their kinematic history as well as the role of bounding faults or inherited structures in basin evolution. The Inner Moray Firth Basin (IMFB, western North Sea) comprises a series of superimposed basins overlying rocks of the Caledonian basement, the pre-existing Devonian-Carboniferous Orcadian Basin and a regionally developed Permo-Triassic North Sea basin system. The IMFB rifting occurred mainly in the Upper Jurassic – Lower Cretaceous after a long period of subsidence followed by localised uplift in its eastern parts due to thermal doming in the central North Sea (in the middle Jurassic). The rift basin later experienced further episodes of regional tilting, uplift and fault reactivation during Cenozoic.New detailed field observations augmented by drone photography and creation of 3D digital outcrops, coupled with U-Pb geochronology of syn-faulting calcite-mineralised veins are used to constrain the absolute timing of fault movements and decipher the kinematic history of basin opening. It also helps to identify those deformation structures associated with earlier basin-forming events.Five regional deformation events emerge: Devonian rifting associated with the older Orcadian Basin; Late Carboniferous inversion related to dextral Great Glen fault movements; Permian thermal subsidence with some evidence of minor fracturing; Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous rifting and Cenozoic reactivation and local inversion. We were also able to isolate characteristic structures, fault kinematics, fault rock developments and associated mineralisation types related to many of these events.
Bayesian optimal experimental design for fracture imaging
Authors: Yuan Zhi , Gu Chen , Zhong Yichen , Wu Peng , Chen Zhuoyu , Kang Borui
Published: March 2024

Fracture imaging is a pivotal technique in a variety of fields including Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), geothermal exploration, and wasterwater disposal, essential for the success of the field operation and seismic hazard mitigation. However, accurate fracture imaging is challenging due to accurate fracture imaging is challenging due to the complex nature of subsurface geology, the presence of multiple overlapping signals, and the variability of fracture sizes and orientations. Additionally, limitations in the resolution of current imaging technologies and the need for high-quality data acquisition further complicate the process.To address these challenges, we have conducted fracture imaging experiments utilizing acoustic sensors in laboratory-scale specimens with varied fracture geometries.A dynamic acquisition system involving robotic arms have been developed, enabling the flexible positioning of sensors on any part of the specimen's surface.This not only significantly reduces the time and resources required for experiments but also increases the adaptability of the process to different surface topography of specimens and fracture geometries.In addition, we employ Bayesian optimization algorithms to enhance the efficiency of sensor placement in laboratory-scale specimens, aiming to achieve precise fracture imaging with the least number of measurements necessary. This algorithmic approach optimizes the data collection process, ensuring that we gather the most relevant and accurate information with minimal intrusion. The collected data is then rigorously compared and calibrated against findings from numerical simulations, which helps in refining the algorithm for broader applications.
Education for sustainable development within the geography curriculum
Authors: Cristea Laura
Published: March 2024

In the ever-changing world of education, the swift progress of technology requires a transformation in teaching methods to meet the evolving needs of learners. The significance of open education resources becomes crucial in such a scenario. At the same time, there is an increasing acknowledgment that more educated citizens play a vital role in reshaping the education paradigm towards sustainable development. There is a need therefore to adapt our educational systems. This involves embracing formal, non-formal, and informal approaches facilitated by Open Schooling and Open Learning activities. The ultimate objective is to nurture a lifelong learning process that corresponds to the dynamic demands of our changing society, enabling individuals to actively contribute to sustainable development throughout their lives.Geography, with its interdisciplinary nature, offers a comprehensive perspective through which students can grasp the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic aspects. This presentation seeks to investigate how integrating geography into Open Learning can enrich students' holistic comprehension of sustainable development.This presentation offers a perspective of  how the integration of geography within Open Learning environments for secondary schools can effectively contribute to Education for Sustainable Development, aiming to equip students to address contemporary global challenges and cultivate a lifelong commitment to sustainability.
Multi-scale Potential Field Modelling to Delineate the Lithosphere Structure below the Eastern Indian Shield and its Tectonic Implications  
Authors: Sathapathy Sumanta Kumar , Radhakrishna Munukutla , Giri Yellalacheruvu
Published: March 2024

The Precambrian terrains of the Eastern Indian Shield (EIS) comprise of Bundelkhand, Singhbhum, and Bastar cratons with intervening Proterozoic mobile belts such as Central Indian Tectonic Zone, Eastern Ghat Mobile Belt, Singhbhum Mobile Belt and Chotanagpur Granite Gneissic Complex. This region is also characterised by the presence of Proterozoic Mahanadi Rift, Chhattisgarh and Vindhyan Basins with significant coverage of Indo-Gangetic Plain sediments in northern part. In this study, we present the results of a seismically well-constrained 2-D multi-scale geopotential modelling to delineate lithosphere structure across different Precambrian terrains of the EIS. The joint interpretation of the potential field data reveals that i) mobile belts are bounded by the deep crustal faults with denser crust, ii) presence of thick underplated crust below Singhbhum craton, Singhbhum Mobile Belt, Chotanagpur Granite Gneissic Complex and the surrounding rift basin, iii) localised Moho upwarp at a depth of ~36-37 km below the Proterozoic basins, iv) the Lithosphere-Asthenosphere Boundary (LAB) varying between 90-200 km below the EIS region. The distinct crustal structure along with relatively deeper LAB (130-200 km) below the mobile belts suggests the Proterozoic amalgamation and lithosphere reworking. Below the Singhbhum craton, LAB is observed at a depth of ~145-155 km, which is comparatively thinner with respect to other cratonic areas elsewhere. The observed crustal underplating and thinner LAB below the Singhbhum craton indicate the lithosphere erosion and magmatic upwelling caused by the major Paleo-Mesoproterozoic and early- Cretaceous Large Igneous Province (LIP) events.  
Using Distributed Acoustic Sensing, Seismic and Infrasonic Observation to Track Pyroclastic Flows at Stromboli Volcano (Italy) 
Authors: Métaxian Jean-Philippe , Biagioli Francesco , Trabattoni Alister , Stutzmann Eléonore , Lacanna Giorgio , Risica Gilda , Bernard Pascal , Capdeville Yann , Mangeney Anne , Monteiller Vadim , Diana Gianluca , Innocenti Lorenzo , Ripepe Maurizio
Published: March 2024

Pyroclastic flows are highly hazardous phenomena demanding precise detection, localization, and comprehensive characterization for effective volcanic risk management. During October and December 2022, the volcanic activity of Stromboli produced more than 60 pyroclastic flows. The flows propagated from the craters (~700 m a.s.l.) to the sea, resulting in tsunami waves ranging from centimetres to meters in height. These events coincided with an experiment involving distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) data acquisition with a dedicated 4-kilometer-long fibre-optic cable. A 3-component array consisting of 27 geophones and the multi-parameter monitoring network managed by the Laboratory of Experimental Geophysics (LGS) at the University of Florence were active simultaneously. We study two distinct pyroclastic flows of varying intensities. Using array processing techniques applied to DAS, seismic, and infrasonic measurements, we estimate back-azimuths that consistently track flows moving at velocities between 40 and 50 m/s from the craters to the shoreline. Validation of these measurements was accomplished through georeferenced images obtained by a visible camera, affirming their accuracy. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the three datasets in monitoring pyroclastic flows and the need for multi-parametric observations for a better interpretation of volcanic phenomena.
Comparison of time-resolved continuous measurements of ozone precursor VOCs in Borna, Saxony (Germany) 
Authors: Hell Max , van Pinxteren Dominik , Bastian Susanne , Herrmann Hartmut
Published: March 2024

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are, together with nitrogen oxides (NOx), important precursor substances from which ground-level ozone (O3) can be formed through complex reaction chains. As there are only low regulatory requirements for VOC measurements in the EU, VOCs are only sparsely recorded in the air quality monitoring networks in Germany and Europe, in contrast to ozone and nitrogen oxides. However, in order to determine trends, check the effectiveness of emission reduction strategies and the correctness of emission inventories, be able to allocate emission sources and better understand ozone formation and the spread of its precursors, it is necessary to carry out long-term measurements of ozone precursors with a higher temporal resolution.To check their suitability for continuous time-resolved VOC monitoring especially in measurement networks, two commercially available online-GC systems were tested over a time-period of about 1 1/2 years at a station of the air quality monitoring network in Saxony, Germany. Comparing the raw concentrations obtained from these two automated systems, the parameters of the regression are ranging from a slope of 0.4 and an R² of 0.13 for ethene to a slope of 2 and a R² of 0.54 for toluene. Both instruments required a significant maintenance effort and due to a number of hardware and software issues, a data availability of 73-76 % was achieved. The biggest issue with the raw data quality arose from retention time shifts, especially for low boiling point compounds, leading to frequent misclassifications of chromatographic peaks. Time-consuming manual or semi-manual reprocessing of the raw data is mandatory to increase the data quality to a more acceptable level. With the reprocessed data, a slope of 1.6 and R² of 0.59 for ethene and a slope of 1.3 and R² of 0.85 for propane as best-case example can be reached.Approximately 20 of the 61 calibrated compounds could be measured on a regular basis including BTX aromatics and small chain alkanes and alkenes. Concentrations are ranging from 0.03 ppb for most of the aromatics and longer chain alkanes and alkenes up to 2.2 ppb for C2 and C3 compounds. During the vegetation period, biogenic VOCs and especially isoprene show higher concentrations of up to 7.6 ppb. From the measured seasonal trends and diurnal and weekly patterns, influences from different emission sources such as local traffic, heating or vegetation can be obtained and first results will be presented. In addition, together with the respective photochemical ozone creation potential (POCP) values of the measured VOCs, the influence of regional precursor emissions on the ozone concentration can be determined.
Monitoring Vegetation Dynamics in the Cauvery Delta Zone (CDZ) Using Satellite-Derived Vegetation Indices with Google Earth Engine
Authors: Janardhanam Niraimathi , Saravanan Subbarayan
Published: March 2024

The Cauvery Delta Zone (CDZ) in southern India, supported by the Cauvery River, is an essential agricultural region renowned for its high production and rich ecological variety. The CDZ, characterized by its dynamic interaction between land and water and its wide range of soil series, supports a highly productive cropping system referred to as the rice bowl of Tamilnadu. The vegetation in CDZ plays a vital role in maintaining ecological equilibrium. Gaining knowledge about the timing of its life cycle and tracking changes are crucial for evaluating the effects of climate change and human actions. The utilization of satellite technology, specifically Sentinel-2, presents unparalleled prospects for ecological research, offering comprehensive worldwide coverage and imagery with exceptional levels of detail.   The study combines geographical analysis with satellite-derived vegetation indices (VIs) to get insights into the agricultural dynamics of the region, specifically focusing on rice agriculture, pulse crops, and a variety of perennial crops. This study investigates the Vegetation Indices (VIs) derived from satellite data, specifically the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), Biomass Index (BI), Chlorophyll Index (CI), and Differential Vegetation Index (DVI). The analysis focuses on using Sentinel-2 data to examine the spatial and temporal patterns in the CDZ. The research highlights the significance of NDVI in doing qualitative vegetation analysis. Furthermore, the contributions of EVI, BI, and DVI in comprehending vegetation health and land cover changes are investigated on a monthly basis from June 2022 to May 2023. The Google Earth Engine platform is utilized for the procedure involves the acquisition of Sentinel-2 data, the elimination of clouds, pre-processing of the data, computation of various vegetative indices (VIs), analysis of the results, and exporting them. The outcome demonstrates the fluctuations of satellite-derived vegetation indices, with the peak values observed in September and the lowest values in November. The values of NDVI and DVI exhibit a strong positive association, whereas EVI and BI also have a strong positive correlation. Substantial fluctuations in the results are observed on a monthly basis. The findings enhance scientific progress and facilitate informed decision-making for sustainable development, by effectively balancing human activities and environmental conservation.
Recent denudation rates of southwestern Madagascar from a 10Be analysis of river sand samples
Authors: Blard Pierre-Henri , Large Etienne , Charreau Julien , Andriamamonjy Alfred , Rakotondrazafy Amos Fety Michel
Published: March 2024

Many regions, though tectonically inactive, present significant reliefs of elusive origins. In these areas, it is critical to constrain denudation rates to assess the long-term evolution of these reliefs, but data and thus information on what controls their spatiotemporal evolution are scarce, especially in the Southern Hemisphere.In this study, we present in-situ cosmogenic 10Be data from 14 new sand samples of main rivers and their tributaries of southwestern Madagascar, a subtropical island of southeastern Africa (Indian Ocean). This island presents in its central part a low relief high plateau composed of Mesoarchean to Neoproterozoic crystalline basement, a narrow coastal plain in its eastern part, separated from the central plateau by a great escarpment, and two large sedimentary basins of Carboniferous to Neogene ages in its western part. Its recent (i.e., past 15 Ma) tectonic activity and associated uplift is mainly attributed to mantle upwelling, probably related to the East African Rift System, creating long-wave uplift of 1 to 2 km. Limited seismicity associated with extensive settings is measured on the island. In terms of climate, Madagascar undergoes a monsoon type of climate with a strong gradient in humidity from northeast to southwest.Our new cosmogenic 10Be data comes in complement of an important dataset of 99 samples previously published in three different studies. This brings the total dataset to 116 samples, covering over 50% of the total island surface. Our results are in good agreement with the previously published data with overall low denudation rates (4 ± 1 to 30 ± 6 mm/ka). This dataset allows exploring how the island erodes and calculating and comparing sediment fluxes from the eastern and western sides. Our results show that, although the eastern great escarpment is retreating at rates of 182 to 1886 m/Ma, average denudation rates of the basins draining it (16.6 mm/ka) are comparable, though slightly lower than the average denudation rates we measured in the southwestern basins (17.2 mm/ka).