bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Observational and Warning System for the Aquaculture Sector in European Waters
Authors: Pereiro Diego , Belyaev Korolev Oleg , Bonnet Dunbar Martha , Navarro Gabriel , Cusack Caroline , Dabrowski Tomasz , Nolan Glenn , Graves Inger
Published: February 2023

This work presents the steps towards the design and implementation of a marine observatory providing current and forecasted oceanic conditions relevant to the aquaculture sector, with particular focus on “Extreme Marine Events” such as marine heat waves, deoxygenation and storm surges. Examples of successful implementation of these guidelines in the framework of the EuroSea project are presented for two aquaculture sites: Deenish Island in Ireland and El Campello in Spain. In-situ measurements, remote-sensing observations and model forecasts are jointly provided to the end users. The process starts with the interaction with the stakeholders to understand their main needs and concerns, and is followed by the design of the software architecture that carries out the data acquisition, post-processing and visualization in an open-access web platform. User feedback is of paramount importance during the whole process to ensure that the services being offered in the end actually match the needs of the aquaculture sector.
Aircraft validation reveals a 20% low bias in TROPOMI NO2 over sea caused by TM5 a priori profiles
Authors: Rieß T. Christoph V.W. , van Vliet Jasper , Van Roy Ward , de Laat Jos , Dammers Enrico , Boersma Folkert
Published: February 2023

Scattering of light in the atmosphere and low sea surface albedo decrease the sensitivity of satellites to air pollution close to the sea surface. To reliably retrieve tropospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2) columns using the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI), it is therefore necessary to have good a priori knowledge of the vertical distribution of NO2. In this study, we used an aircraft of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, part of the Belgian coastguard structure, which was already equipped with a sniffer sensor system, measuring CO2, NOx and SO2. This instrumentation enables us (1) to capture pollution plumes originating from ships sailing within an Emission Control Area, and (2) to validate TROPOMI tropospheric NO2 columns over the polluted North Sea in summer 2021 and (3) to evaluate vertical profile shapes from several chemical models. We observe multiple clear signatures of ship plumes from seconds after emission to multiple kilometers downwind. Besides that, our results show that the chemical transport model TM5, which is used in the retrieval of the operational TROPOMI data, tends to underestimate surface level pollution while overestimating NO2 at higher levels over the polluted North Sea. The higher horizontal resolutions in the regional CAMS ensemble mean and LOTOS EUROS improve the surface level pollution estimates, but the models still systematically overestimate NO2 levels at higher altitudes, indicating exaggerated vertical mixing in the models. When replacing the TM5 a priori NO2 profiles with the aircraft-measured NO2 profiles in the air mass factor (AMFs) calculation, we find that recalculated AMFs reduce, and the retrieved NO2 columns increase by 20%. This indicates a significant low bias in TROPOMI tropospheric NO2 measurements over the North Sea. This low bias has important implications for estimating emissions over the sea. While TROPOMI NO2 low biases caused by the TM5 a priori profiles have previously also been reported over land, the reduced vertical mixing and smaller surface albedo over sea makes this issue especially relevant over sea and coastal regions. 
An experimental study on a tethered floating metamaterial breakwater to attenuate surface gravity waves in a shallow water environment
Authors: Lorenzo Matteo , Pezzutto Paolo , De Lillo Filippo , Ventrella Francesco Michele , De Vita Francesco , Ruol Piero , Bosia Federico , Onorato Miguel
Published: February 2023

In a framework of changing climate, it is important to find alternative solutions for coastal protection. Indeed, the pressure of anthropogenic origin, combined with natural forcings, has contributed both to a worsening of the environmental quality of coastal areas, and to the triggering of erosion dynamics, with retreat of the sandy coast.
Tethered floating breakwaters, built as a regular lattice of reversed pendula, can provide an alternative solution for beach management. With respect to rubble mound breakwaters, this type of structures has small impact on water circulation, and, in the presence of rising sea levels, it is much more adaptable than an artificial reef. Depending on their efficiency, the cost-effectiveness of beach protection using tethered floats is favorable compared to the current hard-engineering strategies.
For this purpose, inspired by the concept of metamaterial wave control, a floating device has been tested in a wave flume with a two-dimensional periodic configuration. Metamaterials are engineered structures designed to interact with waves and manipulate their propagation properties. The device is built as an array of tethered submerged cylinders, with their axes parallel to the wave crests. The idea is to investigate the conditions which lead to the formation of bandgaps, which is the key factor for mitigating the incoming energy of the surface gravity waves.
Experimental results demonstrated the feasibility of the concept, and that wave attenuation can be significant, even using a limited number of cylinders. The analysis of the results, have allowed us to assess that two leading mechanisms, dissipation and reflection, contribute to wave attenuation. If the cylinders are fully immersed, dissipation induces a broad bandgap around a resonance frequency that depends on the characteristics of the single pendulum. Instead, wave scattering (reflection) is relevant around frequencies that can be predicted using the generalized Bragg condition and the second harmonic generation, where the most significant bandgaps in attenuation can be observed. The second harmonic generation effect is a typical non-linear phenomenon, linked to the geometrical configuration of the device. In our tests, this behavior can be observed even for very small amplitude incident waves.
In conclusion, these results show the possibility to tune the position of the attenuation bands in the wave spectrum by modifying system parameters, to make possible the implementation of an efficient wave absorber for coastal protection.
User-friendly data pipeline for FAIRification of environmental sensordata
Authors: Louisot Benjamin , Lorenz Christof , Hadizadeh Mostafa , Völksch Ingo , Schäfer David
Published: February 2023

In recent years, the requirements for data from earth system sciences have increased massively. Data from observation systems needs to be transferred into larger research data infrastructures, evaluated and flagged via well-defined quality checks, enriched with standardized metadata and finally made available to the public via standard interfaces. And in order to fulfill the FAIR principles, we have to ensure transparency and reproducibility of all these steps. Moreover, the rising demand of near-real-time (NRT) data requires the whole data pipeline to run operationally with minimal manual effort.However, in many cases, there are still heterogenous data landscapes to be found without centralized control of data, data processing, version control and QA/QC. This is often aggravated by to inconvenient, outdated and isolated tools and software solutions.Therefore, we develop and implement an adaptable automated pipeline, which combines the assurance of data consistency, QA/QC (Quality Assurance / Quality Control), graphically supported validation and unified persistence and publication of data. User friendliness is achieved by making the system configurable and trackable through lightweight user interfaces over the complete data lifecycle. By only using open-source software solutions and applying community standards for data formats and interfaces, a high level of sustainability and independence can be ensured.In this presentation, we hence want to demonstrate such an end-to-end data pipeline that finally allows for the FAIRification of typical environmental sensor data.
Dynamics of mycorrhizal respiration in relation to GPP in a Central-Hungarian dry grassland
Authors: De Luca Giulia , Papp Marianna , Fóti Szilvia , Pintér Krisztina , Mészáros Ádám , Nagy Zoltán , Balogh János
Published: February 2023

Soil respiration is a highly complex process including a wide range of soil biota (autotrophic and heterotrophic functioning) and different pathways of carbon cycling (decomposition, arbon allocation), all being under the control of environmental and biotic drivers. The most important biotic driver is the photosynthetic activity of the vegetation providing supply mainly for the autotrophic component of soil respiration: plant roots and their symbiotic partners - such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). By acting as a source of CO2 and a pathway of carbon to the SOM, the role of AMF in carbon balance is unquestionable, not to mention that mycorrhizal C allocation could determine the long-term C storage potential of an ecosystem.The objective of this study was to describe the time-lagged relationship between gross primary production (GPP) and the mycorrhizal soil respiration component, so to determine the amount of carbon derived from GPP appearing as mycorrhizal mycelial respiration. Measurements of CO2 efflux were conducted in three different treatments – i) undisturbed, root and AMF-included (Rs), ii) root-excluded (Rbasal + myc) and iii) root- and AMF-excluded (Rbasal) plots – for three consecutive years in a Central-Hungarian dry sandy grassland between July 2011 and May 2014. GPP data were derived from eddy-covariance (EC) measurements, while an automated soil respiration system (SRS) consisting of ten chambers was used for continuous and long-term measurement of soil CO2 efflux. We analysed the relationship between mycorrhizal mycelial respiration and GPP by using cross-correlation and GAMs (generalized additive models). Besides, we used sine wave models to describe the diel pattern of basal and mycorrhizal fungi respiration in the soil together with the diel patterns of soil temperature and GPP.Considering the whole dataset correlation between GPP and mycorrhizal fungi respiration was highest at 13.5 hours time lag, while the average difference between peak timing of mycorrhizal fungi respiration and peak timing of GPP was 15 hours. However, the time lag and the peak timing difference varied from 10-24 hours. According to the results, carbon allocation to mycorrhizal fungi is a fast process in dry grasslands and the main driver of this respiration component is the GPP.
Low temperature thermochronology as a tool for geothermal exploration: A promising test from the Larderello-Travale Geothermal Field (Italy).
Authors: Montanari Domenico , Ruggieri Giovanni , Bonini Marco , Balestrieri Maria Laura
Published: February 2023

High enthalpy geothermal fields are typically associated with magmatic intrusions providing the heat source that makes the system working. To identify and locate these features, geothermal exploration generally uses expensive, time-consuming approaches that could also require complex logistics. Here we present the result of a pilot study carried out in the well-known Larderello-Travale geothermal field (Tuscany, Italy), exploring the possibility of an advantageous use of low temperature thermochronology to obtain useful information implementing the geothermal exploration workflow. The majority of the collected samples (except one retaining the apatite fission-track age of undisturbed, or almost undisturbed country rocks) cluster in a close time span ranging between 3.1±0.8 and 1.9±1.1 Ma, which clearly matches the known ages of magmatic bodies in the region. We propose that this approach can contribute to the identification of sectors recently affected by thermal perturbations that could have led to the development of hydrothermal systems. This approach has allowed us to achieve clues for the presence of subsurface magmatic intrusions even in areas where currently there are no direct indications. Given the small number and distribution of analyzed samples, our contribution represents a first attempt that demonstrates the potentiality of the method in geothermal exploration, but that needs to be verified by further studies involving a larger sampling density. Overall, our results suggest how low temperature thermochronology can be a powerful, fast, and cost-effective tool for geothermal exploration, to be used jointly with the classical methods.
Urban seismic noise investigation at the site of ESA/DLR’s future LUNA facility at Cologne, Germany
Authors: Hempel Stefanie , Knapmeyer Martin , Biele Jens , Fischer Hans-Herbert
Published: February 2023

As international efforts to return humans to the Moon are increasing, ESA's European Astronaut Center (EAC) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) are expanding their facilities by the LUNA habitat providing a 700m²-wide testbed covered by 60cm lunar regolith simulant (EAC-1) for astronaut training, including deploying and operating geological and seismic regolith characterization experiments, In Site Resource Utilization technologies (ISRU), biological and chemical experiments by both telerobotic and human activity. The LUNA facility will be operated as collaboration between ESA and DLR's Microgravity User Support Center (MUSC, see also the presentation by Knapmeyer et al. at this conference).Geophysical experiments have proven useful to investigate the subsurface structure at the landing sites of e.g. Apollo and Chang'e missions on the Moon, but also at the InSight landing site on Mars, and a seismometer experiment to the lunar far side is already scheduled (Far Side Seismic suite, in 2025). To support future geophysical investigations on the Moon, a first seismic experiment was conducted in June, 2018 at the previously envisioned site of the LUNA facility between the :envihab, a research facility of the Institute for Aerospace Medicine and the European Astronaut Center (EAC) at Cologne-Porz. This passive seismic experiment consisted of a four-element, Y-shaped array of short period seismometers, based on the layout of the Apollo 17 seismic experiment. It recorded regional seismicity as well as urban noise. These measurements will be repeated and expanded by an active seismic refraction experiment at the new construction site just south of the EAC - before, during and after the construction of the facility, before and after the installment of the regolith cover to investigate the impact of the LUNA facility on the data quality and coupling to the ground.We present details of the 2018 experiment as well as preliminary results, analyzing ambient noise to map the dominant sources of urban noise such as car traffic and airplane traffic at the nearby CGN international airport, the operational noises of the :envihab centrifuge and the wind tunnel as well as nearby construction and drilling.
Towards constraining mantle flow through imaging of radial anisotropy, with full uncertainty quantification
Authors: Sturgeon William , Ferreira Ana M.G. , Fox Matthew
Published: February 2023

The seismic imaging of radial anisotropy can be used as a proxy for the direction of mantle flow. Previous studies have imaged radial anisotropy throughout the mantle on a global scale and are starting to show some consistent features. However, the interpretation of existing models is hindered by the lack of uncertainties provided from the employed inversion method. To address this, we build a new global radially anisotropic model of the Earth’s upper mantle which consists of two main stages. Firstly, we build global Rayleigh and Love wave phase and group velocity maps using ~47 million measurements, including fundamental mode and up to 5th overtone measurements, and compute their associated uncertainties. Weights according to similar paths and data uncertainties are employed in the inversions. We construct a total of 310 2D maps, at periods between T16-375 s, expanded in spherical harmonics up to degree lmax=60 and observe many relevant small-scale structures, such as e.g. the curvature of the Tibetan plateau at T~40s (fundamental mode). As expected, uncertainties are higher in regions of poor data coverage (e.g., southern hemisphere and oceans). Then, we invert for 1D profiles of radial anisotropy using two Monte Carlo based inversion methods: the Neighbourhood Algorithm (NA) and the Reversible-Jump Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm (RJMCMC). The NA has been widely used for seismic inversion, as it efficiently explores the parameter space. However, the advantage of the RJMCMC is that in addition to constraining e.g. radial anisotropy, it can also constrain e.g. layer thickness. We compare the 1D profiles from both methods, and their associated uncertainties, which will lead to a new global 3D model of radial anisotropy.
Classification of islands forest types and ecosystem services management in South Korea
Authors: Jo Jang-Hwan , Kweon Deog-Kyu , Lee Bora , Park Chanwoo
Published: February 2023

To implement sustainable management of island forests efficiently, it is important to categorize island forests into groups by similar characteristics based on specific criteria and establish a consistent management system for each type. This study aims to improve and provide directions for the efficiency of sustainably managing island forests by considering various socioeconomic and ecologically effective factors (connectivity to land and natural vegetation composition ratio) in classifying the forests according to the forest types. Moreover, To classify the types of island forests and present the management direction, an AHP analysis was conducted with forest experts.  A total of six island forests were extracted: Excellent natural vegetation/connected islands [n=156], General natural vegetation/connected islands [n=16], Poor natural vegetation/connected islands [n=60], Excellent natural vegetation/disconnected islands [n=1,810], General natural vegetation/disconnected islands [n=108], and Poor natural vegetation - disconnected islands [n=302]. In areas where islands are connected, provisioning services (natural resources, medicinal plants, etc.) was considered more important to be managed. In areas where islands are disconnected, people tend to consider the management of regulating services (erosion control) and supporting services (species diversity) to be more important. In addition, even in areas where islands are disconnected, especially in places where natural vegetation is poor, regulating services (erosion control) for the conservation of the ecosystem were considered the more important target to be managed. The results of this study can be used as evidence to determine the direction and degree of policy budget input for sustainable island forest management.
Latest developments of OhmPi, an open-hardware resistivity meter for small scale monitoring applications
Authors: Watlet Arnaud , Clément Rémi , Blanchy Guillaume , Dubois Vivien , Fargier Yannick , Forquet Nicolas , Guyard Helène , Kaufmann Olivier
Published: February 2023

Shallow geophysics is being increasingly applied to solve a broad range of problems in hydrology, ecology, and beyond. In the recent years, geophysical monitoring, and geoelectrical monitoring in particular, has also become more popular to track down physical processes. In this context, the accessibility of geophysical equipment is key to expanding the use of geophysical monitoring, and to developing novel, versatile strategies, especially in the environmental sector. Commercial equipments have participated to the development of applied geophysics and are usually robust and practical. However, their cost can be prohibitive in some contexts, such as for humanitarian, non-profit applications or simply to equip a large number of sites. Being designed for generic use, they can also come with a lack of versatility for dedicated monitoring applications. For these reasons, the OhmPi project (https://gitlab.irstea.fr/reversaal/OhmPi) was initiated to provide an open-source, open-hardware resistivity meter to the community, in a DIY fashion. It is designed to offer enhanced flexibility, especially for monitoring experiments, and can easily incorporate new functionalities. Relying on low-cost components and devices, OhmPi is specifically designed for laboratory or small-scale field experiments. Developed as an open-source project, new collaborations are warmly welcomed.The OhmPi hardware is based on a Raspberry Pi board which pilots I2C multiplexer boards, and an acquisition board triggering the current injection and voltage readings. The software is written in Python and allows to interact with the OhmPi instrument via a web interface, IoT communication protocols (e.g. MQTT) and/or directly through the Python API. Here, we will introduce the latest and future developments, comprising voltage injection up to 80V, sensor-controlled acquisitions or multi-channel voltage readings. We will also present dedicated applications including a case study detailing the field deployment of a small-scale 3D panel for monitoring water infiltration.
Interplay between bathymetry, subsidence, and sedimentation in the configuration of halokinetic sequences at the deepwater Bakio Diapir (Basque-Cantabrian Basin, Pyrenees)
Authors: Roca Eduard , Ferrer Josep Oriol , Rowan Mark , Muñoz Josep Anton , Giles Katerine
Published: February 2023

The Bakio Diapir is one of the few exposed deepwater passive diapirs, with both synkinematic carbonate and siliciclastic strata. It is located at the northern margin of the Basque-Cantabrian Basin. This basin developed between the Iberian and Eurasian plates during the latest Jurassic-Cretaceous opening of the Bay of Biscay and was later inverted during the Pyrenean orogeny (Late Cretaceous -Santonian- to middle Miocene) forming the Basque Pyrenees. This work evaluates growth strata adjacent to this diapir aiming to discuss the application of halokinetic-sequence concepts, mainly developed in shallow-water to subaerial environments, to deepwater depositional settings. We present a 3D analysis of this outstanding salt structure by integrating detailed geological maps, high-resolution bathymetry, seismic, and well data. The resulting reconstruction enables us to trace its evolution from its formation as a salt wall developed above the overlap of two basement-involved faults until its squeezing during the Pyrenean compression. But more significantly, it allows us to evaluate the factors controlling the configuration of halokinetic sequences in deepwater environments. The main results of our study show that: A) The geometry of the halokinetic sequences is defined, regardless of setting, by the thickness of the roof edges. Thus, thick diapir roofs generate wedge HS and tapered CHS, and thin diapir roofs form hook HS and tabular CHS.B) The thickness of the diapir roof is often controlled by the ratio between salt-rise and local sediment-accumulation rates but also, in carbonate environments, by the water depth of the diapir roof and the environmental conditions that can promote aggradation of a carbonate buildup on top of the diapir. Thus, thick diapir roofs and tapered CHS can form even though the ratio was high in this case due to slow, marly deposition in the minibasins.  C) The diapir roof thickness is also controlled in shallow-water carbonate settings by the accommodation space available over the top of the diapir, which itself is determined by: a) sea-level fluctuations; and b) the interplay between the uplift of diapir top and the regional/ local tectonic subsidence of the diapir base.D) High and steep scarps over the edges of diapirs, and thus abundant debrites, are not exclusive to hook HS and tabular CHS. They can be also present in wedge HS and tapered CHS that formed from the aggradation of a thick carbonate buildup on top of a diapir.
Assessing impact of land-use changes on carbon stock dynamics in coastal mangrove ecosystem in Bali Island, Indonesia
Authors: Maulana Agus Muhammad , Wiradana Putu Angga , Yudha I Kadek Wisma , Sutiadipraja Nandar , Qur’ani Citra Gilang , Baral Himlal
Published: February 2023

Indonesia has more than 3 million ha of mangrove forests along its coastal islands, play a significant role as one of the largest global blue carbon storages for an estimated 3.14 billion tons in 2020. However, this mangrove ecosystem is under serious threat with 6% of annual forest loss recorded due to the conversion of various land-use changes. Bali has 2207 ha of intact mangrove forest and has the potential to store a large amount of carbon pool, at the same time Bali serves as the center of tourism activity in Indonesia which raises a challenge to maintain its sustainability. This study aims to estimate the dynamics of carbon storage in Bali island using spatial and temporal data generated from satellite imagery (Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2) and GIS modeling. We analyzed the distribution of mangroves forest from the past and present to understand the threat from land-use change and modeling the future scenario using InVEST. The model will predict the dynamics of carbon stock from present, past, and future values to be assessed and evaluated under development scenarios. Assessing and quantifying the amount of carbon stored in mangrove ecosystem is fundamental in the context of climate change and development of sustainable mitigation programs. 
Threading the white spruce needle: hydraulic foliar adaptive traits stitch a story of diffusion trade-offs between growth maintenance, drought resistance, and needle water uptake
Authors: Fleurial Killian G. , Sebastián Azcona Jaime , Hamann Andreas , Zwiazek Janusz J.
Published: February 2023

Although evidence of the incidence of foliar water uptake has previously been documented in white spruce (Picea glauca), its eco-physiological importance remains unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the ecological significance of functional differences in foliar water uptake between populations relative to their climate of origin, foliar anatomy, and aquaporin expression.To investigate needle radial anatomies, micrographs were made using new growth needles collected from 11 provenances growing in a range-wide common garden experiment near Athabasca Alberta. Correlations were then performed to determine relationships between the anatomies and climatic parameters of origin. A foliar water uptake experiment was then conducted on twigs with new growth needles from 6 representative provenances, 3 pairs, each from a different climatic ecozone to best capture a gradient of differences in latitude and marked differences in climate of origin and needle anatomy. The experiment was run using two initial desiccation levels on the 3 ecozones selected—mild, and severe—and mass measurements and tissue samples for RT-qPCR of PIP aquaporins were taken before dehydration, and at t=0, 30, 60, and 240 minutes.Provenances with thinner Casparian strips and hypodermis layers lost more water during needle dehydration but were also able to take up water faster when wet. Dry climate, Boreal Plains provenances, were anatomically maladapted to drought but had a greater water influx than the others over the first 30 minutes of wetting, which may be explained by their greater aquaporin expression levels during uptake. Expression rates of PIP aquaporins 1;1, and 2;2 were strongly positively correlated with RWC and 1;2 was negatively correlated with the hypodermis thickness.We conclude that population level differences in foliar water uptake are facilitated by needle anatomy and mediated by aquaporin expression. Our results suggest that there are inherent trade-offs between productivity maintenance in cold climates, drought tolerance, and foliar water uptake. Colder climate populations are anatomically maladapted to drought, but some may be able to compensate with foliar water uptake.
Water supply impacts on forest’s groundwater levels with water-balance analysis: a case study at Szentai forest (Hungary)
Authors: Kalicz Péter , Herceg András , Horváth László , Gribovszki Zoltán
Published: February 2023

Climate change can be characterized by a definite warming trend with its most significant impact on the water cycle through altering precipitation and evapotranspiration processes. The anticipated changes induce the higher water consumption of plants, thus a lower groundwater table may appear and the regeneration of groundwater-dependent forest communities are called into question. In Hungary, woodlands on the plains with high water requirements and wetlands are particularly affected.
Kaszó LIFE project is a respectable example of positive water supply interventions (for groundwater-dependent forest ecosystems). This project aimed the water supply’s improvement of the forests, small fens and grasslands at West Inner-Somogy micro-region, in the Szentai forest, utilizing log weirs and lake rehabilitation to restore the degraded habitats.
The goal of this study is the analysis of the hydrological impacts of water supply interventions on the groundwater level. In case of three different forest ecosystems water balance modeling was also carried out to analyze in a complex way the effects of the interventions.
The main conclusion of this work is that, however, the rehabilitation of lakes and the construction of new ones significantly affected the water levels in the surrounding groundwater wells, but the effects of the log weirs were undetectable.
Acknowledgement: This article was made in frame of the project TKP2021-NKTA-43 which has been implemented with the support provided by the Ministry of Innovation and Technology of Hungary (successor: Ministry of Culture and Innovation of Hungary) from the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund, financed under the TKP2021-NKTA funding scheme.
Assessing weathering damage in Arenitic Rock using Non-Destructive Testing: the case study of the stone coats of arms of Palazzo Ricasoli in Florence
Authors: Segabinazzi Eugenio , Salvatici Teresa , Centauro Irene , Calandra Sara , Garzonio Carlo Alberto
Published: February 2023

Assessing weathering damage in Arenitic Rock using Non-Destructive Testing: the case study of the stone coats of arms of Palazzo Ricasoli in Florence 

The conservation of architectural heritage often involves studying the effects of weathering on stone materials exposed to polluted environments with characteristics unfavorable to their preservation. The decay phenomena that occur in urban environments can lead to destructive effects on stone material, resulting in the need for specific analysis to assess the mechanical properties of these artifacts. 

In this study, we analyzed three stone coats of arms that decorate the facade of Palazzo Ricasoli in Florence using non-destructive diagnostic techniques (NDTs) to assess their degree of weathering.  

Palazzo Ricasoli is a historic Renaissance palace, located in the center of Florence, that features three stone coats of arms on its façade that are currently in critical condition, showing signs of very advanced degradation. The stone of which they are composed is a type of local sandstone rock commonly used in Florentine historical architecture. 

To investigate the properties of the material we used in situ techniques, such Sonic test and 3D scanning. The results obtained with these techniques were then compared with those obtained from laboratory analysis of micro-samples using methods such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), and optical microscopy.  

Using NTDs we were able to gather data and insights on the mechanical properties of weathered rock used in historical buildings, obtaining crucial information that can be used to develop appropriate and detailed conservation strategies to ensure the long-term stability of these materials in their environmental conditions.
Soil forming processes visible 30 years after the primary and secondary forest succession in post-mining and post-fire area
Authors: Józefowska Agnieszka , Ogar Wiktoria , Thị Hồng Van Trần , Wanic Tomasz , Woś Bartłomiej , Pietrzykowski Marcin
Published: February 2023

In the Anthropocene era, human activity has very often caused large-scale degradation of entire ecosystems including the soil, with attempts to restore the degraded areas to their ecological functions. Human intervention consisting of afforestation with various tree species initiates and accelerates the long-term process of primary succession in post-mining sites and secondary succession on sites following large-scale disturbances caused by fires.The advances of soil formation process were investigated in reclaimed areas. Variants afforested with different tree species located in post-mining and post-fire area were investigated. The research plots have been replanted with various tree species, Pinus sylvestris L., Larix decidua Mill., Betula pendula Roth, and Quercus robur L. First research area was opencast sand mine where primary succession supported by afforestation occurs (SM). Second place was reclaimed areas after a large scale fire with secondary succession supported by afforestation. In post-fire place were investigated two variants with (PF_C) and without (PF) pyrogenic (charcoal) carbon present in soil. Each combination of tree and place were investigated in one soil profile and three additional soil cores collected from 0-90 cm, what gave four repetitions of each variant. Soils were characterised on the basis of the World Reference Base (WRB) and their basic properties such as pH, organic carbon and total nitrogen content, sorption properties and grain size distribution were determined.Studies in transformed areas such as post-mining or post-fire are focusing mainly on the topsoil, in presented research the main goal was to determine what are the differences in pedogenesis in mentioned above scenarios. There were slight differences in the thickness of humus horizons (H) in soils under investigated variants. The thickness of H horizons was higher in plots in post-fire in PF_C variant compared to PF and SM. In SM were noted that the highest thickness of H horizon occurs under Larch. In post-mining areas under each tree species occurs Arenosols in post-fire areas occurs Podzols. This research was funded by The National Science Centre, Poland, grant No. 2021/42/E/ST10/00248. 
Long-term matrix acidification experiments under reservoir conditions using the Thermo-Triaxial device
Authors: Ramirez Angel , Hung Pham Tien , Weydt Leandra , Sass Ingo
Published: February 2023

Matrix acidification is one of the most popular stimulation techniques to increase the porosity and permeability of reservoir systems. Usually, the thermal-hydro-mechanical properties of reservoir rocks affected by the matrix acidification process are studied using flow-through tests or autoclave experiments. In this study, a novel acidification approach was tested using a thermal triaxial device at the TU Darmstadt laboratory. Thereby, hydrochloric acid 0.0375% (HCl pH=2) was flushed continuously through a total of five Remlinger sandstone samples under reservoir conditions (90oC temperature, s1=25 MPa, and s3=23MPa). Changes in matrix permeability and other petrophysical parameters due to the chemical reaction between the rock sample and HCl were recorded before, during, and after the reactive experiments. In addition, outflow fluid samples were collected and the pH was subsequently measured. After approximately 30 days of continuous flow for each sample, the permeability increased for all the samples, with a maximum increase of 300%. Likewise, porosity increased from 13.2% to 14.5%. In contrast, P- and -S-wave velocities decreased from 2608 to 2189 m‧s-1 and from 1540 to 1380 m‧s‑1, respectively. Test results provide important information for reservoir stimulation and can be used to benchmark THMC models.
IESDB – A comprehensive database of evaporite structures in Iberia
Authors: Alcalde Juan , González-Esvertit Eloi , Gómez-Rivas Enrique
Published: February 2023

Evaporite rocks are one of the most mined mineral commodities and act as a seals or shaping traps in some of the major hydrocarbon provinces worldwide. In addition, they are also considered as suitable sites for the storage of energy and nuclear waste, being a key asset for the energy transition. Due their historic, present and future value, vast amounts of surface and subsurface information about evaporite structures have been generated by earth scientists, mining and exploration companies or geological surveys in the last century. However, this information is often scarcely useful due to access issues, segregation and scarce dissemination. Here we present the Iberian Evaporite Structure DataBase (IESDB), the first overall assessment focused on evaporite structures developed in any region of the world. The IESDB includes information and figures of 150 outcropping and buried evaporite structures and their surrounding rocks inventoried in Iberia. The Iberian Evaporite Structure Database (IESDB) includes information about the stratigraphy, structure, evolution, geophysical and petrophysical data availability, and mining activity, including a complete set of geological maps, sketches and geological cross-sections. The database targets different evaporite structures, such as undeformed successions, diapirs, evaporite-cored anticlines, evaporite-detached thrusts or allochtonous evaporite bodies. The IESDB is sourced from six different databases and more than 1,500 published and unpublished references, and includes information and figures for each of the 150 evaporite structures inventoried. The IESDB follows the FAIR principles of data management (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and aims to be a resource for earth science teaching, academic research and resource exploration and appraisal. The IESDB is freely available at https://iesdb.euThis research was performed within the framework of DGICYT Spanish Project PID2020-118999GB-I00 funded by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/Agencia Estatal de Investigación/Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional. Grants RYC2021-033872-I (Juan Alcalde) and RyC-2018-026335-I (Enrique Gomez-Rivas) funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and ESF “Investing in your future”.
Linking surface Observables to sub-Volcanic plumbing-system:a multidisciplinary approach for Eruption forecasting at Campi Flegrei caldera (Italy).
Authors: Pappalardo Lucia , Caliro Stefano , Tramelli Anna , Trasatti Elisa
Published: February 2023

The Campi Flegrei caldera (Italy) is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in Europe and is in a new phase of an unrest that has persisted intermittently for several decades. The geophysical and geochemical changes accompanying the unrest stimulated a number of scientific investigations that resulted in a remarkable production of articles over the last decade. However, large uncertainties still persist on the architecture of the caldera plumbing system and on the nature of the subsurface processes driving the current (and previous) unrest. LOVE-CF is a 4-years project started in October 2020 and funded by INGV, with the aim of improving our ability to forecast the behaviour of the restless Campi Flegrei caldera, through a multi-disciplinary approach based on a combination of volcanological, petrological, geochemical, seismological and geodetic observations, as well as experiments and numerical models. We aim at reconstructing a comprehensive view of the architecture and the dynamics of the plumbing system, through the investigation of representative past events, as a framework to interpret geochemical and geophysical changes observed during past and current unrests. This will allow us to better evaluate the source of the current volcanic unrest (magmatic or not magmatic) and to forecast its possible evolution towards an eruption. Merged petrological and geochemical results show the existence of a multi-depth magmatic system constituted by a shallow (150–200 MPa, corresponding to 6–8 km) felsic (trachyte-phonolite) storage area, recharged by a mafic (trachybasalt-shoshonite) deeper (>200 MPa, > 8 km) source. Model simulations of magma degassing show that the measured (N2-He-CO2) geochemical changes at the fumaroles of Solfatara hydrothermal site in the last decades are the result of massive (about 3 km3) magma degassing in the deep portion (≥200 MPa, >8 km of depth) of the plumbing system. This degassing mechanism would be able to flood the overlying hydrothermal system with hot magmatic fluids, thus heating and fracturing the upper crust inducing the shallow seismicity and deformation measured at the caldera.  Moreover, numerical simulations have been applied to model the actual deformation time series as well as those obtained by archeological data regarding quote variation since 35 BC until the last 1538 AD Monte Nuovo eruption. Results show that the combined activity of the magmatic fluids sources recognized at different depths can justify the ground deformation observed during the whole caldera history. 
A fully customizable data management system for Built Cultural Heritage surveys through NDT
Authors: Centauro Irene , Salvatici Teresa , Calandra Sara , Garzonio Carlo Alberto
Published: February 2023

A fully customizable data management system for Built Cultural Heritage surveys through NDTThe diagnosis of Built Cultural Heritage using non-invasive methods is useful to deepen the understanding of building characteristics, assessing the state of conservation of materials, and monitoring over time the effectiveness of restoration interventions.Ultrasonic and sonic tests are Non-Destructive Techniques widely used to evaluate the consistency of historic masonry and stone elements and to identify on-site internal defects such as voids, detachments, fractures. These tests, in addition to being suitable for Cultural Heritage because they are non-invasive, provide a fundamental preliminary screening useful to better address further analysis.Ultrasonic and Sonic velocity tests performed on monuments involve a lot of different information obtained from many surveys.  It is therefore important to optimize the amount of data collected both during documentation and diagnostic phase, making them easily accessible and meaningful for analysis and monitoring. In addition, investigations set-up should be following a standard methodology, repeatable over time, suitable for different types of artifacts, and prepared for comparison with other techniques.An integrated data management system is then also useful to support the decision-making processes behind maintenance actions.This work proposes the development of a complete management IT solution for the Ultrasonic and Sonic measurements of different types of masonry, and stone artifacts. The system consists of a browser-based collaboration and document management platform, a mobile/desktop application for data entry, and a data visualization and reporting tool. This set of tools enable the complete processing of data, from the on-site survey to their analysis and visualization.The proposed methodology allows the standardization of the data entry workflow, and it is scalable, so it can be adapted to different types of masonry and artifacts. Moreover, this system provides real-time verification of data, optimizes survey and analysis times, and reduces errors. The platform can be integrated with machine learning models, useful to gain insight from data.This solution, aimed to improve the approach to diagnostics of Cultural Heritage, has been successfully applied by the LAM Laboratory of the Department of Earth Sciences (University of Florence) on different case studies (e.g., ashlar, frescoed walls, plastered masonries, stone columns, coat-of-arms, etc.) belonging to many important monuments.
Atomic scale frictional aging in silicon carbide due to diffusion and creep
Authors: Nordhagen Even Marius
Published: February 2023

Static friction is the force required to impose sliding on a rested body. The force depends on material properties and external factors such as normal pressure and temperature, but also a time dependent component is important. The frictional aging effect is at origination of the difference between static and dynamic friction, and is also believed to be responsible for the velocity-weakening of sliding friction. Despite immense effort, how microscopic processes affect the macroscopic aging is still not fully understood. We have performed molecular dynamics simulations where we demonstrate that high surface diffusion may provoke rapid contact area growth of an asperity-substrate interface, inducing a strong frictional aging effect. This mechanism differs from elastic and plastic creep in the sense that it occurs even at no normal pressure. The growth of contact area was found to be nearly logarithmic due to an exponentially decaying diffusivity. Furthermore, when applying a normal stress the aging effect is enhanced due to plastic creep. Our work suggests a new explanation of the logarithmic nature of aging and helps bridging the gap between empirical macroscale friction laws and the microscale behavior. While aging due to plastic and elastic creep is well-known and incorporated into most friction laws, diffusion aging has yet to be considered. The ultimate goal is to design or redesign friction laws taking the microscopic behavior into account and conceivably improve the accuracy of the laws. In the long term, this may contribute to improved earthquake forecast.