bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving dynamical seasonal sea ice prediction in the Arctic with machine learning
Authors: He Zikang , Wang Yiguo , Brajard Julien , Wang Xidong
Published: March 2024

 
Dynamical sea ice predictions have significant biases or systematic errors that are difficult to effectively remove. In this work, we introduce machine learning into the Norwegian Climate Prediction Model (NorCPM, a state-of-the-art dynamical prediction system) to improve Arctic sea ice predictions.
We build a statistics bias-correction methodology employing machine learning techniques. An artificial neural network is trained with NorCPM data. It is then used to predict sea ice concentration biases or systematic errors and correct them either in post-processing of the predictions (offline manner) or during the production of the prediction (online manner). We evaluate the outcomes by assessing sea ice extent (SIE) and comparing them against observational data. Our findings reveal that offline correction markedly reduces the prediction biases in summer (more than 30%), while online correction enhances the variability in sea ice predictions up to four months. These results underscore the potential of machine learning as a potent tool for refining the accuracy of Arctic sea ice seasonal predictions.
Temporal Dynamics of Soil Moisture in Ghaghra River Basin: Land Use and Cover Patterns
Authors: Sugarno Mohammed Iqlash , Devaraju Balaji , Tripathi Shivam , Somaskandan Kirthana
Published: March 2024

Soil moisture estimation is highly complex due to its spatial and temporal variability. In-situ data from a region over a period can characterize the seasonality of the area. This paper aims to capture the dynamics of surface soil moisture in different land use and land cover patterns. The dataset used aggregates in-situ data over a one-year period from December 2022 to December 2023 in the Ghaghra River basin. Along with soil moisture, other climatic variables are considered to describe their interaction with the atmosphere. The different land uses include paddy fields, tobacco fields, sugarcane fields, and uncultivated agricultural fields (wasteland). The land cover includes forests, agricultural fields, and mixed-use cultivation. The analysis of the patterns reveals that soil moisture in agricultural fields and mixed-use cultivation exhibits strong seasonality, unlike the forest region. This is attributed to the soil properties of the forest, which are dense, less permeable, and have low hydraulic conductivity. A portable electrical resistivity sensor is carried to the field to record soil moisture. The sensor is calibrated to overcome the conventional, time-consuming, tedious, and point-based methods. The calibrated sensor is used to interpret the spatial variability of the field by taking numerous samples. The recorded soil moisture is also compared against the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) data for error characterization.
Promoting science through art via cartoons and fiber art 
Authors: Șerban Raul-David , Șerban Mihaela
Published: March 2024

Numerical models and satellite images are used to simulate the ground surface temperature (GST), the temperature measured at around 5 cm into the ground. GST is important for understanding the climate change impacts on various environments and has utility for multiple geosciences and economic applications. To better explain this approach to youth a cartoon booklet was created. Therefore, the marmot Marv is telling the “Story of Ground Surface Temperature” through an animated story with captivating comic strips. Marv is explaining why GST is important, why GST is highly variable in time and space, and how can better tackle the impacts of climate change on soil temperature. The comic strips are available online on Academia: https://www.academia.bz.it/strips/the-story-of-the-ground-surface-temperature. In addition, a 3D fiber-art object was also created to promote science through art. The fiber art object represents a miniature 3D model of a glaciated alpine valley with different rope colors and textures for each land cover type. The model is accompanied by a hanging satellite also built from rope and by a flyer that explains this mingle of science and art. This object can be exposed in art galleries, tourist info centers, or during conferences, workshops, and science fairs. These communication materials, help to promote the scientific work to a broader audience.
Hybrid Modelling: Bridging Neural Networks and Physics-Based Approaches in Terrestrial Biogeochemical Ecosystems
Authors: Alonso Lazaro , Koirala Sujan , Carvalhais Nuno , Gans Fabian , Ahrens Bernhard , Cremer Felix , Wutzler Thomas , Ayoub Chettouh Mohammed , Reichstein Markus
Published: March 2024

The application of automatic differentiation and deep learning approaches to tackle current challenges is now a widespread practice. The biogeosciences community is no stranger to this trend; however, quite often, previously known physical model abstractions are discarded.In this study, we model the ecosystem dynamics of vegetation, water, and carbon cycles adopting a hybrid approach. This methodology involves preserving the physical model representations for simulating the targeted processes while utilizing neural networks to learn the spatial variability of their parameters. These models have historically posed challenges due to their complex process representations, varied spatial scales, and parametrizations.We show that a hybrid approach effectively predicts model parameters with a single neural network, compared with the site-level optimized set of parameters. This approach demonstrates its capability to generate predictions consistent with in-situ parameter calibrations across various spatial locations, showcasing its versatility and reliability in modelling coupled systems.Here, the physics-based process models undergo evaluation across several FLUXNET sites. Various observations—such as gross primary productivity, net ecosystem exchange, evapotranspiration, transpiration, the normalized difference vegetation index, above-ground biomass, and ecosystem respiration—are utilized as targets to assess the model's performance. Simultaneously, a neural network (NN) is trained to predict the model parameters, using input features(to the NN) such as plant functional types, climate types, bioclimatic variables, atmospheric nitrogen and phosphorus deposition, and soil properties. The model simulation is executed within our internal framework Sindbad.jl (to be open-sourced), designed to ensure compatibility with gradient-based optimization methods.This work serves as a stepping stone, demonstrating that incorporating neural networks into a broad collection of physics-based models holds significant promise and has the potential to leverage the abundance of current Earth observations, enabling the application of these methods on a larger scale.
We need new generations of people who know about the Earth – what are we doing about It … in Ireland?
Authors: Power Siobhán
Published: March 2024

Geologists, Geoscientists, or Earth Scientists – however we identify or whatever we do in our daily work, we are needed for stable human habitation on our planet in the future. Although people who know and understand the Earth are needed, there has been a decline in the number of people considering the possibility of entering our professions. What are we doing about it in Ireland? Ireland has a relatively good education system and a population with an interest in natural science, and yet the Earth-related sciences do not feature strongly in the national curriculum at primary nor secondary level, there is no national science museum, and with teachers lacking the tools to inspire students, very few students are doing degrees in the Earth sciences and continuing in careers in those areas. Various professional, cultural, and educational organisations have been working separately and together to address this issue in the last few years, and while the feedback is encouraging, and progress is being made, there is a lot more to be done. Some of the activities include a temporary exhibition at the national museum, a primetime television series, professional scientists input to national curriculum development, sponsoring of national young scientist prize, co-creation of teaching resources, teacher workshops, and an increase in publicly funded outreach projects.As we look towards the next phase of activities and plans in a crowded and busy field of science communications and messaging, we need to learn from international best practice, place ourselves in the global context, and work together in a co-ordinated way to inspire the next generations to enable humans to question, understand, and live sustainably on the Earth.  
The retreat of the Adamello Glacier (Italy) in a changing climate from snow and meteorological measurements, remote sensing observations and surface mass balance modelling
Authors: Colosio Paolo , Liaqat Muhammad Usman , Grossi Giovanna , Ranzi Roberto
Published: March 2024

The Adamello Glacier, a rare example of a summit glacier in the Italian Alps, is undergoing profound transformations since the beginning of the century, with a substantial reduction in its surface area. Between 1995 and 2009, the net surface mass balance displayed an average decrease of -1439 mm w.e. per year. We analyze the retreat of the Adamello Glacier through diverse prospectives, discussing trends and variability in in-situ observations and remotely sensed images, and modelling its mass balance in the current and future climate. Firstly, we show the areal retreat of the glacierized area studied by means of satellite images (Landsat), obtaining an areal retreat of 11% every decade since 2007. Secondly, we present the timeseries of temperature and precipitation measured at nearby high elevation meteorological stations. Significant increasing trends are found in temperature, especially in the summer period (+0.8°C every decade since 1996). Accumulation variability and trends are also discussed, drawing insights from snow water equivalent measurements systematically collected since 1967, revealing concerning spring trends with a 5-6% decrease in water equivalent every decade on April 1, and no significant trends in winter. Thirdly, by means of the Physical based Distributed Snow Land and Ice Model (PDSLIM), validated by ablation measurements collected in August 2023, we compute the distributed surface mass balance of the Adamello glacier for the period 2010-2023, obtaining an average net mass balance of -2170 mm w.e., significantly larger than in the period 1995-2009. Finally, in order to assess the future evolution of the glacier, we make use of regional climate models (RCMs) simulations of the future climate conditions developed in the framework of the CORDEX experiment for different emission scenarios. Our results highlight the critical conditions the Adamello Glacier is experiencing nowadays, quantifying the surface mass balance in the current climate, and estimate its expected behavior by the end of the century considering different emission scenarios.
Phase state of water adsorbed on ice nucleating particles
Authors: Welti André , Viisanen Yrjö , Piedehierro Ana A. , Laaksonen Ari
Published: March 2024

Barnes and Sänger (1961) suggested that a substance only becomes active at nucleating ice when the adsorbed water on the surface is in an ice-like state, and that there should be a correspondence between the temperature of ice nucleation and the “freezing” of adsorbed water. We present spectroscopic measurements that allow to simultaneously determine the amount of adsorbed water and whether the adsorbed water is liquid or ice-like. These measurements are conducted using a new setup that allows to expose test substances to a broad temperature and humidity range while recording the diffuse infrared reflectance spectrum of the adsorbed water. The phase state of the adsorbed water with decreasing temperature is then compared to the ice nucleation temperature of the test substance, which is measured using a continuous flow diffusion chamber.References:Barnes, G. T., and Sänger, R., ZAMP 12, 159 (1961). 
Gravity field recovery using co-estimation of background model errors to improve de-aliasing capabilities of the MAGIC double-pair constellation
Authors: Wilms Josefine , Hauk Markus , Dahle Christoph , Murboeck Michael , Panafidina Natalia , Flechtner Frank
Published: March 2024

GFZ has performed various full-scale simulations within the ESA NGGM/MAGIC Science Support Study, including instrument noise and background model error assumptions. The focus was set on developing and applying extended parameterization techniques for improved de-aliasing of short-term mass variations.The impact of using model uncertainties was investigated for ocean tide and non-tidal atmospheric and oceanic background models. As part of the DFG Research Unit NEROGRAV covariances of model uncertainties were computed and during gravity field retrieval model corrections were co-estimated using this prior covariance information. In principle, model errors are absorbed by the additional co-estimated parameters, and gravity field estimation is thereby improved.First, simulations with only ocean tide errors and only non-tidal background model errors were performed separately for one month to assess the error reduction obtained for each. Finally, ocean tide and non-tidal errors were included together in a full noise simulation and compared to the processing strategy that did not include co-estimation of background model errors.The novel optimized method was then also applied for monthly gravity field retrieval over one year, showing improvements for each month. The estimated residual ocean tides from this 1-year simulation were then used to calculate an improved ocean tide model optimized for gravity field recovery.In addition, monthly solutions, obtained with co-estimation of background model errors, have been calculated for the inclined pair alone using regularization for the not-covered polar regions and compared to double pair solutions for latitudes lower than +/- 70 degrees.
Exploring the structure of the Cascadia Subduction Zone by coupling 3D thermomechanical modeling and CPO evolution with observations.
Authors: Fraters Menno , Billen Magali , Naliboff John , Staisch Lydia , Watt Janet
Published: March 2024

The Cascadia Subduction Zone is characterized by young subducting lithosphere, its isolation from other subducting systems, and its ability to produce megathrust earthquakes (M>9.0) and devastating tsunamis. Due to its high potential hazard and risk, it is also a well-studied subduction zone where modern, diverse and detailed observational datasets are available through the USGS and initiatives like GeoPrisms and EarthScope. These datasets include high quality GPS, onshore and offshore geophysical imaging, geochemical and seismic anisotropy data. Integrating these data sets with geodynamic modeling presents an opportunity to gain insight into outstanding questions regarding slab structure, tectonic evolution, seismic hazards, and the physical processes that can self-consistently explain all these observations. For example, geologic and geophysical data suggest that there may be one or two prominent slab gaps or tears, while tomographic data does not fully constrain the depth extent of the slab. Furthermore, the overriding plate is composed of different terranes and contains numerous active and slowly moving faults, complicating efforts to accurately constrain variations in present-day stress and deformation rates.In this study we test whether comparison of observations to geodynamic model predictions can distinguish between different slab geometries for the Cascadia Subduction Zone. To this end, we have created regional 3D geodynamic models of Cascadia including the slab based on the Slab 2.0 dataset. The model setup is built with the Geodynamic World Builder, and the models are run with the geodynamics code ASPECT. We present results which compare the Juan de Fuca plate velocities against the present day Euler poles. We have found that matching the plate velocity magnitude and direction is sensitive to the rheological model overall, while at the same time being insensitive to certain aspects of the plate boundary rheologies. During the evolution of these models we track the development of the CPO (Crystal Preferred Orientation) with an implementation of the DREX algorithm, so we can compare it against observations of seismic anisotropy in the region. Our presentation will focus on the importance of the geometry of the slab and the strength of different sections of the interface. Furthermore, these models and demonstrate workflows for linking the model results to surface tectonics.
Polarimetric Radar Signatures of Ice Formation Pathways from Controlled Aerosol Perturbations (PolarCAP)
Authors: Schimmel Willi , Senf Fabian , Stoll Jens , Seifert Patric , Ohneiser Kevin , Henneberger Jan , Lohmann Ulrike , Spirig Robert , Ramelli Fabiola , Fuchs Christopher , Miller Anna , Zhang Huiying , Omanovic Nadja
Published: March 2024

The PolarCAP project aims to decode the interplay between aerosol and cloud-microphysical processes by investigating the evolution of the ice phase under slightly supercooled conditions (T > -10°C) within a thermodynamically and aerosol-controlled environment, employing radar polarimetry and spectral-bin modelling.
In collaboration with the CLOUDLAB project at the ETH Zurich, PolarCAP investigates the development of an artificially initiated ice phase within supercooled stratus clouds. Utilizing cloud seeding with silver iodide, CLOUDLAB initiates the freezing process of cloud droplets. The subsequent evolution is monitored using in-situ measurements and conventional ground-based cloud remote sensing tools. The collaboration has yielded a unique dataset, incorporating polarimetric radar and lidar observations from the Leipzig Aerosol and Cloud Remote Observing System (LACROS) in tandem with data from the cloud-resolving spectral bin model COSMO-SPECS.
We will present a comparative evaluation between observational data from CLOUDLAB and LACROS, and the innovative COSMO-SPECS simulations featuring an artificial INP source, termed COSMO-SPECS-FLARE (CSF). The inclusion of this source within the COSMO-SPECS framework is pivotal for precipitating ice nucleation, thereby significantly improving the accuracy of cloud microphysical process simulations.
A notable advancement of this research is the coupling of CFS output with the radar-forward-simulator PAMTRA. This integration is instrumental in translating the model output into observational parameters, enabling intricate analysis of radar reflectivity, mean Doppler velocity, and other vital atmospheric metrics.
Preliminary results are centered on the alignment of radar-forward-simulation predictions based on CSF output with standard remote sensing assessments, including ice and liquid water content retrievals. The analysis highlights the enhanced capacity of the CSF model to replicate observed cloud responses, thus providing comprehensive insights into cloud microphysical processes, particularly in the context of induced ice nucleation.
Two new cassiterite reference materials for in-situ U-Pb dating from the European Variscan metallogenic belt
Authors: Tavazzani Lorenzo , Szymanowski Dawid , Carr Patrick , Guillong Marcel , Buret Yannick , Cortes-Calderon Edgar A. , Mercadier Julien , Chelle-Michou Cyril
Published: March 2024

Cassiterite (SnO2) is one of the dominant ore phases in tin-tungsten bearing magmatic-hydrothermal deposits. It can contain high uranium contents and usually hosts low levels of common Pb, making it one of the best U-Pb geochronometers among ore minerals [1]. The widespread use of in-situ techniques to obtain crystallization ages for cassiterite, however, is limited by a paucity of accurately characterized reference materials (RMs). Such shortage is mostly caused by the difficulty of achieving closed-system acid decomposition of this mineral, which represents the foundation of isotope dilution techniques, necessary for accurate and precise determination of U-Pb isotopic composition using thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) techniques.In this contribution, we present a new set of U-Pb isotopic compositions of two cassiterite samples from the archetypal Variscan Sn-W greisen deposits of Panasqueira (Portugal) and Krasno (Czechia) obtained with an updated protocol of complete HBr decomposition of cassiterite in the presence of a U-Pb tracer, followed by U and Pb purification, and TIMS analyses. Previous to dissolution, the U-Pb isotopic compositions of the same cassiterite aliquots are characterized via laser-ablation-inductively coupled-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and each cassiterite fragment is imaged with an ultra-fast washout laser ablation system to obtain high-resolution maps of the content and distribution of key trace elements (e.g. U, Pb, Fe, REE).These two samples show variable but high U concentrations (2-20 ppm) and produce U-Pb isochron ages with 1% precision and low dispersion. We compare these new materials with established RMs (Yankee [2]; AY-4 [3]) and discuss their usability as primary reference materials for microbeam applications.[1] Neymark, L. A., et al., Chemical Geology. 2018, 483, 410-425.[2] Carr, P.A., et al., Chemical Geology. 2020, 539, 119539.[3] Yuan, S., et al., Ore Geology Reviews. 2011, 43, 235–242.
Compaction and creep deformation of volcaniclastic material during burial 
Authors: Zorn Edgar U. , Lamur Anthony , Kendrick Jackie E. , Kueppers Ulrich , Lavallée Yan
Published: March 2024

Volcaniclastic deposits compact during accumulation and burial, causing prolonged ground deformation, and potentially affecting edifice stability. Here we present the results of laboratory compaction experiments in which volcaniclastic material (in a confining cup) was progressively loaded with 0.1 MPa/min up to 20 MPa. We tested two lithologies consisting of natural basanitic scoria and crushed hyaloclastite, each sieved to a set of two grain sizes in the ash (0.5-2 mm) and lapilli (2-4 mm) range. During experiments, axial deformation and acoustic emissions were monitored, enabling us to quantify the progressive volume reduction and material properties. Two types of experiments were performed: dynamic loading tests and static creep test. The dynamic tests show that most of the deformation takes place within the first few MPa, decreasing non-linearly with load. Ultimately, samples compacted by up to 50 vol.% at 20 MPa (here equivalent to ~1,400 m depth). We use this compaction data to build a model of compaction and material properties as function of burial depth.In repeat experiments, static tests were undertaken at select target loads (2, 5, 10 and 20 MPa) to measure time-dependent creep deformation at these loads over 6 hours. We find that compaction continues under static load as creep occurs in stages, displaying (1) initially rapid decline in compaction strain rates, which (2) then diminish more slowly over time and (3) eventually reach stable creep strain rates in most of our tests. Moreover, both total creep strains and stable creep rates are dependent on the applied load. Stable strain rates were highest between 5 and 10 MPa for all samples. The data shows that the lithology also influences the deformation behavior as we found the hyaloclastites compacted more efficiently during initial loading compared to the scoria, but in-turn creep strain rates were nearly an order of magnitude lower due to the more efficient compaction during loading. Our results highlight the relevance of gravitational material compaction for investigations of ground deformation and volcano flank instability (e.g., measured with InSAR) and introduce new material constraints to improve the interpretation and analysis of such signals. Deposit-specific compaction data may be integrated with ground deformation monitoring to interpret flank instabilities and assess collapse hazards, particularly in eruptions where deposition of new materials rapidly shifts overburden stresses.
Exploring runoff sensitivity based on runoff ratio in the UK during 2000 to 2015
Authors: Xue Pei , Spracklen Dominick , Holden Joseph
Published: March 2024

The runoff ratio is important in hydrology and water resource management because it helps quantify the efficiency of a watershed or catchment area in handling precipitation. The runoff ratio can vary widely depending on factors such as land cover (e.g., urban, forested, agricultural), soil type and permeability, land slope, and climate.  Some previous research revealed that the number of days of precipitation is the major determinant of runoff ratio, while how runoff sensitivity changes at different ratio has been not fully understood. Here, we use runoff ratio as a hydrological indicator to explore the influencing factors of changes in runoff sensitivity. Since land cover types have not changed a lot in the UK after 2000. We calculated runoff ratio for catchments in the UK during 2000 to 2015 and its sensitivity to a range of controlling factors. This study will outline the key findings on runoff ratio controls, which will then be tested in other regions to determine the relative role of land cover change.
Improvements to the AMISR Resolved Vector Velocities Data Product
Authors: Lamarche Leslie J. , Bhatt Asti , Varney Roger
Published: March 2024

The Advanced Modular Incoherent Scatter Radars (AMISR) are monostatic phased-array incoherent scatter radars.  A technique for estimating the 3D plasma drift velocity vectors from line-of-sight velocity measurements across the radar field-of-view was originally published in Heinselman and Nicolls [2008].  We discuss recent improvements to this algorithm, including better error filtering and more rigorous treatment of magnetic coordinate systems, as well as a re-examination of the underlying assumptions.  These improvements result in better fidelity of the resolved vector velocities data product, which generally now cover a larger geographic area with smaller errors. Initial results are discussed, as well as next steps for the resolved vector velocities data product. 
Coastal flood risks in Europe in the context of sea-level rise: methods and preliminary results from the CoCliCo project
Authors: Bascoul Vincent , Thiéblemont Rémi , Rohmer Jeremy , Koks Elco , De Plaen Joël , Lincke Daniel , Bonatz Hedda , Le Cozannet Goneri
Published: March 2024

Present days and future coastal flooding is a key concern for Europe due to sea-level rise, storm surges and the importance of infrastructure at risk in low-lying areas. To support adaptation, information on future risks such as people exposed and economic damages are required. The CoCliCo project aims to contribute responding to this need by informing users about coastal risks via an open-source web platform. This platform aspires to improve decision-making on coastal risk management and adaptation in Europe.Here, we present the methods used in CoCliCo to compute risks and provide early results of risk calculations at the European scale. The results take the form of costs calculated for different flooding scenarios on different infrastructures (residential buildings, roads...) as a function of flood water levels. Flood water levels are determined for each infrastructure based on flood modelling. Then, using vulnerability curves, a damage associated with the type of infrastructure as a function of the water level is assigned. The damage ratio then is used to calculate the cost of flooding. Coastal risk can also be presented in social terms, by assessing the number of people potentially affected by flooding. The results are illustrated for two case studies: Dieppe and Hyère in France using detailed flood modelling and complemented by preliminary results for Europe. Our results are compared results from with previous studies.Finally, flood risk projections will be presented for several return periods at different scales and for different integrated scenarios considering climate change and associated socio-economic pathways as well as different adaptation options. These results will be made available on the CoCliCo platform.
Balloon-borne lidar observations of cirrus in the tropics
Authors: Lesigne Thomas , Ravetta François , Podglajen Aurélien , Mariage Vincent , Pelon Jacques
Published: March 2024

Tropical cirrus clouds have a strong impact on the Earth’s climate, modulating both the radiative budget and the amount of water vapor transported to the stratosphere. They are still challenging to observe : ground-based and airborne observations have a limited coverage, and if space-borne sensors provide invaluable continuous observations at the global scale, they lack sensitivity to optically thin clouds. To tackle this issue and better characterize the tropical cirrus coverage, a new light-weight microlidar, named BeCOOL (Balloon-borne Cirrus and convective overshOOT Lidar), has been designed to fly onboard long duration super-pressure balloons in the lower stratosphere (~20 km), right above the clouds. Three of those have been recently flown during the Strateole-2 project, between October 2021 and January 2022. Comparisons with CALIPSO’s lidar observations highlight the microlidar’s unprecedented sensitivity to very thin cirrus that are below the detection capabilities of space-borne sensors.
The Titan PCM : a fully coupled climate model to study thermal structures, haze, clouds and their seasonal variations
Authors: Lebonnois Sebastien , de Batz de Trenquelleon Bruno , Rosset Lucie , Vatant d'Ollone Jan , Rannou Pascal
Published: March 2024

We have developed a new version of the IPSL Titan GCM, now called the Titan Planetary Climate Model (Titan PCM), including a new microphysical model for haze and clouds. Observations of Titan have long revealed the presence of seasonal cycles on Titan (haze, clouds, organic compounds), the ins and outs of which are still poorly understood. In particular, the lack of information on the different flows that govern these cycles prevents us from understanding all the phenomena taking place in Titan’s atmosphere. The need to develop a complete climate model, including microphysics, therefore becomes essential.The latest improvements in the Titan PCM radiative transfer, now based on a flexible correlated-k method and up-to-date gases spectroscopic data, lead to a better modelling of the temperature profiles in the middle atmosphere. The photochemical solver extends computation of the composition above the top of the PCM (roughly 500 km) up to 1300 km. Radiative transfer is coupled with a new microphysics model in moments. This model includes phenomena such as the nucleation and condensation of clouds, and precipitation that shape the satellite’s landscape.We are now able to model the processes involved in the formation of tropospheric (CH4) and polar (C2H2, C2H6 and HCN) clouds on Titan. Cloud formation induces new seasonal cycles, particularly at the tropopause where clouds empty the lower layers of the atmosphere of aerosols, featuring two boundary, the main haze layer and a layer of condensed organic compounds. Higher up, in the lower stratosphere, the haze follows a new cycle constrained solely by the circulation, leading to a better modelling of the temperature profiles in the low stratosphere and the troposphere.From the results of coupled simulations, we can discuss multiple questions raised by observations. Special interest is bear on the overall control of the thermal structure, and impact of the coupling on equinoctial circulation reversal. We also discuss the radiative destabilization of the lower polar winter stratosphere, observed by Cassini radio-occultations.
Early stage Quaternary overdeepening in Upper Swabia - Germany
Authors: Pomper Johannes , Bamford Clare , Preusser Frank , Wielandt-Schuster Ulrike , Gegg Lukas
Published: March 2024

Overdeepenings are glacially shaped basins, incised into the bedrock deeper than the fluvial base level by subglacial erosion. Their sedimentary fillings are important archives for understanding glacial and postglacial history and the glacial impact on environmental transformation. Investigation of overdeepened features and their sedimentary contents is essential for understanding the processes and drivers of subglacial erosion, the timing and sequence of past glaciations, and accordingly their cumulated impact on landscape and topography.This study is centred around an already acquired high quality drill core plus a correlating outcrop on the highest summit of Upper Swabia (The Hoechsten) in the North of the Lake Constance area (southwestern Germany). We investigate an overdeepening in an exceptional stratigraphic position: The sediment succession at Hoechsten is one of only a few examples of glacial basin fills that are correlated with the Early Pleistocene, and a key profile for this otherwise merely poorly constrained period. Situated in an elevated position, it is considered a component of an old highland-ramp topography that has since been largely reshaped over the course of repeated glaciations (Ellwanger et al. 2011).Besides sedimentological analysis we apply standard geotechnical methods to reconstruct the deglaciation and potential phases of readvancement. Geotechnical data has proven valuable for the identification of a glacial sediment component, of previous mechanical loading by ice, or of the modification of a deposit by non-glacial processes. Furthermore, we compare micromorphological structures on the basis of microscale computed tomography analysis with results of a previously conducted thin-section study (Menzies & Ellwanger 2011). In the future, these analyses will be complemented by a multi-method dating approach (integrating e.g. luminescence and paleomagnetic properties and cosmogenic nuclides).References:Ellwanger, D., Wielandt-Schuster, U., Franz, M., & Simon, T. (2011). The Quaternary of the southwest German Alpine Foreland (Bodensee-Oberschwaben, Baden-Wuerttemberg, southwest Germany). E&G Quaternary Science Journal, 60(2/3), 306-328, DOI 10.3285/eg.60.2-3.07Menzies, J. & Ellwanger, D. (2011). Insights into subglacial processes inferred from the micromorphological analyses of complex diamicton stratigraphy near Illmensee-Lichtenegg, Hoechsten, Germany. Boreas, 40(2), 271-288, DOI 10.1111/j.1502-3885.2010.00194.x
Cubesat mission “vulcain” to monitor volcanoes thermal activity and gas emissions 
Authors: Buongiorno Maria Fabrizia , Lavagna Michèle Roberta , Labate Demetrio , Tudor Stefan Vlad , Masini Andrea , De Carlo Paola , Romaniello Vito , Silvestri Malvina , Pirat Camille
Published: March 2024

Monitor changes in volcanic activity is crucial to understand signs of an impending eruption. Satellite data provide a very effective tool to study active volcanoes remotely and to understand their evolution by analyzing different parameters in spatial and temporal dimensions. During the last two decades’ large progress has been done in volcanic remote sensing to measure temperatures and gas emissions, further developments are expected over the next decade considering the new planned space missions: ESA-LSTM, NASA/ASI-SBG, CNES/ISRO TRISHNA and other mission studies that include thermal infrared sensors. This work aims to present the development of a satellite mission study: “Vulcain” which regards a new CubeSat mission for Earth Observation dedicated to study volcanoes. The project is supervised by the European Space Agency (ESA) and coordinated by the Polytechnic of Milan with the support of five Italian partners (INGV, Leonardo Spa, Flysight srl, Leaf Space srl, Technology for Propulsion and Innovation srl).The project involves the construction of two 12U nanosatellites flying in formation. Each satellite is equipped with 2 instruments an RGB camera and a multispectral thermal camera with four channels in the 8-12 µm spectral range. The main scientific objectives are focus on measure, on a selected number of worldwide active volcanoes, the surface temperatures, sulfur dioxide emissions, to combine VIS-TIR data to enhance the spatial resolution and adding morphological analysis using the stereoscopic capability of the two nanosatellites.
Geochemical characterization of the Coda Terminal CO2 storage site, Iceland
Authors: Voigt Martin , Galeczka Iwona
Published: March 2024

The Carbfix methodology has been demonstrated to be a safe and cost-effective approach to reduce the carbon dioxide (CO2) emission into the atmosphere. The 2012 pilot study proved that 95% of the CO2 that was initially injected mineralized mainly as calcium carbonate in the shallow reservoir at 20-50 °C in less than two years. Followed by its successful outcome, the Carbfix methodology has been a foundation for many scaled-up CO2 mineralization projects, e.g., the Coda Terminal, a cross-border carbon transport and storage hub in Iceland. The value chain of CO2 includes: 1) capturing at industrial sites in Europe, 2) shipping to the Terminal in Iceland, 3) offloading and conditioning, 4) injection through a network of wells into the basaltic bedrock for subsequent 5) subsurface mineral storage. The Coda Terminal injections will be scaled-up stepwise, with a full annual injection capacity of 3 MtCO2.Several wells of varying depth have been drilled to explore and characterize the subsurface at the Coda Terminal storage site. The water collected from these wells show variable composition depending on their depth and location. Currently, the water from the main feed zone close to shore is saline with a conductivity of about 40000 μS/cm and a pH of about 8.4. In contrast, a well further away from shore shows low conductivity of about 100 μS/cm and is relatively alkaline (pH of 10.9). Shallow water supply wells are tapping the uppermost part of the Coda groundwater body with a conductivity of 100 μS/cm and a pH of about 9.0. The CO2 concentration in these wells is within the range seen in groundwater in Iceland. The water in Coda reservoir shows no contamination of chosen halogen-containing alkanes and alkenes, aromatic carbohydrates, organic pesticides, and PAH. All are below the detection limit of the analytical methods used.The results of the reaction path models carried out to assess the potential of CO2 mineralization in Coda storage reservoir show that the predicted water chemical compositions and secondary mineralogies are similar to what has previously been observed during basalt weathering and its low temperature alteration. Mixing of the CO2 injection water and the chemically variable reservoir water does not affect the overall chemical and mineralogical trends and mineralization efficiencies. The results of the simulations confirm high CO2 mineralization potential with up to 100% of the injected CO2 mineralized as calcite. However, the spatial and temporal evolution of this process has not been assessed in these models.
Space–time landslide hazard modeling via Ensemble Neural Networks
Authors: Dahal Ashok , Tanyas Hakan , van Westen Cees , van der Meijde Mark , Mai Paul Martin , Huser Raphaël , Lombardo Luigi
Published: March 2024

Abstract. Until now, a full numerical description of the spatio-temporal dynamics of a landslide could be achieved only via physically based models. The part of the geoscientific community in developing data-driven models has instead focused on predicting where landslides may occur via susceptibility models. Moreover, they have estimate when landslides may occur via models that belong to the early-warning system or to the rainfall-threshold classes. In this context, few published research works have explored a joint spatio-temporal model structure. Furthermore, the third element completing the hazard definition, i.e., the landslide size (i.e., areas or volumes), has hardly ever been modeled over space and time. However, technological advancements in data-driven models have reached a level of maturity that allows all three components to be modeled (Location, Frequency, and Size). This work takes this direction and proposes for the first time a solution to the assessment of landslide hazard in a given area by jointly modeling landslide occurrences and their associated areal density per mapping unit, in space and time. To achieve this, we used a spatio-temporal landslide database generated for the Nepalese region affected by the Gorkha earthquake. The model relies on a deep-learning architecture trained using an Ensemble Neural Network, where the landslide occurrences and densities are aggregated over a squared mapping unit of 1 km × 1 km and classified or regressed against a nested 30 m lattice. At the nested level, we have expressed predisposing and triggering factors. As for the temporal units, we have used an approximately 6 month resolution. The results are promising as our model performs satisfactorily both in the susceptibility (AUC = 0.93) and density prediction (Pearson r = 0.93) tasks over the entire spatio-temporal domain. This model takes a significant distance from the common landslide susceptibility modeling literature, proposing an integrated framework for hazard modeling in a data-driven context.
Patient Characteristics and Adherence to Antidepressant Medication Treatment at PsychiatricOutpatient Department of Mardan Medical Complex, Pakistan
Authors: Izaz Jamal  , Anika Manzoor Ali  , Ejaz Gul  , Muhammad Muslim  , Muneeb Pirzada  , Sumaira
Published: March 2024

Background: Adherence to antidepressant treatment is an important factor in the treatment and effective management of depressed patients. Characteristics of patients can help in determining compliance to treatment protocols. In order to find link between compliance and demographic characteristics of patients, insight can be obtained through exploration of these variables.Objectives: To determine the association between patient characteristics and antidepressant medication adherence. To identify characteristics of patients that may improve or worsen compliance to antidepressant medication. Material and Methods: This study was a descriptive, cross-sectional study aiming to find the link between personal characteristics and adherence to anti-depressant medications. The study was conducted at Psychiatry outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital, Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan Pakistan, from 05th September 2018 to 08th February 2021. Data was collected from 660 patients who presented with depressive symptoms to Psychiatry OPD. The main objective was to identify characteristics of patients leading to poor compliance to antidepressant medication. Results: Total study population was 660. Majority of the study population 82.9 % (n-549) were female. Uneducated were, 56.6 % (375), 81.1 % (n-537) were unemployed, and 65.9 % (n-436) were married. Follow up interviews were conducted in 316 (47.7 %) patients at 3rd week, 186 (28.1 %) patients at 6th week, 130 (19.6 %) patients at 9th week, 96 (14.5 %) patients at 12th week, and 31 (4.7 %) patients at 6 months. There was no significant difference found on the basis of patient characteristics and adherence. However, compliance was better among patients who had longer duration of illness. Conclusion: Medication adherence is a common problem among depressed patients and leads to impaired daily life functioning. Our study could not found any significant difference regarding patient characteristics among compliant and non compliant patients. Educating patients regarding the use of antidepressant medication treatment should be added to routine practice. Keywords: Anti depressants, Depression, Non-adherence, Poor compliance.
To Determine the Effectiveness of Conservative Treatment Versus Appendectomy in the Management of Acute Uncomplicated Appendicitis.
Authors: Mian Anwar Zeb  , Muhammad Usman  , Farooq Khan  , Siyab Ahmad  , Liaqat Ali  , Adnan Badar
Published: March 2024

Background: The vermiform appendix is considered to be a vestigial organ by the most. Its importance in surgery results only from its tendency for inflammation that results in a clinical syndrome known as acute appendicitis. It is the most common indication for emergency abdominal surgery in patients with acute abdomen with a crude annual incidence of 26 per 10,000 populations.Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of Conservative Treatment Versus appendectomy in the management of AcuteUncomplicated Appendicitis.Material and Methods: This randomized control trial was conducted in Department of General Surgery Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital Saidu sharif, from 1st January 2022 to 31st December 2022. A total of 96 cases were enrolled, that were divided into two groups. Informed written consent was taken from each patient. Patients in Group A were subjected to non-operative management with antibiotics while patients in Group B were subjected to appendectomy. Patients in both groups were evaluated for various parameters such as age, gender, pre- and post-operative duration of pain (group B), Alvarado score. Post stratification chi-square test was applied keeping P Value < 0.05 as significant. Results: Mean and SD for Age, Duration of Stay, Pre & Post Treatment Abdominal Score and Pre and Post Treatment Alvarado Score in Group A was recorded as 35±10.60, 3.0±0.24, 7.0±0.49, 3.0±0.20, 9.0±0.41 and 3.0±1.62 respectively. In the same manner, Mean and SD for Group B was 35±12.53, 5.0±0.41, 7.0±0.35, 3.0±0.35, 3.0±0.20, 9.0±0.41, and 2.5±1.5, respectively. Success rate in Group A was 26 (52%) whereas in Group B it was 36 (72%) patients. Conclusion: Conservative treatment can be applied safely in the majority of cases of the first attack of uncomplicated acute appendicitis, therefore, avoiding appendectomy and its associated morbidity and mortality. Keywords: Acute appendicitis, Alvarado Score, Antibiotic treatment, Acute uncomplicated appendicitis, Success rate.
Assessing the Impact of Financial and Non-financial Rewards on Job Satisfaction: A Cross-sectional Study Among Employees of Health Secretariat Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Azmatullah  , Naeemullah  , Marwat Muhammad Imran , Muhammad Altaf  , Mashal Khan
Published: March 2024

Background: An organization's ability to deliver quality services completely depends on its management of human resource in an efficient manner. To maximize potential of health-care professionals, job satisfaction becomes utmost significant. Objectives: To assess the impact of financial and non-financial rewards on job satisfaction of employees of Health Secretariat Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2019 to August 2019. A pilot tested and validated semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the employees of health secretariat department through convenience sampling technique. A total of 50 forms were analyzed through SPSS and AMOS. Satisfaction in job, financial and non-financial rewards were tested for their t-statistics and significance level using multiple linear regressions followed by determining effects of moderator of age, experience, and education when employed as an interaction variable. Results: The study results demonstrate that non-financial rewards have more significant relationship (p < 0.05) in determining job satisfaction of employees compared to financial rewards. However, the moderators of increase in age, education and experience (AEE) were seen to enhance the job satisfaction-financial rewards (JS-FR) relationship while AEE had no impact on job satisfaction-nonfinancial rewards (JS-NFR) relationship. Conclusion: The non-financial rewards (recognition, responsibility, autonomy and provision of skill enhancement opportunities) are shown to play a key role in job satisfaction of employees. Hence health organizations should consider them included in their management for more job satisfaction.Keywords: Financial Rewards, Health Care, Human Resource, Job Satisfaction, Pakistan.