bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deformation and recrystallization inside the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream – findings from microstructural analysis of the EastGRIP ice core
Authors: Streng Kyra , Kerch Johanna , Bons Paul , Stoll Nicolas , Jansen Daniela , Weikusat Ilka
Published: March 2024

Solid ice discharge from land-based ice masses into the ocean raises the global sea level and accelerates due to anthropogenic climate change. Modelling ice flow dynamics aims to provide better projections of future sea level rise. The Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets are predominantly drained through ice streams, which are regions of higher ice flow velocity than their surroundings, and thus play an important role in ice sheet dynamics. However, little is known about their rheology. Therefore, they may introduce large uncertainties in ice sheet models.In order to study the main deformation and recrystallization mechanisms dominant in an ice stream, we conducted microstructural analyses on samples from the EastGRIP ice core that was drilled in the largest Greenlandic ice stream, the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream (NEGIS).The data set contains 1064 samples, oriented vertically and horizontally to the ice core axis, from depths between 111 and 2121 m. Analyses of the deepest 550 m of the ice core are pending. All samples were scanned with 5 µm resolution under bright-field illumination with a Large Area Scanning Macroscope (LASM). The obtained microstructure, i.e. grain shape, size, and elongation, was extracted using digitalised grain boundary networks by means of a machine-learning based image analysis software. We determined six different rheological regimes through the ice column. Most microstructural changes were interpreted as changes in recrystallization mechanisms, whereas the dominant deformation mode, horizontal extension, appears to remain fairly constant below 500 m of depth. Previous numerical high-strain ice deformation simulations showed strain localisation with the development of visible shear bands. A similar setting was expected inside ice streams, but at the investigated depths of the EastGRIP ice core, no clear shear bands could be discerned so far for the applied sampling resolution.These results indicate that NEGIS has no strong high-strain localisation down to 2121 m depth but probably deforms as a block with extension along flow. The high ice flow velocities, therefore, might have to be compensated either in the lowest 500 m or below the ice.
Petrological monitoring of persistently active basaltic volcanoes: the case study of Stromboli (Aeolian Islands, Southern Italy)
Authors: Schiavon Beatrice , Petrone Chiara Maria , Forni Francesca , Pontesilli Alessio , Del Bello Elisabetta , Scarlato Piergiorgio , Nazzari Manuela , Tiepolo Massimo , Mollo Silvio
Published: March 2024

Investigating the dynamics and timescales of magmatic processes in active volcanoes is crucial for understanding explosive eruptions and assessing volcanic hazards. In this context, we are currently conducting a petrological survey of the Stromboli volcano (Aeolian Islands, Southern Italy), whose persistent activity is characterized by periodic and mildly explosive “Strombolian” eruptions, alternating with episodic lava effusions and more violent eruptive events, namely major explosions and paroxysms. The plumbing system is characterized by a vertically-extended mush column in which the shallow magmatic reservoir (highly porphyritic or Hp-magma) is continuously refilled with mafic recharges (low porphyritic or Lp-magma) rising from depth. During the paroxysmal events, sustained injections of Lp-magmas produce ample and continuous H2O-rich gas phases that are released with great energy through the vent, together with ash, scoriaceous spatters, bombs and lithics traveling over long distances. With the final scope of deciphering mutual relationships between Hp- and Lp-magmas, as well as magma-mush interplay within the shallow plumbing system, we present in situ microchemical analyses of plagioclase phenocrysts from nineteen scoria clasts ejected during mild to violent explosions at Stromboli over a timespan of ~18 years, from 2003 to 2021. Major and trace element compositions, as well as Sr-isotopic data have been integrated with thermometric modeling and Mg-in-plagioclase diffusion chronometry to constrain the physicochemical changes within the plumbing system and the timescales of magmatic processes. Through this approach, a new eruptive cycle at Stromboli volcano has been identified, where more energetic open-conduit dynamics are associated with an increased intensity and frequency of eruptions due to mush disruption by sustained injections of mafic recharge magmas from depth.
Geochemical and petrographic study helps to understand the source of Upper Cretaceous Fatehgarh Formation, Barmer Basin, Rajasthan, India
Authors: Rajak Pawan Kumar , Banerjee Santanu , Prabhakar Naraga
Published: March 2024

Quartzose sandstone dominates the Upper Cretaceous sedimentary succession of the Barmer Basin, but its source of sediments is mostly hypothetical. This study elaborates the modal analysis of sandstone, EPMA mineral chemistry of detrital tourmaline and rutile and U-Th-total Pb monazite geochronology within the Fatehgarh Formation to track the possible source rocks. The poorly studied, fluvial- to marine-originated, Upper Cretaceous, roughly 125 m thick, locally cross-stratified formation crops out nearby the Barmer town, Rajasthan. The formation contains mainly sandstone, shale, claystone, conglomerate and evaporite beds forming nonconformity with Lathi Formation/Precambrian Malani Igneous Suites. The Fatehgarh Formation is medium- to coarse-grained, subangular to rounded grains, and moderately to well sorted. The sandstones are cemented by the silica, calcite and iron oxide cement. The QFR modal analysis classified quartzose sandstone and implies craton interior and recycled orogeny provenance for the sandstone. The presence of derital quartz overgrowth and rounded zircon, rutile and tourmaline suggest sediment recycling in the formation. The heavy mineral assemblage of the formation includes primarily tourmaline, zircon, and rutile with leucoxene, Fe-Ti minerals, staurolite, monazite, andalusite and opaque mineral. The EPMA analysis of the tourmaline reveals schorl and dravite varieties of tourmaline. The tourmaline composition Ca-Fe-Mg plot within the fields of ‘Li-poor granites and Ca-poor metapelites and metapsammites’. The tourmaline suggests their derivation from the Paleoproterozoic Pb-Zn deposits of Rajpura-Dariba, Zawarmala, Rampura-Agucha and Mangalwar Complex in the Aravalli-Delhi Fold Belt, and leucogranites of Sewariya-Govindgarh and Balda-Motiya of Delhi Supergroup. The rutile mineral chemistry shows ‘metapelitic origin’ of the majority of rutile grains for the basin. The presence of staurolite and andalusite mineral supports metamorphic source contribution for the sediments. The U-Th-total Pb dating of monazite grains shows major peaks at 950 Ma and 500 Ma. The monazite geochronology corroborates Pan-African and Delhi orogeny- related sediments for the Barmer Basin. The formation shows SW paleocurrent direction. The petrography, mineral chemistry and geochronology indicates the possible source of the sediments from the Marwar Supergroup, Malani Igneous Suites, and Aravalli-Delhi Fold Belts.
The influence of industrial metal pollution on Foraminifera in the Gulf of Naples (Bagnoli)
Authors: Plakolm Leon , Balzano Sergio , Nagy Matthias , Heinz Petra , Gruber Daniela , Schmidt Katy , Stockhausen Martin , Hofmann Thilo , Lintner Michael
Published: March 2024

Chemical pollutants, such as heavy metals, are a major threat to marine ecology and biodiversity in the Mediterranean Sea. The Gulf of Naples plays a crucial role in risk assessment and mitigation of waste contamination in the area, as severe anthropogenic pressure originates from local urban and industrial areas and intense maritime traffic. The now defunct ILVA steel plant in Bagnoli, constructed between 1905 and 1910, was a leading contributor of metal pollution in the Gulf of Naples until its shutdown in 1990. In order to evaluate the potentially long-lasting impact of this industrial activity on local foraminiferal communities, as well as the response of individual benthic foraminifera, multiple geochemical and sedimentological analytical techniques were employed and the results compared to a non-impacted reference area; inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) revealed exceptionally high levels of metals in the sediment samples taken in close proximity to the former steel plant. Faunal analysis via stereo microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) concluded slightly lower biodiversity indices and a lower abundance of living foraminifera in the polluted sample, and the near absence of the otherwise ubiquitous genus Ammonia in the reference area. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) was utilized to determine concentrations of iron within foraminiferal tests and established that all analyzed specimens from the polluted sampling site had elevated quantities of iron in their tests, compared to individuals from the reference sampling site. Based on the findings of this investigation, the metal pollution emitted by the former steel mill is still impacting foraminiferal assemblages and individuals to this day. However, the complex interactions of anthropogenic toxins, benthic microorganisms and the environment are not fully unraveled yet and require further analysis.
It’s on the way up! Syn-exhumation paragenesis of glaucophane-phengite-quartz veins
Authors: Schneider David , Ducharme Taylor , Grasemann Bernhard , Bukala Michal , Camacho Alfredo , Larson Kyle , Soukis Konstantinos
Published: March 2024

Subvertical glaucophane + quartz ± phengite veins exposed in the footwall of a major extensional detachment on southern Evia (NW Cyclades, Greece) record mode-I brittle fracturing with variable principal stress orientations. The dense network of veins displays systematic cross-cutting relationships with a prominent youngest vein set spaced 5-10 cm apart transecting all other veins. Interlayered jadeite-rich metabasalt and quartzite host the veins and promote a pronounced rheological control on fracturing, with veins preferentially hosted in metabasalt layers and terminating abruptly as pressure solution seams or shear bands at contacts with the ductily deformed quartzite. Vein-hosted ferromagnesian minerals do not exhibit recrystallization or dissolution-reprecipitation microstructures. Jadeite in the metabasalt forms both i) 'fuzzy' euhedral crystals overgrown by hematite and ii) symplectitic intergrowths with quartz and albite. Vein-hosted glaucophane and phengite grew at fixed angles (normal and oblique) to vein walls. Phengite is compositionally homogeneous with elevated Si content (3.41–3.52 apfu). Glaucophane from all veins shows a homologous concentric compositional zoning with core chemistry intermediate between glaucophane and magnesioriebeckite, glaucophane-rich mantles, and rims of magnesioriebeckite or winchite. Phengite yields consistent single-grain total-fusion 40Ar/39Ar dates with a weighted mean of 22 ± 1 Ma (n: 22), whereas the low-K glaucophane produced equivocal and dispersed dates. Phengite (n: 44, 20) and glaucophane (n: 8, 42) in-situ 87Rb/87Sr isochrons from two samples yield mutually indistinguishable dates of 21 ± 5 Ma and 25 ± 4 Ma, within uncertainty of the 40Ar/39Ar dates. The uniform mineral chemistry, compositional zoning, and geochronology indicate that the veins formed over a short time without major shifts in ambient pressure-temperature conditions. Contrary to the apparent mineralogically-defined high pressure-low temperature paragenesis of the veins, dates obtained from pristine high-Si phengite support crystallization in the latest Oligocene to earliest Miocene, coincident with regional extension and widespread greenschist-facies retrogradation in the Aegean. Abundant hematite and the predominance of Fe3+-rich sodic amphibole and clinopyroxene species implicates a highly oxidizing fluid in the stabilization of these nominally ‘high-pressure’ minerals under conditions widely responsible for producing retrogradational greenschist-facies assemblages throughout the Cyclades.
Geological diversity of paleolakes in the NW Arabia Terra, Mars: implications for Tianwen-3 sample return mission
Authors: Zhao Jiannan , Wang Yixuan , Wang Yiran , Zhang Shiqi , Huang Ting , Xiao Long
Published: March 2024

Hundreds of paleolakes have been identified across Mars. Due to their unique morphological features and astrobiological significance, paleolakes have been selected as the landing sites of several Mars in-situ exploration missions. Tianwen-3 is China’s second Mars mission and plans to return more than 500 g Mars samples around the year 2030. Its primary scientific objective is to search for signs of life and evaluate the habitability of Mars. To achieve this goal, choosing a suitable landing site is fundamentally important. Considering the engineering constraints of the mission, we proposed that paleolakes in the northwest Arabia Terra, which has a prolonged history of aqueous activity, are ideal candidate landing sites. However, detailed identification and geological characterization of paleolakes in this area have not been conducted.In this study, we utilized multi-source remote sensing data to investigate the geomorphology, mineralogy, and age of paleolakes in northwest Arabia Terra. A total of 46 crater-hosted paleolakes are identified, with 38 of them being reported for the first time. Sedimentary landforms such as fan-shaped deposits and layered deposits in the lake basins were mapped, and new outcrops of aqueous minerals including carbonates and sulfates were discovered. Age determination results found that lacustrine activities extended from the Middle Noachian to Amazonian. Based on our results, we discussed the geological diversity of the paleolakes and proposed three high-value candidate landing sites for the Tianwen-3 mission. Our work will provide clues to the habitability and geological evolution of Mars, as well as support the implementation of Tianwen-3 mission.
Assessment of heat exposure under a high-end climate change scenario and projected population scenario around Africa’s Lake Victoria region.
Authors: Ramon Delphine , Heaviside Clare , Brousse Oscar , Simpson Charles , Amuron Irene , Jjemba Eddie , Van de Walle Jonas , Thiery Wim , van Lipzig Nicole P.M.
Published: March 2024

Recent global temperature increases and extreme heat events have raised concerns about their impact on health. The area surrounding Lake Victoria, accommodating over 45 million people and ranking among Africa's most densely populated regions, faces rapid population growth and urbanization, set to double its population by 2050 compared to 2022 for most countries in the region. Global-scale projections indicate a potential amplification in heat stress, reaching levels up to 200 times the current rates under high-end scenarios, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda facing the most pronounced impacts. Children born in this area in 2020 may face about 1.4 times more heatwaves than their counterparts elsewhere. The combination of population growth and intensifying heat renders the region around the Lake Victoria particularly susceptible to future heat stress.This research investigates the impacts of climate and population changes on heat exposure and heat stress in the region surrounding Lake Victoria. We analyze how dangerous heat stress by the end-of-the century could change under the ensemble mean climate change signal of the high-end SSP5-8.5 climate change scenario compared to the recent past. Furthermore, we evaluate to what extent and where the population could be affected by dangerous heat stress by these changes. Climate model simulations performed with the COSMO-CLM regional climate model at 0.025° are used, forced with ERA-5 data, applying a pseudo global warming approach for the end-of-century run. Dangerous heat stress is assessed based on categories of heat index and humidex heat stress metrics.Results indicate a substantial rise in dangerous heat stress across the region. By the 2080s, up to 122 million people (i.e. 44% of the projected population) may experience dangerous heat stress for over 5% of the year (i.e. ~18 days), in contrast to an estimated 1 million people (i.e. 1% of the population) in 2010. Moreover, around 28% of the population (i.e. ~78 million people) might face such dangerous heat for 15% of the time (i.e. ~55 days) by the 2080s. The inhabitants most exposed to dangerous heat stress are notably clustered along the northern shores of Lake Victoria and the southern region, including their urban areas. These findings emphasize the urgent need to address the escalating threat of dangerous heat stress in this region.
From frontier research to biodiversity conservation and restoration policies
Authors: Auvergne Noélie , Sielmann Jannik , Oppenheimer Julie , Gallego Torres David
Published: March 2024

The European Research Council (ERC) is the premier European funding organisation for excellent frontier research. Since 2007, it provides researchers with the autonomy to pursue ambitious research projects, fostering advances at the forefront of knowledge, without any expectations beyond excellent science. However, many ERC research projects do have an impact beyond science, address societal and policy-relevant questions, and provide knowledge to solve related challenges. With this poster, we will showcase how ERC grantees work at the interface of science and policy in the field of biodiversity. A recent report presents the contribution of curiosity-driven research funded by the ERC to EU policies that aim to protect and restore biodiversity and ecosystems. More than 230 research projects from a wide range of scientific disciplines - from the life sciences to physical sciences and social sciences and the humanities - were identified as producing knowledge on biodiversity and ecosystems relevant to policymaking. A subset contributed to shape the scientific evidence cited in policy documents, such as reports of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). We will present examples of research working on e.g., reconstructing the baselines of ecosystems and estimating the impact of human activities; land use planning and resource allocation in conservation biology; land-climate dynamics in the context of climate change; or on the social impact of greening cities.The Feedback to Policy team at the ERC Executive Agency (ERCEA) aims to identify, analyse, and communicate research results with policy relevance to European Commission services. This communication is presented by ERCEA scientific officers and policy advisers working on themes related to earth science, green transition, and sustainability.
A Geospatial Overview of Agricultural Long-Term Field Experiments across Europe
Authors: Donmez Cenk , Hoffmann Carsten , Svoboda Nikolai , D'Hose Tommy , Specka Xenia , Helming Katharina
Published: March 2024

Long-Term Field Experiments (LTEs) are agricultural infrastructures for studying the long-term effects of different management practices and soil and crop properties in changing climate conditions. These experiments are essential to examine the impact of management and environment on crop production and soil resources on different soil textures and types. Some of those LTEs have average times of 20-50 years, even more than 100 years. These infrastructures are thus scientific heritages with high values of agricultural data; however, LTE-related information was difficult to find since it was scattered. To close this gap, we developed a geospatial data infrastructure, including an LTE overview map to compile and analyze the meta-information of the LTEs across Europe. The map provides a spatial representation of LTEs and the meta-information, collected by extensive literature review and factsheets in collaboration with BonaRes and EJPSoil projects, clustered in different categories (management operations, land use, duration, status, etc.) (Grosse et al. 2021; Donmez et al., 2022; Blanchy et al., 2023; Donmez et al., 2023). A threshold filter with a minimum duration of 20 years was applied, which results in a total of 500 LTEs across Europe and included into the map. The clusters of LTEs were geospatially analyzed to provide inputs for the agricultural sector, scientists, farmers and policy-makers. The fertilization treatment was the major research theme of collected and studied LTEs, followed by crop rotation and tillage trials. Bringing the meta information of dispersed LTEs through the development of the LTE overview map is expected to help developing a mutual management framework of efficient agricultural production by revealing the LTE potential internationally. This will contribute to scaling up the agricultural practices from site to landscape level for increasing the climate change adaptation to agricultural yield and management.ReferencesDonmez C., Schmidt M., Cilek A., Grosse M., Paul C., Hierold W., Helming K., (2023): Climate Change Impacts on Long-Term Field Experiments in Germany. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2022.103578. Vol.205, 103578. Agricultural Systems.Blanchy G., D’Hose T., Donmez C., Hoffmann C., Makoschitz L., Murugan R., O’Sullivan L., Sanden T., Spiegel A., Svoboda N., Boltenstern S.Z., Klummp K., (2023): An open-source database of European long-term field experiments. https://doi.org/10.1111/sum.12978  Soil Use and ManagementDonmez C., Blanchy G., Svoboda N., D’Hose T., Hoffmann C., Hierold W., Klummp K., (2022): Provision of the metadata of European Agricultural Long-Term Experiments through BonaRes and EJP SOIL Collaboration. Data in Brief. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2022.108226.Grosse, M., Ahlborn, M.C., Hierold, W. (2021): Metadata of agricultural long-term experiments in Europe exclusive of Germany. Data in Brief 38, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2021.107322
Reconstructing Proterozoic Planforms and Channel Dynamics: New insights from the 1.2 Ga Stoer Group, NW Scotland
Authors: Whittaker Alex , Valenza Jeff , Ganti Vamsi , McLeod Jonah , Wild Amanda
Published: March 2024

A fundamental shift in fluvial architecture is often argued to coincide with the evolution of terrestrial plants in the Silurian period. This shift away from “sheet-braided” conditions has traditionally been attributed to the influence of vegetation on river geometry and planform, resulting in Earth’s first single-threaded rivers. However, recent paleohydraulic reconstructions of Proterozoic rivers suggest that rivers of this time commonly attained aspect ratios and slopes similar to modern meandering and anastomosing rivers. At the same time, a wider range of channel planforms is increasingly recognised for pre-Silurian strata, although these interpretations have resulted from varied methodologies. Thus, a consistent and multi-faceted approach, applied to a series of fluvial successions, is needed to develop a unified model of pre-vegetation fluvial morphodynamics. Here, we present field observations and paleohydraulic reconstructions of fluvial strata from the exceptionally well-preserved Mesoproterozoic (1.2-1 Ga) Stoer Group located in NW Scotland. These strata host a range of fluvial architectures, from low aspect-ratio channel bodies isolated within muddy floodplain sediments, to amalgamated channel facies forming apparent “sheet-braided” successions with high sand/mud ratios. Reconstructions and bar-dune orientations from the Clachtoll, Bay of Stoer, and Meall Dearg Formations of the Stoer Group reveal a range of channel morphologies, including meandering, wandering, and braided planforms. Furthermore, we show that mud, even in relatively low volumes, was capable of providing sufficient cohesion to foster single-threaded planforms. We propose that evolving channel kinematics post the greening of the continents was as important as changing planform for determining the fluvial architectures we see preserved in the rock record.
Drought and eCO2 Effects on Oak Seedlings Growth, Soil Fertility, and Greenhouse Gases Fluxes
Authors: Almutairi Rehab
Published: March 2024

Title: Drought and eCO2 Effects on Oak Seedlings Growth, Soil Fertility, and Greenhouse Gases Fluxes Authors: Rehab Al Mutairi, Nicholas Kettridge and Sami Ullah Objective/Purpose:This study explores the impact of water stress legacy and elevated CO2 on oak seedlings' growth, stomatal conductance, soil nutrient availability, and greenhouse gas (GHGs) fluxes. The research aims to unravel the intricate interplay of these factors under controlled glasshouse conditions. Methods/Approach:The experiment, conducted from mid-May to August 2023 at the University of Birmingham campus, involved oak seedlings grown under ambient CO2 and elevated CO2 chambers, subjected to two soil volumetric moisture levels (10% for drought, 30% for non-drought). Various parameters, including oak growth, stomatal conductance, soil nutrient availability, and GHGs flux, were measured and recorded throughout the three-month period. Additional analyses, including biomass, soil extracellular enzyme activities, microbial biomass of N and C, and net N mineralization, were conducted at the experiment's conclusion. Key Findings/Results:The study revealed compelling insights into the response of oak seedlings to drought stress and elevated CO2 conditions. Under drought scenarios, both under ambient and elevated CO2  environments, oak biomass and growth were notably diminished. Particularly, the roots exhibited a substantial increase in biomass, suggesting a coping strategy in search of water and nutrient resources of the seedlings. Stomatal conductance exhibited a decline under elevated carbon dioxide (eCO2), indicating a water-saving mechanism employed by plants. Additionally, extracellular enzyme activities were impacted by environmental conditions: a reduction was observed under drought stress. This reduction in enzyme functions aligns with a concurrent decrease in nutrient availability, highlighting a correlation between nutrient levels and enzyme activity reduction during drought conditions. Conclusion/Implications:The findings underscore the vulnerability of oak seedlings to drought stress, highlighting the importance of soil moisture management for their optimal growth. Additionally, the differential response between ambient and elevated CO2  levels emphasizes the need for nuanced considerations in future climate change scenarios. These insights contribute to our understanding of ecosystem responses to concurrent drought and elevated CO2 conditions. Keywords:Oak seedlings, Drought stress, Elevated CO2, Soil fertility, Greenhouse gas fluxes, Stomatal conductance, Biomass, Microbial biomass, Net N mineralization.     
Assessing the Effects of Wildfires Aerosols on Clouds using Satellite Observations
Authors: Devigne Elise
Published: March 2024

Aerosol-Cloud-Interactions (ACIs) still represent a major source of uncertainty on climate predictions.Satellites have greatly contributed to better understanding these effects due to their global andcontinuous observations of the atmosphere. Consequently, numeroussatellite-based estimates of theACI radiative forcing (or Twomey effect) as well as rapid adjustments have been obtained over the lastdecades, not always in agreement with each other. Natural experiments, which correspond to specificor controlled pollution events have been particularly helpful to assess these effects from satellite.However, satellite retrievals are not always adapted to quantify aerosol-cloud interactions. Haywood(2003) hasinvestigated instrumental biases due to aerosol being above cloud layers(AAC), in particularthe impact of desert dust and biomass burning aerosol (BBA), both absorbing aerosols, on cloudeffective radius(CER or 𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑓) and cloud optical thickness(COT or 𝜏). He found that when a thick aerosollayer is situated above clouds (AAC) a passive remote sensor like MODIS will underestimate 𝜏 and,depending on the channel’s wavelength, overestimate, or underestimate 𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑓. Such effects can bemistakenly attributed to ACI and must efficiently be reduced or corrected.This study focuses on the Australian wildfires from 2019/2020 to observe and try to understand howphysical effects and instrumental effects are entangled when studying ACI. Aerosol and cloudproperties are obtained from several sets of data from several instruments: MODIS, TROPOMI, AMSR2, as well as ERA5 reanalysis. We only keep non-precipitant liquid clouds and we separated AAC casesfrom non-AAC ones. We chose several areas in south hemisphere (Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans)for studying the evolution of ACIs with aerosols plume transport and decoupling each effect.We obtained encouraging results, where instrumental biases have been observed under AACconditions; overestimation of 𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑓 and underestimation of 𝜏 were found over Pacific during DJF2019/2020 and over Atlantic Ocean for the same period. But, imposing a strong cloud fraction, weobserved that biases were disappearing, which lets us think that MODIS might also misjudge aerosolsas clouds. However,satellite observations are limited, and we need for Radiative Transfer calculations.Indeed, we will combine simulations (using RTTOV) with observations to better characterise andcorrect the instrumental bias and then focus on physical aerosols impacts.
Fostering forest and landscape restoration under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
Authors: Besacier Christophe , Gallo Granizo Carolina , Romero Montoya Andrea
Published: March 2024

The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) was declared by the UN General Assembly driven by the global need to support and scale up efforts to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems worldwide. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), as leaders of the Decade, are working together with other relevant stakeholders to achieve the Decade’s mission. To do so, focus is given to the development of capacities to empower professionals and institutions involved in the field of restoration to design, implement, monitor and sustain effective restoration initiatives. In the framework of the Best Practices Task Force (TF) of the Decade, partners have jointly developed a Capacity, Knowledge and Learning Action Plan, based on the findings of a global capacity needs assessment, a stocktake of knowledge products and capacity-development activities, and multiple targeted consultations. The plan identifies the gaps where knowledge products or capacity-development initiatives are required across different stakeholder groups, and provides terms of reference for capacity and knowledge development initiatives tailored for those different stakeholder groups. The TF has published the Standards of Practice to guide ecosystem restoration, providing key recommendations in an effort to facilitate the application of the principles for ecosystem restoration. In addition, the TF has created the Framework for the Dissemination of Good Restoration Practices to help practitioners share and consult information about restoration. This framework is in turn part of the UN Decade’s Framework for Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring (FERM), and allows for the collection and documentation of good practices. It also features a common search engine to connect and facilitate retrieving best practices from different relevant platforms, besides the FERM. These resources provide any restoration actor with an essential base for an effective planning, implementation and monitoring of global and local restoration efforts.
Application of Entropy theory to estimate the sediment transport
Authors: Bahmanpouri Farhad , Barbetta Silvia , Massari Christian , De Santis Domenico , Sharma Ashutosh , Agarwal Ankit , Sen Sumit
Published: March 2024

Abstract: Sediment transport is a natural process where sediment particles can be deposited downstream and exacerbate flooding. The movement of sediments can be observed in flows through rivers, canals, and coastal areas which include suspended load transport and bed-load transport. Bed-load transport occurs in the area close to the riverbed, which is of particular importance in shaping the riverbed. The present research aims to investigate the sediment transport process by applying the Entropy concept as a theoretical approach to the activities of the project ‘Probabilistic floods and sediment transport forecasting in the Himalayas during extreme events’, funded in the context of the Italy-India joint science and technology cooperation program.Specifically, based on collected field data through the Alaknanda River at Srinagar in India by current meter, first, the Entropy theory was applied to obtain the cross-sectional distribution of the velocity (based on recent developments of Entropy theory in Bahmanpouri et al., 2022a, b). The calculated mean velocity and discharge were compared with the observed data collected by the Central Water Commission (CWC). Next, shear velocity was calculated for different cross-sections based on different flow conditions. Further, shear stress was calculated based on two terms induced by skin friction and bedforms, respectively. Finally, the shield parameter was obtained based on shear velocity distribution to find out if sediment particles have the potential to be transported or not. Overall, the findings of the current research highlighted the potential of the theoretical method of Entropy to calculate sediment transport in developing countries. Bahmanpouri, F., Barbetta, S., Gualtieri, C., Ianniruberto, M., Filizola, N., Termini, D., & Moramarco, T. (2022a). Prediction of river discharges at confluences based on entropy theory and surface-velocity measurements. Journal of Hydrology, 606, 127404.Bahmanpouri, F., Eltner, A., Barbetta, S., Bertalan, L., & Moramarco, T. (2022b). Estimating the Average River Cross‐Section Velocity by Observing Only One Surface Velocity Value and Calibrating the Entropic Parameter. Water Resources Research, 58(10), e2021WR031821.
Isolating and comparing the cooling effects of trees and short vegetation in large cities across the globe
Authors: Cheng Xueyan , Dong Jianquan , Liu Yanxu , Peng Jian , Orth Rene
Published: March 2024

Increasing vegetation cover is regarded as a nature-based solution to mitigate urban heat. Satellite-derived land surface temperature (LST) data at high spatial resolution can indicate comparatively warm and cold places within cities. This offers the opportunity to analyze the cooling effect of vegetation cover, and to separate it from other drivers. Further, it is possible to compare the cooling effects of different urban vegetation such as meadows and trees. Here, we use daily high-resolution LST data jointly with land cover information from >100 cities worldwide during their warmest three months in 2013. We train random forest models to predict LST patterns from land cover information for each day and city. As a first result we find that random forest models generally outperform linear regression models in predicting LST, and are therefore better suited to study the relative roles of individual drivers. Then, we estimate the influence of tree cover and short vegetation cover on LST by calculating SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values. We find that trees contribute to decreasing urban LST in most cities and days while only half samples indicate decrease of LST caused by short vegetation. Thereby trees have a much larger cooling effect than short vegetation. This is probably related to sustained transpiration during warm and dry conditions thanks to deep rooting systems, which is typically not the case for short vegetation. Also for trees, the cooling effect varies across climate regimes, with the largest effects in cities with temperate climate.  Moreover, we find that the cooling effect of trees is particularly large during the hottest days while it is limited by high relative humidity. This probably reflects the impacts of radiation and vapor pressure deficit on tree transpiration. Overall, our analysis demonstrates how remote sensing data and machine learning methods can inform urban vegetation cooling to deal with more frequent hot extremes.
Reducing spurious numerical mixing in simulations under strong tidal forcing : a case study
Authors: Garinet Adrien , Marsaleix Patrick , Herrmann Marine
Published: March 2024

Tides, and more specifically the internal gravity wave field generated by the tidal current flowing over bathymetric features, play a significant role in the energy cascade and in setting the global state of the ocean by intensifying mixing. Accounting for these dynamics in numerical models is important for accurately depicting energy transfer across scales, and an increasing number of models use explicit tidal forcing. Yet, in fixed coordinates models, the strong vertical motions generated by internal waves trigger the tendency of advection to produce numerical errors, leading on the vertical to spurious numerical mixing that can easily be as high as the physical one. This can severely bias model output and impact the overall simulated dynamics by spuriously mixing water masses and modifying the stratification, which in turn impacts the propagation of internal waves. We propose a fresh way to look at advection schemes, along with a method to make their diffusivity more selective, and eventually protect the relevant vertical scales from being spuriously eroded. A case study on the South East Asian Seas using the Symphonie model is presented, since these seas are known for being the generation site of exceptionally strong internal tides.
Examining the Coronal Source and Inner Heliospheric Evolution of a Stream Sampled by Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter
Authors: Rivera Yeimy , Badman Samuel , Ervin Tamar , Landi Enrico , Raymond John , Reeves Katharine , Roy Soumya , Stevens Michael , Varesano Tania
Published: March 2024

With the growing number of solar probes across the inner heliosphere, our community, now more than ever, is well placed to continuously track the formation and supersonic expansion of the solar wind from the Sun. To capture the conditions of solar wind release connected to heliospheric structures, it is fundamental to link near-synchronous measurements of its state in the corona to the associated stream’s interplanetary propagation. This goal can be achieved through well-aligned spacecraft conjunctions, measuring local plasma conditions, with integrated remote sensing observations of the stream’s coronal birthplace. As such, this work traces a solar wind stream from its source to interplanetary space through combined remote (Solar Orbiter/FSI and SPICE, SDO/AIA, Hinode/EIS) and in situ (Parker Solar Probe, Solar Orbiter) observations of the same solar wind stream at two heliospheric distances. Using remote coverage of the source region’s thermal and elemental composition properties, the solar wind is connected throughout the heliosphere by its heavy ion composition to relate energetics of the wind at different stages of its heliospheric evolution to its source region conditions. 
Raising awareness to geo-hydrological hazard risks in African countries: A guide booklet for stakeholders, policy markers and the public at large
Authors: Dewitte Olivier , Akame Joseph Martial , Bandiougou Diawara , Adiyaman Lopes Özlem , Dille Antoine , Kervyn François , Smets Benoît , Michellier Caroline , François Camille
Published: March 2024

Many regions of Africa are exposed to a large variety of geo-hydrological hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, floods, karst collapses and large urban gullies. Despite the soaring impacts on population, infrastructure and the environment associated with the occurrence of these hazard risks, most regions are under-studied. In addition to this lack of information, stakeholders, policy makers and the public at large remain relatively poorly aware of the hazard and risk problems, whether it is about their causes, their impact, and/or their mitigation. This overall lack of knowledge and awareness is associated with an aggravation of the impacts as the growing and vulnerable population of these regions, in search for new settlements and opportunities, is often moving towards areas that are more prone to natural hazards. This is in this context that UNESCO supports the preparation and dissemination of a guide booklet on geo-hydrological hazards for stakeholders, policy makers and the general public. The booklet targets ten African countries (Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, São Tomé and Príncipe) that are covered by the UNESCO regional office of Yaoundé. The aim of this work is to raise collective awareness of the need to prevent natural hazard risks at local, regional and national levels in order to ensure the protection of populations and promote the sustainable development of territories. In this way, UNESCO aims to guide and advise the ten African countries by providing them with useful and practical information.
Climate storylines using the spectral nudged simulations with IFS-FESOM
Authors: John Amal , Beyer Sebastian , Athanase Marylou , Sánchez Benítez Antonio , Goessling Helge , Jung Thomas
Published: March 2024

We are presenting our efforts to incorporate spectral nudging capabilities into the development and assessment of model-driven storyline scenarios using a km-scale coupled climate model. Working within the framework of the EU’s Destination Earth project, we are working towards this objective by employing the ocean sea-ice model FESOM coupled with the atmospheric model IFS.We showcase our preliminary results from the nudged runs of IFS-FESOM for the present day which will eventually lead the way into the storyline scenarios where the same winds would be imposed in different climates. We also show a glimpse of how the nudged simulations for the present-day climate serve to assess model quality against observations based on relatively short simulations, incorporating field campaign data like MOSAiC. In the future, these capabilities could be used to produce “storylines” that help to address the question of how recent extreme events would unfold in preindustrial, +1.5K, +2K, +3K and +4K climates.Ultimately, our novel storyline scenarios have the potential to illustrate the impact of climate change on extreme events in a way that is more tangible and relatable and nicely complements the probabilistic approach. Since they are based on recent extreme events and explore probable variations in diverse plausible climates, these storylines establish a more profound connection to users' experiences. When these scenarios are presented to users it can foster discussions on future activities and necessary adaptation measures.
Water resilience to policy implementation and engineered measures in the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Yu Lu , Song Shuang , Wu Xutong , Wang Shuai , Fu Bojie
Published: March 2024

River basins couple the natural ecosystem with the socio-economic system. Regime shifts due to climate change and social-economic factors highlight the importance of quantifying and strengthening the water resilience in the river basin. Water resilience in river basin systems requires more specific quantification. The Yellow River Basin (YRB) was well-known for its historically severe water supply pressure in recent decades, profoundly adjusted by the social-economic system. A system dynamic model named the Water-Sediment-Social Economic-Ecological Model (WSSEEM) was proposed around the interactions and feedback among water supply, sediment discharge, vegetation changes, food production and social-economic development in the YRB. Using WSSEEM, we simulate water supply and demand resilience to changes and distributions, including policy implementation and engineered measures during the historical time (1981-2020) and future scenarios. Our result indicates that technology enhancement and engineered measures are instructive in water management and sediment discharge. The WSSEEM offers a comprehensive approach to representing the river basin system, providing valuable insights into using model simulation to achieve sustainable goals and resilient water management.
Performance Analysis of the ATLID Lidar: A Multi-Parameter Statistical Approach Using L1 Data
Authors: Feofilov Artem , Chepfer Hélène , Noël Vincent
Published: March 2024

Recognizing the need for a comprehensive lidar system performance analysis, we present a method for day-to-day assessment of the ATLID/EarthCARE lidar system. Unlike traditional calibration/validation methods involving in situ measurements or comparisons with ground-based, air- and space-borne instruments, our approach dispenses with the need for a second instrument. Instead, we focus on stability control checks using the atmosphere and surface as a 'reference,' assuming their properties remain constant during the lidar mission's lifetime.Leveraging L1 data flow, our method evaluates critical performance aspects, including the stability of ATLID channels, accuracy of cross-talk coefficients, and the consistency of day- and nighttime noise. Employing a clustering algorithm on scattering ratio histograms, we monitor radiation detection stability globally across diverse atmospheric scenarios.Defining 11 parameters related to surface reflection, stratospheric noise, and scattering ratio histograms, we showcase the feasibility of our approach using CALIOP L1 data. We also present results from our analysis of simulated ATLID data, demonstrating the sensitivity of the proposed quality control indicators to various experimental issues.
GGOS: Ensuring a Coherent Earth Observation System
Authors: Sanchez Laura , Pearlman Michael , Angermann Detlef , Sehnal Martin , Gruber Thomas , Soja Benedikt , Riddell Anna , Elger Kirsten , Gross Richard , Heki Kosuke , Ferrandiz Jose M. , Schmidt Michael , Melbourne Timothy , Craddock Allison , Miyahara Basara
Published: March 2024

The Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) is the response of the international geodetic community, organised under the umbrella of the International Association of Geodesy (IAG), to the need to monitor changes in the Earth system continuously. GGOS is Geodesy’s contribution to the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) by providing the reference frames needed for all position-dependent observations, thus the foundation for most Earth observations, and measuring changes in the Earth's shape, size, gravity field and rotation over time and space. GGOS is built on the Scientific Services of the IAG (IGS, IVS, ILRS, IDS, IERS, IGFS, ISG, PSMSL, IGETS, IDEMS, ICGEM, BGI) and the products they derive on an operational basis for Earth monitoring using space- and ground-based geodetic techniques. A key objective of GGOS is to realise an integrating framework that moves from the provision of technique-specific products to a level of combined, integrated products as the basis for a consistent modelling and interpretation of Earth system processes and interactions. This is necessary to ensure a coherent Earth monitoring system that contributes significantly to a better understanding of global change and its impacts on the environment and society. This is being achieved through strong international and multidisciplinary cooperation, focusing on (1) bringing together different geodetic observing techniques, services and analysis methods to guarantee that the same standards, conventions, models and parameters are used in all data analysis and modelling of Earth system processes; (2) combining geometric, gravimetric, and Earth rotation observations in data analysis and data assimilation to jointly estimate and model all necessary parameters representing the different elements of the Earth system; (3) identifying science and societal needs that can be addressed by (new) geodetic products and define the requirements for accuracy, time resolution, and consistency of these products; (4) identifying service gaps and developing strategies to fill them; and (5) promoting and enhancing the visibility of Geodesy by improving the accessibility of geodetic observations, information and products to the widest range of users and their attribution. This contribution summarises recent achievements, ongoing activities, and main challenges for the near future.