bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alternance of two reactivation regimes on Pont-Bourquin earthflow, highlighted by changes in seismic velocity and sensitivity to rainfall
Authors: Le Breton Mathieu , Larose Eric , Chatelain Florent , Baillet Laurent , Royer Alexandra , Guillemot Antoine
Published: March 2024

This study detects the regular alternation of two different reactivation regimes of the Pont-Bourquin Earthflow, occurring from 2010 to 2023, by combining the continuous monitoring of three indicators:(1) seismic velocity, using ambient noise interferometry 1,2(2) displacement rate, using extensometers and RFID tags 3–5(3) sensitivity to rainfall and snowmelt, using dynamic impulse response deconvolution 6,7The study confirms the hypothesis of a dual mechanism previously suggested on this landslide from the lag of hydrological and displacement response to precipitations 8,9, and goes further by detecting when these regime changes occur. In an early-warning system, this method might serve to discriminate different regimes during accelerations that are seemingly equivalent. References related to this study:1 Mainsant, G. et al. Ambient seismic noise monitoring of a clay landslide: Toward failure prediction. J. Geophys. Res. Earth Surf. 117, F01030 (2012).2 Le Breton, M., Bontemps, N., Guillemot, A., Baillet, L. & Larose, É. Landslide monitoring using seismic ambient noise correlation: challenges and applications. Earth-Sci. Rev. 103518 (2021) doi:10.1016/j.earscirev.2021.103518.3 Le Breton, M. et al. Passive radio-frequency identification ranging, a dense and weather-robust technique for landslide displacement monitoring. Eng. Geol. 250, 1–10 (2019).4 Le Breton, M. et al. Dense and long-term monitoring of earth surface processes with passive RFID — a review. Earth-Sci. Rev. 234, 104225 (2022).5 Charléty, A., Le Breton, M., Baillet, L. & Larose, E. RFID Landslide Monitoring: Long-Term Outdoor Signal Processing and Phase Unwrapping. IEEE J. Radio Freq. Identif. 7, 319–329 (2023).6 Bernardie, S., Desramaut, N., Malet, J.-P., Gourlay, M. & Grandjean, G. Prediction of changes in landslide rates induced by rainfall. Landslides 12, 481–494 (2015).7 Le Breton, M. Suivi temporel d’un glissement de terrain à l’aide d’étiquettes RFID passives, couplé à l’observation de pluviométrie et de bruit sismique ambiant. (Université Grenoble Alpes, 2019).8 Bronnimann, C. S. Effect of Groundwater on Landslide Triggering. (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 2011).9 Bièvre, G. et al. Influence of environmental parameters on the seismic velocity changes in a clayey mudflow (Pont-Bourquin Landslide, Switzerland). Eng. Geol. 245, 248–257 (2018).
Finding the potential height of storm surges in a changing climate using Bayesian optimization
Authors: Thomas Simon , Jones Dani , Mayo Talea , Taylor John , Moss Henry , Munday Dave , Haigh Ivan D.
Published: March 2024

Climate change is expected to increase the potential intensity and size of tropical cyclones, with implications for storm surges and other damaging effects associated with them. However, quantifying the maximum possible storm surge and the sensitivity of storm surges to the properties of a tropical cyclone remains computationally expensive and complex.In this study, we use machine learning to find the upper bounds of storm surges, considering the coastline near New Orleans as a case study. To do this, we make use of the well-established potential intensity (Emanuel, 1986) and the recently introduced potential size (Wang et al., 2022) upper bounds for tropical cyclones. These encapsulate the physical constraints tropical cyclones will encounter in a changing climate. We use the max-value entropy search acquisition function from Bayesian optimization (Wang et al., 2017) to efficiently find the largest storm surge at each point along the coast given those constraints. The individual storm surge estimates are produced by forcing a barotropic ocean circulation model ADCIRC (Luettich, 1991) with a set of idealized tropical cyclones, the characteristics of which are determined by the Bayesian optimization procedure. To extrapolate these findings into the future, we replicate our experiment under a high emission CMIP scenario (SSP-585) for the year 2100, using potential intensity and potential size as constraints, evaluating potential differences and implications brought on by changing climate conditions.Our study provides another way of understanding how climate change can influence storm surges. It aims to forge a pathway to more precise, computationally efficient storm surge predictions in the context of climate change, addressing a pressing issue for coastal regions globally. Our novel approach could easily be transferred to other coastlines around the world, influenced by tropical cyclones.  References:Emanuel, K.A., 1986. An air-sea interaction theory for tropical cyclones. Part I: Steady-state maintenance. Journal of Atmospheric Sciences, 43(6), pp.585-605.Wang, D., Lin, Y. and Chavas, D.R., 2022. Tropical cyclone potential size. Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, 79(11), pp.3001-3025.Wang, Z. and Jegelka, S., 2017, July. Max-value entropy search for efficient Bayesian optimization. In International Conference on Machine Learning (pp. 3627-3635). PMLR.Luettich, R.A., R.H. Birkhahn and J.J. Westerink, 1991, Application of ADCIRC-2DDI to Masonboro Inlet, North Carolina: A brief numerical modeling study, Contractors Report to the US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, August, 199
Implementation of a pioneer program for soil monitoring and assessment of factors influencing soil biodiversity in Austria
Authors: Zaller Johann , Mittmannsgruber Marion , Gruber Edith , Wiedenegger Elisabeth , Monoshyn Dmytro , Muraoka Yoko , Pascher Kathrin , Schindler Stefan , Murugan Rajasekaran
Published: March 2024

Systematic monitoring of soil biodiversity and soil health is still in its infancy in Europe. In Austria, there are several active biodiversity monitoring programs such as the BINATS Biodiversity-Nature-Safety or ÖBM-K Austrian Biodiversity Monitoring of the Cultural Landscape projects. However, these projects focus on habitat diversity, vascular plants, grasshoppers, butterflies and wild bees, but have not taken soil organisms into account. This is surprising, as soils are among the most species-rich habitats and intact soils are the basic prerequisite for the integrity of ecosystems. Healthy soils also play an important role in buffering extreme climate events such as heavy rainfall or drought, or sequester carbon. The aim of the BodenBiodiv project is to close this glaring data gap for Austria and to identify the causes of various indicators of soil biodiversity in the agricultural landscape. As part of objective 1, systematic monitoring of earthworms in the agricultural landscape will be established in 200 quadrants (625 x 625 m) throughout Austria, which are part of the BINATS and ÖBM-K monitoring programs. Lists of the earthworm species present, their abundance and biomass as well as a distribution map are being compiled. In addition, a manual for future surveys on national monitoring of soil biodiversity will be compiled using harmonized terminology as a supplement to the existing monitoring manuals in Austria. Objective 2 deals with the analysis of factors that determine the occurrence of earthworms. For this purpose, site characteristics (land use, altitude) and soil properties (pH value, nutrient concentrations, moisture content, carbon content, soil microorganisms) as well as and management practices are associated with the recorded earthworm parameters and the available biotope mapping of the plots. Objective 3 is to compile a first Red List of earthworms in Austria. BodenBiodiv focuses on indicators of the status of species and biotope types; genetic diversity is also to be determined later on the basis of backup samples. The comprehensive data set from different climatic regions in Austria, from lowlands to high alpine areas, BodenBiodiv also enables the assessment of the influence of climatic variables on soil biodiversity. By incorporating data from existing biodiversity monitoring programs, we can expand our understanding of the interactions between below-ground and above-ground biodiversity.
Remote Sensing based mapping and modelling of potential avalanche zones in Draupadi ka Danda, Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Mishra Nikhil , Keshari Ashok K. , Chahar Bhagu Ram
Published: March 2024

Snow avalanches are one of the principal glacial threats, which are limited to high snow-covered alpine terrain. Mapping of Avalanche hazard and its modeling are useful in minimizing the fall risk. The current study assesses the utility of satellite imagery and GIS-based analytical hierarchical process (AHP) for mapping of possible avalanche locations for Draupadi ka Danda peak in Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand. Various protruding terrain factors such as elevation, aspect, slope, curvature and land use land cover are used in this model and are derived from ALOS PALSAR DEM and Sentinel-2 images. Sensitivity analysis was performed on the chosen parameters and maximum weightage was set to slope, trailed by elevation, aspect, curvature and land use land cover. Using weighted overlay in ArcGIS avalanche susceptibility maps are formulated and distributed into five zones i.e. very low, low, moderate, high and very high zones and their validation was done by the listed avalanche occasions. Consecutively, Rapid Mass Movement Simulation (RAMMS) which is a three dimensional numerical model is used which generates parameters such as flow distance, height, velocity, pressure and momentum. The model requires a DEM of high resolution, release area of avalanche, friction parameter and was executed on the very high and high zones of avalanche susceptibility map.
Remote-sensing based tools to monitor grassland ecosystem services
Authors: González-Dugo Maria P. , Muñoz-Gómez Maria José , Gálvez Cristina , Blázquez-Carrasco Ángel , Carbonero M. Dolores , Tortosa Francisco S. , Castro Juan Carlos , Guerrero-Casado José , Castro Juan , Colombo Sergio , Arriaza Manuel , Villanueva Anastasio
Published: March 2024

The provision of ecosystem services (ES) by agricultural systems is a shared objective of agricultural policies in most developed countries in response to an increasing demand from society. Sustainable management of grassland ecosystems leads to enhanced soil fertility, ensures food security, acts as natural filters and purifiers of water, and functions as carbon sinks, sequestering carbon dioxide and mitigating climate change. All of these goals are deeply interconnected with several SDGs. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the European Union is environmentally oriented. However, a broad consensus indicates that the current policy instruments are not effectively promoting the provision of ES. Thus, it is essential to develop efficient and innovative policy instruments to enhance ES's agricultural provision. One of the challenges for applying new policy instruments, such as results-based payments (OECD, 2015), is the quantification of ES supply, usually involving intensive and specialized field data. Therefore, there is a need to create quantitative indicators for ES based on reliable and affordable data. Remote sensing data can be an effective tool, especially if the data are easily accessible, available at an appropriate scale, and provided free of cost.Olive groves and Mediterranean oak savanna were used in this work as case studies to examine the herbaceous layer's contribution to the provision of ecosystem services. In both ecosystems, grasslands play a relevant role in supplying provisioning (such as forage, freshwater or genetic library), regulating (carbon sequestration, soil conservation, climate, and air quality regulation) and cultural services (aesthetic appreciation, cultural identity). The biomass or above-ground net primary production (ANPP) and biodiversity are essential integrators of ecosystem functioning. Biomass is responsible for the input level of various ecosystem services, and it is directly connected to carbon sequestration and soil conservation. Biodiversity, on the other hand, contributes to the processes that underpin other ecosystem services and constitutes an ecosystem good that humans directly value. This work describes the general scheme to measure several grassland ES (GES) in olive groves and oak savannas, including ANPP, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and aesthetic appreciation, and preliminary results about the ANPP and biodiversity are presented. 
Offshore freshened groundwater emplacement in an evolving siliciclastic margin (Canterbury Bight, New Zealand): A 3D modeling approach
Authors: Thomas Ariel , Zamrsky Daniel , Omosanya Kamaldeen , Person Mark , Mountjoy Joshu , Micallef Aaron
Published: March 2024

Offshore freshened groundwater (OFG) represents a globally distributed subsurface resource with potential applications in water management, oil recovery, and environmental studies. Despite growing interest, the understanding of OFG systems, including their geometry, distribution, and emplacement dynamics, remains limited. In this study, we address these gaps by employing a novel 3D geostatistical modeling approach, focusing on the Canterbury Bight, a passive siliciclastic margin with proven OFG resources. Our methodology integrates high-resolution 2D seismic lines and borehole data, allowing us to capture the geological heterogeneity of the passive margin. Unlike traditional static models, our 3D approach considers the evolving stratigraphic architecture over multiple sea-level cycles, offering a more comprehensive understanding of OFG systems. Key findings include the successful incorporation of isostatic shifts and decompaction into our model, resulting in OFG distributions closely resembling those observed in the Canterbury Bight. We emphasize the importance of infilled buried channels and paleo-topographic highs in promoting OFG emplacement, shedding light on distribution patterns not easily explained by current seafloor topography or hydraulic heads. Our study advances the field by demonstrating how a 3D consideration of continental margin evolution significantly influences numerical estimations and improves the characterization of OFG resources. These findings contribute to a better understanding of OFG systems and provide valuable insights for future research and resource management.
Hydrous nano-silicate melt inclusions supports amphibole growth, Persani Mountains Volcanic Field (Transylvania)
Authors: Lange Thomas Pieter , Pálos Zsófia , Berkesi Márta , Pekker Péter , Szabó Ábel , Szabó Csaba , Kovács István János
Published: March 2024

Mantle metasomatism plays an important role in the element transport within the Earth’s mantle causing significant change in rheology and geochemistry of the infiltrated region. During volatile-rich fluid-mediated mantle metasomatism, new volatile-rich phases form at the micro- and nanoscale due to fluid-solid interaction. These micro- and nanoscale processes go hand-in-hand but evidence regarding the similarity or difference is scarce. We studied amphibole lamellae and here the connection should be mentioned nano-silicate melt inclusions on clinopyroxene from an amphibole-bearing mantle xenolith from the Persani Mountains Volcanic Field, southeastern Transylvania (Romania) with transmission electron microscopy (TEM).Based on petrography, post-entrapment interaction occurred between the host clinopyroxene and the trapped CO2-rich fluid in the inclusion, which all was essential to form the amphibole lamellae. According to our observation at the nanoscale, fluid escaped from the fluid inclusion followed by amphibole formation along the clinopyroxene-amphibole interface. The escaped fluid formed nano-silicate melt inclusions (NSMIs) that was studied by TEM. These NSMI consist of ~ 80 v% silicate glass and ~ 20 v% bubble. The composition of the silicate glass is as follows: high SiO2 (>60 wt.%) and Al2O3 (>20 wt.%), whereas low CaO, FeO and MgO (sum
Soil H2 degassing studies: a useful geochemical tool for monitoring Cumbre Vieja volcano, La Palma, Canary Islands
Authors: Expósito Megan , Ioli Sophia , Santangelo Ileana , Melián Gladys V. , Asensio-Ramos María , Arencibia Mónica , Cartaya Sttefany , Méndez Carla , Pérez Nemesio M. , Padrón Eleazar , Hernández Pedro A. , Rodríguez Fátima , Padilla Germán D. , Álvarez Antonio J.
Published: March 2024

La Palma Island (708 km2), situated in the northwest of the Canarian Archipelago, stands as one of the youngest (~2.0 My) islands. A new volcanic eruption took place at the Cumbre Vieja volcanic system, located in the southwest flank of the island, on September 19, 2021. Cumbre Vieja is renowned as the most active basaltic volcano in the Canaries. The eruptive event, which lasted for 85 days, featured various volcanic activities, including lava effusion, strombolian activity, lava fountaining, ash venting, and gas jetting, and concluded on December 13, 2021.Regular surface geochemical studies have been conducted focusing on hydrogen (H2) emissions along Cumbre Vieja. H2, being one of the most abundant trace species in volcano-hydrothermal systems, plays a pivotal role in numerous redox reactions occurring in the hydrothermal reservoir gas. This comprehensive study of H2 emissions has been ongoing since 2001, encompassing continuous monitoring of soil gas samples collected at a depth of approximately 40 cm across 600 sites during each survey. H2 concentrations have been meticulously analyzed using a micro-gas chromatograph (Agilent 490 microGC).Spatial distribution maps have been generated using sequential Gaussian simulation (sGs) techniques to quantify the diffuse H2 emissions from the study area. The time series data of the diffuse H2 emissions indicate significant increases before and during the occurrence of seismic swarms observed between 2017 and 2021. Furthermore, during the eruptive phase, substantial spikes in the diffuse H2 emissions were observed, closely correlating with the volcanic tremor escalation. These fluctuations in diffuse H2 emissions were observed preceding the peak of diffuse CO2 emissions, aligning with the anticipated behavior of these gases. Over the last two years following the eruption, the values have reverted to levels like those observed during periods of volcanic calm, reinstating the stability in the diffuse H2 emissions.The absence of visible volcanic gas emissions before the eruption, such as fumaroles or hot springs, on the surface of Cumbre Vieja underscores the importance of such studies in serving as a critical tool for continuous volcanic surveillance and monitoring purposes. This update represents ongoing efforts to comprehensively study and understand the behavior of hydrogen emissions within the volcanic system, providing essential insights into volcanic activity and potential precursor signals for enhanced monitoring and risk assessment.
Validation of effective subglacial hydrology models
Authors: Schmiedel Jeremie , Humbert Angelika , Kleiner Thomas , Sayag Roiy
Published: March 2024

The presence of subglacial lubrication networks at the ice-bed interface is a key component for ice sheet dynamics. A subglacial network has the potential to facilitate rapid ice flow through reduction in basal friction, possibly resulting in the formation of surges and ice streams. A wide range of numerical models are designed to simulate the impact such networks on ice flow. Validating these models is crucial to ensure that the important subglacial physical processes are accurately resolved.One class of subglacial network models is based on an effective porous medium (EPM) approach. A major component of such models involves a nonlinear diffusion equation for the subglacial water pressure, which include variable transmissivity that represent a range of subglacial and groundwater processes.We present solutions to a generalized nonlinear diffusion equation that can model a wide range of flows of this kind. We use scaling analysis to find general similarity solutions and other solutions with explicit time-dependent transmissivity. We use this method to validate the parallel implementation of the Confined–Unconfined Aquifer System model (CUAS-MPI) for subglacial hydrology. The model is based on an effective porous media (EPM) approach. Our results show, that CUAS-MPI is able to accurately solve highly non linear flows, equivalent to cavity opening and creep closure terms in subglacial hydrology. Because of their generality, our solutions are readily applicable to other subglacial hydrology models that are based on the EPM approach. We anticipate that a validated hydrology model with our solutions can achieve more credible results in subglacial network simulations, and consequently in predicting ice sheet evolution.
Atlantic inflow insights from sediment core reconstructions of the Norwegian Atlantic Current over the past 1000 years
Authors: Starr Aidan , Muschitiello Francesco , Simon Margit , Tisserand Amandine , Andersson Dahl Carin , Dokken Trond , Osman Matthew
Published: March 2024

The North Atlantic Current and its extensions, including the Norwegian Atlantic Current (NwAC), transport warm and saline upper ocean waters from the North Atlantic north-eastward into the Nordic Seas. The interaction between this saline inflow versus freshwater runoff into the Arctic is important in modulating the response of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation to climate change. To better understand variability in the strength and character of this inflow and the closely linked North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre, paleoceanographic reconstructions aim to extend the limited temporal scope of existing instrumental records. Here, we present high-resolution reconstructions of temperature and salinity from coupled d18O – Mg/Ca measurements on two species of planktonic foraminifera, as well as estimates of upper-ocean radiocarbon ages from a rapidly accumulating marine sediment core located under the NwAC (GS06-144-22; 62.5ºN, 4.1ºE, 921m). Using a novel, robust chronology for this core, we determine changes in the surface radiocarbon reservoir effect at the site, which - along with the seasonal temperature and salinity reconstructions - provide new insights into NwAC and Subpolar Gyre dynamics over the last millennium.
An integrated modelling framework for exploring the root causes of flood and drought risk amplification by climate change
Authors: Coletta Virginia Rosa , Pluchinotta Irene , Pagano Alessandro , Giordano Raffaele , Fratino Umberto , Montanari Alberto
Published: March 2024

Recent disasters have highlighted a concerning possibility: the escalation of climate extremes leading to megafloods and megadroughts, commonly known as "black swans". This phenomenon, called "flood and drought risk amplification", is giving rise to impactful disasters at an increasing frequency, which is beyond our current understanding and modelling capabilities. The lack of comprehension poses a scientific challenge in pinpointing the drivers behind these amplifications.This scenario prompts a crucial research question about the unexpected increase in flood and drought risks due to climate variability — why, where, and when it may occur. In response, this work aims to create a new modelling framework capable of unravelling the complex interplay of processes and factors contributing to flood and drought risk amplification.Grounded in the hypothesis that local conditions play a pivotal role in risk amplification, this study focuses on identifying specific elements, known as "leverage points", where a small change or action can significantly impact the investigated system. These leverage points can be quantitatively analysed and classified based e.g. on the level of complexity of the implementation of such changes and their potential for sustainability transformation. To achieve this, this work adopts an integrated modelling approach, combining System Dynamics (SD) modelling with elements from Graph Theory and stochastic methods. SD modelling, increasingly applied in water resources planning and management, supports the mapping of the system’s feedback structure and has the potential to describe and analyse its complexity. As SD models can be represented as a directed graph of variables and their connections, Centrality Measures (e.g., degree centrality, eingenvector centrality, etc.) based on Graph Theory can help quickly and objectively pinpoint important mechanisms regardless of the size or complexity of the map. In addition, to handle uncertainty arising from the incomplete understanding of processes that contribute to risk amplification (especially the counterintuitive ones), the recent concept of Process Based Stochastic modelling will be introduced. This novel approach to uncertainty assessment involves converting the deterministic SD model into a stochastic formulation.The proposed modelling framework will be applied to different case studies in Europe and other continents, relevant for unexplained flood and drought risk amplification, at regional and local scales. To compensate for the absence of quantitative data on some technical and non-technical factors, local stakeholders will be actively involved throughout various stages of the modelling process. Their engagement not only supplements the data gap but also aids modellers in identifying critical system components, feedback loops, and vulnerabilities.
Insights the transpressioanl deformation patterns in the western zone of Sulaiman Fold-and-Thrust belt from spaceborne geodesy
Authors: Javed Muhammad Tahir , Barbot Sylvain , Javed Farhan , Braitenberg Carla
Published: March 2024

Continental convergence of Indian and Eurasian plates produces Himalayas in the north, while tectonically complex transpressional zones of the Sulaiman Fold and Thrust (SFT), and Kirthar Fold and Thrust (KFT) belts in the East. Seismic hazards in the zones are very high and less understood due to complex tectonic settings, and lack of GPS network. Here, we take advantage of spaceborne SAR interferometry and use the Sentinel-1, and ALOS-2 ScanSAR satellite observations to estimate the coseismic deformation caused by the 2021 Mw 6.0 Harnai earthquake in the western zone of the SFT belt. We find the line-of-sight (LOS) displacement of ~80 and ~70 mm from Sentinel-1 descending and ascending interferograms respectively. We find the ~50 mm of LOS displacement from ALOS-2 descending interferogram, but it is majorly biased by lower and upper atmospheric noises even after the GACOS and ionosphere corrections. In order to avoid the major noise components in inversions that may affect the accuracy, we discarded the ALOS-2 LOS displacement and relied only on the ascending and descending interferograms of Sentinel-1data. The deformation has an oblique component, but mostly dominated by thrusting on the NW-SE trending Harnai fault. First, we invert the LOS displacement using geodetic Bayesian Inversions approach, and find two plausible fault plane the NW-SE trending, and the NE-SW trending solutions. The simplified fault parameters have a strike of 327° ± 12, a dip of 31° ± 9, the length of 8.3 ± 2.1 km, and the width of 2.5 ± 2.0 km, which fits well the ISC and USGS fault models. Then, we determine the finite slip distributions on both plausible faults.  The NW-SE trending fault shows the maximum slip is found to be 70 cm at around 8 km depth. The slip distribution along the down dip and strike of the fault shows that 85% of the slip is concentrated in an area of (9 × 9) = 81 km2 at a down dip distance of 3 - 12 km. Furthermore, the results show the earthquake is propagated equally along strike and dip. For the NE-SW trending fault the maximum slip is similar but has higher residuals and scattered slip along depth. Therefeore, we preferred the NW-SE trending fault plane solution because based on the compatibility with fault structures in the region, and higher accuracy in the inversions. We also determine postseismic movement using time series analysis of spaceborne Sentinel-1 SAR data, but no significant afterslip and viscoelastic relaxation signals is found on the fault after the earthquake.
Role of Subsurface Water in Stream Runoff in an Alpine Headwater Catchment
Authors: Fujino Mayu , Tsujimura Maki , Kawabata Yuri , Nakata An , Sakakibara Koichi , Suzuki Keisuke
Published: March 2024

We conducted field surveys and water sampling from July through October 2023. We compared stream runoff and stream water quality in two watersheds with different land cover in an alpine headwater, Mt. Norikura, Japan. We performed observation in two watersheds, namely NR1 with dominant bare soil surface with limited vegetation cover, 21% of total area, and NR2 dominantly covered by vegetation, 51% in total area. Stream runoff in the NR1 decreased to 0 m after the snowmelt season and runoff occurred only after rainfall, whereas runoff occurred constantly during the observation period in NR2. The stable isotope ratios of hydrogen and oxygen (δ2H and δ¹⁸O) in stream shows variation close to that of precipitation in NR1, whereas those are stable in NR2. These results suggest that the transit time of water in NR2 is longer than that in NR1. The contribution ratio of the groundwater component to the stream runoff during the observation period was higher in NR2 (72.2%) than in NR1 (15.5%). In NR2, the contribution ratio of the groundwater component to stream runoff tends to be lower when API (Antecedent Precipitation Index) is higher. Additionally, the contribution ratio of snowmelt water component increases       with rainfall and decreases promptly. The results indicate that groundwater plays an important role for maintaining stream runoff in NR2 with high coverage of vegetation. Even in NR1, where the contribution ratio of groundwater component to stream runoff is low, the presence of groundwater table is necessary for the discharge of water that is in the subsurface zones.
Converting Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensing count rates into average topsoil moisture contents when vertical soil moisture gradients occur in the topsoil
Authors: Diels Jan
Published: March 2024

Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensing (CRNS) is becoming a well-established technique to measure topsoil soil moisture content at the multihectare scale. There are prospects that cheaper devices can be developed so the technique could also be used outside of the research community, e.g., for providing soil moisture information in real-time for irrigation scheduling purposes. A limitation for such applications is that the soil depth over which the CRNS technique measures, depends on the soil moisture content (deeper in drier soil) and that it produces a depth-weighted average moisture content, with the weights rapidly decreasing with depth.For practical applications like irrigation scheduling, it will be necessary to translate the CRNS count in an average soil water content of the topsoil (for, say, the top 20 cm or 30 cm), with an associated confidence interval that accounts for the fact that depth-weighting leads to uncertainty. That is because different average soil moisture contents in the topsoil can produce the same CRNS count: a wetter topsoil layer with a drying front at the top can produce the same CRNS count rate as a much dryer topsoil layer in which an infiltration front is developing at the top. At present, soil moisture contents are always derived from CRNS count rates using the well-established relationship that is strictly speaking only valid when the soil moisture content does not vary with depth.  No procedure is available to account for soil moisture gradients that develop all the time in topsoil under natural conditions. These gradients lead to non-uniqueness of the relationship between the CRNS count and the average soil moisture content of a topsoil layer.We investigated this non-uniqueness by running simulations with the Hydrus1D-COSMIC model for different soil textures with multi-year time series of daily weather data and sequences of cropped and bare soil conditions similar to the ones occurring in the field. We observed a pronounced clockwise hysteretic relationship when plotting the average (simulated) 20-cm or 30-cm topsoil moisture content versus the CRNS count rate (N/N0) derived with COSMIC from the simulated vertical soil moisture content distribution. Strategies were explored to deal with this hysteretic behaviour and to translate the CRNS count into an average soil water content of the topsoil with an associated confidence interval that accounts for the non-uniqueness.
The new urban strong motion array along the Crati Valley.
Authors: Zambonelli Elisa , Cirillo Daniele , Talone Donato , Filippi Luisa , Ammirati Alfredo , Sirignano Sebastiano , Costa Giovanni , Pazzi Veronica , Fornasari Simone Francesco , Ferrarini Federica , Brozzetti Francesco , Lavecchia Giusy , de Nardis Rita
Published: March 2024

The Italian Strong Motion Network (RAN Rete Accelerometrica Nazionale) currently comprises 705 stations strategically distributed throughout Italy. Following the seismic events in L'Aquila in 2009, the Civil Protection Department is also working on a project for the implementation of new accelerometric arrays in urban and sub-urban areas along the main Italian basins.Presently, operational arrays include those in Central and Southern Italy, such as the Aterno Valley Array, Sulmona Basin Array, and in-hole accelerometers in San Giuliano di Puglia. In December 2023, a new accelerometric array was installed in the Crati Valley.Crati Valley is located in high seismic area of northwestern Calabria, between Cosenza and Rende, and it is recognized as the Crati Basin—an extensional basin dating back to the Plio-Olocene period. The valley is delineated by north-south-trending normal faults (Brozzetti et al., 2017; Tortorici et al., 1995), serving as the boundary between the Sila and Coastal Range Mountain ranges. The Crati Basin, stretching over 60 km, is flanked by the Catena Costiera ridge to the west and the Sila Massif to the east.In instrumental time the area is characterized by meager seismicity, but historically, the Crati Basin experienced moderate-to large M >~6.0 (1870, Io =10 MCS; 1854, Io =10 MCS; 1184, Io =9 MCS) and moderate earthquakes (1767, Io =8 MCS; 1835, Io =10 MCS; 1886, Io =7 MCS; 1913, Io=8 MCS).The array in the Crati Valley is composed of 7 stations arranged linearly both longitudinally and transversely along the valley, covering a total extension of 5 km. The average spacing between seismic stations is approximately 2 km. The reference site is located in the old part of the city of Cosenza and was already a part of the national accelerometric network.The new accelerometric array in the Crati Valley contributes to ongoing seismic monitoring efforts, enhancing our understanding of site response and seismic hazards in the region.
The GEOS experiment onboard AMADEE24 crewed simulated mission to Mars
Authors: Özdemir-Fritz Seda , Frigeri Alessandro , Schlinder Selina , Willcocks Francesca , Groemer Gernot
Published: March 2024

During the AMADEE24 mission in Armenia, the GEOS experiment focuses on geologic survey activities at the simulated Martian landing site.  GEOS applies classic geological field survey methods to a simulated mission to Mars, drawing on the experience of the lunar field survey built by Apollo missions.The elements of GEOS are the mapping, the sampling, and the compositional measurements.  The mapping phase involves developing mission-specific cartography from orbital remote sensing to large-scale mapping produced during and after the mission.  The core element of GEOS is the sampling, providing the ground truth of the remote sensing observation.  AMADEE24 Rovers and Analog astronauts will do rock and terrain sampling along transects on base maps supplied by RSS (Remote Science Support) and Flight Planning (FP) for the Extra Vehicular Activities (EVAs).  Part of the samples will return from the simulated Martian habitat, and be made available for more advanced laboratory analyses.     In-habitat compositional measurements offer a first estimate of the mineralogy and geochemistry of the samples.  Specifically, AMADEE24 carried a RAMAN spectrometer in the field. Here, we will present the preliminary results of AMADEE24/GEOS and ongoing activities for the technical and scientific exploitation of the experiment.
The temperature of the deep ocean is a robust proxy for global mean surface temperature during the Cenozoic
Authors: Evans David , Brugger Julia , Inglis Gordon , Valdes Paul
Published: March 2024

Reconstructions of global mean surface temperature (GMST) are one of the key contributions that palaeoclimate science can make to societally-relevant questions, for example, by providing the information required to derive equilibrium climate sensitivity from the geologic record and as a means of testing climate model performance under warmer-than-present conditions. One relatively simple method of doing so is to parameterize GMST as a function of the temperature of the deep ocean, which has the advantage that deep ocean temperature is relatively well constrained for much of the Cenozoic. A commonly-used transformation approach is based on a 1:1 deep ocean-GMST scaling factor prior to the Pliocene, which is a simple assumption, but to our knowledge, without a firm mechanistic basis. Here, we test the reliability of this assumption using output from a suite of climate model simulations, including those from the DeepMIP project, as well as curated data compilations for well-studied intervals throughout the Cenozoic. Our analysis demonstrates that a simple 1:1 scaling factor is likely to be a good approximation for much of the Cenozoic, possibly mechanistically rooted in an increasing winter bias in deep water formation offsetting an increase in polar amplification/stratification during intervals of global warmth. Building on this, we reevaluate the Cenozoic records of deep ocean temperature and derive a new, continuous record of GMST. Our record is substantially warmer than the most common previous approach for much of the Cenozoic, from which we derive GMST during the early Eocene Climatic Optimum of 31.3±1.3°C, supporting the notion of a greater-than-modern ECS in this past warm climate state.
Reading the sedimentary archives in the Danube floodplain downstream of Vienna (Austria)
Authors: Weissl Michael , Hatzenbühler Diana , Baumgartner Christian , Wagreich Michael
Published: March 2024

Many human interventions in river systems, e.g., river channelization, hydropower dams, or restoration measures, affect geomorphological and sedimentological settings. Anthropogenic impact can lead to alterations in stream dynamics and sedimentary imbalances, as recorded in the sediments of large riverplains.In the project “From Romans to the Anthropocene, from Carnuntum to Vienna: An Urban Anthropocene Field Lab” (WWTF ESR20-027) we explore long-term urban and geomorphological transformations within the Danube floodplain between Vienna (Austria) and Bratislava (Slovakia). Combining historical and sedimentological methods, our research focuses on the development of a very old settlement area within the transition zone between eastern and Central Europe.Extensive river engineering, starting in the 19th century, was a precondition for Vienna’s development as a residence and metropolis. This includes extensive river training and the construction of flood control structures. After a long period of river engineering and the construction of many hydro-power dams along the upper Danube, around 2000 the local removal of river bank fortifications started and also the restoration of fluvial dynamics primarily within our study area downstream of Vienna, in the free-flowing river section of the Donau-Auen National Park.Fine overbank deposits record river dynamics through climatic and anthropogenic drivers. Reading the sequence of alluvial deposits allows us to understand the human impact on floodplain morphology. The great advantage of analyzing sedimentary archives is the temporal depth they offer: we can evaluate the conditions prior to river training (~200 years ago), the effects of engineering measures (e.g. river channelization, construction of hydropower stations), and recent restoration measures as well.The characterization of sediment archives, including sediment dating (radioactive isotopes, OSL, dendrochronology), provides information on major flooding events, changes in the flow regime, and the dynamics of sedimentation. For investigations into sedimentary processes and river morphology downstream of Vienna, it is also necessary to have a look not only at the present state of a trained river but also at the former, near-natural situation of the riverscape. Therefore, comparisons of changing river morphologies before, during, and after the erection of dams and weirs are a requirement. 
Photoacoustic spectroscopy based nitrous oxide measurement for field applications
Authors: Gombi Csilla , Szabó Anna , Király Csaba , Srivastava Vineet , Horváth László , Mikó Edit , Szabó Gábor , Bozóki Zoltán
Published: March 2024

The efficiency of fertilisers used worldwide is around 50%. It is a global environmental and economic problem, and intensive research is being conducted to find a solution. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is one of the nitrogen compounds released from fertilised soils. N2O is also emitted during the storage, treatment, and application of animal manure, in addition to fertilisers.To reduce emissions, gas concentration and emission monitoring is important for accurate estimation of agricultural losses and to establish regulations for mitigation purposes. Laser spectroscopy-based methods provide in-situ, highly selective measurements with minimal maintenance, therefore they are promising techniques for monitoring N2O. A photoacoustic system based on a quantum cascade laser emitting around 7.72 μm was developed for N2O concentration measurement. Selectivity of the system was tested for water vapour (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). No cross sensitivity was found for H2O and CO2, nevertheless for CH4 it is not negligible, therefore a two-wavelength method is applied to correct for CH4. The system has a minimum detectable concentration of 8.5 ppb with an averaging time of 10 seconds. The system was calibrated from 0.05 ppm to 10 ppm, the response was found to be highly linear over the calibrated range (R2 = 0.9989).A feasibility study was performed in a naturally ventilated free-stall dairy barn. Measurements were taken at a total of six measurement points, two of which were outside the barn and four inside the barn where spatial and temporal variations of N2O concentration were measured. Measurements taken outside the barn were considered to be close to the background (333 ppb). There, the measured concentration was 388 ppb ± 11 ppb. The measured mean N2O concentration inside the barn was 499 ppb ± 191 ppb during a three-hour period, and it varied between the near background concentration and 1 ppm. The system has a signal stability allowing for field applications; however, further tests are required to prove its applicability for quantifying biosphere-atmosphere exchanges of N2O. In the future our measuring system will be applicable to monitor N2O emission flux above crop fields and at livestock farms as well.
Sustainable Scale for Geosystem Services Use: Addressing the missing link in subsurface management
Authors: Eswaran Adithya , Compernolle Tine , Piessens Kris
Published: March 2024

Geosystem services as a concept allow for understanding the benefits that are gained from abiotic processes and structures that contribute to human welfare. These services are obtained from the diversity of the geosystem (of which the subsurface is a part) are often overlooked and undervalued. Intense anthropogenic utilization of these finite services, emphasizes the need for pre-emptive management of the subsurface. While the concept of geosystem services allows for capturing the plurality of the subsurface (in terms of different functions and services), it is often under-emphasized in subsurface management. The objective of this paper is to systematically review the existing approaches for the management of geosystem services in literature and contextualize the principle of sustainable scale in terms of a conceptual scheme for the subsurface. The systematic review's findings reveal a lack of comprehensive discussions on the management of geosystem services. Instead, the current discourse revolves around identifying various components that require management and emphasizing the necessity for active management. Although the articles propose recommendations for the management of geosystem services, they lack a set of operationalized principles that can be used by policymakers. To establish a conceptual scheme for the sustainable management of the services obtained from the services, the principle of sustainable scale as found in the literature of Ecological Economics was contextualized. The proposed conceptual scheme resulted in the following key aspects: (a) connects the subsurface characteristics (e.g. replenishment rates, different functions) and the nature of benefits (economic, environmental, and social) (b) provides the conceptual basis for defining the scale of subsurface utilization based on the type of service and its regeneration rate.
Multi-century disaster gaps followed by strong clusters of extreme precipitation – understanding the irregular occurrence of local heavy rainfall
Authors: Fischer Erich , Zeder Joel
Published: March 2024

Historical archives and climate model simulations show that there can be multi-century periods with no local extreme precipitation, referred to as disaster gaps, followed by intense temporal clusters of extreme precipitation. The irregular occurrence of extreme precipitation represents a major challenge for detection and attribution of climate signals, adaptation planning and for insurance pricing. Here we use the first large ensemble of a convection permitting model (including twelve 100-yr simulations) and multi-century GCM simulations to study the irregular occurrence of local precipitation extremes.We show that local extreme precipitation events occur highly irregularly, with potential clustering (11% probability of five or more 100-year events in 250 years) or long disaster gaps with no events (8% probability for no 100-year events in 250 years). Even for decadal precipitation records, there is almost a 50% chance of a complete absence of any tail events in a 70-year period, the typical length of observational or reanalysis data. This generally causes return levels – a key metric for infrastructure codes or insurance pricing – to be underestimated.We then explore whether the occurrence of extreme events is purely random (“white noise”) or induced by low-frequency modes of internal variability, such as the multi-decadal variability in the North Atlantic. Surprisingly, we find based on millennial climate simulations that long-term variability in extreme precipitation is largely random, with no clear indication of low-frequency decadal to multidecadal variability.We also evaluate the potential of employing information across neighbouring locations, which substantially improves the estimation of return levels by increasing the robustness against potential adverse effects of long-term internal variability. The irregular occurrence of events makes it challenging to estimate return periods for planning and for extreme event attribution.