bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Support of air pollution monitoring using Senitnel-5P data – how to improve air quality measurement network 
Authors: Grzybowski Patryk , Markowicz Krzysztof , Musiał Jan
Published: March 2024

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ) pollution is one of the most dangerous threats for public health. It is responsible for respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, asthma, and many others. The objective of the presented study was to verify the potential of the Sentinel-5 Precursor Tropospheric NO2 Column Number Density (NO2 TVCD), provided by Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem, to support air pollution monitoring in Poland. The implementation of the objective was divided into three stages:to develop a model which estimates a ground-level NO 2 concentration;
to find spatial representativeness area (SR area) referring to existing ground stations;
to propose localization of new ground stations.
Model estimating a ground-level NO2 concentration was developed in order to get spatial distribution of NO2 pollution over whole Poland. As a input data there was used NO2 TVCD provided by Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem as well as meteorological factors like air temperature, wind speed, planetary boundary layer height, pressure, atmospheric circulation type, wind direction, solar adiation flux from ERA-5 provided by European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and anthropogenic conditions (nightlight intensity, population, roads density). Due to the need for high computing power and a constantly working environment, CREODIAS resources were used. There were used several machine learning approach among which random forest had been found as a most accurate. The results revealed that model demonstrated MAE values of 3.4 μg/m3 (MAPE~37%) and 3.2 μg/m3 (MAPE~31%) for the hourly and weekly estimates, respectively.Obtaining NO2 ground concentration for whole Poland allowed for investigation of spatial autocorrelation of the air pollution phenomenon and determination of SR area. There were used five methods:Global and Local Moran’s: it was found strong spatial autocorrelation (Global Moran’s=0.99 and p-value
Computer vision model for monitoring block falls in the Martian north polar region
Authors: Martynchuk Oleksii , Fanara Lida , Gwinner Klaus , Oberst Jürgen
Published: March 2024

The north polar region of Mars is one of the most active places of the planet with avalanches and ice block falls being observed every year on High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) data. Both phenomena originate at the steep icy scarps, which exist on the interface between two adjacent geological units, the older and darker Planum Boreum Cavi unit, also called Basal Unit (BU) and the younger and brighter Planum Boreum 1 unit, which is a part of the so called North Polar Layered Deposits (NPLD). These exposed layers of ice and dust contain important information about the climate cycles of the planet. We are primarily interested in monitoring the current scarp erosion rate (quantified through analyzing ice debris) at the same time differentiating between the activity originating in the NPLD [1] from that originating in the BUThe large scale of the region of interest, combined with a growing amount of available satellite data makes automation key for this project. To achieve the latter we propose a computational pipeline consisting of three consecutive steps, namely: scarp segmentation, single image super-resolution and ice-block detection. For the final analysis Mean Average Precision (mAP.95) was used as a benchmark metric. The performance value of 93.6% was obtained on a test dataset, leading us to conclude that the network is able to perform even on small ice fragments (which comprise the majority of the debris). On a system running 4 RTX3090 GPUs the finished pipeline processes a single HiRISE product in just under 20 minutes, returning the scarp outline and precise ice boulder coordinates. Using this pipeline, we next plan to robustly monitor the mass wasting activity in the whole north polar region and throughout the entire Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) mission.[1] Su, S. et al., 2024. EGU 2024.
Citizen science and Databases in Agriculture
Authors: நல்லுசாமி (Nallusamy) ஆனந்தராஜா (Anandaraja) , Malard-Adam Julien , Prithivimangalam Ponnusamy Murugan , Manivasagam Senthilkumar , Palanivelan Jaisridhar
Published: March 2024

Data science and information technologies hold great promise for better decision-making in agriculture, from post-harvest management to value addition, market access and exports. Farmers in India can be reached by different ways, including written and voice messages, pre-recorded videos, and online workshops, each of which must be underpinned by diverse datasets and databases in order to be successful.In the face of climate and environmental change, national and regional governments are currently encouraging the adoption of micro-irrigation for water conservation and the expansion of irrigated areas in India. At the same time, communities in rain-fed areas must use local water bodies and ponds to store and later use water from heavy rainfall for later irrigation. Meaningful participation of rural communities in development programmes, protection of water resources and agricultural technology adoption is crucial to ensuring societal change. At the same time, data collection and appropriate outreach strategies are necessary in order for this level participation to be possible.Integrated and diverse database technological stacks can therefore be used to reach farmers and provide appropriate recommendations for field management even in regions without reliable internet connections. The approaches used must be simple for agricultural students, officers, and university researchers to reach farmers and the general population, and should include a variety of computer software, cellphone and virtual communication channels.
Topographic changes in the high-altitude walls of the Mont Blanc massif: quantification at different spatial and temporal scales 
Authors: Uhlmann Daniel , Jaboyedoff Michel , Ravanel Ludovic , Vicari Joëlle Hélène , Derron Marc-Henri
Published: March 2024

Long-term topographic changes at high altitude in the Alps, at different spatial and temporal scales, are challenging to quantify, often due to lack of direct evidence. Historic rockfalls are not always visually evident and their debris is frequently consumed by surrounding glaciers, and hanging glaciers leave no moraines to mark their evolution. Remote sensing techniques such as Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) have become powerful tools for precisely quantifying geomorphometric changes in the 21st century. However, rates of change based on the short time intervals of data produced since the advent of these modern techniques might not reflect longer-term trends. Especially considering the acceleration of Alpine zone erosion rates driven by cryospheric warming trends, extending the record towards the beginning of the 20th century can help resolve if the current rates are anomalous or consistent with the past. To extend the record of topographic changes of rock and glacier surfaces, Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry techniques exploiting archival imagery can be used to create 3D models of past Alpine zone topography with which modern LiDAR can be combined to quantify longer-term rates of change. Combining archival SfM and recent LiDAR 3D models allows the estimation of historical erosion rates and glacier surface height change in the Mont-Blanc massif from the southeast face of Grand Pilier d’Angle (GPA; 4,243 m a.s.l.) from 1929-2021, the Brouillard Pillars (BP; 4150 m a.s.l.) from 1950-2021, the Aiguille du Midi (AdM; 3,842 m a.s.l.) from 1909-2022, and the Aiguille Verte (4,122 m a.s.l.) from 1932-2021. 1-year-interval LiDAR surveys of the GPA and AdM from 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, respectively, provide high-resolution erosion rates for a reference against the rates calculated with the SfM method. The GPA had erosion rates of 5.9±2.3mm year-1 and 8.5±0.1 mm year-1 for the 1929-2021 and 2020-2021 time-intervals, respectively. The BP had a rate of 1.0±0.39 mm year-1 for the period 1950-2022, and the AdM had a 16.4± 0.9 mm year-1 rate from 2021-2022. The 6 hanging glaciers of the AdM north face had an average surface height change of -9.39 m from 1909-2022. SfM models from archival photographs show an increase in the annual erosion rate of the GPA.
Analog Space Habitats as geological terrains for inclusive simulated space missions - a case study about LunAres
Authors: Ducai Tomas
Published: March 2024

This study explores the innovative concept of utilizing analog space habitats as geological terrains for inclusive simulated space missions, with a specific focus on the LunAres project. Analog habitats, designed to replicate the harsh conditions of extraterrestrial environments, offer a unique opportunity to simulate space missions in a controlled and realistic setting.LunAres analog space habitat, detailed in this case study, serves not only as an exemplary model for understanding the potential of analog space habitats in fostering inclusion within simulated space exploration scenarios, but offers also a realistic replicate of the geo-morphology of Moon and/or Mars, accessible for analog parastronauts for extra-vehicular activities (EVAs) during their mission simulations – therefore, offering access to inclusive geological research.
The research delves into the architectural aspects of LunAres, examining how the habitat mimics geological features of Moon and Mars, to provide an authentic experience for participants. By recreating the challenges and constraints of space missions, LunAres creates an authentic environment that enables the crew to collaborate and problem-solve in conditions mirroring those of actual space exploration.
Furthermore, the study investigates the psychological and physiological impacts of simulated space missions within the LunAres habitat. Insights into human behavior, teamwork dynamics, and stress management are analyzed to enhance our understanding of how analog space habitats contribute to effective team building and mission success – especially, having an (analog) parastronaut as part of the crew. The research also emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in space exploration simulations, highlighting LunAres as a pioneering project that promotes diversity and equal participation in the quest for simulations of scientific discovery beyond Earth.
In conclusion, this case study advocates for the broader adoption of analog space habitats like LunAres as invaluable tools for advancing our understanding of space missions while fostering a more inclusive and collaborative approach to future space exploration endeavors.
Identify the spatial-temporal pattern of the increased Cultivated land and its vulnerability in Northeast China from 2000 to 2020 
Authors: Wang Jieyong , Liu Zhengjia , Li Zehong , Liao Xiaoyong
Published: March 2024

Ensuring compliance with China's “1.8 billion mu”(120 million hectares) cultivated land preservation policy is a fundamental goal of land policy. Northeast China has experienced significant cultivated land expan-sion due to rigorous compensation policies over the past two decades, re-sulting in sustainable increases in grain output. This research employs re-mote sensing data to examine the spatial-temporal pattern and vulnerability of newly increased cultivated land expansion in Northeast China and its potential impact on food security. Results indicate a 3.08% increase in newly increased cultivated land from 2000 to 2020, with the majority located in the Sanjiang Plain's humid area and Inner Mongolia's arid and semiarid regions. with 58.54% of it being at grade 6-10, and the reduced cultivated land all at grade 1. Additionally, 62.84% of the newly increased cultivated land was in ecologically fragile areas, while the rest were in mildly and severely vulnerable areas. Temperature insta-bility was negatively correlated with cultivated land expansion, while grain production was negatively correlated with cultivated land vulnerability. The increase in grain production at the expense of cultivated land ecology is a potential threat to national food security. The vulnerability of cultivated land is negatively and significantly related to grain yield, suggesting an adverse impact on national food security. The poor quality of newly increased cultivated land in Northeast China, characterized by ecological fragility, may lead to short-term gains in grain yield but not guarantee long-term stability. This study found a significant negative correlation between grain yield and cultivated land ecological vulnerability in Northeast China. Thus, protection measures should focus on increasing high-quality and ecologically sound cultivated land to ensure long-term grain production stability. Priority should be given to high-quality and ecologically sound cultivated land for inclusion in high-standard cultivated land construction zones to enhance protection efforts.
Med-SHIP: Advancing Sustainable and Systematic Hydrographic Surveys in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Tanhua Toste , Schroeder Katrin
Published: March 2024

The Mediterranean Ship-based Hydrography Program (Med-SHIP) addresses a critical gapin the monitoring of the Mediterranean Sea by establishing a sustainable initiative forregularly repeated coast-to-coast zonal and meridional full-depth cruises. Anchored withinthe Global Ocean Ship-based Hydrographic Investigations Program (GO-SHIP), Med-SHIPfocuses on collecting Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) to comprehensively assess thebudget of heat, freshwater, carbon, oxygen, and various nutrients in the Mediterraneanbasin.The program, initiated in 2011 as recommended by the Mediterranean Science Commission(CIESM), orchestrates cruises through strategic access to Exclusive Economic Zones(EEZs) in the challenging diplomatic landscape of the region. The Med-SHIP program hasmade substantial strides in executing its objectives, conducting zonal surveys from east towest in 2001, 2011, and 2018, and meridional surveys from north to south in 2016 and 2022.These surveys adhere to the Repeat Hydrography plan outlined in Schroeder et al. (2015)and are complemented by contributions from individual countries and the TransnationalAccess of the Eurofleets RI. The gathered data, spanning physical, chemical, and biologicalEOVs, adhere to the highest international standards and are made publicly accessible inopen data repositories, aligning with the data policy of GO-SHIP. Med-SHIP not onlycontributes to the scientific understanding of long-term changes in the Mediterranean butalso fosters regional collaboration and capacity building, bridging gaps between northernshore countries and those in the Middle East and North Africa.The Med-SHIP program continues to evolve with planned future surveys. The commitment tosustained monitoring and collaboration underscores the program's importance in advancingour understanding of the complex dynamics of the Mediterranean Sea and its implicationsfor global change.
NextGen Drought Index Dashboard - Designing and piloting a new satellite data platform to strengthen drought risk financing in the Horn of Africa
Authors: Richaud Bertrand , Anthonj Jannik , Larsen Ole , Enenkel Markus , Plevin John Luke
Published: March 2024

One of the biggest strengths of parametric drought insurance products is that they can trigger payouts independently from observed losses (and expensive loss assessments), potentially increasing the speed of payouts and lowering premiums. To support low-income countries in formulating policies and developing instruments aimed at enhancing their financial resilience against drought, the World Bank’s Crisis and Disaster Risk Finance (CDRF) team and DHI are developing a novel drought risk finance dashboard. The overarching objective is to improve the transparency and accountability related to the development of drought risk financing instruments to strengthen national decision-making and risk ownership in low-income countries. The NextGen Drought Index (NGDI) dashboard is being piloted in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, with the vision to be implemented across Africa, and ultimately, on a global scale. The new tool allows users to access, visualize, and analyze historical and current drought conditions alongside socio-economic data, such as food insecurity. This enables users to close the critical gap between drought hazard, drought impact, and the performance of financial products. The dashboard optimizes the use of satellite-derived climate datasets, such as estimates of precipitation, soil moisture and vegetation greenness. It empowers users to combine and benchmark climate data from diverse Earth Observation (EO) platforms. This dynamic approach enables the assessment of drought risk and its temporal progression. Since the data must be analysed at a consistent geographical scale, all climate and environmental variables are aggregated and preprocessed for further analysis by governmental partners or regional stakeholders. The NGDI dashboard will be added to the CDRF team’s catalogue of tools. All choices regarding the platform’s architecture and technology prioritize sustainability, scalability, and cost-efficient maintenance. The dashboard was developed under the World Bank Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance Program, funded by the Global Shield Financing Facility (GSFF) and the Global Index Insurance Facility (GIIF).
Mixing and entrainment in inclined gravity currents
Authors: van Reeuwijk Maarten , Cui Lianzheng , Hughes Graham
Published: March 2024

We explore the dynamics of inclined temporal gravity currents using direct numerical simulation, and find that the current creates an environment in which the flux Richardson number, gradient Richardson number and turbulent flux coefficient are constant across a large portion of the depth of the outer layer. Changing the slope angle modifies these mixing parameters, and the flow approaches a maximum Richardson number of approx. 0.15 as the angle tends to zero, for which the entrainment coefficient E->0.The turbulent Prandtl number remains O(1) for all slope angles, demonstrating that E->0 is not caused by a switch-off of the turbulent buoyancy flux. Instead, E->0 occurs as the result of the turbulence intensity going to zero as the angle tends to zero, due to the flow requiring larger and larger shear to maintain the same level of turbulence. We develop a conceptual model which is in excellent agreement with the DNS data.
UAV’s to monitor the mass balance of glaciers
Authors: Van Tricht Lander , Zekollari Harry , Huss Matthias , Huybrechts Philippe , Farinotti Daniel
Published: March 2024

Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly employed for glacier monitoring, particularly for small to medium-sized glaciers. The UAVs are mainly used to generate high-resolution Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), delineate glacier areas, determine surface velocities, and map supraglacial features. In this study, we utilise UAVs across various sites in the Alps and the Tien Shan (Central Asia) to monitor the mass balance of glaciers. We present a workflow for calculating the annual geodetic mass balance and obtaining the surface mass balance using the continuity-equation method. Our results demonstrate generally a close alignment between the determined mass balances and those obtained through traditional glaciological methods involving intensive fieldwork. We show that utilising UAV data reveals significantly more spatial details, such as the influence of debris and collapsing ice caves, which are challenging to capture using conventional methods that strongly rely on interpolation and extrapolation. This underscores the UAV's significance as a valuable add-on tool for quantifying annual glacier mass balance and validating glaciological assessments. Drawing on our experience in on-site UAV glacier surveys, we discuss the methodology's advantages, disadvantages, and potential pitfalls. 
Revisiting the INDEPTH-I Deep seismic profile in Himalayan Orogen: Constraints on structure and leucogranites emplacement
Authors: Carbonell Ramon , Li Hongqiang , Gao Rui , Lu Zhanwu
Published: March 2024

In the first phase of the International Deep Profiling of Tibet and the Himalaya the INDEPTH project an over 90 km long deep seismic reflection profile was acquired. This was an interdisciplinary program of geophysical and geological studies focus to increase the understanding of the internal architecture and mechanics of the Himalaya-Tibet region. Reprocessing of INDEPTH-I deep seismic reflection image resolves the South Tibetan Detachment System (STDS) as composed by few laterally displaced ramp structures. These can be interpreted to be structurally related to the outcropping gneiss domes. The STDS is recognized as complex extensional shear zone most probably coeval with the emplacement of the leucogranitic bodies. Geologic data indicates that the latter are pre-, syn- and post- kinematic with the deformation and, are generally controlled by the system of detachment faults (including the STDS). The interpreted STDS is broken up, and the individual segments are tilted revealing compressional deformation. Underneath, and down to 42 km depth, two prominent high amplitude, multi cyclic, north dipping events are imaged: the Tethyan Himalayan Sequence (THS) and, the Greater Himalayan Sequence (GHS). Above the GHS the north-dipping reflection fabrics appear imbricate and are seldom interrupted by weak/transparent zones. The existing geological knowledge and, the geometrical relationships (unraveled by the internal architecture constrained by the seismic image suggest that the transparent areas in the GHS could be indicative of leucogranite emplacements. Thus, the latter can be interpreted as the product of rapid exhumation of the upper GHS together with magma along the High Himalayan Thrust (HHT), repeated in-situ remelting due to strain heating by exhumation of the lower GHS and Lesser Himalayan Sequence (LHS), and extension of the South Tibetan Detachment System (STDS). This mechanism is consistent with interpretation of seismically transparent zones as the seismic response of granitic plutons.
When rivers change their tune: unraveling streamflow regime shift after multi-year droughts in south-eastern Australia
Authors: Bende-Michl Ulrike , Bahramian Katayoon , Thomas Steven , Rudeva Irina , Sharples Wendy , Carrara Elisabetta
Published: March 2024

Prolonged droughts have led to impacts on streamflow by strongly reducing flows, and in some cases gives rise to permanent shifts in streamflow regimes, despite rainfall recovery. Understanding changes from perennial to non-perennial regimes is crucial for water management, such as the allocation of available water for crop irrigation to environmental flows. Furthermore, given the prospect of a drier and warmer future, to combat increasing water scarcity and environmental degradation, understanding regime changes will help decision makers develop water-related mitigation and adaptation strategies.In this study we investigate streamflow regime change from perennial to non-perennial flow, combining well established metrics using both climatic and hydrologic indices.  A case study of the Victorian region in south-eastern Australia will be presented applying our analysis to pre-, during and post Millennium drought conditions. We analysed streamflow from 116 Hydrological Reference Sites in Victoria and period from 1970-2019 with respect to changes in the magnitude, duration, frequency, and timing of flow conditions.  In this region, we identified rivers which remained in the non-perennial regime despite rainfall totals returning to pre drought levels. Additionally, we explored attributing for the permanent streamflow regime shift and implications for water management including interacting changes to observed rainfall intensities, vegetation responses and modelled surface and sub-surface components.
Is the Atlantic Overturning Circulation approaching a tipping point?
Authors: Rahmstorf Stefan
Published: March 2024

Is the Atlantic Overturning Circulation approaching a tipping point?The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) has a major impact on climate, not just around the northern Atlantic but globally. Paleoclimatic data show that it has been rather unstable in the past, leading to some of the most dramatic and abrupt climate shifts known [1].These instabilities are due to two different types of tipping points, linked to amplifying feedbacks in the large-scale salt transport and in the convective mixing which drives the flow [2,3]. Of particular concern is the evidence for an ongoing weakening of the AMOC [4,5]: it likely is already at its weakest in a millennium [6].These tipping points present a major risk of abrupt ocean circulation and climate shifts as we push our planet further out of the stable Holocene climate into uncharted waters. The lecture will discuss the paleoclimatic data, the instability mechanisms, the evidence for an AMOC slowdown and how close we may be to a dangerous tipping point.References[1] Rahmstorf, S., 2002: Ocean circulation and climate during the past 120,000 years. Nature 419, 207-214. doi:10.1038/nature01090[2] Rahmstorf, S., 1995: Bifurcations of the Atlantic thermohaline circulation in response to changes in the hydrological cycle. Nature 378, 145-149. doi:10.1038/378145a0[3] Rahmstorf, S., 1994: Rapid climate transitions in a coupled ocean-atmosphere model. Nature 372, 82-85. doi:10.1038/372082a0[4] Rahmstorf, S., J.E. Box, G. Feulner, M.E. Mann, A. Robinson, S. Rutherford, and E.J. Schaffernicht, 2015: Exceptional twentieth-century slowdown in Atlantic Ocean overturning circulation. Nature Climate Change 5, 475–480. doi:10.1038/nclimate2554[5] Caesar, L., S. Rahmstorf, A. Robinson, G. Feulner and V. Saba (2018). Observed fingerprint of a weakening Atlantic Ocean overturning circulation. Nature 556, 191–196. doi:10.1038/s41586-018-0006-5[6] Caesar, L., McCarthy, G. D., Thornalley, D. J. R., Cahill, N. & Rahmstorf, S. Current Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation weakest in last millennium. Nature Geoscience (2021). doi:10.1038/s41561-021-00699-z
Flood Inundation Mapping of the 2018 Kerala Floods: A ComparativeStudy of Traditional Remote Sensing, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning Methods. 
Authors: Menon Nandini , Parastoo Salah , Adriaensen Raul
Published: March 2024

The exponential increase in flood intensity that causes loss of life and economic and structuraldamage to their connected environment calls for strategic rescue and response solutions forrisk mitigation. This study focuses on flood mapping using satellite imagery combined withmachine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques. Remote sensing and GeographicInformation Systems (GIS) serve as vital tools in this process, enabling the effective utilizationof satellite data.While academics consistently contribute to novel flood mapping approaches, a research gapthat requires a discussion about the comparative performances of these ML and DLtechniques exists, which this paper aims to address. This comparison is crucial as it highlightsthe strengths and limitations of each method, contributing valuable insights to the literature onflood risk management. The study focuses on the Ernakulam District of Kerala, chosen due toits frequent flooding and the availability of diverse datasets.The methodology involves the use of satellite imagery for flood analysis, employing an arrayof techniques: a thresholding method recommended by the UN-SPIDER Office for OuterSpace Affairs, and statistical ML methods including Random Forest, Support VectorClassification (SVC), Real AdaBoost, alongside a deep learning semantic segmentationmethod, UNet. Modelled using JavaScript and Python languages, the models and thepackages are completely reusable. The dataset comprises two before and after floods satelliteimages: the thresholding method uses Sentinel-1 SAR images, and the ML and DL methoduses Sentinel-2 MSI Level 1C, a digital elevation model image from SRTM for featureengineering, processed to identify flood-affected areas. The data is normalized and cleanedto account for cloud and missing data before the analysis. Alongside, we sourced the labelledflood data from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) and filtered andrasterized it on QGIS.The results emphasize the varied effectiveness of these methods, with Random Forestoutperforming others with a 96.61% accuracy rate. At the same time, the UNet-Linear Modellags at 75% accuracy, indicating the significant impact of hyperparameter tuning and datasetsize on model performance. This comparative analysis not only delineates the strengths andweaknesses of traditional and advanced techniques but also sets a precedent for futurestudies to build upon an understanding of flood risk management and rapid responsestrategies.
Development of a bio-indicator for extreme benthic ecosystem: the use of benthic foraminifera
Authors: Goar Clarisse , Dessandier Pierre-Antoine , Panieri Giuliana , Roussel Erwan , Pelleter Erwan , Argentino Claudio , Zeppilli Daniela
Published: March 2024

Here, we present data focusing on the diversity and ecology of benthic foraminifera from different hydrothermal vent fields on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at low and high latitudes and mud volcanoes leaking methane. This study aims to understand the controlling factors ruling the communities’ structure, including environmental parameters (sediment nature, geochemical dynamic associated with seafloor massive sulfide areas) and food source (primary production and chemosynthetic microbial communities). This study aims to i) fulfil a lack of knowledge of hydrothermal vent biodiversity, ii) determine interactions between foraminifera and their ecosystem, and iii) establish a bio-indicator of extreme environments, environmentally dynamic.We collected samples from two active vent sites, TAG and Snake Pit, in their periphery at low latitude and on the under-ice Aurora vent in the Arctic, showing contrasted mineralogy, pore water chemistry and organic matter compounds. The response of benthic foraminifera shows quite a stable community in the large periphery, while particular communities are observed in sediment with clear evidence of hydrothermal influence. For the mud volcano and active vents, a specific community of soft-body foraminifera and/or agglutinated species seems to be adapted to extreme environments, including species poorly known. Environmental data highlight a stronger impact of the habitat connected to microbial mats than organic matter availability. These preliminary results support the powerful use of benthic foraminifera in extreme environments to evaluate biodiversity and environmental changes but also highlight the need to improve the taxonomy of deep-sea soft-shelled foraminifera.  
Land-Atmosphere Interactions as Observed by a Statewide in-situ Surface Observation Network
Authors: Rappin Eric
Published: March 2024

The Kentucky Mesonet is a great asset for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, from realtime storm monitoring to building a detailed climate record. A detailed climate record is essential as causality between observations and extreme weather can be identified. The climate record being developed at the 80+ Kentucky Mesonet observation stations consists of approximately 75 indices. The indices include frequency, extremes, range, duration, and trends of precipitation, droughts, and temperature. For example, calculations of Warm/Dry days (daily mean temperature > 75th percentile of daily mean temperature and daily mean rainfall < 25th percentile of daily precipitation sum where the percentiles are based on a climatology taken from reanalysis between 1961 and 1990) are done for daily, monthly, seasonal, bi-annual, and annual aggregation periods. Particular attention will given to soil moisture - precipitation feedbacks as Kentucky has a karst geology which generates soil moisture gradients. Soil Moisture-precipitation feedbacks, the beginning and ending of land-atmosphere interactions in general, are highly dependent on the wind flow regime and atmospheric stability, so these relationships will elucidated in the presentation.  Tools will be developed based on interactions with policymakers and stakeholders as they will be making decisions today that impact the region’s main economic sectors (e.g. water, energy, transportation, etc.) as infrastructure erected today will likely be in place when the climate is different than at present. Examples will be provided that sample the different climate zones of the state, relative elevations of site locations, as well as different land cover and land uses.
Using Treated Wastewater Sludge to Improve Soil and Growth characteristics of Rain-fed Wheat under Semi-Arid Conditions
Authors: Abou Jaoude Lena , H. Mohtar Rabi , Kamaleddine Farah , Dbaibo Razan , Bou Said Rania , Keniar Imad , F. Yanni Sandra
Published: March 2024

Sludge is an increasingly growing concern in Lebanon given the absence of proper treatment and disposal methods. As a solution, this two-years study proposes the valorization of sludge as an organic amendment on soil cultivated with rainfed wheat (Triticum icaversea) and itsimpact on soil properties, microbial activity, wheat yield and grain quality. Baseline characterization of sewage sludge collected from secondary treatment plant (SS) and tertiary treatment plant (TS) in Bekaa, Lebanon, showed that both sludge types can be classified as suitable for restricted agricultural use (Class B), which cannot be used on soils to grow fruits or vegetables that are eaten raw as per the Lebanese guidelines for sludge use. Post-harvest analysis of the amended soils revealed a significant enhancement in organic matter (OM), organic carbon (OC), soil moisture, wheat yield and grain quality in both seasons SS and TS amended soils compared to the control. All the tested heavy metals were much lower than the allowable limits for agricultural soils, except for zinc (Zn).  Wheat biomass and grain quality assessment revealed a significant increase of 30% in grain yield in both treated soils (SS: 74 g/m2, TS: 81 g/m2) compared to the control (46 g/m2). Notably, TS treatment exhibited the highest protein content (14.5%) and ash (1.9%) in the first season, while both SS and TS treatments showed a significant increase in grain moisture in the second season. Soil microbial analysis were not consistent in the two seasons, but showed a potential risk of total coliforms contamination with SS application in the second season. This research provides valuable insights into the positive effects of sewage sludge application on soil fertility, microbial communities, and wheat grain quality. The findings emphasize the potential benefits of sewage sludge in sustainable agriculture, underscored by numerical improvements in various parameters. Although promising soil quality improvement and yield increase were observed in this study, further research is still needed to assess the potential soil microbial contamination and heavy metal accumulation over the long term.
Application of Advanced Deep Learning Models for Flood Image Processing and Semantic Segmentation
Authors: Dulam Sai Praneeth , Samadi Vidya , Toxtli-Hernández Carlos
Published: March 2024

In developing Version 2.0 of our Flood Image Classifier, we underscore the significant role of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), mainly Faster R-CNN and YOLOv3, in detecting and segmenting flood-related labels in images. Additionally, our research delves into the potential of Vision Transformers (ViT) for advanced object detection and image classification for flood-related images extracted for the USGS river cameras. Transformer methods offer improved predictions of flood depth and inundation areas, marking a substantial step forward in flood vision technology. The integration of advanced image processing techniques, the enhancement of CNN capabilities, and the incorporation of cutting-edge detection and classification models are pivotal in developing a comprehensive, real-time flood monitoring system. This system is designed to equip frontline decision-makers and emergency responders with essential insights into flooding conditions, thereby significantly contributing to disaster management and response through the innovative use of our flood image classifier, Version 2.0.
Towards a global, remotely sensed monitoring of lake phytoplankton phenology
Authors: Lever Jelle , Simis Stefan , Liu Xiaohan , Gilarranz Luis J. , D’Odorico Petra , Ginzler Christian , Psomas Achilleas , Damm Alexander , Gessler Arthur , Vitasse Yann , Odermatt Daniel
Published: March 2024

Changing environmental conditions caused by climate change, eutrophication, and other anthropogenic factors affect the timing, duration, and surface extent of lake algae blooms across the globe. It remains, however, challenging to quantify the relative impacts of different environmental changes on the timing and characteristics of lake algae blooms, and to detect phenological trends over time, as these blooms vary considerably from year to year. Global data sets that may allow us to study algae-bloom properties along a wide range of environmental conditions and years are needed to address these challenges.For this study, we developed such a data set using satellite remote sensing. We analyze the phytoplankton phenology of 2025 lakes across a wide range of climate zones over a period of approximately 20 years. More specifically, we used daily lake chlorophyll estimates derived from MERIS and OLCI data to extract phenology metrics (e.g. the onset and decline of peaks in chlorophyll concentration) for individual pixels within each of the 2025 lakes. Through a newly developed method, we determined the timing of blooms, i.e. clusters of peaks in different pixels occurring within the same lake during the same period of the year, and, subsequently, studied the change in the timing, duration, and size of those blooms across years.This will, ultimately, help us to get a better overview of the extent to which lake algae blooms have changed across the globe, to attribute those changes to anthropogenic drivers, and to develop effective environmental policies to combat those changes where needed.
What drives water exchanges between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov through the Kerch Strait?
Authors: Zavialov Peter , Zavialov Ivan B. , Sedakov Roman O.
Published: March 2024

The Kerch Strait connects the Black Sea with the shallow Sea of Azov. The latter receivessignificant continental discharges from the Don and the Kuban rivers, and the Strait is animportant pathway for exchanges of water, salt, suspended matter, nutrients, and pollutantsbetween the two seas. The mechanisms forming water circulation through the Kerch Straitare complex and combine wind forcing, barotropic and baroclinic geostrophic flows, and theadvection of extensive freshwater runoff. However, these mechanisms are not yet fullyunderstood and quantified, while in situ measurements of currents in the Strait are verysparse.We report preliminary results of a recent field experiment conducted in the Kerch Strait insummer-fall of 2023 where RDI ADCP instruments were deployed at 2 stations, one in thewestern and the other in the eastern part of the Strait and recorder vertical profiles ofcurrent velocity at 30 min temporal resolution. The total length of the series is about 3months. The observations indicated that, despite the suggested by some previouspublications, no vertical stratification of velocity was typically observed, while the currentsvaried significantly in the cross-strait direction. We identified 3 types of circulation patterns ofcirculation inside the Strait, mainly controlled by the sign and intensity of the zonal wind stresscomponent. Currents in the Strait reacted to the wind forcing with a time lag of 2 to 3hours.We also performed numerical simulations using the BSAS12 numerical model to simulatecirculation in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov seas and study water exchange throughthe Kerch Strait. BSAS12 is a regional configuration of the ocean and sea ice generalcirculation model NEMO that covers the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov (Zavialov et al.,2020). The horizontal grid resolution of the model is 1/12◦, which is approximately 6.75 km in thestudy region. The vertical coordinate was represented by 59 vertical z levels with the finestresolution (1 m) at the upper ocean. A partial-step representation of bottom topographythat adjusts the vertical size of the model bottom level to the real depth was used. The modeldomain had an open ocean boundary at the Bosporus Strait that connects the Black Seawith the Mediterranean Sea. The model was driven by the ERA-Interim atmospheric forcing.The combined outcomes from the observations and modeling suggest that net outflow fromthe Sea of Azov to the Black Sea is induced by moderate and strong northeasterly winds,while the flow into the Sea of Azov from the Black Sea occurs mainly during wind relaxationperiods or during events of southerly winds. The direction and intensity of water exchangeexhibited wind-governed synoptic and seasonal variability, and they apparently did notdepend on the variations of river discharges to the Sea of Azov at short temporal scales.
Climate trends derived from long-term ground-based GNSS-derived Zenith Total Delay (ZTD)
Authors: C. Santos Marcelo , Balidakis Kyriakos , Kloss Anna , Pacione Rosa , Rees Jordan
Published: March 2024

We present findings from an ongoing investigation into the evaluation of long-term trends in ground-based GNSS-derived Zenith Total Delay (ZTD) for potential integration into climate models, either for assimilation or validation purposes. Our analysis focuses on ZTD time series obtained from six REPRO3 IGS Analysis Centers (ACs) – COD, ESA, GFZ, GRG, JPL, and TUG – spanning 20 years or more. Thirty stations from the IGS global network were selected for this study. The ZTD time series underwent a homogenization process, utilizing ERA-5 derived ZTDs as a reference, followed by daily value averaging to minimize potential discrepancies arising from diverse estimation strategies employed by individual ACs. Similar averaging procedures were applied to ERA-5 ZTDs and the IGS tropo-product if already reprocessed in REPRO3. Two combinations, employing weighted mean and a robust least median of squares, were generated from the six homogenized ACs, serving as quality control measures for each AC. Analysis of trends in each of the nine ZTD time series was conducted in both time and frequency domains, revealing geographical variations in results. For instance, at station ALBH in Canada, the inter-AC scatter was 0.47 mm/decade for trends, 0.11 mm for annual amplitudes, and 0.29 degrees for annual phases.
Deformation of the 2020-2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake sequence revealed by combined analysis of multiple GNSS observation networks in central Japan
Authors: Nishimura Takuya , Hiramatsu Yoshihiro , Ohta Yusaku
Published: March 2024

Since November 30, 2020, an intense earthquake swarm with over 22,000 M≥1 earthquakes and transient deformation have been continuously observed in the Noto Peninsula, central Japan, which is a non-volcanic/geothermal area far from major plate boundaries. During the earthquake sequence, Mw6.2 and Mw7.5 earthquakes occurred on May 5, 2023, and January 1, 2024, respectively. We report the transient and coseismic deformation related to the earthquake sequence by a combined analysis of multiple Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) observation networks, including one operated by a private sector company (SoftBank Corp.), relocated earthquake hypocenters, and tectonic settings. The start of the transient deformation coincides with a burst-type activity of small earthquakes in late 2020. A total displacement pattern in the first two years shows horizontal inflation and uplift of up to ~60 mm around the source of the earthquake swarm. The overall deformation rate gradually decreased with time except for the coseismic displacement of the Mw 6.2 earthquake and its postseismic displacement. On January 1, 2024, the coseismic horizontal and vertical displacements reached ~2 m at several GNSS sites. The pattern of the postseismic displacement for the first three weeks is similar to that of the coseismic displacement, though spatial decay of the postseismic displacement from the epicentral area is much gentler than that of the coseismic displacement. Viscoelastic relaxation of the mantle and/or lower crust is probably an important factor in explaining the observed deformation. In order to explain the transient deformation before the Mw6.2 and Mw7.5 earthquakes, we assumed a southeast-dipping fault plane based on the observed seismicity and regional tectonics and estimated the distribution of both reverse-slip and tensile components on the fault plane. In the first three months, a significant tensile component with a small slip component was estimated around a depth of ~15 km. The estimated volumetric increase is ~1.4 x 107 m3. Over the next 15 months, the observed deformation was well reproduced by shear-tensile sources, which represent an aseismic reverse-type slip and the opening of the southeast-dipping fault zone at a depth of 14–16 km. These slips and openings of the fault are estimated mainly at the down-dip extension of the intense earthquakes. We suggest that the upwelling fluid spread at a depth of ~16 km through an existing shallow-dipping permeable fault zone and then diffused into the fault zone, triggering a long-lasting sub-meter aseismic slip below the seismogenic depth. The aseismic slip further triggered intense earthquake swarms including the Mw6.2 and Mw7.5 earthquakes at the updip.Acknowledgments: We are grateful to SoftBank Corp., ALES Corp., and GSI for providing us with GNSS data.