bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards new frontiers for environmental sensing: a UAV-based Active Laser Fluorescence Imaging System 
Authors: Zhang Chenglong , Mustafa Hasib , Bartholomeus Harm , Kooistra Lammert
Published: March 2024

Sustainable solutions are key in dealing with challenges attributed to food security and climate change. The I-Seed project, funded by H2020, strives to pioneer a novel generation of self-deployable and biodegradable soft miniaturized robots. Drawing inspiration from the morphology and dispersion abilities of plant seeds, these robots are designed for cost-effective, environmentally responsible, in-situ detection of crucial environmental parameters in both air and topsoil. In this concept, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), will be utilized to distribute, localize, and capture the fluorescence signal emitted by the artificial seeds. For the aerial read-out of the fluorescence signal, a prototype of UAV-based Active Laser Fluorescence (ALF) Imaging System was designed. It comprises an RGB camera, a spectral and hyperspectral camera, a laser, and a Time-of-Flight (ToF) Lidar. The integrated setup was evaluated in an optical laboratory. The fluorescence emission from the artificial seeds was measured at a distance of 4m, utilizing varying excitation intensities with an integration time of 3s and temperatures ranging from 5 to 40°C. Results showed that as the sample temperature increased, the peak ratio exhibited changes, making it a valuable indicator for temperature estimation. A similar behavior was observed in modulated excitation, where the fluorescence lifetime varied with temperature. Within the constraints of exposure time for non-saturated pixels, data from RGB pixels also provided insights into the sample temperature. In addition, the developed system was also tested on a linear stage mimicking a flight under field conditions. Present work reveals potential for a revolution in the use of UAVs in environmental sensing.
A Versatile Reduced Order Model of Urban Boundary Layer Dynamics in the Center of Paris
Authors: Kuznetsov Konstantin , Sylvestre Paul , Litvinov Pavel , Dubovik Oleg , Fuertes David
Published: March 2024

The computational demands of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) often limit its real-time or large-scale applications, particularly in scenarios requiring multiple simulations based on varying input parameters. This study introduces a surrogate reduced order model (ROM) that not only addresses the computational challenges of CFD but also underscores its potential for broad applicability.
We focus on the dynamics of the Urban Boundary Layer (UBL), a key factor in understanding urban microclimates and their impact on energy consumption, thermal comfort, and local weather phenomena. Using a representative urban test case from the city center of Paris, we illustrate the effectiveness of our approach. During the offline phase, the ROM is constructed by assembling a database of Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD) modes [1] associated with various aspects of UBL dynamics, such as temperature distribution, wind patterns, and turbulence characteristics. These modes are determined based on a set of meteorological conditions defined through k-means clustering analysis. During the online phase, we interpolate these DMD modes from the database, enabling us to determine the dynamic characteristics of the UBL within the domain without initiating computationally intensive code_saturne calculations.
Our validation for the UBL dynamics in central Paris indicates that the online phase can achieve a Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE) of 2-8%. A distinctive aspect of our approach is the incorporation of DMD during the code_saturne computation process. Some modifications of DMD can be seamlessly integrated into numerous code_saturne simulations, harnessing the advantages of DMD with minimal computational trade-offs. This ROM approach offers a promising tool for urban climate studies, urban planning, and environmental management, providing a more efficient means to simulate and understand the complex dynamics of the Urban Boundary Layer.
Twenty five years of geochemical monitoring of the oceanic active volcanic island of El Hierro, Canary Islands
Authors: Rodríguez Fátima , Pires Ana , Álvarez Aarón , Asesio-Ramos María , Melián Gladys V. , Padrón Eleazar , Hernández Pedro A. , Padilla Germán D. , Pérez Nemesio M. , Barrancos José
Published: March 2024

El Hierro (278 Km2), the youngest and westernmost island of the Canarian archipelago,  is settled on an ocean floor 3.5 km deep and reaches 1.5 km above sea level. The island was constructed by rapid constructive and destructive processes in ~ 1.12 Ma. A submarine eruption took place from October 2011 to March 2012 about 2 km south of the small village of La Restinga in the southernmost part of the island. The eruptive process was the second longest and the second largest volume discharged in the historical volcanic activity of the Canaries (in the last 500 years) and was the first one to be monitored from the beginning. Since visible volcanic emissions are absent at the surface of El Hierro, one of the most useful geochemical tools to monitor the volcanic activity of El Hierro is the diffuse degassing studies. Diffuse CO2 emissions have been monitored at El Hierro Island since 1998 in a yearly basis, with higher frequency during the pre and eruptive period of 2011-2012. At each survey, 600 sampling sites are studied and measurements of soil CO2 efflux are performed in situ following the accumulation chamber method. During pre-eruptive and eruptive period, the diffuse CO2 emission released by the whole island experienced significant increases before the onset of the submarine eruption and the most energetic seismic events of the volcanic-seismic unrest. In the last survey, performed in the 2023 summer period, soil CO2 efflux values ranged from non-detectable up to 39 g m−2 d−1. Statistical-graphical analysis of the data show three different geochemical populations, background (B), intermediate (I) and peak (P), represented by 97.7%, 1.6 % and 0.7% of the total data respectively, with geometric means of 1.2, 20 and 27 g m−2 d−1, respectively. To quantify the diffuse CO2 emission for the 2023 survey, 100 sequential Gaussian simulations (sGs) were performed as interpolation method. The estimated 2023 diffuse CO2 output released to atmosphere by El Hierro was 528 ± 22 t d-1, value higher than the background average of CO2 emission estimated in 410 t d-1. The data presented here demonstrate that discrete surveys of diffuse CO2 emission offer important information to optimize the early warning system in volcano monitoring programs.
Quantification of the kinetics of ozone uptake by tree pollen and the extent of modification
Authors: Murphy Jennifer G. , Simon Sarah
Published: March 2024

Understanding the interaction between ozone and pollen is crucial, as it may influence pollen allergenicity and reproductive viability. This study investigates the kinetic uptake of ozone by pollen, and the its resulting modification, revealing significant variability among 12 tree pollen species.Exposure of pollen to moderate ozone levels (130 – 150 ppb) in small air chambers facilitated the measurement of ozone uptake until total surface saturation. This yielded initial uptake coefficients (0.6 – 6.4 x 10-5) and total adsorbed ozone (9.4 – 2200 ng O3 per mg of pollen). Using this information, we calculate the number of reactive sites on pollen surfaces (1013 – 1016 sites cm-2) and observed rate coefficients (kobs) ranging from 10-15 – 10-17 cm3 sites-1 s-1. Notably, Ash pollen, similar in size to Birch pollen, exhibited 25 times greater ozone uptake, indicating a dependence on pollen type. Molecular modifications induced by ozone were explored using optical spectroscopy, identifying potential chemical markers and emphasizing molecular diversity among pollen species. Antioxidant molecules, like carotenoids in Ash, indicated a protective role for the pollen coat, suggesting that significant ozone uptake may not harm pollination.Using a box model with plausible rates for pollen emission and deposition, we were able to calculate the extent of pollen modification by ozone in airborne pollen under environmentally relevant conditions. Depending on the pollen species, the extent of oxidation in airborne pollen ranged from 24% - 97%, and was highest in the late afternoon. Sensitivity analysis shows that the extent of oxidation is sensitive to uptake kinetics, ozone concentrations, and assumptions about mixing height. Under typical conditions, tree pollen grains are airborne for long enough that they will experience a significant proportion of the total potential modifications induced by ozone exposure.
Carbon flux, energy balance and vegetation change of a recently restored forest peatland in the Solling mountains, Germany
Authors: Drollinger Simon , Schwindt Daniel , Putzenlechner Birgitta , Asabere Stephen Boahen , Lehmann Timo Pascal , Sauer Daniela
Published: March 2024

Peatlands represent the most space-effective and largest terrestrial carbon sink, delivering multiple crucial ecosystem services. In contrast, drained peatlands have been identified as hotspots of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and constitute a relevant climate factor. Projections suggest that, due to severe human impacts, peatlands worldwide will shift from a global net GHG sink to a source in the near future, causing positive radiative forcing. Restoring peatlands therefore constitutes an effective and relevant nature-based climate change mitigation measure. However, effects of drainage and afforestation on temperate peatlands are still uncertain, and data on multi-year carbon exchange rates between recently restored afforested peatlands and atmosphere of Europe's low mountains are non-existent.Here we analyse 2.5 years of eddy covariance flux measurements of carbon dioxide, methane, sensible and latent heat of a clear-cut forest peatland during early stages of restoration in the Solling region, Lower Saxony. We found large amounts of carbon to be released from the peatland to the atmosphere in the first years after the implementation of restoration measures. This is due to extraordinarily high ecosystem respiration rates that cannot be compensated by gross primary productivity and are clearly regulated by moisture conditions of the peat. Calculations of GHG fluxes were complemented by UAV flights, geophysical measurements, soil analyses and vegetation surveys to disentangle the spatio-temporal variability of influencing factors. We related results of repeated electrical resistivity tomography to soil properties and discuss the effects of their spatial heterogeneity on gas fluxes. True colour orthophotos obtained from repeated UAV flights were used to delimit vegetation units and changes in plant composition with ongoing plant succession. Based on variations in heat capacity of different matter, thermal images were used to assess fine-scale differences in soil moisture to evaluate their potential to model and upscale spatio-temporal trends of thermal characteristics and ecosystem respiration in unprecedented detail. Finally, we evaluate underlying factors of GHG fluxes, discuss implications of restoration measures and outline potential future developments.To allow for careful consideration of restoration measures in temperate peatlands formerly drained for forestry, the benefits of restoration must be contrasted with the initial investments and future losses when the land is taken out of economic production. Outcomes from this study will provide the needed insights into forest peatland restoration and its associated processes in temperate peatlands.
Hydrological limits to leaf cooling during a record summer heat wave
Authors: Hultine Kevin , Posch Bradley , Bush Susan , Koepke Dan , Anderegg Leander , Aparecido Luiza , Blonder Benjamin , Guo Jessica , Kerr Kelly , Moran Madeline , Schuessler Alexandra
Published: March 2024

Extreme heatwaves, that are increasing in intensity and duration around the globe, are causing many locally adapted plant populations to rapidly become maladapted to climate conditions in ways that are likely to impact forest carbon storage, biogeochemical cycling, and biodiversity. One species that may be of particular risk from excess heat exposure is Populus fremontii (Wats.): a dominant riparian tree species that occupies extremely arid riparian ecosystems in western North America. We used an experimental common garden of two-year old P. fremontii genotypes sourced across a broad climate gradient to evaluate leaf thermal regulation and thermal tolerance of trees exposed to daytime summer temperatures that regularly exceeded 45 °C. Traits were measured to evaluate patterns of hydraulic and thermal safety, including leaf temperature (Tleaf), stomatal conductance, leaf water potentials, leaf turgor loss point, stem xylem cavitation vulnerability and leaf thermal tolerance - defined as the critical temperature that triggers rapid reductions in electron transport capacity of Photosystem II (Tcrit; °C). Three major results emerged. First, Tleaf of genotypes from the warmest locations were 4 to 5 °C cooler than air temperatures, even on days where air temperatures exceeded 48 °C. Second, short-term reductions in soil water availability - even reductions that were largely undetectable from predawn leaf water potentials - disrupted leaf cooling patterns in all genotypes, resulting in periods in which Tleaf exceeded Tcrit. And third, during the warmest period of the summer, a clear tradeoff was detected between leaf thermal safety and hydraulic safety, with warm-adapted genotypes risking hydraulic safety to maximize leaf thermal safety. Results not only improves our understanding of tree thermal limits in the face of episodic heat exposure, but also advances our understanding of how short-term changes in soil moisture availability can alter plant thermal regulation and subsequent exposure to long-term heat stress.
Emission of microplastics by geosynthetics during Snow Farming
Authors: Gateuille David , Naffrechoux Emmanuel , Pin Mathieu , Gillet Frederic
Published: March 2024

Geosynthetics are a wide range of materials used in many fields ranging from civil engineering to agriculture, road transport and environmental protection. Made up of synthetic or natural polymers, these materials are characterized by their strip shape of varying width and length. It is estimated that currently 150 million m² of geosynthetics are used in France (data from the French Geosynthetics Committee). Despite this massive and constantly increasing use in recent years, their impact on the environment and in particular in terms of the emission of plastic particles, has been very little studied. It is therefore crucial (1) to quantify the risk of fragmentation and emission of plastic particles by geosynthetics and (2) to investigate how exposure to environmental conditions or implementation methods of these materials are likely to modify the quantities of particles emitted.In partnership with the Tignes ski slopes authority, the Grande Motte cable car company and the Cimes Conseil design office, a quantification of the fluxes of plastic particles emitted by geosynthetics used for Snow Farming was set up between 2020 and 2023. In a context of climate change, Snow Farming makes it possible to reduce the melting of snow on sensitive parts of the ski area (e.g. ski lifts), during summer periods and thus to optimize the opening periods of the ski stations. The geosynthetics used in this context are exposed to extreme environmental conditions including strong ultraviolet radiation and significant daily temperature variations. These conditions could lead to the fragmentation of plastics and to the subsequent release of microplastics.The work carried out in this study focused on vertical (through the snow cover) and horizontal (at the surface) particle fluxes. These fluxes were compared to the atmospheric fallout of microplastic at the scale of the glacier on which the ski area is located. In addition, 3 types of geosynthetics were compared: a waterproof PVC tarpaulin, a permeable polypropylene tarpaulin and a tarpaulin made from natural materials. The work showed very contrasting results between the 3 types of tarpaulins.Permeable polypropylene tarps showed the greatest fluxes of particles (microplastics and mesoplastics) to the snowpack in terms of mass, with transfers exceeding one meter in depth. PVC tarpaulins showed grater fluxes in terms of number of particles and the transfers were limited to snow directly in contact with the tarpaulins. These differences are probably explained by contrasting emissions processes linked either to environmental exposures or to the handling of the tarpaulins. No plastic contamination could be detected in the tarpaulins of natural origin. On the scale of the glacier, the fluxes emitted annually represent approximately 2.3 kg and are of the same order of magnitude as the atmospheric fallout (about 8 kg) while the tarpaulins only cover 0.44% of the glacier surface.
The varved sediment succession of Crawford Lake, Ontario, Canada: GSSP for the proposed Anthropocene Epoch 
Authors: Patterson R Timothy , McCarthy Francine MG , Head Martin J , Walsh Carling R , Riddick Nicholas L , Cumming Brian F , Hamilton Paul B , Pisaric Michael FJ , Gushulak A Cale , Leavitt Peter R , Lafond Krysten M , Llew-Williams Brendan , Heyde Autumn , Pilkington Paul M , Moraal Joshua , Nasser Nawaf A , Garvie Monica , Roberts Sarah , Rose Neil L , Roe Helen M
Published: March 2024

The Crawford Lake sedimentary sequence in Milton, Ontario, Canada, has been chosen as the Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for the proposed Anthropocene Series/Epoch, with its inception occurring at 1952 CE in the mid-20th century. This sequence consists of seasonally deposited layers of organic matter capped by summer-deposited calcite, forming in alkaline surface waters when pH and temperature rise above 7.76 and ~15°C, respectively. These sediments preserve a range of proxies that mirror environmental shifts spanning from local, to regional, global scale, indicative of the Anthropocene's onset. Notably, a significant uptick in industrial fossil fuel combustion in the early 1950s is recorded by increased spheroidal carbonaceous particles and a shift in the sediment's nitrogen isotope composition. During the 1960s, the ratios of 239Pu:240Pu and 14C:12C peak, aligning with heightened radioactive fallout from atmospheric nuclear weapons testing, counterbalancing the old carbon effect in Crawford Lake's dolomitic basin. Post-World War II industrial growth in the Great Lakes region, part of the so-called Great Acceleration, led to acid rain that diminished calcite deposition and impacted primary productivity in the lake. This change is reflected in thinner calcite layers concurrent with the proposed GSSP. These varve thickness variations correlate with climate patterns and lake productivity trends, influenced by cycles like the Quasi-biennial Oscillation, El Nino-Southern Oscillation, the 11-year Schwabe sunspot cycle, and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. The absence of pigments from anaerobic purple sulfur bacteria suggested an oxygen-rich monimolimnion but with elevated bottom-water salinities that was subsequently confirmed by water property data collected through the modern lake water column in all seasons.  Such an aerobic depositional environment is highly atypical for a meromictic lake and it was the elevated alkalinity and higher salinity conditions that resulted in preservation of varves. The oxygenated bottom waters serendipitously prevented the mobilization of 239Pu in the lake sediments, a key primary stratigraphic marker for the Anthropocene.
Quantifying crustal growth in the Lau arc-backarc system through gravity inverse modelling
Authors: Galley Christopher , Baxter Alan , Hannington Mark , King Michael , Bethell Erin , Lelièvre Peter , Fassbender Marc , Jamieson John
Published: March 2024

The formation and evolution of arc-backarc systems govern crustal production in some of the most volcanically and hydrothermally active environments on Earth. Geologic mapping of these systems is increasingly possible by interpretation of emerging ship-based and global geophysical datasets. Although specific rock types cannot be confidently identified from a single physical property, the relative density changes across a region can provide information about the composition of the crust and how it was formed, for example, indicating whether old crust was produced along the volcanic arc or at a back-arc spreading center. This study presents the first complete three-dimensional density model of the Lau Basin and Tofua arc-backarc system in the southwest Pacific Ocean. Seafloor density and crustal thickness maps were produced that reveal changes in crustal composition and growth rates throughout the basin and along the volcanic arc. Crustal thickness varies greatly between the different centers of accretion (indicated here by assemblages), reflecting seafloor spreading and subsurface melt accumulation below volcanic fields. Volumetric growth rates were calculated for each assemblage, corresponding to their respective contribution to basin expansion. The highest crustal density and growth rates are thought to be related to a mantle-derived melt source entering the basin from the north around the edge of the subducting Pacific Plate. The inverse modelling approach used in this study can be applied to global gravity datasets to characterize and quantify the density and thickness of the crust anywhere in the oceans. 
Empowering Hazard and Disaster Informatics: Data Services at NASA GES DISC in the Earth System Observatory Era
Authors: Kc Binita , Meyer Dave , Hegde Mahabal , Wei Jennifer , Khayat Mohammad
Published: March 2024

NASA's Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC), a Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC), is dedicated to archiving remotely-sensed and model observations from multiple disciplines. These datasets, stemming from NASA's Earth-observing satellites, field measurement programs, and collaborations with international partners such as the European Space Agency (ESA) ― including datasets from the TROPospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) onboard the Copernicus Sentinel-5 Precursor satellite and Radio Occultation data from Sentinel-6, are all publicly accessible. Operating as a multidisciplinary DAAC, GES DISC equips users with the ability to integrate datasets across multiple disciplines while ensuring data quality and provenance.GES DISC offers comprehensive services, enabling users to map and monitor extreme weather and climate hazards, including tropical cyclones and floods, through high spatial and temporal resolution datasets in near real-time. Giovanni, a visualization and analytical tool designed for users with limited expertise, has been widely utilized in risk and post-disaster assessments, and natural hazards research. Additionally, API services such as Data Rods, offering a long-term time series of climate datasets, aid in monitoring the vulnerability of critical infrastructures to hydro-meteorological conditions.In response to the increasing data volumes in the Earth System Observatory (ESO) era, GES DISC is currently migrating data and services to the Earthdata Cloud. This cloud migration not only advances hazard and disaster studies, but also empowers users to fully leverage the benefits of the cloud, such as improved accessibility, cost-efficiency, scalability, and collaboration.
 Inconsistencies in Ocean Temperature Monitoring for Coral Reef Applications
Authors: Neo Vanessa Hui Fen , Maina Joseph Mbui , Zinke Jens , Fung Thomas , Merchant Chris , Zawada Kyle , Krawczyk Hedwig
Published: March 2024

   Coral reefs are extremely vulnerable to climate-driven warming of the ocean, which threatenstheir survival. Coral responses to rising temperatures are currently studied and predictedusing sea surface temperature (SST) from multiple sources. Despite the importance ofharmonizing complementary data from different sources, there is no clear understanding ofthe consistency or lack of it among the main datasets used and the predictions made usingthem. Understanding the consistency among the different SST data applied to coral reefsmay facilitate monitoring and understanding global warming's impact on coral reefs. Fourtypes of SST data across North-Western and South-Western Australia are compared toassess their differences and ability to predict historical coral bleaching events. Four decadesof coral bleaching indicators, Degree Heating Week (DHW) and Degree Heating Month (DHM)were calculated based on satellite-derived SST, global climate models (GCM), and coral corederived proxies. Both DHW and DHM were inconsistent among datasets and did notaccurately predict moderate and severe bleaching events. Despite high DHWs and DHMs,some reefs did not experience bleaching, suggesting site-specific coral adaptation. SST datafrom different sources had better consistency for frequency and were consistent with coralcore derived proxies of SST, highlighting the importance of coral cores in understanding pastthermal stress. By exploring the differences and similarities among data sources, this studyhighlights the need to compare thermal stress indicators from different datasets for a betterunderstanding and a more robust prediction of coral response to thermal stress.
Signifying impacts of climate warming on vulnerability to subsurface nitrate contamination in Europe
Authors: Kumar Rohini
Published: March 2024

Decades of agricultural intensification across Europe have created nitrogen legacy stores that continue to threaten the functioning of aquatic ecosystems and human health. Climate change and climate extremes further aggravate the fate of nitrogen export and retention in the terrestrial system (e.g., soil, groundwater, and rivers) - the extent of which is yet not fully understood. Herein we provide a continental-wide analysis of the projected changes in timings and extent of nitrogen-vulnerable regions across European landscapes. Our assessment relies on a newly devised objective measure based on a Damkoehler number -- that encapsulates the transient nature of hydrologic transport and biogeochemical transformations [1]. We perform a century-long, spatially explicit daily hydrologic simulations forced with a suite of bias-corrected and downscale climate model (CMIP6) runs driven under different emission scenarios (SSP126, SSP370, and SSP585) till the end of the 21st Century. These simulations allow us to derive the transport dynamics of dissolved nitrogen based on a transient aspect of travel-time distributions (TTDs) using temporally resolved water storage and fluxes. On the other hand, biogeochemical processes like denitrification rates are characterized by the first-order decay coefficients that are further modulated by spatially and temporally varying environmental factors imposed by moisture content and temperature constraints.  Contrasting the space-time dynamics of hydrological transport times with reactive timescales of denitrification in soil, our analysis indicates that more than two-thirds of the cultivated areas across Europe are potentially vulnerable to nitrate leaching for at least one-third of the year under the contemporary climate condition (1981-2010). Further, the climate projection-based simulation results indicate that under high emission scenarios (SSP585), arable lands in Central Europe would be more prone to nitrate leaching (times), while drier conditions in Southern Europe favor stronger denitrifications. Limiting climate warming by adhering to a low-emission scenario, such as SSP126, has the potential to decrease the vulnerability of regions to nitrate leaching (extent, duration, and load). By signifying the differentiated impacts of climate warming on nitrate leaching potential, our study contributes towards unraveling the complexity of nitrogen transport dynamics across a diverse range of European landscapes under changing climatic conditions.  [1]  Kumar, R., Heße, F., Rao, P.S.C., Musolff, A., Jawitz, J.W., Sarrazin, F., Samaniego, L., Fleckenstein, J.H., Rakovec, O., Thober, S. and Attinger, S., 2020. Strong hydroclimatic controls on vulnerability to subsurface nitrate contamination across Europe. Nat Commun 11, 6302 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-19955-8.
Seismic response to volcanic processes at Mount Etna: coupling thermomechanical simulations with seismic wave-equation modelling
Authors: Bensing Michelle , Vinciguerra Sergio , Puglisi Giuseppe , De Siena Luca
Published: March 2024

Mt. Etna, located in the north-eastern area of Sicily (Italy), is one of the most active and hazardous strato-volcano in the world, both in terms of paroxysmal events and continuous effusive activity from the summit area and hazardous flank eruptions. Long-term processes of deep magma recharge and storage within the upper crust, passive magma ascent along pre-existing weaknesses, and forceful dyke intrusions allow magma to rise to the surface. Past studies provided evidence supporting the view that the interplay between magma dynamics and storage and the thermomechanical response of the host medium control magma rise and the brittle seismic response of the volcano basement and edifice.To investigate this interplay, we created a 3D thermomechanical geodynamic model of Etna and the ground deformation response to different geological processes such as magma intrusion, gravitational spreading and main fault systems, especially with regard to the sliding of the southeastern flank. We used the Lithosphere and Mantle Evolution Model (LaMEM) code and achieved a higher model resolution by containerizing the code on the Open Computing Cluster for Advanced data Manipulation (OCCAM), an HPC cluster operated by the University of Turin and the Sezione di Torino of the Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare.The model domain covers 41 x 39 x 14km in x, y and z direction and has two greater crustal layers with a horizontal boundary at z = 3.6km, which are inferred from laboratory results, with real topography implementation. The geometry of the flank and the position of the northern and southern fault boundary layers are based on geological evidences. Below the flank is a similar geometry that should function as a weakzone and control the sliding of the flank. Geometry and position of the high-velocity and fluid/gas pockets are based on Vp and Vp/Vs. The position of the two magma storages are inferred from geodetic outcomes. As LaMEM framework allows retrieving both deformation and gravity responses to the final model, we are currently achieving model results that ideally fit the actual GPS data recorded over 20 years in order to determine the rheological laws driving the long-term deformation.
From Local Success to Global Solutions: Tenets for Effective Groundwater Governance
Authors: Orduna Alegria Maria Elena , Zipper Sam , Butler Jr James J. , Golden Bill , Wilson Blake B. , Griggs Burke W. , Lin Chung-Yi , Yu David J. , Whittemore Donald O. , Bohling Geoffrey C. , Shin Hoon C. , Deines Jillian M. , Allen Jonah J. , Marston Landon T. , Sanderson Matthew R. , Hendricks Nathan P. , Yu Qiuyun , Lauer Stephen , Smith Steven M.
Published: March 2024

Groundwater depletion driven by intensive pumping for irrigated agriculture poses a global threat to economies, food security, and ecosystems. Addressing this issue requires pumping reductions, but their implementation is a wicked problem due to interlinked hydrological, social, and economic factors. Our study inspired the working group "Effective Aquifer Governance for Agriculture," aiming to contribute to the HELPING decade's goals by understanding local socio-hydrological processes and promoting recognition in the implementation of general policies at the local level.This interdisciplinary study explores the success of the Sheridan 6 Local Enhanced Management Area (SD-6 LEMA) in the US High Plains Aquifer—a rare example of effective collective action in agricultural-groundwater systems. In its first decade, SD-6 LEMA exceeded reduction goals, reducing depletion rates by over 50% without significantly impacting net income. By analyzing hydrologic, climatic, economic, and social data from the SD-6 LEMA and the presence of Ostrom Design Principles in the SD-6 LEMA conservation program, we identified transferable governance tenets applicable to groundwater-dependent regions. These include multi-year allocations for flexibility, regulatory oversight to support irrigators' plans, and a strong scientific foundation for monitoring the agricultural-groundwater system. Furthermore, we identified key actors (government, scientific community, resource users) responsible for each tenet and emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration (hydrologic, economic, social) and data availability necessary for each tenet. The success of the SD-6 LEMA underscores the pivotal role played by collaborative institutional crafting and evidence-based decision-making in legitimizing groundwater governance rules, enhancing rule compliance, and promoting overall effectiveness.Our presented tenets provide a framework for groundwater conservation efforts worldwide, addressing the global challenge of groundwater depletion while minimizing economic and social impacts. Addressing the scale mismatch between global drivers of depletion and local communities requires future studies and socio-hydrological modeling approaches. Our working group will utilize these approaches to bridge the gap, linking hydrological, agricultural, and socio-economic modeling tools into a comprehensive framework. By doing so, we aim to help achieve sustainable groundwater management, mitigating the global challenge of depletion while promoting economic and social resilience.
Emerging extreme climate-related stresses over croplands and wheat-harvested areas in the southern Mediterranean region during the 21st century
Authors: Mirgol Behnam , Dieppois Bastien , Northey Jessica , Eden Jonathan , Jarlan Lionel , Khabba Saïd , Le Page Michel , Mahé Gil
Published: March 2024

The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events have noticeably risen in recent decades across the globe, especially over the southern Mediterranean region. This trend poses a threat to plant growth, affecting both the physical and metabolic aspects of plants. With the global necessity to double food production by 2050 to meet growing population demands and changing diets, it becomes crucial to understand further how and when significant changes affecting multiple climate-stress indicators may emerge over croplands and some strategic crops for the southern Mediterranean region, such as wheat.This paper, therefore, aims to identify the spatial distributions and timings of significant positive and negative climate-related stresses affecting croplands and wheatlands. Using 17 bias-corrected climate models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) under the SSP370 scenario, we examine a series of agronomically-relevant climate indicators, characterising the intensity of heatwaves, coldwaves, drought, and heavy rainfall, as well as the frequency of such event to combine at the annual scale and during the reproductive phase of winter wheat. Using observed and projected land-use land-cover scenarios, we then quantify the fraction of croplands and wheat-harvested areas that could potentially be affected by positive and negative changes in these climate-stress indicators.Overall, our analysis revealed predominantly consistent upward trends in heatwave intensity, maximum drought intensity, and the occurrence of compound Dry and Hot (DH) events expected to emerge in the early future (before 2030). Similarly, the number of Wet and Hot (WH) events exhibits an increasing trend, although not as uniform as the indicators above, and is expected to emerge predominantly in the mid-future (before 2050). Conversely, maximum frost intensity, the number of Wet and Cold (WC) and Dry and Cold (DC) events reveal consistent declining trends over the region emerging mostly in the early future (before 2030).
International Concepts for the Assessment of Deep Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste
Authors: Faybishenko Boris , Birkholzer Jens , Zheng LianGe , Sassani David , Stein Emily
Published: March 2024

More than 50 countries worldwide are currently exploring options for radioactive waste (RW) disposal, considering the link between geoscience fundamentals and the safety of RW disposal sites. The presentation will focus on the lessons learned from representative RW disposal projects worldwide (such as those conducted in Sweden, Finland, France, Spain, Switzerland, Japan, and the USA), summarizing the existing deep geological repository (DGR) concepts, including potential DGR site selection and characterization, as well as long-time modeling predictions. A comparative assessment of models of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes has been performed within the scope of the international project DECOVALEX, which has helped advance the understanding of THMC processes in geological systems. The experimental and modeling studies of the DGR concepts are ultimately linked to assessing the safety of RW disposal. The presentation will provide critical references and case studies related to the representative national disposal programs, which would interest geoscientists, engineers, and decision-makers working on national RW disposal programs. We will summarize and compare challenging geological problems and experiences in siting nuclear waste repositories in different host rocks, such as hard rock (crystalline and sediments), clayey, and salt formations. The availability of rock in a country limits the choice of rock type for the DGR. The interplay of geological conditions with technical feasibility, an engineering design for different rock types and operational and post-closure safety is critical in technical evaluating potential sites. We will also present summaries of the progress in international cooperation studies and testing of the design of buffer and backfill materials, the development of the concept of RW disposal in deep boreholes, the R&D research in Underground Research Laboratories (URL), and multi-national RW repository initiatives. Acknowledgments: LBNL work was supported under Contract Number DE-AC02-05CH11231 with the US DOE. SNL is managed and operated by NTESS under DOE NNSA contract DE-NA0003525. 
Imperfect emergency brake: Can delayed Solar Radiation Modification revert AMOC and SPG weakening? 
Authors: Wieners Claudia , Pflüger Daniel , van Kampenhout Leo , Wijngaard René , Dijkstra Henk
Published: March 2024

 Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) is a collection of hitherto hypothetical methods that would reflect a small fraction of incoming solar radiation, thereby cooling the Earth and reducing the impact of greenhouse gas forcing, albeit imperfectly.  The best-researched method so far is Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI), which would work by injecting a reflective aerosol (e.g. sulphate) or a precursor gas (e.g. SO2) into the stratosphere.Previous studies (e.g., Tilmes et al, 2018, 2020, Xie et al., 2022) have shown that SAI and other SRM methods can reduce or even prevent Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) weakening. No dedicated study has however been done on the effect of SRM on the Subpolar Gyre (SPG). Also, most SRM modelling studies focus on present-day (2020) or at least speedy initialization of SRM. In reality, SRM might only begin many decades from now, if at all. In our study, we investigate whether delaying SRM will cause irreversible changes to the AMOC and the SGP. To this end we compare three scenarios in the CESM2 model:Control: An extreme warming scenario (RCP8.5) without SAI
SAI2020: As Control, but keeping global mean surface temperature constant by means of SAI from 2020 onwards
SAI2080: As Control, but starting SAI from 2080 such as to bring global mean surface temperature to 2020 levels and keeping it constant thereafter.
These are extreme scenarios, not intended to represent plausible policy choices but meant to investigate whether irreversibility can occur in principle.We find that in Control AMOC weakens from 16 Sv in 2020 to 7 Sv in 2100, while in SAI2020, it only weakens to 12 Sv. In SAI2080, AMOC stops weakening after 2080, but does not recover (at least till 2100) to the strength it has in SAI2020. Thus, delayed SAI cannot quickly revert AMOC weakening, if at all. This has effects on the local climate, in particular overcooling around the North Atlantic, and even the interhemispheric temperature gradient.In addition, we find for Control, that deep convection (i.e. deep mixed layers in winter) ceases in the Labrador sea around 2050 and south of Iceland around 2070. Under SAI2020, deep convection remains active south of Iceland. Under SAI2080, deep convection does not recover by 2100.We conclude that SAI is not a perfect “emergency brake” for global warming: If action is delayed, changes in ocean circulation persist at least for several decades. However, we stress that other, including political, factors must be taken into account when considering (near-term) SAI, and that phasing out greenhouse gas emissions must remain the primary tool of climate policy. 
CO2PIP Consortium for Advancing paleo-CO2 reconstruction and Building the Next-Generation Phanerozoic CO2 Record
Authors: Montañez Isabel , Bowen Gabriel , Breecker Daniel , Hönisch Bärbel , Huntington Kate , Royer Dana
Published: March 2024

Paleo-CO2 reconstructions are integral to understanding the evolution of Earth system processes and their interactions given that atmospheric CO2 concentrations are intrinsically linked to planetary function. Furthermore, past periods of major climate change provide unique insights into the response of land-atmosphere-ocean interactions to warming-induced climate change, particularly for times of pCO2 comparable to those projected for our future. How well the past can inform the future, however, depends on how well paleo-CO2 estimates areconstrained. CO2 estimates exist for much of the past half-billion years (the Phanerozoic), but proxies differ in their assumptions and degree of understanding, and there is substantial uncertainty and inconsistency in existing paleo-CO2 estimates. Here, we introduce a community initiative, CO2PIP, focused on advancing the science of paleo-CO2 reconstruction through critically evaluating and modernizing existing records and building a statistically robust multi-proxy atmospheric CO2 record for the Phanerozoic. CO2PIP builds on the previous work of the Cenozoic CO2 Proxy Integration Project (CenCO2PIP) Consortium (Hönisch et al., 2023) and takes a multi-step approach to building the next generation Phanerozoic CO2 record. We are building a standardized paleo-CO2 proxy data repository that includes all metadata and updated chronology and meets FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) data standards. Existing terrestrial-based CO2 estimates are being modernized through additional analyses and measurements, and a set of forward proxy system models are being developed to provide a quantified representation of proxy sensitivities to environmental and ecophysiological conditions and processes that govern the CO2 signals. Ultimately, statistical inversion analysis of the simulated and modernized proxy datasets will be used to produce quantitative, data-driven CO2 reconstructions for individual records and to generate a robust, quantitative reconstruction of atmospheric CO2 concentrations through the Phanerozoic. Digital infrastructure for presenting and archiving the CO2 compilation and project outputs (https://paleo-co2.org/) ensures full accessibility to the scientific community and the public.Hönisch, B. Royer, D., Breecker, D. O., et al., 2023, Towards a Cenozoic history of atmospheric CO2. Science, v. 382 (6675), DOI: 10.1126/science.adi5177).
Hydroclimatic Forecasting to Inform Anticipatory Action for Dengue Virus in Colombia
Authors: Beal Max , Osorio Jorge , Ciuoderis Karl , Hernandez-Ortiz Juan Pablo , Block Paul
Published: March 2024

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease representing a significant global public health burden, particularly in urban areas of tropical and sub-tropical countries including Colombia. Dengue is spread primarily by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitos. Hydroclimatic variables are known to influence the prevalence of dengue by impacting vector population development, viral replication, and human-mosquito interactions. Several variables including large-scale climate phenomena (ENSO), temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity have been identified as important predictors of dengue burden at lead times of weeks to months. Development of dengue forecasts based on hydroclimate variables has shown promise in applications to dengue surveillance and decision making. Little work has been done, however, to assess the predictability of the hydroclimatic conditions associated with increased dengue burden and to establish optimal trigger mechanisms for anticipatory actions to reduce disease risk, particularly in the Amazon region. Building on existing work identifying hydroclimatic drivers of dengue in four cities across Columbia (Cali, Cucuta, Leticia, Medellin), predictability of these hydroclimatic conditions is explored at sub-seasonal to seasonal time scales.
Exploring Earth's Critical Zone Through the U.S. Critical Zone Collaborative Network
Authors: Boyer Elizabeth W. , Arora Bhavna , Aronson Emma , Barnard Holly , Holbrook Steven , Horsburgh Jeffery S. , Jin Lixin , Kumar Praveen , Michael Holly , Munroe Jeff , Perdrial Julia , Welty Claire , Read Jordan
Published: March 2024

The Critical Zone Collaborative Network (CZ Net) is a national research initiative in the United States supporting investigations of the Earth's critical zone (CZ) -- the vital near-surface environment extending from the top of the vegetation canopy to the weathered bedrock beneath. CZ Net fosters collaboration, data sharing, and interdisciplinary research to understand complex landscapes. The network comprises nine thematic clusters covering diverse geological, climatic, and land use settings. The thematic clusters explore many areas, including bedrock geology's effects on landscapes and ecosystems, ecosystem responses to climate and land-use disturbances, processes occurring between land and sea affected by sea-level rise, land-water interactions in agricultural regions, water and carbon cycles in arid regions, the impact of mineral dust transported in the atmosphere on ecosystems, water storage's influence on landscape and ecosystem processes, relationships between landscapes and microbial communities, and ecosystem processes in cities. A coordinating hub provides cross-cluster support. In the presentation, we introduce CZ Net and the focal research areas of each thematic cluster. We consider synthesis work addressing environmental challenges faced by the CZ, which is under increasing pressure to meet societal needs while safeguarding the environment for future generations. Further, we discuss opportunities for engagement with the network, reflecting CZ Net's dedication to advancing knowledge and addressing critical environmental issues through collaborative efforts. International coordination through developing a network of networks can foster collaborative research that transcends national boundaries, allowing scientists to combine expertise, data, and resources for a deeper understanding of CZ processes. Such collaboration is imperative for addressing pressing global environmental challenges.