bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-resolved metagenomics of tropical peatland ammonia-oxidising archaea
Authors: Midot Frazer , Goh Kian Mau , Liew Kok Jun , Lau Sharon Yu Ling , Melling Lulie
Published: March 2024

Nitrogen cycling, a critical biogeochemical process in ecosystems, involves a complex microorganism network. In nitrification, ammonia oxidation is mainly governed by ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) in acidic soil. Limited information exists about these taxa in tropical peatlands. This genome-centric metagenomic study aimed to identify key taxa and their functional potential driving nitrification in tropical peatlands. After cleaning Illumina reads, draft bins were created, refined, reassembled, and decontaminated through various strategies, involving both semi-supervised and unsupervised binners, including deep-learning-based approaches. This process resulted in 271 medium to high-quality archaeal metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). Five near-complete high-quality AOA MAGs were constructed. Phylogenomic analyses placed the AOA MAGs in the Nitrosotalea genus within the Nitrosopumilaceae family. Comparisons to reference genomes using average amino acid identity (AAI) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) suggested these MAGs might represent separate Nitrosotalea species. Besides core ammonia monooxygenase (amoCAB), these Nitrosotalea MAGs also encoded for nitrite reductase (nirK), ferredoxin-nitrite reductase (nirA) and nitric oxide reductase (norQ) that could also lead to the production of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas. These tropical peatland autotrophic Nitrosotalea MAGs fixed carbon with the hydroxypropionate/hydroxybutyrate pathway and survive in low pH environments through flagellar motility, various transport proteins, substrate acquisition and pH regulation systems for oxidising ammonia. Genomic analyses of candidate taxa can provide a thorough understanding of important biogeochemical functions as critical baseline information to assess microorganism resilience and response to anthropogenic-induced land use change.
How does landscape vegetation configuration regulate local channel initiation in rapidly expanding marsh?
Authors: Wang Dawei , Bai Junhong , Gu Chuanhui , Gourgue Olivier , Belliard Jean-Philippe , Cui Liyue , Ke Yinghai , Xue Liming , Wen Lixiang , Temmerman Stijn
Published: March 2024

Biogeomorphic interactions between tidal channels and marsh plants play a crucial role in enhancing coastal resilience to climate change. Previous studies linking the channel formation with vegetation dynamics predominantly focused on the early initiation, characterized by local-scale plant-flow feedbacks. However, the influence of rapid changes in landscape-scale vegetation pattern on the channel initiation remains poorly understood, especially in micro-tidal system. In this study, we investigated this relationship through biogeomorphic modeling combined with the analysis of satellite images in a rapidly expanding marsh in China under Spartina alterniflora invasion. The satellite images demonstrated the increase in drainage density and the decrease in unchanneled path length following plant encroachment. Our modeling results showed that local flow acceleration between vegetation patches was insufficient to initiate channels rapidly before the merging of isolated patches under micro-tidal conditions. With plant expansion, the continuous marsh caused landscape flow diversion from homogenous platform flow to concentrated channel flow, which promoted evident tributary channel initiation in the landward marsh zone. The vegetation removal scenarios further highlighted that the flow divergence from adjacent platforms due to the spatial heterogeneity in plant configuration amplified the magnitude of local hydrodynamics and further channel incision. Our findings emphasize that the initiation of tidal channels not only depends on local plant-flow interaction but is largely driven by landscape vegetation configuration under micro-tidal conditions.
Groundwater recharge quantity and timing across land covers in a managed agricultural landscape in NE Germany: insights using stable water isotope approaches and water storage measurements
Authors: Dimitrova-Petrova Katya , Stumpp Christine , Scheiffele Lena , Kny Karoline , Oswald Sascha
Published: March 2024

Improving groundwater recharge flux (GWR) estimation is key for effective or sustainable groundwater resource management. Yet, GWR assessment is challenging as direct measurements are usually limited to the point scale and specific depths of the vadose zone . In agricultural settings, the spatial variability introduced by land use management may further complicate the assessment. Tracer studies in the vadose zone, combining stable isotopes (δ2H and δ18O) in soil water and water storage measurements can aid such assessment in agriculturally managed landscapes. The stable water isotope signal can provide insights into the timing of the soil water transport while traditional water storage measurements (i.e. soil moisture, groundwater levels) can provide complementary information allowing for comparison or alignment.In this study, we aim to provide an integrative estimate of GWR under various agricultural land covers at the field scale. For that, we combine dedicated measurements of soil water stable isotope and continuous water storage observations spanning the soil profile from topsoil to groundwater table. The study was conducted in a highly instrumented research site near Potsdam, Brandenburg, situated on a gentle hillslope and covered by a variety of agricultural plots.During two sampling campaigns in spring (May) 2023 and winter (January) 2024, we collected bulk soil water from various soil profiles (0-150 cm) along with monthly groundwater samples and analysed them for stable water isotopes (δ2H and δ18O). By integrating isotope data with soil moisture observations, we trace GWR using the peak shift method. Complementary GWR estimates are derived from timeseries of tensiometers and groundwater level fluctuations.We present an overview of the experimental set up and preliminary GWR estimates. Our aim is to offer a complementary perspective on the key processes governing vertical water fluxes within the vadose zone across different depths, land covers, and hillslope positions, advancing our understanding of GWR dynamics at this managed agricultural site.
Modelling of multiyear variability of oceanographic variables in the area surrounding South Georgia, Southern Ocean
Authors: Daae Ragnhild , Ellingsen Ingrid , Kelly Cian
Published: March 2024

The area surrounding South Georgia in the Southern Ocean is a highly productive area. This study seeks to interpret the oceanographic processes within this area by using high resolution model data. Emphasizing multiyear variability, our investigation centres on hydrography, currents, mesoscale eddies, upwelling phenomena, and their profound impact on vertical mixing.Using data from two distinct model domains, our study encompasses the finer details facilitated by both larger and smaller resolution scales. The larger 'mother' domain with 4 km horizontal resolution, and its smaller counterpart at 800 m resolution, offer nuanced perspectives on the region's dynamics and their resolution-dependency.This modelling initiative forms an integral part of a larger project, SFI Harvest, aimed at developing a coupled physical-biological model specifically for understanding primary production dynamics in the Southern Ocean. SFI Harvest is a long-term centre for research-based innovation, where our part is to better understand the spatiotemporal variability for sustainable harvesting of krill in the Southern Ocean.
On the effect of Cr2O3 addition on the crystallization of trachybasaltic melt
Authors: Peres Stefano , Griffiths Thomas , Colle Fabio , Iannini Lelarge Stefano , Masotta Matteo , Pontesilli Alessio
Published: March 2024

Even small variations in minor element composition can affect the crystallization history of a magma, altering the final mineral assemblage and/or microstructural evolution during crystallization.We discuss the results of two sets of crystallization experiments performed in a piston cylinder apparatus at 400 MPa and at fO2 close to NNO+2, using two synthetic trachybasaltic glasses, one with no Cr2O3 added (Glass 1) and one doped with 0.4 wt.% Cr2O3 (Glass 2). Experiments were carried out under both anhydrous (0 wt.% H2O) and hydrous conditions (2 wt% H2O).Experiments were initially heated at 1300 °C for 30 minutes to ensure complete melting of the glass and then cooled at a rate of 80°C/min to the final resting temperature (Trest = 1150°C, 1100°C and 1050°C). Dwell time at Trest ranged between 5 minutes and 8 hours. The commonest crystal phases were always clinopyroxene (Cpx, up to 50 vol%) and spinel (up to 5 vol%, specifically chromite [Chr] and/or titanomagnetite [Tmt])In all samples, some spinel grains are found isolated in the melt, while others are touching a Cpx. The ratio of isolated spinel to spinel in contact depends on the crystallization history of the sample, which varies according to the starting composition.Experiments performed with Glass 1 consists of Tmt grains always in contact with a Cpx grain, decorating its edges and tips. More than 90% of all Tmt grains following clear crystallographic orientation relationships (CORs) with Cpx, implying heterogeneous nucleation of Tmt on Cpx.In experiments performed with Glass 2 the amount of isolated Spinel crystals is higher. These grains are constituted by a Chr core and a Tmt rim. Even when these oxide grains are in contact with (or inside) a Cpx crystal, they rarely (
Modelling ocean melt of ice mélange at Greenland's marine-terminating glaciers
Authors: Jain Lokesh , Slater Donald , Nienow Peter
Published: March 2024

Greenland’s marine-terminating glaciers have retreated and accelerated in recent decades, contributing significantly to sea level rise. An increase in ocean temperatures, and in particular the increased submarine melting of calving fronts, is often cited as the dominant driver of this retreat. However, the presence of ice mélange and its associated buttressing force on a glacier terminus also has a substantial impact on glacier advance and retreat. The buttressing force theoretically depends on the mélange thickness, and thickness will be modulated by ocean melt rate, but our understanding of mélange melting remains limited, and it is not yet known how melt rates vary across a range of glacial and environmental conditions.Here, we perform high-resolution numerical simulations using MITgcm to model the melting of ice mélange. In order to map out the parameter space for mélange melting at Greenland’s marine-terminating glaciers, we vary each of the ocean temperature, ocean stratification, the flux of freshwater emerging from beneath the glacier (subglacial discharge) and the mélange geometry. We study how each factor affects the magnitude and distribution of ocean melt of the ice mélange and seek a parameterisation that would allow us to simply predict mélange melt rate. Furthermore, this work is also a step towards including iceberg melting in larger climate and ice sheet models which is important because of the need to improve the characterisation of freshwater fluxes into fjord systems.
Reflectance properties of analogues for the surfaces of icy moons
Authors: Ottersberg Rafael , Pommerol Antoine , Stöckli Linus Leo , Thomas Nicolas
Published: March 2024

Spectrometers and colour imagers on past and future space missions, as well as ground-based telescopes, help us to improve our understanding of the composition of icy surfaces in the outer solar system. To help interpret these datasets, we study the VIS-NIR (0.4-2.5 µm) reflectance properties of granular (salty) ice particles exposed to simulated space environments.We further developed an original experimental chamber (SCITEAS-2) to study the evolution of samples at temperatures representative of icy planetary surfaces in the outer solar system. We built a new cooling/heating stage to precisely control the sample’s temperature, allowing us to decouple the effects of temperature and time on the sublimation process. The surface temperature of the ice is monitored by measuring IR-emission using Thermopile sensors. To study the reflectance of the sample, we use a hyperspectral imaging system consisting of a Halogen light source, a monochromator, and two cameras (CCD and MCT). We produce granular ice particles with a broad size distribution (d≈1-400µm) by flash-freezing dispersed droplets in LN2. These particles can be made from pure water or salty solutions.We observe that the VIS-spectrum of pure water ice is flatter than the one of the ice produced from a 10wt% NaCl solution, which has a blue slope. The most prominent feature of granular 10wt% NaCl-ice is a narrow absorption feature at 1.98 µm, attributed to hydrohalite (NaCl · 2H2O), which is not present in the pure ice sample. However, it only appears after some sublimation of the sample. While the spectra of pure water ice and 10wt% NaCl ice match well for the pristine samples, sublimation strongly increases the albedo of salty ice. Sublimation forms a crust atop the sample, affecting the reflectance and strongly influencing other thermo-physical properties. Therefore, we propose that sublimation is an important ingredient in interpreting spectral data of the Jovian Moon Europa because the timescales of the effects of sublimation are smaller than surface renewal by micrometeorite gardening or sputtering.These datasets will help to interpret high-resolution colour images and spectra acquired by the EIS and MISE instruments on Europa Clipper as well as similar instruments on JUICE.
Early-to-Late Holocene Emerged Fossil Corals along the Negros Trench Forearc, Philippines
Authors: Nawanao Lyndon , Ramos Noelynna , Mangahas Robelyn , Hu Hsun-Ming , Shen Chuan-Chou
Published: March 2024

Corals have been used as proxies of relative sea-level (RSL) change and key inputs in refining glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) models globally. Along subduction zones, interseismic, coseismic, and postseismic processes act as local drivers of relative sea-level changes, which can also be used to elucidate past tectonic deformation. In this study, we present new radiometric (Th-230) ages of marine-limiting sea-level proxies (i.e., emerged fossil coral reefs) along the coasts of Southwest Panay Peninsula and Nogas Island facing the Negros Trench forearc. Real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS and drone surveys were conducted to determine the elevations relative to the tide datum and the extent of the emerged fossil coral reefs. In the Southwest Panay Peninsula, emerged fossil coral reefs were observed at 4.20 m and 3.967–4.647 m above mean low low water (amllw), with Th-230 ages of 12.44 kya and 8.65–8.82 kya BP, respectively. About 15 km from the trench forearc, Mid-Holocene emerged fossil coral reefs dated 6.37–7.55 kya BP with elevations 1.596–2.810 m amllw. Late Holocene emerged fossil coral reefs were dated 4.33–1.48 kya BP with elevations 1.256–2.280 m amllw. On the western side of Nogas Island facing the trench forearc, emerged fossil coral reef platforms dated 1.08–1.66 kya BP with elevations 1.446–1.960 m amllw. The calculated RSL of these marine-limiting sea-level indicators is generally higher compared to the ICE-6G C and ICE-7G NA sea-level curve models and other coral proxies in Southeast Asia and Palawan that have relatively low tectonic deformation activities. In this study, we highlight the spatiotemporal variability of RSL coral proxies in local scales along the trench forearc. These initial results further imply active tectonic deformation induced along the Negros Trench since the Holocene.  Keywords: fossil coral reefs, relative sea level, Holocene, Negros Trench forearc, Southwest Panay Peninsula, Nogas Island, Philippines
An oceanography lab in its journey toward temperance
Authors: Pauthenet Etienne , Barbot Simon , Auger Pierre Amael , Machu Eric
Published: March 2024

The current ecological crisis requires changes in our way to make science in order to reduce the ecological footprint of scientific research activities. This is particularly crucial for setting a good example for the rest of society. Here we present the process engaged by an oceanography laboratory to reduce its environmental footprint. Using a tool developed by the French collective Labos 1point5, we calculated the carbon footprint of our laboratory separated by activities (missions, consumables, buildings, campaigns at sea, etc.). This exercise allows us first of all to quantify the contribution of the various components of our scientific activity. It also shows that the environmental footprint of our scientific activities is significant, and that it needs to be taken seriously by the community studying the Earth system. Reducing this footprint highlights different possible scales of action. Some actions involve internal laboratory processes, while others require broader societal changes. The measures implemented by our laboratory members to minimize our activities' impact will be presented, representing a part of a broader initiative under Labos 1point5. 
Converting mine shaft into compressed air energy storage – shafts screening and assessment
Authors: Lutyński Marcin , Kołodziej Konrad
Published: March 2024

Increase in the share of renewables in the energy mix of European Union gained interest in the large scale energy storage technologies. One of the promising technologies is the Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) where in conventional approach compressed air is stored in the cavern. An alternative solution that was developed at the Silesian University of Technology is to use a post-mining shaft for adiabatic compressed air energy storage (A-CAES). Availability of post-mining infrastructure and large number of shafts in European coal basins (over 178 shafts only in the Upper Silesia Coal Basin) shows a significant potential of this solution. In order to select a proper shaft with a considerable volume a screening tool was developed that uses multicriteria analysis for an initial selection of shafts that could be used for this technology. This tool takes into account shaft depth, diameter, type of shaft collar lining, water inflow rates and other criteria that are important for safety and energy capacity of the system. The presentation shows results of analysis of the shafts screening tool and case study for one of the shaft located in Poland.
Assessing data assimilation techniques with deep learning-based eddy detection
Authors: El Kadiri Issam , Van Gennip Simon , Drevillon Marie , El Aouni Anass , Botvinko Daria , Fablet Ronan
Published: March 2024

Mesoscale eddies significantly influence ocean circulation, nutrient distribution, and climate patterns globally.  A thorough reconstruction of the eddy field is therefore important, yet classical eddy detection algorithms based on sea level anomaly (SLA) suffer from the low coverage of the current altimetry network.In this work, we evaluate the efficacy of deep learning techniques in enhancing the oceanic eddy field reconstruction of an operational ocean forecasting system. We use two ocean models from an Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSE): a free-run high-resolution ocean circulation model representing the ‘truth’ and a second one constrained by synthetic observations mimicking the altimetry network through assimilation techniques to approximate the state of the ’truth’ model. We train a neural network model that takes sea surface temperature, sea surface height, and ocean surface currents inputs from the data-assimilation model to recover eddies identified in the ‘truth’ model, which are generated with py-eddy-tracker, a sea surface height-based eddy detection algorithm.Our investigation centers on a semantic segmentation problem using the U- Net architecture to classify pixels for a given map into non-eddy, cyclonic eddy, and anticyclonic eddy. Our study focuses on the Gulf Stream region, an area renowned for its dynamic oceanic conditions. We find a higher detection rate of eddies and reduced inter-class misclassification when compared to eddy fields reconstructed from the data-assimilated model using the traditional SLA-based algorithm. Our data-driven method improves the detection of ‘true’ eddies from degraded data in an OSSE framework, and shows potential for application in operational analysis and forecasting systems.
Quantifying Olive Tree Evapotranspiration in Semi-Arid Regions through Remote Sensing-Based SEBAL Model: Validation with Optical-Microwave Scintillometer
Authors: Barguache Hamza , Ezzahar Jamal , Kharrou Mohamed Hakim , Khabba Said , Elfarkh Jamal , Laalyej Abderrahim , Er-Raki Salah , Chehbouni Abdelghani
Published: March 2024

Accurately assessing sensible (H) and latent (LE) heat fluxes, along with evapotranspiration, is crucial for comprehending the energy balance at the biosphere-atmosphere interface and enhancing agricultural water management. Although the eddy covariance (EC) method is commonly employed for these measurements, it has limitations in providing spatial representativeness beyond a few hundred meters. Addressing this challenge, optical-microwave scintillometers (OMS) have emerged as a valuable tool, directly measuring kilometer-scale H and LE fluxes. These measurements serve to validate satellite remote sensing products and model simulations, such as the Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL). In this study, OMS measurements were utilized to assess the fluxes simulated by the SEBAL model at the Agdal olive orchard near Marrakech city. The results revealed that SEBAL's estimated sensible heat fluxes were 3% higher than those measured by OMS, while latent heat fluxes were approximately 15% lower. Based on these findings, we infer that OMS can effectively validate satellite-driven surface energy balance models, thereby supporting agricultural water management.
Inventory and kinematics of rock glaciers in Goikarla Rigyu, Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li Mengzhen , Liu Gengnian , Hu Xie , Mohammad Javad Mirzadeh Sayyed
Published: March 2024

Rock glaciers are periglacial landforms often observed above the timberline in alpine mountains. Their activity states can indicate the existence of permafrost. To help further explore the development and motion mechanisms of rock glaciers in semi-arid and humid transition regions, we used a manual visual interpretation of Google Earth Pro remote sensing imagery and a 7-year (2017-2023) InSAR time series analysis to provide a detailed rock glacier inventory of the Goikarla Rigyu area of the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Approximately 5057 rock glaciers were identified, covering a total area of ∼ 404.69 km2. Rock glaciers are unevenly distributed in the study area from west to east, with 80 % of them concentrated in the central region, where climatic and topographic conditions are most favorable. Under the same ground temperature conditions, increases in precipitation are conducive to rock glaciers forming at lower altitudes. Indeed, the lower limit of rock glaciers’ mean altitude decreased eastward with increasing precipitation. The LOS deformation velocities results showed that 71.3% (n=3608) of the rock glaciers were in the transitional state, including 58.4% (n=2954) of the rock glaciers with deformation rates in the range of 10-30 mm/year and 12.9% (n=654) of the rock glaciers with deformation rates in the range of 30-100 mm/year. And 28.7% (n=1449) of the rock glaciers were in the relict state. Analysis of mean annual air temperature and annual precipitation data for the period 2000-2022 in the region where the rock glaciers are located shows that the faster-moving rock glaciers are distributed in locations where the mean annual air temperature is warming significantly faster and the rate of decrease in annual precipitation is relatively low. By comparing the results of rock glacier activity discrimination based on different indicators, it is found that the method based on kinematic data is more applicable to the discrimination of transitional state rock glaciers in the region, especially for those rock glaciers whose surfaces have been covered by vegetation but are still in motion. This study contributes to the understanding of the complex response of rock glaciers to environmental and climate change in semi-arid and semi-humid climatic zones.
Complex 3-D oceanic velocities at SWOT scales exhibited during the spring 2023 BioSWOTMed cruise
Authors: Petrenko Anne A , Arnaud Maxime , Barrillon Stéphanie , Comby Caroline , Fuda Jean-Luc , Berline Léo , Bosse Anthony , Rousselet Louise , Rolland Robin , Bouruet-Aubertot Pascale , Oms Laurina , Demol Margot , Didry Morgane , Gastauer Sven , Pacciaroni Massimo , Berta Maristella , d'Ovidio Francesco , Gregori Gerald , Doglioli Andrea
Published: March 2024

During the SWOT fast sampling phase in spring 2023, the BioSWOTMed cruise (https://doi.org/10.17600/18002392) sampled for four weeks a front located on both the western and eastern swaths of the 003 SWOT pass, about 100 km northeast of Menorca, in the Western Mediterranean Sea. The front coincided to a portion of the north Balearic front. The front was modulated by the presence of eddies of small Rossby radius (of the order of 20-30km), not visible in conventional altimetry maps. The availability of cloud-free images of ocean color (OLCI) for five consecutive days also revealed the presence of various submesoscale structures and part of their life cycle. The front consisted of a strong roughly eastward meandering jet, separating cold, salty and more productive waters (modified Atlantic Water) in the north from warm, fresher and more oligotrophic waters (younger Atlantic Water) in the south. In addition to classical hydrological, glider, drifters/floats and moving vessel profiler (MVP) measurements, 3D oceanic velocities were measured by 3 ship-mounted acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs), 2 lowered-ADCPs, 1 free-falling newer generation 5-beam ADCP and 2 autonomous vertical velocity profilers. The jet had horizontal velocities up to ~0.35 m.s-1 (0-300 m average), with a cross-jet distance of ~40 km and a vertical extension of 200 m. 1m-surface drifters deployed in the core of the jet traveled at a speed of ~0.5 m.s-1. Two northerly storms generated intense near-inertial waves interacting in the mesoscale field of several eddies sampled by the ship. Cyclogeostrophic velocities derived from SWOT are in good agreement with the measured ADCP (horizontal) velocities. The normalized relative vorticity provides a regional view of the complex oceanic circulation of the jet meandering between various mesoscale eddies and interacting with submesoscale structures. The high variability of vertical velocities (+/- 1.5 cm.s-1) of various origins masks the expected cross-frontal ageostrophic circulation. The finescale 3D circulations observed and well captured at the surface by SWOT are also associated with complex biological content distribution.
Embracing the pitfalls and triumphs in interdisciplinary research.
Authors: McGovern Rhonda , Ludlow Dr. Francis , Kostick Dr. Conor , Medeneiks Dr. Selga
Published: March 2024

The Astronomical Diaries and Related Texts from Babylonia is a seven volume transliteration and translation of collected cuneiform texts, originally written on clay tablets, from Babylon (modern day Hillah in Iraq). For many centuries in the first millennium BCE, trained scribes positioned themselves night and day to watch and record the skies. It is the compilation of this work that embodies what are known today as the “astronomical diaries”. These texts provide a wealth of data ranging from sub-daily resolution to monthly summaries including: astronomical features and the movement of stars and planets; market prices for six commodities; river level heights for the Euphrates river; information regarding contemporary events; and meteorological data, which was systematically recorded using specific terminology for particular weather phenomena. So precise is this terminology that a few terms remain untranslated. To date, much work has been conducted on these diaries with the exception of the meteorological data. Doctoral research of the presenting author has involved extracting this into a large dataset to facilitate future analysis.This research is conducted in an interdisciplinary context, within the wider Climates of Conflict in Ancient Babylonia project, where colleagues explore the potential impact of climate on conflict. The team is comprised of a climate historian with a background in geography, a historian, a geographer and a classicist, who interact with historical linguistic experts, climate modellers, climate scientists, and palaeoscientists. As in this project, the application of historical research is becoming increasingly prevalent in the geosciences. Historic texts have the potential to reveal implicit clues to climatic investigations. The Astronomical Diaries and Related Texts from Babylonia provide, for example, intriguing descriptions of events in which “the disk of the sun looked like that of the moon”, identified as volcanic dust veils and already utilised in updating ice-core chronologies of volcanic eruptions over the last 2,500 years.[1]This paper will narrate the process of extracting climatic data from historical sources; highlight the pitfalls and triumphs in terms of the practicalities of this interdisciplinary research; and provide a volcanic impacts case study, continuing the scientific endeavour instigated by Babylonian scribes over 2,000 years ago.
[1] Sigl, M., M. Winstrup, J. R. McConnell, K. C. Welten, G. Plunkett, F. Ludlow, U. Büntgen, et al., ‘Timing and climate forcing of volcanic eruptions for the past 2,500 years’ in Nature, dxxiii, no. 7562 (2015), pp. 543–549.
The occurrence and sources of microplastics to Arctic and sub-Arctic beaches: human influence on local microplastic hotspots
Authors: Dick Jonathan , Lloyd-Jones Tesni , Galata Stamatia , Lane Timothy , Cunningham Eoghan , Kiriakoulakis Konstadinos
Published: March 2024

Plastic pollution, and in particular, microplastic pollution, is a global environmental concern particularly in marine ecosystems. The small size of these particles (< 5 mm) means they are prone to ingestion and accumulation by organisms across all trophic levels. Beaches are situated on the transition between the terrestrial and oceanic ecosystems, an important habitat for many species, and have long been known to be sinks of other environmental pollutants. However, until recently their importance as sinks for microplastics and the sources involved were relatively unknown.This study investigates the extent and likely sources of microplastic pollution on beaches in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, focusing on Svalbard and Iceland. Sediments on beaches at four sites in Svalbard and eleven in Iceland were sampled for microplastics. Subsequent laboratory analyses for microplastic particle ID, size, type, and polymer (using micro-FTIR) was then carried out to estimate abundance and potential uses of the microplastics identified. Statistical analyses of these results, in conjunction with environmental and geographical data, were conducted to identify patterns and potential sources.The results revealed significant variability in microplastic quantity, types, and polymers across all locations. Sites with the lowest microplastic concentrations were situated in the most remote areas, while those with the highest concentrations were in proximity to areas with intense human activities or higher population densities. Statistical analyses showed a clear relationship between observed data and the proximity to human activities/inhabitation, with environmental conditions such as wind direction and currents also playing a significant contributory role. These findings suggest that the lower microplastic concentrations found in remote areas are background contamination from ocean delivered from more distant densely inhabited regions (notably Western Europe), with the high contamination hotspots linked to local activities. These findings underscore the heightened impact of local human factors in driving elevated microplastic pollution in beach sediments over oceanic controls in remote yet inhabited Arctic and subarctic locations.
Geo-resources for the future – a multi-disciplinary minor to provide a new perspective to geosciences
Authors: Pluymakers Anne , van Geuns Lucia , Gebert Julia , Correljé Aad , Kleijn Reneé , Geiger Sebastian , Verhagen Sandra
Published: March 2024

This contribution showcases a voluntary  minor that part of the BSc curriculum in the Netherlands. The unique minor aims to teach students coming from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, including but not limited to geology, political science, economics, history, computer science etc., about the complexities involved in exploring and exploiting geological resources (“geo-resources”). An operating company needs a licence to operate, that is the permission to carry out the business of exploiting a geo-resource. This formal licence will only be granted after presenting a sound plan based on a thorough assessment of the relevant technical, economic, environmental and societal aspects, taking into account the concerns of the shareholders from industry as well as local citizens . In this minor, students therefore learn the basic geoscience knowledge relevant to geo-resources as well as the economic, environmental and societal aspects that need to be considered for a responsible exploitation of geo-resources. There is increasing evidence that modern geoscience curricula need to consider societal aspects to remain meaningful in the future and train a workforce that can deliver new geo-resource projects at scale, which are urgently needed to meet legally binding targets in the EU and elsewhere to reduce CO2 emissions and accelerate the energy transition by 2050.  
Novel LRI Level 0/1A Data Simulator
Authors: Müller Laura , Müller Vitali , Misfeldt Malte , Heinzel Gerhard
Published: March 2024

GRACE-FO was launched almost six years ago, following the successful GRACE mission. Measuring changes in the Earth's mass distribution is useful for climate research, such as monitoring melting ice caps or changes in groundwater storage. The Earth's gravitational field causes distance variations between the two twin satellites, which are measured by a Microwave Instrument (MWI) and a Laser Ranging Interferometer (LRI). This first inter-satellite laser interferometer provides reliable measurements with lower noise than the MWI and has therefore been selected as the main science instrument for future gravity missions.Here we present the current status and results of a novel LRI Level 0/1A data simulator developed to support studies for future missions and to verify and improve the current LRI1B processing chain. The main inputs to the simulator are satellite orbit files with position and velocity and attitude data sets, which are transformed into LRI Level 0/1A data files, taking into account relativistic effects, phase wrapping, tilt-to-length coupling and many other noise sources. The output data format is equivalent to the raw phase or ranging data from GRACE-FO. The Level 1A data can then be further processed to Level 1B using the same software used for the GRACE-FO LRI flight data processing. We explain our strategy to validate the results and to identify and address limitations in the Level-1A simulator and in our Level-1B flight data processing chain, e.g. by using specially tailored orbit sets.We conclude that the simulator is capable of deriving realistic LRI Level 0/1A data that can be further processed to Level 1B, and that the simulator has led to improvements in our GRACE-FO LRI Level 1B processing.
What controls inter-rift volcanism?
Authors: Armeni Valentina , Mantiloni Lorenzo , Acocella Valerio , Rivalta Eleonora , Bookhagen Bodo , Strecker Manfred R.
Published: March 2024

Volcanic activity in extensional geodynamic settings manifests itself in in-rift, off-rift, and inter-rift areas; the latter coinciding with structurally complex transfer zones between two rift segments. While in- and off-rift volcanism has been associated with the competition between tensional crustal stresses and gravitational unloading pressure, volcanism in inter-rift zones is still not adequately understood.Here, we combine modelling and data from natural cases to test whether topographic highs in the inter-rift zone may control magma trajectories. We performed six analogue experiments tracking the propagation of air-filled cracks in gelatine by imposing three boundary conditions: differential tensile stresses, pre-existing anisotropies, and asymmetric and symmetric inter-rift topography. Next, we compared our results with Digital Elevation Model (DEM) analyses of young volcanic provinces such as the Virunga complex (Rwanda), the Adda’do magmatic segment (Ethiopia), and the Eifel (Germany).Analogue results show different outcomes depending on the imposed boundary conditions. When only a differential tensile stress is applied, the air-filled crack trajectories tend to align perpendicular to the least principal stress (σ3) and focus on the centre of the gelatine box. In contrast, where inter-rift topography exists, the high sectors progressively attract the trajectories along the strike of the rift. Therefore, when injection occurs below the rift centre, magma is deflected across-rift, toward an off-rift location. Conversely, when magma injection occurs below the rift tip, magma is deflected along-rift, in the inter-rift zone. Finally, the spatial patterns of the air-filled cracks obtained by our modelling are consistent with the results of the DEM analysis of the three study areas, where volcanic activity focuses on the inter-rift segments and shifts away from the rift tips and axis as the rift widens and deepens.
Building databases of multi-hazards and compound events
Authors: De Michele Carlo , Banfi Fabiola
Published: March 2024

Multi-hazards and compound (climate-related or weather-related) events are characterized by complex dynamics with interactions between various physical processes across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Examples of these include the joint/successive occurrence of landslides and floods, or heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires.In literature, databases of natural hazards are in general single hazard, like databases of floods (European Flood Database, AVI database), landslides (Global Fatal Landslide Database, AVI database), droughts (European Drought Observatory).The assessment and understanding of multiple hazards and compound events require an integrated perspective, with the integration of data from multiple variables, combining multiple databases.Here, we try to address this emerging need, illustrating a possibility of building a database of multi-hazards/compound events, and presenting some examples.
Mapping of Active Deformation Areas using Multi-Temporal InSAR data.
Authors: Ciracì Enrico , Frascella Carmine , Santarelli Filippo , Valerio Emanuela , Scancella Stefano , Chessa Andrea
Published: March 2024

In this study, We use data from the European Space Agency Sentinel-1 mission to map areas affected by active deformation processes over the Italian territory. To achieve this goal, we use data acquired by the satellite mission between 2018 and 2023, and we generate ground deformation products using a multi-temporal interferometric approach (Persistent Scatterer Interferometry - PS).We automatically delimitate areas characterized by homogeneous deformation by employing a novel spatial clustering algorithm that analyzes the PS average annual displacement rate over the considered temporal period. For each cluster, we determine its boundaries and average deformation statistics.Here, we present the algorithm implementation details and discuss the results obtained by applying the methodology to deformation observations acquired from ascending and descending geometries and projected 2D East-West and Vertical deformation products. We use the algorithm to process observations acquired over two validation sites, and we determine its performance over large spatial scales and in proximity to critical national infrastructures.Our results allow us to generate a complete, nationwide dataset of active deformation areas, highlighting how adopting automatic strategies to handle large volumes of data is crucial nowadays.
Velocity field estimated from HEPOS permanent GNSS network in Greece, preliminary results.
Authors: Anastasiou Dimitrios , Papanikolaou Xanthos , Serelis Georgios , Tsakiri Maria
Published: March 2024

The analysis of data from permanent Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations plays a pivotal role in the assessment of ground motion within a given region. Greece, situated at the convergence zone of various tectonic plates, experiences heightened seismic activity and other geotectonic phenomena. The Hellenic Positioning System (HEPOS) constitutes a network of 98 permanent GNSS sites strategically installed across the entire Greek territory, serving as a critical infrastructure for data provision within the country. In the framework of this study, daily data collected at a sampling rate of 30 seconds for four individual years, ranging from 2011 to 2022, were analyzed. The data was processed via the Bernese GNSS Software v5.2. For the realization of IGb14 reference frame, 19 permanent stations of the IGS network were used, additionally incorporating final products (satellite orbits, clocks, and antenna calibration parameters). Comprehensive analysis was conducted on position time series for all stations, resulting in the estimation of tectonic velocities, harmonic signals, and permanent displacements attributed to seismic events in proximity to each site. Subsequently, preliminary results of the deformation field for the entire Greek region are presented, employing diverse algorithms for the estimation of strain and rotational rates.  

This study was funded by the "Hellenic Cadastre", which also provided access to the data of the HEPOS network. 
Twenty three years of monitoring diffuse CO2 emission from the Tenerife North-West Rift Zone (NWRZ) volcano, Canary Islands
Authors: Leal Moreno Victoria Josefina , Atton Lottie , Rodríguez Fátima , Asensio-Ramos María , Melián Gladys V. , Hernández Pedro A. , Padilla Germán , Pérez Nemesio M. , Padsrón Eleazar
Published: March 2024

Tenerife (2,034 km2), the largest island of the Canarian archipelago, is characterized by three volcanic rifts oriented NW-SE, NE-SW and N-S with a central volcanic complex, Las Cañadas Caldera, hosting Teide-Pico Viejo volcanoes. The North West volcanic Rift Zone (NWRZ, 72 km2) of Tenerife is one of the youngest and most active volcanic systems of the island, where four historical eruptions have occurred: the volcanic eruption witnessed by Christopher Columbus in 1492, Boca Cangrejo in 16th Century, Arenas Negras in 1706 and Chinyero in 1909. In order to monitor the volcanic activity of NWRZ, since the year 2000, 56 soil CO2 efflux surveys have been performed at NWRZ (with more than 300 observation sites each one) to evaluate the temporal an spatial variations of CO2 efflux and their relationships with the volcanic-seismic activity. Soil CO2 efflux measurements were performed in accordance with the accumulation chamber method. Spatial distribution maps were constructed following the sequential Gaussian simulation (sGs) procedure. To quantify the total CO2 emission from the studied area, 100 simulations for each survey have been performed. We report herein the results of the last diffuse CO2 efflux survey at the NWRZ undertaken in summer 2023 to constrain the total CO2 output from the studied area. During this survey, soil CO2 efflux values ranged from non-detectable up to 34 g m-2 d-1. The total diffuse CO2 output released to atmosphere were estimated in 311 ± 11 t d-1, value higher than the background CO2 emission estimated on 151 t d-1. Since the 2000s, total CO2 output ranged between 52 and 867 t d-1. Long-term variations in the total CO2 output suggest the occurrence of subsurface magma degassing and magmatic fluid injection, perhaps due to strain-stress changes beneath the NWR zone (Hernández et al., 2017). Regular surveys of soil CO2 efflux seem to be an effective geochemical surveillance tool at the NWRZ, able to detect changes in the CO2 emission rate that might presage future episodes of volcanic unrest.Hernández et al., (2017). Bull. Volcanol. 79:30.
From spatio-temporal patterns of river incision rates to Quaternary uplift history of the Variscan Rhenish/Ardenne Massif (N Europe)
Authors: Rixhon Gilles
Published: March 2024

The Rhenish/Ardenne Massif (RAM) spreads across parts of Belgium, France, Germany and Luxemburg; it is one of the largest (>40,000 km²) and most “emblematic” Variscan structures located north of the Alps (think of the “Romantic Rhine”). Intraplate uplift affected the RAM during the Plio-Quaternary along with other Palaeozoic massifs located in the alpine foreland. However, its cause(s), shape and rates are still poorly understood and therefore remain debated (e.g., Demoulin & Hallot, 2009). This was, until recently, mainly due to a lack of reliable ages for uplift markers, such as the Quaternary terrace staircases along deeply incised valleys of the Rhine, Moselle and Meuse as well as their main intra-massif tributaries. Several studies based on numerical dating methods (i.e., in situ cosmogenic nuclides, electron spin resonance, luminescence…) have shed new light on these questions by assigning numerical age estimates on key levels of fluvial terraces (e.g., the so-called main terraces; Rixhon et al., 2011; Cordier et al., 2012) or cave levels related to phases of regional base-level stability (Rixhon et al., 2020).This contribution first compiles all chronological data produced over the last twenty years and critically assesses their reliability to infer massif-scale spatio-temporal patterns of river incision. Plio-Quaternary incision rates are accordingly reconstructed. A similar trend of increase is reported throughout the RAM with a peak of incision occurring during the Early or Middle Pleistocene and matching the massif-wide geomorphological marker materialised by the main terraces (and associated cave levels if any). However – and importantly – age control reveals a significant time lag (>250 ka) between the south-eastern and north-western RAM margins. The high incision rates onset is consistently older along the Rhine/Moselle and tributaries (e.g., the Sarre) than along the Meuse and tributaries (e.g., Ourthe). This key finding is well in line with Demoulin and Hallot’s (2009) hypothesis arguing for a wave of uplift migrating northward throughout the RAM. It also supports regional tectonic causes for uplift (i.e., late, upper-crustal stress transfer from the Alps to their foreland) rather than more local ones (i.e., mantle plume below the Eifel Massif). Age constraints along the river valleys draining the easternmost part of the RAM – so far absent – along with a global geodynamic modelling will represent further steps to better understand the evolution of the uplift history. References:Cordier S. et al., 2012. Geomorphology, 165-166, 91-106.Demoulin, A., Hallot, E. 2009. Tectonophysics, 474, 696-708. Rixhon, G., et al. 2011. Quaternary Geochronology, 6, 273-284.Rixhon, G. et al. 2020. Geomorphology, 371, 107424.
Neutrino oscillations investigation of the base-of-the-mantle structure: simulation tools and preliminary results
Authors: Pestes Rebekah , Coelho Joao , Deniz Hernandez Yael , Durand Stéphanie , Fuji Nobuaki , Mittelstaedt Eric , Van Elewyck Véronique
Published: March 2024

The origin of Large Low-Velocity Provinces (LLVPs) at the base of mantle remains a mystery, but particle physics may be able to provide another piece of the puzzle. Using a phenomenon known as neutrino oscillation, atmospheric neutrino experiments are sensitive to the electron number density inside the Earth, which is complementary to the information seismology can provide. In order to reveal lateral heterogeneities in density and chemical composition such as those expected for LLSVPs across the Earth’s lower mantle, we have developed a numerical method that allows us to compute the sensitivity of neutrino oscillation data to 3D Earth structure. Based on this approach, we will present some preliminary assessment of the potential resolving power of ongoing and future neutrino experiments.