bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the Earth's mantle transient rheology on surface deformation induced by decades of hydrological mass redistribution
Authors: Rousselet Maxime , Couhert Alexandre , Chanard Kristel , Exertier Pierre
Published: March 2024

Over the past decades, modern geodetic observations have provided crucial constraints on the Earth's rheological properties over a wide range of time scales. Whole mantle steady-state viscosity has been inferred from geodetic observations related to glacial isostatic adjustment. More recently, geodesy has helped probing Earth’s upper mantle transient response to stresses induced by rapid regional changes in hydrology, including recent ice melting, during which viscosity rapidly increases from an elastic to a viscous regime. Here we investigate the potential of using decades of global hydrological mass redistributions, mainly driven by recent ice melting, to constrain the Earth's mantle transient rheology. We quantify the sensitivity of the Earth surface deformation and gravity field to mass redistribution at very large spatial scales to variations in the Earth’s mantle rheology using a spherically layered model and considering Maxwell and Burgers behaviors. Mass redistribution is estimated using low-degree spherical harmonics of the Earth’s gravity field inferred from over 30 years of Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) observations. We discuss the importance of accounting for the Earth's lower mantle transient rheology at timescales of a few decades and evaluate to what extent it can be constrained by combining long geodetic time series of the Earth’s gravity field and surface deformation.
Correlation of Magnetic Field Dynamics and Atmosphere for the study of the quasi six-year oscillation from Earth's core
Authors: Chicot Guilhem , Dehant Véronique , De Viron Olivier
Published: March 2024

Recent studies have identified a quasi six-year oscillation (QSYO) spanning various Earth system parameters, including the length of day, polar motion, secular variation of the magnetic field, sea level, precipitation, terrestrial water storage, land ice, and winds. This oscillation is linked to fluid dynamics processes in the liquid outer core, yet the mechanism facilitating its transmission from the core to the broader Earth system remains unclear. One of the proposed scenario is the plausible role of the magnetic field as a conduit for transmitting the QSYO from the core to the climatic systemLeveraging data from atmospheric and magnetic models alongside observations from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), our approach employs statistical analysis to explore the presence of the QSYO in the atmosphere. We specifically analyze various parameters in both the charged (e.g., Total Electron Content - TEC) and neutral (e.g., nebulosities) atmospheric layers. This study aims to establish the existence of the QSYO in the atmosphere and link its variations with those from core in the magnetic field. 
Energetic Electron Dynamic in the Inner Radiation Belt and SAA Region
Authors: Zong Qiugang
Published: March 2024

 Energetic Electron Dynamics are ones of the most dynamic processes in Earth's magnetosphere and have global consequences and broad implications for space weather. They can be monitored using energetic electron detectors on both Macao Science Satellites (MSS-1A/B) and sunsynchronous satellites (Fengyun 3E). There are triple Imaging Electron Spectrometer (IES)  instruments to be installed in the Macao Science Satellites and Chinese Sun-synchronous (FY3E) satellites, respectively. The IES instrument on board  both Macao Science Satellites and Chinese Meteorology FY-3 (sunsynchronous) satellite, launched on May, 2023, and 4 July, 2021 (FY-3)  into a sunsynchronous satellite orbit (LEO), provides the first  constellation eneregetic electron measurements in the inner Radiation Belt and SAA region. The Macau Scientific Satellite - 1 (MSS) comprises two satellites orbiting the Earth at an inclination of 41. MSS1-A follows a circular orbit at an altitude of 450 km, while MSS1-B's orbit is elliptical, ranging between 450 and 500 km in altitude, with its apogee positioned near the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA). These two satellites share a similar orbit, maintaining a separation of approximately 5-10s minutes, which has varied since their launch. The orbital period for both satellites is approximately 94 minutes.  The innermost and outermost signatures of substorm injection have been observed by the IES instruments with a wide L shell spatial coverage, from L=1 ~ 6.  Such a configuration will provide a unique opportunity to investigate Energetic Electron Dynamics simultaneously at low and high  L shells. It will further elucidate potential mechanisms for the particle energization and transport, two of the most important topics in inner radiation belt dynamics.  
Technological and conceptual tools for risk communication during the different phases of disaster risk management of natural and human-made hazards
Authors: Papathanasiou Chrysoula , Mulder Femke , Fordham Maureen , Karagiannidis Lazaros , Amditis Angelos
Published: March 2024

Risk mitigation for natural and human-made hazards hinges on effective two-way communication between Civil Protection Authorities (CPAs) and the at-risk population. This work focuses on identifying the timing and methods of this communication. Effective communication is shaped by the information that is available, like forecast lead times and hazard observations, and the technical and conceptual tools that support it. It also requires that CPAs communicate with citizens at all stages of the disaster management cycle: before a hazard event (prevention and preparedness), during a hazard event (response), and after a hazard event (recovery and learning from the event). This is applicable to all hazard types. For efficient risk communication, the best approach is an integrated one, combining cutting-edge technology with targeted conceptual tools. Both were developed and tested in the RiskPACC project (www.riskpacc.eu). A notable innovation in RiskPACC is the active involvement of both CPAs and citizens in tool development, through co-creation and co-development activities that aid in tool design and finalization (Papathanasiou et al., 2023b). RiskPACC's conceptual framework focuses on facilitating effective two-way communication between CPAs and citizens. It provides guidance on building relationships for risk reduction and co-developing communication strategies, based on a shared understanding of local risks. This is supported by a resource repository and good practices, like participatory mapping. An example of a co-developed technology within RiskPACC is the Aeolian AR mobile app (Papathanasiou et al., 2023a), covering all disaster risk management phases and enabling bidirectional communication between citizens and CPAs.Acknowledgments:This research has been financed by European Unions’ Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No 101019707, project RiskPACC (Integrating Risk Perception and Action to enhance Civil protection-Citizen interaction). References: Papathanasiou, Chrysoula; Sampson, Orestis; Douklias, Thanasis; Karagiannidis, Lazaros; Michalis, Panagiotis and Amditis, Angelos (2023).  Evolution of an ICT tool through co-creation for effective disaster risk management. SafeGreece 2023, Athens Greece, 25-27 September 2023. Retrievable at https://safegreece.org/safeattica2023/images/docs/safeattica2023_proceedings.pdf.Papathanasiou, Chrysoula; Michalis, Panagiotis; Stavrou, Konstantinos; Tsougiannis, Evangelos; Anniés, Jeannette; Papageorgiou, Sofia; Ouzounoglou, Eleftherios; Amditis, Angelos (2023). Enhancement of local community resilience to natural and man-made disasters through the application of co-created novel technological tools. EGU General Assembly 2023, Vienna, Austria, 24–28 Apr 2023, EGU23-1381. Retrievable at https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu23-1381.
High-resolution fire weather projections for effective forest management and restoration across the Mediterranean region 
Authors: Gallo Carolina , Eden Jonathan , Dieppois Bastien , Fulé Peter , San-Miguel-Ayanz Jesús , Bacciu Valentina , Besacier Christophe , Blackett Matthew
Published: March 2024

The Mediterranean region has historically been prone to wildfire activity. However, many Mediterranean countries have been particularly impacted in recent years by an increase in fire intensity and fire season length, with hundreds of thousands of hectares burned both north and south of the basin. Larger and more frequent fires are anticipated across the Mediterranean region in the future, a key driver of which is the projected increase in so-called fire weather (the meteorological conditions conducive to fire ignition and spread) associated with a warming world. In view of the loss or degradation of forest areas due to wildfires, and in the context of the ongoing UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), Mediterranean countries are actively engaging in post-fire restoration actions. Developing new insights into the evolution of fire weather across Mediterranean ecosystems is crucial for effective forest management and restoration planning.  

For the Mediterranean, fire weather projections under climate change have typically been extrapolated from global-scale studies or otherwise focused predominantly on Southern European countries. By contrast, far less attention has been given to countries in North Africa and the Middle East. Here, we generate high-resolution fire weather projections for the entire Mediterranean region, using the latest generation of global climate models. We calculate the Canadian Fire Weather Index (FWI) following a multivariate bias correction and downscaling of the FWI’s underpinning meteorological variables (namely, maximum daily temperature, minimum daily relative humidity, mean daily wind speed and daily precipitation). 

Results show changes in the magnitude of FWI seasonal means, maxima and fire season length in different scenarios and areas of the Mediterranean region where fire danger is projected to increase in the forthcoming decades. We discuss potential implications for future land management and restoration activities, as current preventive and restorative strategies should consider these future scenarios to ensure their success. The high-resolution fire weather projections generated here will help to better target areas of intervention and types of measures to be implemented.
Variability of lower continental crust constrained by drill core data of the Ivrea Zone (DIVE project DT-1B, Ornavasso, Val d’Ossola, Italy)
Authors: Secrétan Alexia , Degen Sarah , Pacchiega Luca , Hermann Jörg , Müntener Othmar
Published: March 2024

The estimates of the chemical composition of the lower continental crust ranges from predominantly mafic to felsic. The Ivrea Zone in the Southern European Alps provides insight into this variability, featuring a pre-Permian mostly felsic lower crust modulated by additions of mafic rocks during Permian underplating. The Ivrea zone is an ideal location to examine major, trace, and volatile elements over the full range of proposed lower crustal compositions. Our study presents whole-rock data derived from a drill core of the first hole (DT-1B) of the ICDP-funded project DIVE (Drilling the Ivrea-Verbano Zone). The drilled section spans nearly 600 m, representing an upper part of the Ivrea lower continental crust. Logging of the drill core showed that biotite-gneisses (Qtz + Pl + Bt ± Gt ± Kfs ± Sil – 75 vol%) and metamafic rocks (Amp + Pl + Qtz ± Px ± Bt ± Gt – 21 vol%) are the main rock types with minor calcsilicate rocks (Cc + Gt + Px + Ttn + Qtz + Pl ± Amp – 2 vol%), and some minor pegmatites (2 vol%). Both targeted and grid sampling strategies aimed to minimize sampling bias, providing a reliable basis for understanding the Ivrea lower continental crustal composition and extrapolating the results toward a realistic assessments of the LCC composition in general.Amphibolite facies metasediments (34 samples) range from calc-silicates to pelites and psammites, exhibiting a wide range of major element compositions (32 - 89 wt.% SiO2; 0.5 - 5.8 wt.% K2O; 0.35 - 0.54 Mg#). Metamafic rocks (16 samples) cover a more restricted compositional range (43 - 57 wt.% SiO2; 0.1 - 5 wt.% K2O; 0.3 - 3 wt.%; 0.36 - 0.61 Mg#). Most mafic rocks are LREE enriched, but a few resemble MORB-like compositions. A preliminary comparison of the bulk rock estimate of the entire drill core relative to the integrated composition derived from geological maps indicates that deviations between the two approaches are considerable, ranging from
CoastSnap community beach monitoring: new innovations in smartphone-based monitoring of the coast
Authors: Harley Mitchell , Chaaya Fred , Kinsela Michael
Published: March 2024

CoastSnap is a low-cost citizen science beach monitoring program that empowers local communities to collect quantitative measurements of coastline change using their smartphones. Underpinning CoastSnap is a stainless-steel smartphone cradle that is installed overlooking a beach in a location easily accessible to the public. Using the cradle for image positioning, passers-by simply take a photo of the coast and upload it to a centralized database, which in turn provides a crowd-sourced record of coastline change over time.Behind this simple idea are advanced image processing algorithms that then enable the shoreline position (and other relevant coastal features) to be mapped from these community snapshots in a scientifically rigorous manner. First established in Sydney, Australia in May 2017, the network of CoastSnap stations has grown rapidly over the past seven years to now encompass over 350 monitoring locations in 31 countries. This growth of this global network now means that the CoastSnap project comprises the largest coordinated network of coastal monitoring worldwide.The poster will provide a general overview of this unique global citizen science program to date and present latest developments regarding enhanced automation using AI, participation and new research outcomes.
Spatial patterns and temporal dynamics of subsurface hillslope-stream connectivity
Authors: Blume Theresa , Gariremo Natasha , Hartmann Anne , Kuleshov Alexey , van Meerveld Ilja , Hopp Luisa
Published: March 2024

Subsurface hillslope-stream connectivity is a major control on runoff-generation and catchment storage dynamics. However, detecting this connectivity is challenging, as processes in the subsurface are not easily observable. Furthermore, we are faced with a high spatial variability as well as pronounced temporal dynamics.In this context, we are investigating three catchments in German mid-mountain ranges: Black Forest, Ore Mountains and Sauerland. The experimental design consists of three trenched hillslopes per catchment as well as numerous observation wells and stream gauges along the stream. Water samples are taken at all locations during snapshot campaigns and are analyzed for major cations and anions to complement event-based sampling at the trenches and in the stream. This comparative design aims at moving beyond single-site insights to gaining a broader view of the process and its spatio-temporal patterns. First observations of these patterns based on physical and chemical signals of subsurface connectivity are presented.
Advancing Quaternary Geochronology: Impact of Sample Preparation and Analytical Techniques on Natural Radioactive Dose Assessment in Stream Sediments
Authors: Jimenez Fernando , Hasozbek Altug , Duval Mathieu , Pares Josep M. , Sarró-Moreno M. Isabel , Barrado-Olmedo Ana I. , Conde-Vila Estefania , Fernández-Díaz Marta , Cobo Jose Manuel , Perez-Estebanez Martin , Alonso-Garcia Javier
Published: March 2024

Keywords: Geochronology, Sediment, Uranium, Thorium, Microwave Digestion, HR-ICP-MSIn Quaternary geochronology, accurately estimating natural radiation exposure is crucial for dating materials using Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL). Traditional methods like gamma and alpha spectrometry, despite their utility, are limited by sample size requirements and time inefficiency, especially in low-radiation contexts. This study explores the efficacy of Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), including both Quadrupole (ICP-QMS) and High-Resolution (HR-ICP-MS), for analyzing uranium, thorium, and potassium concentrations in sediments.We compared various acid digestion methods using standard hot-blocks, microwave digestion, and single cell microwave technology on Sediment Reference Materials (NIST BRS 8704, OREAS 24d). Potassium detection was more accurate with ICP-OES (96% precision) than ICP-QMS (80%). In contrast, HR-ICP-MS significantly outperformed ICP-QMS in measuring uranium and thorium (U and Th recoveries of 99% and 94% vs. 83% and 81%, respectively). Moreover, microwave-assisted digestion methods showed slight advantages in uranium and thorium recovery.Our findings suggest that a four-acid microwave-assisted digestion, combined with potassium measurement via ICP-OES in radial mode and uranium and thorium quantification using HR-ICP-MS, offers the most accurate and time-efficient approach for natural dose determination in sediment dating. This methodology is particularly relevant for cave, river, and stream sediments even with expected low uranium levels.
Tourists' perception of volcanic hazards and volcanic risk in Tenerife Island
Authors: Afonso Falcón David , Rodríguez-Pérez Claudia , Quezada-Ugalde Adriana , Chelli GInevra , James Grace , Rahli Kenza , Cantero José G. , Coldwell Beverley C. , Solana Carmen , Rodríguez Fátima , adrón Eleazar , Pérez Nemesio M. , Hernández Pedro A. , Melián Gladys V. , Padilla German , Asensio-Ramos María
Published: March 2024

The entire Canarian Archipelago can be considered a volcanically active area and its volcanic risk is now much higher than 50 years ago as a result of the actual high levels of population and socio-economic value exposure to the volcanic hazards present on the territory. The knowledge of perception of volcanic hazards and volcanic risk of different groups of the society will be essential to develop an effective reduction volcanic risk strategy as a collective responsibility. The different groups can be communication professionals, tourists, urban and territorial planners and the general public, among others. While some may have more specific roles and responsibilities in this endeavor, visitors and tourists can make a significant contribution to volcanic risk management efforts. The Canary Islands register between 8 to 13 millions of visitors every year (source: Statistics National Institute-INE), what means a significant number of floating populations visiting an active volcanic area. This research aims to assess the level of understanding and interest that tourists have about volcanoes and volcanic risk management in Canary Islands, and to examine the potential and desired role of the tourists in enhancing the effectiveness of volcanic risk management efforts.To assess tourists' perceptions of volcanic hazards and risks on Tenerife, we have designed a face-to-face questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of approximately 30 questions and is completed in about 10 or 15 minutes. Approximately 20% of the questionnaire covers demographic data, while questions about volcanic phenomenon and volcanic risk management account for roughly 40%, with the remaining 40% centered on respondents' perception of volcanic hazards and risks. The questionnaire was released from July 18 to the end of September 2023, with a total of 419 tourists surveyed.
Origin and mineralization processes of groundwater in metamorphic hardrock aquifers in West Africa: Insights from stable isotopes (δ2H and δ18O) and major ions
Authors: Ani Mozimwè , Jaunat Jessy , Marin Beatrice , Huneau Frederic , Gnandi Kissao
Published: March 2024

The groundwater contained in the basement formations of sub-Saharan countries is the main source of drinking water for the population in rural and semi-rural areas. Captured by boreholes and wells, it is used for domestic purposes, irrigation, and other socio-economic activities. Given the increased pressure on the resource due to population growth and urbanization, assessing its origin, availability, and quality for sustainable management is imperative. This study was carried out in the Kara River Watershed (KRW) in northern Togo. The study aimed at determining the recharge and mineralization processes of the groundwater in the watershed using conventional graphs, multivariate statistical analyses, and geochemical modelling. Physico-chemical (pH, temperature, and TDS), chemical (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3-, SO42-, Cl-, NO3- and SiO2), and isotopic (δ2H and δ18O) analyses were carried out on 149 groundwater samples (boreholes and wells). The results showed that the isotopic composition of the groundwater suggests recharge of meteoric origin, often influenced by secondary evaporation and important mixing processes. From a hydrochemical point of view, the groundwater is generally low mineralized with TDS ˂ 1000 mg/L. These waters' main mineralization processes are water/rock interactions and human activities influence. The heterogeneity of the geological formations is responsible for the spatial variability of the water chemistry, with CaMg-HCO3-, intermediate, and Na-HCO3- water types predominating. Hydrolysis of silicate minerals, ion exchanges, and dissolution of carbonate minerals (calcite and dolomite) are responsible for water mineralization. Nitrates of human and animal origin often strongly degrade water quality. The results of this study will enable decision-makers to implement a relevant strategy for the sustainable management of groundwater resources, particularly in the city of Kara, where human activities massively impact groundwater quality.Keywords: Recharge processes, hydrochemistry, water/rock interactions, hard-rock aquifer, human activities, Kara River, Togo.
The relevance of Rossby wave breaking for precipitation in the world’s arid regions
Authors: De Vries Andries Jan , Armon Moshe , Klingmüller Klaus , Portmann Raphael , Röthlisberger Matthias , Domeisen Daniela I.V.
Published: March 2024

Precipitation-related extremes in drylands expose more than a third of the world population living in these regions to drought and flooding. While weather systems generating precipitation in humid low- and high-latitude regions are widely studied, our understanding of the atmospheric processes governing precipitation formation in arid regions remains fragmented at best. Regional studies have suggested a key role of the extratropical forcing for precipitation in arid regions. Here we quantify the contribution of Rossby wave breaking for precipitation formation in arid regions worldwide. We combine potential vorticity streamers and cutoffs identified from ERA5 as indicators of Rossby wave breaking and use four different precipitation products based on satellite-based estimates, station data, and reanalysis. Rossby wave breaking is significantly associated with up to 80% of annual precipitation and up to 90% of daily precipitation extremes in arid regions equatorward and downstream of the midlatitude storm tracks. The relevance of wave breaking for precipitation increases with increasing land aridity. Contributions of wave breaking to precipitation dominate in the poleward and westward portions of subtropical arid regions during the cool season. In these regions, climate projections for the future suggest a strong precipitation decline, while projections of precipitation extremes are highly uncertain due to the influence of the atmospheric circulation. Thus, our findings emphasize the importance of Rossby wave breaking as an atmospheric driver of precipitation in arid regions with large implications for understanding projections and constraining uncertainties of future precipitation changes in arid regions that are disproportionally at risk of freshwater shortages and flood hazards.
Crevasse field response to glacier dynamic change in Greenland
Authors: Lea James , Chudley Thomas , Davies Bethan , Van Wyk De Vries Maximillian
Published: March 2024

Crevassing provides visual information regarding gradients in ice flow velocity (i.e. strain rates), with relevance for multiple processes occurring at Greenland marine terminating margins, in the ice sheet interior, and for its peripheral glaciers and ice caps. Mapping crevasse distribution and relating them to ice dynamics can provide critical understanding for iceberg calving, ice damage enhanced glacier flow and glacier detachment in valley glacier and ice cap settings. Substantial effort has previously been exerted in structural glaciology to both map crevasses and relate their sizes and distribution to the dynamics of individual glaciers, though this has frequently involved time consuming manual mapping making large temporal/spatial scale investigations impractical. Building on recent work towards the automation of crevasse mapping, we present a new, highly flexible, methodologically simple automated approach for crevasse identification from top-of-atmosphere (TOA) Sentinel-2 optical satellite imagery. This has been developed to be computationally light, and unlike other thresholding based methods does not require standardisation of reflectance values through surface reflectance correction of imagery. The approach is implemented within the Google Earth Engine platform, meaning that the method has the potential to be applied rapidly and at scale for near-real time monitoring.Our new approach allows rapid characterisation of the response of crevasse fields (and therefore glacier stress/strain environments) to glacier dynamic change. In this presentation we evaluate the efficacy of this approach against previously developed automated methods of crevasse mapping (namely Gabor filtering and digital elevation model based approaches). We conduct initial exploration into: whether analysis of crevasse fields allow identification of precursor signs of marine terminating glacier destabilisation; how crevasse fields evolve in response to observed terminus retreat; and if key summary statistics that result from the analysis can be related glacier calving styles. Through comparisons results generated by different methods we also highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each in characterising these signals.
An evaluation of wind speed profiles in model-based reanalyses using ground-based measurements of high quality in the context of wind energy generation
Authors: Geiger David , Yuan Dehong , Spangehl Thomas , Callies Doron , Drücke Jaqueline , Good Garrett , Kasper Frank , Pauscher Lukas
Published: March 2024

Wind speed from atmospheric reanalyses is often used as input for modelling wind energy production in energy systems analysis. While some studies compare energy generation of wind turbines to those modelled from reanalysis data sets for specific sites, such analyses are usually aggregated to regional or national levels. However, nationwide evaluations using high quality wind speed measurements at heights relevant for modern wind turbines are still scarce. 

This paper presents a detailed comparison of high quality wind speed measurements of tall profiles with different reanalysis datasets at more than 75 locations in Germany measured by lidars and masts. Among the evaluated model-based products are the regional reanalysis COSMO-REA6, the global reanalysis ERA5 and the new European reanalysis CERRA. They are evaluated at different measurement heights using statistical analysis. All sites include measurement heights above 100 m and are suited for wind energy applications. This evaluation dataset provides good coverage of the relevant terrain ranging from offshore to the low mountain regions. Measurement locations are distributed all over Germany. Data was collected over multiple years (2012 – 2023) and measurement durations at individual locations range from months to multiple years. Many of the measurements were carried out adhering to the current standards used in wind resource assessment or have comparable quality. Thus, the dataset allows for a unique and comprehensive evaluation of the reanalysis datasets with respect to the representation of geographic and topographic features as well as seasonal patterns in the context of wind energy generation. 

To address current advancements in wind power generation, our analysis focuses on heights above 100 m to reflect the height of modern wind turbines. 

First analysis results using ERA5 and COSMO-REA6 indicate a distinct effect of the terrain on the model skill. Both reanalyses have a small median bias across all measurements with larger variations seen for ERA5. There is a height dependency in the bias of the wind speed, with positive (negative) biases for lower (higher) orographic measurement heights – i.e. the terrain height at which the lidar or mast is installed. The bias varies depending on the elevation of the measurement position in hilly/mountainous terrain. A clear correlation can be observed for the bias and the difference of the terrain height at the measurement location and the orographic height of the assigned model grid box. While for elevated lidar/mast positions (higher than the model grid cell) a clear tendency towards higher measured wind speeds can be observed the effect vanishes for measurement sites close to the orographic model height. 
Fire-driven dust emissions – applying a newly developed parameterization scheme in a global aerosol-model
Authors: Wagner Robert , Schepanski Kerstin
Published: March 2024

Vegetation fires represent a major, mostly anthropogenically-driven, component of the Earth system that are affecting different landscapes in multiple regions of the globe and are supposed to increase further in number and severity with the ongoing climate change. Measurements and conceptional model studies have already shown that the fire-induced disturbance of the near-surface wind patterns allow for the mobilization of soil dust particles and their injection into the atmosphere through the pyro-convective updrafts related to the fires. However, the dust emission schemes of the current generation of aerosol-climate models do not consider this fire-related emission pathway and focus on wind-driven dust emissions of mostly unvegetated landscapes such as deserts only. This can result in an underrepresentation of dust particles in the fire-affected regions with consequences regarding a correct representation of aerosol-atmosphere interactions such as the radiation budget.Therefore, the present study aims to provide more insights concerning the importance of fire-driven dust emissions in the climate system. In order to achieve this, the process was implemented as a new emission pathway into the aerosol module HAM (Hamburg Aerosol Module) of the newly coupled aerosol-climate model ICON-HAM. Information about the behavior of the fire-affected wind fields and their potential to overcome typical emission thresholds have been used to set the dust emission fluxes in relation to data of the global fire activity, expressed by the fire radiative power (FRP), and to land-surface characteristics such as soil type and surface roughness.Multi-year global simulations of ICON-HAM were analyzed to quantify the impacts of the additional dust emissions caused by the fire activity and their injection parameterization on a seasonal and continental scale. It was found that the strength of the fire-related dust emissions strongly depends on the region where the fire occurs, which is determined by the local soil-surface conditions and not only by the fire strength. However, the vegetation fires can lead to an increase of the atmospheric dust load even in regions far away from those commonly known as dust source areas, highlighting that fire-driven dust emissions can substantially contribute to the total aerosol load and in particular its composition within fire-prone regions or also within a fire-prone climate.
MATS satellite mission - observing gravity waves in the MLT region with tomographic limb imaging
Authors: Krasauskas Lukas , Gumbel Jörg , Megner Linda , Christensen Ole Martin , Ivchenko Nickolay , Linder Björn , Murtagh Donal
Published: March 2024

MATS (Mesospheric airglow/Aerosol Tomography and Spectroscopy) is as Swedish satellite launched in November 2022. It observes O2 A-band airglow in near-infrared and UV light scattered from noctilucent clouds (NLCs) in limb imaging geometry and provides global 3-D temperature and NLC data products. These data sets can be used to characterise individual gravity waves (GWs) by determining their amplitudes, wavelengths and propagation directions (i.e. determining the 3-D wave vector for each wave). This enables determination of GW momentum fluxes in the MLT region, as well as detailed studies on GW spectra, propagation and interactions with the mean flow. MATS data, in combination with some GW modelling, can also be used to study GW sources and dissipation.This presentation will provide an overview of the MATS mission and the 3-D data products with the focus on GW observations. We will include examples of data along with some initial GW analysis, instrument sensitivity estimates and data quality evaluation.
Multi-hazards risk indicators for climate risk reporting
Authors: Guillod Benoît , Ciullo Alessio , Bourgeois Quentin , Bodenmann Lukas , Lehtomaa Jere , Glink Sebastian
Published: March 2024

In recent years, it has become more and more clear that climate change and its impacts do severely affect companies’ business. For example, acute climate risks driven by e.g. floods and tropical cyclones can impact physical assets and halt productions, whereas chronic climate risks such as droughts and temperature increases can have severe impacts on e.g. crop production, labour productivity and water availability. This increased understanding of climate risk on companies’ performances led to the establishment of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) which provides a framework for disclosing and reporting climate-related risks and opportunities.As TCFD requires businesses to quantify, rate and manage climate risks across various perils and regions, there is the need to develop climate risk indicators which comply with its recommendations. In this talk, we will introduce the indicators developed by CLIMADA Technologies - an open-core ETH spin-off company - for multiple hazards, incl. tropical cyclones, floods, winter storms, wildfires, droughts, heat waves, and cold spells. The indicators allow assessing and coherently summarising climate risk information in line with TCFD recommendations and thus support companies in taking resilient actions.
Metagenomics of carbonate rocks from limestone mines, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India, reveal insight into lithobiontic microbial community and biogeochemical cycling.
Authors: Singh Jyoti , Maharana Chinmaya
Published: March 2024

Opencast limestone mines, being oligotrophic environments characterized by harsh environmental conditions are considered as challenging habitat for colonization and growth of all life forms. These conditions include elevated temperatures, prolonged exposure to sunlight, and deficiencies in organic matter, moisture, and soil nutrients. In such environments, lithobionts may play an important role as the main sources of primary production and maintaining the ecosystem functioning. Unfortunately, our knowledge regarding the taxonomic diversity, potential functions, and ecology of limestone quarry/mines remains quite limited. Here, we explored the taxonomic composition and metabolic potential of lithobiontic microorganisms dwelling carbonate rocks of a limestone mine in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India by using high-throughput shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Community profile analysis revealed that the lithobiontic community was dominated by bacteria (98.94 %), with a minute fraction of the Eukaryota (0.77 %) and archaeal population (0.23 %). Microbes belonging to Phylum Cyanobacteria (39.74 %), Proteobacteria (35.21 %) and Actinobacteria (10.34 %) were predominant followed by a remarkable share of Chloroflexi (4.77 %) and Firmicutes (2.41 %). Metabolic potential analysis, based on six functional modules of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, revealed that functional genes involved in microbial metabolisms are highly represented in this community (59.68 %). Functional analysis of the carbonate microbiome indicated their capacity to influence carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles. Results suggest that the oxygenic photosynthetic bacteria contribute significantly to primary productivity as well as carbonate precipitation in such arid and oligotrophic environments. Multi-omics level study on isolated cyanobacterial strains is underway to gain deeper insights into habitat adaptation and the functioning of lithobiontic niche of cyanobacteria in carbonate rocks.
Robust Satellite Techniques for seismic prone area monitoring: recent achievements and future perspective toward a multi-parametric t‐DASH system
Authors: Colonna Roberto , Filizzola Carolina , Genzano Nicola , Lisi Mariano , Pergola Nicola , Tramutoli Valerio
Published: March 2024

After more than 25 years of studies it is possible to draw a balance of the efforts, based on the application of Robust Satellite Techniques to long-term satellite TIR (Thermal InfraRed) radiances, to identify (isolating them from all the others possible sources) those anomalies (in the spatial/temporal domain) possibly associated to the occurrence of major earthquakes.The results achieved by processing multi-annual (more than 10 years) time series of TIR satellite images collected in different continents and seismic regimes, showed that more than 67% of all identified (space-time persistent) anomalies occur in the pre-fixed space-time window around the occurrence time and location of earthquakes (M≥4), with a false positive rate smaller than 33%. Moreover, Molchan error diagram analysis gave a clear indication of non-casualty of such a correlation, in comparison with the random guess function.Here, we will critically discuss the results up to now achieved by applying long-term RST analyses in different part of the world. Moreover, we will also discuss the common and/or peculiar elements of success/failure respect to the possibility to build and implement a multi-parametric system for a time‐Dependent Assessment of Seismic Hazard (t‐DASH).
Cropping system modulates the effect of drought on ammonia-oxidizing communities
Authors: Bintarti Ari Fina , Kost Elena , Kundel Dominika , Conz Rafaela Feola , Mäder Paul , Krause Hans-Martin , Mayer Jochen , Hartmann Martin , Philippot Laurent
Published: March 2024

The severity of drought is predicted to increase across Europe due to climate change. Droughts can substantially impact terrestrial nitrogen (N) cycling and the corresponding microbial communities. Here, we investigated how ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), archaea (AOA), and comammox (complete ammonia oxidizers) respond to simulated drought in a rain-out shelter experiment in the DOK long-term field trial comparing different organic and conventional agricultural practices since 1978. This study is part of the MICROSERVICES (BiodivERsA) project aiming to understand and predict the effects of climate change on crop-associated microbiomes and their ecosystem functions. We monitored the diversity, the composition, and the abundance of ammonia-oxidizers for five months by Illumina-based amplicon sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR using the amoA gene as molecular marker.We found that the effect of drought varied depending on the ammonia-oxidizing community and also on the agricultural practices. The community structures of AOA and comammox were more strongly affected by drought than the AOB community structure. Drought also had a stronger impact on the community structure in the biodynamic (organic) cropping system than in both the mixed and mineral-fertilized conventional systems. The abundance of ammonia oxidizers was also influenced by drought, with comammox clade B exhibiting the strongest sensitivity to drought. The drought effect on the community abundance was more prominent in the biodynamic and mixed-conventional systems than in the mineral-fertilized conventional system. We further found a significant interaction between drought and agricultural practices on the abundance of all groups of ammonia-oxidizers except AOB. Overall, our study showed that the impact of drought on ammonia oxidizers was modulated by agricultural practices and varied with time as well as among members of ammonia-oxidizers. These results underscore the significance of agricultural management practices in influencing the response of nitrogen cycling and the corresponding communities to drought.
The role of earthworms in the organic matter cycling of forest floors in temperate forests – A mesocosm experiment with labeled beech litter
Authors: de Jong Philipp , Schleppi Patrick , Hagedorn Frank
Published: March 2024

Earthworms may act as double-edged swords for soil organic matter (SOM). While they can enhance organic matter (OM) mineralization via increased microbial activity they can also elevate OM stabilization in aggregates as particulate or mineral-associated OM. In this study, we are testing this potentially opposing impact in beech-dominated (Fagus sylvatica L.) mixed forests on limestone, a forest ecosystem with particularly high earthworm activity. A specific focus lies on OM transformation along the continuum from the forest floor (O horizons) to mineral soil (A horizons). The forest floor can represent a substantial OM-pool which is an important source for SOM formation via bioturbation or leaching but can be vulnerable to alterations due to climate change. In a lab mesocosm experiment, we are incubating local earthworm species in soil columns consisting of O and A horizons from two contrasting beech forest sites from 600 and 1250 m elevation in the Swiss Jura Mountain range. Both sites have a mull-type forest floor with the high-elevation site exhibiting an Of horizon present throughout the year while an Of horizon is not present all year at the low-elevation site. We established four earthworm treatments for each site all including the respective mineral soil and forest floor: (1) no earthworms, (2) two Octolasion cyaneum S., (3) one Lumbricus terrestris L., and (4) two O. cyaneum together with one L. terrestris. In this setup, the Ol horizon was replaced with beech litter highly enriched with 13C, 15N, and 2H. Soil respiration (CO2) and leaching (C, N, and H in dissolved OM) are repeatedly measured. Total respiration (12C and 13C) is measured weekly for the first four months and biweekly afterward. Every two months fluxes from A and O horizons are measured separately. After approximately 4 and 10 months each, a set of mesocosms is harvested to investigate isotope enrichment in earthworm biomass, cast, physical soil fractions, PLFAs, and microbial necromass. We find first indications for stabilization of new litter input as, under similar total CO2 fluxes, the litter-derived fraction is higher for treatments without worms. However, if both earthworm species are present, the cumulative heterotrophic respiration is elevated compared to the treatments involving only one earthworm species and the no-earthworm treatment. This is presumably due to higher earthworm density and, therefore, increased bioturbation. In contrast, we find no differences in the amount of dissolved organic matter leached out of the mesocosms between the treatments so far. X-ray CT scans will inform us about earthworm behavior within the mesocosms. This will help us understand how their activity translates into the vertical distribution of the isotopic label.
CO2 and CH4 exchanges between moist moss tundra and atmosphere on Kapp Linne, Svalbard
Authors: Lindroth Anders , Pirk Norbert , Jonsdottir Ingibjörg , Stiegler Christian , Klemedtsson Leif , Nilsson Mats
Published: March 2024

We measured CO2 and CH4 fluxes using chambers and eddy covariance (only CO2) from a moist moss tundra in Svalbard. The average net ecosystem exchange (NEE) during the summer (9 June-31 August) was negative (sink) with -0.139±0.032 µmol m-2s-1 corresponding to -11.8 g C m-2 for the whole summer. The cumulated NEE over the whole growing season (day no. 160 to 284) was -2.5 g C m-2. The CH4 flux during the summer period showed a large spatial and temporal variability. The mean value of all 214 samples was 0.000511±0.000315 µmol m-2s-1 which corresponds to a growing season estimate of 0.04 to 0.16 g CH4 m-2. Thus, we find that this moss tundra ecosystem is closely in balance with the atmosphere during growing season when regarding exchanges of  CO2 and CH4. The sink of CO2 as well as the source of CH4 are small in comparison with other tundra ecosystems in high Arctic.Air temperature, soil moisture and greenness index contributed significantly to explain the variation in ecosystem respiration (Reco) while active layer depth, soil moisture and greenness index were the variables that best explained CH4 emissions. Estimate of temperature sensitivity of Reco and gross primary productivity (GPP) showed that the sensitivity is slightly higher for GPP than for Reco in the interval 0 – 4.5 ºC, thereafter the difference is small up to about 6 ºC and then it began to raise rapidly for Reco. The consequence of this, for a small increase in air temperature of 1 degree (all other variables assumed unchanged) was that the respiration increased more than photosynthesis turning the small sink into a small source (4.5 gC m-2) during the growing season. Thus, we cannot rule out that the reason why the moss tundra is close to balance today is an effect of the warming that has already taken place in Svalbard.
Balancing regional freshwater boundaries and carbon neutrality goals in China’s water-energy-environment nexus
Authors: Ng Jia Yi , Zhao Xu , Dai Hancheng
Published: March 2024

China faces challenging issues of water scarcity, energy security, and climate change in this century. The Chinese government has committed to reaching carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060 and this requires ambitious energy transition strategies. It has also deployed the Three Red Lines (TRLs) policy which aims to limit total annual water use to below 700 km3 by 2030, with different targets for each province. Yet, these water guidelines fail to consider the local water endowment of each province and do not shed light on how current and future water use could put stress on our water resources. This gap could be filled by considering regional freshwater boundary (RFB) instead, which sets a limit for freshwater use based on monthly flow and corresponding environmental flow requirements. By comparing the TRLs targets with RFB, we could identify the gap between these policy-based goals and their practical implementation, and thus design specific regional economic strategies to achieve water targets in a carbon-neutral future. In this study, we first calculate RFBs for each Chinese province using a bottom-up approach by aggregating grid level (0.5°) RFB obtained from 15 different hydrological models to the provincial level. This is then used alongside the TRLs targets within a computable generable equilibrium (CGE) model. The CGE model evaluates the economic and environmental impacts of various scenarios considering carbon neutrality, water use targets, and solutions aimed at mitigating RFB exceedance, such as the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, water efficiency improvement and water reuse strategies. The holistic assessment of China’s climate and water policies reveals opportunities for coordinated policymaking among provinces and elucidates possible pathways for China to balance water, energy, climate and economic goals.