bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active landslides deformations mapping and monitoring in rural areas using satellite radar interferometry
Authors: Necula Nicușor , Niculita Mihai
Published: March 2021

Landslide hazards pose as one of the greatest risks in today’s context of climate change and settlement expansion. The later process occurs both in the urban and rural areas and significantly changes the terrain morphology and contributes as a conditioning factor for the triggering of new landslide events or reactivation of old dormant ones. Usually, the urban areas are of a greater interest to assess the activity of landslides and their associated risks. On the other hand, the remote areas such as the rural settlements are not as much investigated and monitored, mostly because the in-situ investigations requires additional costs for the deployment of various instruments.

In the last decades, the development of Advanced Differential SAR Interferometry techniques permits to identify and monitor these geomorphological processes from space. They rely on the microwave’s signal properties to quantify with millimeter accuracy possible deformations in time. The advances of satellite’s acquisition capabilities and the increase of computational power allow the mapping of active landslides over wide areas and even detection of failure precursors.

In our case, we used the DInSAR techniques to identify the active landslides over a large area in the Moldavian Plateau that affects the human settlements. Even though for the urban areas was much easier to detect the landslide induced deformations, in the case of the rural communities this task was much more challenging. We used the COMET-LiCS Sentinel-1 InSAR data (LiCSAR) and the LiCSBAS software for processing the data for the Moldavian Plateau, Northeastern Romania. Based on the results post-processing we classified the landslides activity based on their velocity and we created an active landslide inventory of the area.
Raspberry Shakes provide initial ground motion assessment of the geothermally induced seismicity at United Downs in Cornwall, UK
Authors: Holmgren Joanna , Werner Maximilian
Published: March 2021

The United Downs enhanced geothermal system in Cornwall, UK, has induced several microseismic events since flow testing began in August 2020, targeting a granitic intrusion at 5 km depth. As of January 2021, two events exceeding local magnitudes (ML) 1.5 have occurred, highlighting the associated seismic hazard and providing initial data for a preliminary assessment of the region’s ground motion response. However, with only one national seismic station publicly available within 90 km of the site, public data are scarce. In an effort to involve the surrounding communities in the geothermal project, United Downs provided Raspberry Shake 1D or 4D (one vertical geophone, with 4D containing an additional three accelerometers) seismographs to nearby schools, increasing the number of publicly available seismic stations to ten within 15 km of the site. In this study, we assess the ground motions recorded by the Raspberry Shake stations and evaluate their utility for probing ground motions models (GMMs) and the effects of the local geology.

171 earthquakes between ML -1.3 to 1.7 originating at United Downs have been recorded to date, with 37 events above ML 0.0. Unfortunately, the accelerometer components of the Raspberry Shake instruments contained too high background noise levels to be useable, leaving only the vertical geophone component to be analysed for each of the instruments. We find that while the peak ground velocity (PGV) values are in line with those predicted from the Douglas et al. (2013) geothermal GMM, the area experiences higher peak ground acceleration (PGA) than expected. We also find that the observed PGVs and PGAs match the region’s geological features, consisting of a combination of igneous intrusions and sedimentary sandstones and mudstones. For sparse national seismic networks, Raspberry Shake stations can provide a quick initial evaluation of seismic events and their ground motions before industry releases private data for more detailed analyses.
Multi-scale remote sensing observations of a palsa in degradation phase
Authors: Reese Heather , Olvmo Mats , Thorsson Sofia , Holmer Björn
Published: March 2021

The Vissátvuopmi palsa complex (N 68°74′50′′, E 21°11′30”) is the largest coherent palsa complex in Sweden (ca 274 ha). Aerial photo-interpretation over an area covered by plateau palsas showed a 30% decline in lateral area -- from ca 70 to 49 ha -- that occurred between 1955 to 2016 (Olvmo et al., 2020). Within Vissátvuopmi, we have more closely studied two single palsas, one dome-shaped and one ridge-shaped, for changes in extent, height and vegetation composition. Manual interpretation of aerial photography between 1955 and 2016 show lateral degradation of 35% and 54% for the dome and ridge palsas, respectively. Since 2018 we have monitored the palsas using images from drones as well as analysis of Planet Dove and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery. Photogrammetry is used to produce orthophotos as well as digital surface models (DSMs) from the drone images, and compared to earlier LiDAR and aerial photo DSMs, to study lateral and vertical degradation.

The drone-generated DSMs from 2018, 2019 and 2020 show further lateral degradation of the two large palsas. In 2020 a rapid change in vegetation composition was seen on the dome-shaped palsa, where a 250 m2 area of Betula nana and Empetrum hermaphroditum transitioned to lichen. This vegetation change could be seen in spectral data from both drone and satellite platforms. The future development of this palsa, monitored annually using both fine and medium spatial resolution data, will give insight into the timing and signs of the individual palsas in stages of degradation.
Evaluation and interpretation of modeling bias for biomass burning aerosols in AeroCom models
Authors: Zhong Qirui , Schutgens Nick , van der Werf Guido
Published: March 2021

Biomass burning (BB) injects aerosols into the atmosphere and can thereby affect the earth climate and human health. Yet the modeling of BB aerosols exhibits significant bias. Here we present a comprehensive evaluation of AeroCom model simulations with satellite observations to understand such uncertainties. A total of 59 model runs using 17 models from three AeroCcom Phase III experiments (i.e., Biomass Burning emissions, CTRL2016, and CTRL2019 experiment) and 14 satellite products are involved. AOD (aerosol optical depth) at 550 nm wavelength during the fire season over three typical fire regions (Amazon, South Hemisphere Africa, and Boreal North America, or AMAZ, SHAF, and BONA) is the focus of our study, although we also consider AE and SSA from POLDER.

The 14 satellite products are shown to have quite substantial differences from AERONET observation. But we show that such differences have little impact on the model evaluation which is mainly affected by modeling bias. Through the comparison with POLDER observation, we found the modeled AOD are biased by -93% ~ 174% with most models showing significant underestimations even for the most recent modeling experiment (i.e., CTRL19). SHAF is among the three regions with the strongest underestimation in general. By scaling up the input emissions, such negative bias would be significantly reduced, which, however, has little impact on the day-to-day correlation between models and observations.

On top of the satellite-based model evaluation, we interpret the model diversity from the aspect of aerosol emissions, lifetime, and MEC (mass extinction coefficient), which are further linked with specific parameters in models. These three parameters cause similar levels of AOD diversity, which is quite different from the modeled aerosols during non-fire season when the contribution of lifetime is predominant. During the fire season, diversity caused by lifetime is strongly affected by local deposition; as a matter of fact, models tend to do quite poorly in simulating precipitation strength. Modeled MECs show significant correlations with aerosol wet-growth (which is known to be challenging to models) and AE (Angstrom Exponent) for some involved models. Comparisons with POLDER observed AE suggests some models tend to underestimate AE and thus MEC, which might be responsible for the overall AOD underestimation in certain models. Additionally, we show that model AOD biases correlate with satellite observed formaldehyde columns, suggesting SOA formation may be insufficiently captured by models.
Slow subduction initiation drives fast mantle upwelling and lithosphere formation 
Authors: Soret Mathieu , Bonnet Guillaume , Agard Philippe , Larson Kyle , Cottle John , Dubacq Benoit , Kylander-Clark Alexander , Button Mark , Rividi Nicolas
Published: March 2021

Subduction zones are crucial features of Earth’s plate tectonics, yet subduction initiation remains enigmatic and controversial. Herein, we reappraise the timing of formation of the first fragments detached from the leading edge of the downgoing slab during subduction initiation (i.e., the Semail metamorphic sole; Oman–United Arab Emirates). Based on geochronology and phase equilibrium modeling, we demonstrate that subduction initiated prior to 105 Ma and at a slow pace (< cm/yr). Subduction stagnated at relatively warm conditions (15–20°C/km) for at least 10 Myr before evolving into a faster (≥ 2–5 cm/yr) and colder (~7°C/km) self-sustained regime.  Subduction unlocking at 95-96 Ma, through the progressive change of the interplate thermo-mechanical structure, triggered the onset of slab retreat, large-scale corner flow and fast ocean spreading in the overriding plate. These results reconcile conflicting analogue and numerical subduction initiation models and reveal the thermal, mechanical and kinematic complexity of early subduction steps.
Assessing soil salinity using remote sensing in Campo de Cartagena
Authors: Pedrero Salcedo Francisco , Alarcón Cabañero Juan José , Pérez Cutillas Pedro
Published: March 2021

A pioneering study in Murcia within the framework of the ASSIST (Use of Advanced information technologies for Site-Specific management of Irrigation and SaliniTy with degraded water) research project, seeks to lay the foundations for a new integrated system for the assessment of salinity through combined use of traditional techniques (soil and plant sampling) and new technologies (multispectral aerial videography or satellite observation; and image analysis) to help quantify and map soil salinization / degradation and the effects of soil-plant interactions (salinity-toxicity) on the growth and yield of irrigated crops. In this sense, the initial objective was to evaluate the salinity of the soil and the development of lettuces irrigated with unconventional water resources through thermal and multispectral images. Different soil and plant salinity indices were studied, observing that the temperature (on plant) and salinity index (SI) (on soil), had a moderate correlation with the soil salinity. Although the results obtained have been encouraging, more research is needed to develop specific equations capable to predic soil salinity from the values of these indices taken remotely. In this context, a review of the spectral salinity indices has been prepared to be applied at a regional scale. As an experimental area, El Campo de Cartagena located in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula has been chosen, since there is intensive irrigated agriculture in a semi-arid environment. Due to this, farmers resort to using non-conventional and saline water sources, consequently the use of saline irrigation water is causing salinization of the soils and damage to the crops. Values from existing salinity records combined with soil salinity data obtained in various plots, provided information that was correlated with time series of Landsat images (1984-2020). Regression models were also applied in which environmental variables provided an improvement in the estimation of soil salinity. The results allowed us to determine the main salinity concentration areas, as well as inputs to establish criteria for improvement in the management of irrigation systems.
Turbulent Plasma Jet Fronts and Related Ion Acceleration
Authors: Richard Louis , Khotyaintsev Yuri , Graham Daniel , Le Contel Olivier , Cohen Ian , Turner Drew , Giles Barbara , Lindqvist Per-Arne , Russell Christopher
Published: March 2021

We investigate an earthward bursty bulk flow (BBF) observed by the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft in the Earth’s magnetotail (XGSM ~ -23.88 RE, YGSM ~ 6.72 RE, ZGSM ~ 4.06 RE). At  the leading edge of the BBF we observe a complex magnetic field structure. In particular, within this region we identify multiple dipolarization fronts (DFs) and large amplitude oscillations of the magnetic field BX, which correspond to a long wavelength current sheet flapping motion. Within the DFs, we observe increased fluxes of energetic ions and electrons. We investigate the trapping of the ions between two consecutive DFs. We discuss the ion acceleration mechanism and the adiabaticity of the ion energisation process.
Analysis of long-term spring data in Austria – trends and changes
Authors: Hausleber Matthias , Obwegs Maria , Collenteur Raoul , Vremec Matevz , Wagner Thomas , Eybl Jutta , Winkler Gerfried
Published: March 2021

Recent groundwater data analyses show an increase of groundwater temperature related to climate warming. This trend is suspected to occur at springs as well, in particular springs draining shallow aquifer systems being affected by air temperature. Contrary, deeper circulating systems such as large karst aquifers and the related springs may not show this water temperature increase. In this study, we investigate long term spring data from all over Austria. This is done through trend analyses of long-term time series of discharge, water temperature, and electrical conductivity from 97 springs in Austria The data are provided by the Hydrographic Service of Austria  and the observation period ranges from several years up to more than 30 years. The springs drain a wide range of aquifer types, from karst areas to periglacial sediments. Importantly, the springs mainly drain mountainous regions that are less anthropogenically influenced than most of the groundwater wells in the intermontane valleys and basins.

Preliminary results show significant trends of increasing water temperatures in some springs, potentially related to climate warming and through changes in precipitation (e.g., occurring as snowfall or rainfall). However, such a trend cannot be observed for all springs and it is suggested that certain aquifer types are more prone to climate warming, others are better protected / shielded due to their extend and flow characteristics. Trend analysis is performed not only for water temperature, but also for electrical conductivity and spring discharge. There, trends are less obvious or not as consistent. Therefore, a direct impact from climate change needs to be treated cautiously, reflecting aquifer characteristics. However, a better understanding is essential to further predict future development and help in water management planning. Future work will focus on identifying changes in system characteristics over the observation period, by computing autocorrelations and master recession curves over different time periods.
Tree-ring reconstruction of snow avalanches in Şureanu Mountains (Southern Carpathians, Romania)
Authors: Todea Corina , Pop Olimpiu
Published: March 2021

Snow avalanches (SAs) are a widespread natural hazard in the Carpathians, damaging forests and threatening properties, tourism infrastructures and people. In Şureanu Mountains (Southern Carpathians), SA activity is not documented in the historical archives and consequently information regarding the SA frequency and their spatial extent is lacking. Along the forested avalanche paths, disturbed trees record selectively in their annual rings evidence of past events. Tree rings represent therefore a natural archive which can provide valuable information about the past SA activity. The aim of the present study is to reconstruct the occurrence and spatial extent of past SA activity with tree rings in Şureanu Mts. For this purpose, two avalanche paths adjacent to a ski area located in the central part of Şureanu Mts., have been investigated. Samples (cores and discs) collected from 121 and 141 Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) trees damaged by SAs along both paths have been analyzed. Tree-growth anomalies (e.g. scars, callus tissues, onset sequences of tangential rows of traumatic resin ducts, compression wood and growth suppression sequences) associated with the mechanical impact produced by SAs on trees were identified and used to reconstruct the SA history. Within the investigated paths, the reconstructed SA chronology spans the period of the last century. The minimum SA frequency and maximum extent reconstructed served to define the return periods within the two paths investigated. Tree-ring derived records provided the most consistent SA chronology in the study area, and can further be integrated in the avalanche hazard zoning assessment.
Multiphase oblique extension on the North West Shelf of Australia
Authors: Elders Chris , Moron Sara
Published: March 2021

The North West Shelf of Australia has experienced numerous rift events during its prolonged evolution that most likely started in the Lower Palaeozoic and continued through to the formation of the present day passive margin in the Lower Cretaceous.  Carboniferous and Permian is associated with rifting of the Lhasa terrane, a phase extension in the Lower and Middle Jurassic associated with the separation of the Argo terrane Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous extension culminated in the separation of Greater India and Australia.  Investigations based on interpretation of extensive, public domain seismic data, combined with numerical mechanical modelling, demonstrate that crustal structure, rheology and structural fabrics inherited from older events exert a significant control on the architecture of younger rifts.

Defining the older, more deeply buried rift episodes is challenging, but with seismic data that now images deeper structures more effectively, it is clear that NE-SW oriented Carboniferous to Permian aged rift structures control the overall geometry of the margin.  Variations in the timing, distribution and intensity of that rift may account for some of the complexity that governs the Triassic – a failed arm of the rift system might account for the accumulation of thick sequences of fluvio-delatic sediments in an apparent post-rift setting, while active deformation and igneous activity continued elsewhere on the margin.

A renewed phase of extension began in the latest Triassic in the western part of the Northern Carnarvon Basin, but became progressively younger to the NE.  High-resolution mechanical numerical experiments show that the dual mode of extension that characterises the Northern Carnarvon Basin, where both distributed and localised deformation occurs at the same time, is best explained by necking and boudinage of strong lower crust, inherited form the Permian rift event, proximal to the continental margin, and a subdued extensional strain rate across the distal extended margin.  A very clear and consistent pattern of ENE oriented extension, which interacts obliquely with the older NE-SW oriented Permian aged structures, is apparent across the whole of the Northern Carnarvon Basin and extends north east into the Roebuck and Browse Basins.  This is at odds with the NW-SE oriented extension predicted by the separation of the Argo terrane which occurs at this time.  This may be explained by the detached style of deformation that characterises the Mesozoic interval.  Alternatively, the separation of Greater India may have exerted a stronger influence on the evolution of the margin during the Jurassic than hitherto recognised.
Improving the estimates of nitrate concentrations at subsurface drained agricultural catchment scale using a new conceptual water quality model
Authors: Tournebize Julien , Chelil Samy , Henine Hocine , Chaumont Cedric
Published: March 2021

The agricultural source pollution, such as nutrient and pesticides, affect the quality of surface water and groundwater. The agricultural nonpoint source pollution due to the excessive land fertilization is considered by researchers and governments as a concerning and sensitive issue. At the scale of agricultural catchments, the modeling of nitrate-leaching losses has been widely addressed in several studies. However, most of developed models require a large number of input data and parameters. Some of them include a complex process of biogeochemical nitrogen process or a full agronomic module and could be computationally time-consuming. Moreover, the quality of the input data makes the model calibration less efficient.

The objective of this study is to present a new conceptual and reservoir model (SIDRA-N), developed to better access the time-variation of nitrate concentrations [NO3-] at the outlet of subsurface drainage network. The model represent a simplified scheme of subsurface flow and nitrate transfer processes in the soil profile, between the drain and the mid-drain. The soil profile is decomposed into three interconnected compartments: the first compartment represents the rapid transfer of water and nitrate through the soil macroporosity; the two other compartments describe the progressive contribution of the horizontal transfer.

The input data to the nitrate module consists on the Remaining pools of Nitrate at the Beginning of Winter season (RNBW), introduced before the winter of each hydrological year. This value should represent all biogeochemical transformations of nitrogen and agricultural practices from previous crop. This variable can explain until 80% of the total nitrate flux exported yearly. Hence, SIDRA-N model requires only two input variables: the drainage discharge and the RNBW. A set of parameters was introduced to regulate nitrate fluxes and discharge transiting through compartments to the drain outlet.

Calibration and validation (C/V) procedures are fundamental to the assessment of the performance and the robustness of water quality models. In this study, the split sample test for the model calibration and validation (C/V) was carried out using data set from Rampillon study site (355 ha, data for 6 years), located East of Paris, in France. The C/V step was performed using high frequency observations (hourly time-step) of nitrate concentrations and drainage discharge. The results showed performance criteria of KGE greater than 0.5 and RMSE less than 5 mgN/l. These results confirm the very good quality of simulations. Finally, a seasonal model calibration was implemented to observe the yearly parameter variability and ensure the model stability and consistency.
The challenges of  the Dust-Field-Plasma  (DFP) instrument onboard ESA  Comet Interceptor mission 
Authors: Baran Jędrzej , Rothkaehl Hanna , Andre Nicolas , Auster Uli , Della Corte Vincenzo , Edberg Niklas , Galand Marina , Henri Pierre , De Keyser Johan , Kolmasova Ivana , Morawski Marek , Nilsson Hans , Prech Lubomir , Volwerk Martin
Published: March 2021

The flyby of a dynamically new comet by ESA-F1 Comet Interceptor spacecraft offers unique multi-point opportunities for studying the comet's dusty and ionised cometary  environment in ways that were not possible with previous missions, including Rosetta. As Comet Interceptor is an F-class mission, the payload is limited in terms of mass, power, and heritage. Most in situ science sensors therefore have been tightly integrated into a single Dust-Field-Plasma (DFP) instrument on the main spacecraft A and on the ESA sub-spacecraft B2, while there is a Plasma Package suite on the JAXA second sub-spacecraft B1. The advantage of tight integration is an important reduction of mass, power, and especially complexity, by keeping the electrical and data interfaces of the sensors internal to the DFP instrument.

The full diagnostics located on the board of the 3 spacecrafts will allow  to modeling the comet environment and described the complex physical processes around the comet and on their surface including also the  description of wave particle  interaction in dusty cometary plasma. 

The full set of DFP instrument on  board the Comet Interceptor  spacecraft will allow to model  the comet plasma environment and its interaction with the solar wind. It will also allow to describe the complex physical processes taking place including wave particle  interaction in dusty cometary plasma . 

On spacecraft A, DFP consists of a magnetometer, a Langmuir and multi impedance probe/electric field instrument, an ion and an electron analyzer, a dust sensor, and a central data processing unit and electronics box. On spacecraft B2, the instrumentation is limited to a magnetometer and a dust sensor. The choice of sensors and their capabilities are such that it maximizes synergies and complementarities. 

To give one example: While the dust instrument aims at establishing the dust spectrum for millimeter to micrometer sized particles, the Langmuir probes aided by the data processing unit will analyze the signatures of micrometer to nanometer sized particles.

Moreover, unique multi-point measurements will be obtained from magnetometers on the three spacecraft, from dust sensors on A and B2, and from ion measurements on A and B1.

The tight integration of dust-field-plasma sensor hardware and science targets embodied by DFP promises an optimized science return for the available resources.
Glacial erosion and subsequent shallowing-up sequence, evidence for two glacial advances into the overdeepened Aare Valley, Switzerland
Authors: Schwenk Michael , Schläfli Patrick , Bandou Dimitri , Gribenski Natacha , Douillet Guilhem A. , Schlunegger Fritz
Published: March 2021

A scientific drilling was conducted into a bedrock trough in Bern-Bümpliz, a branch of the Aare Valley overdeepening (Switzerland). It is the first scientific drilling in the Bern area that reached the bedrock. We analyzed the 208.5 m-thick succession of Quaternary sediments recovered in this scientific drilling and present the sedimentological results of the campaign. In the retrieved sediments 12 different lithofacies were identified, which were grouped into 5 facies assemblages, and 2 major sedimentary sequences (A = lower, B = upper), which transition into a minor sequence C. Generally, the sedimentary successions of sequences A and B are similar. The lowermost facies assemblage of each sequence consists of a till that was deposited during a period of ice cover. However, the two tills differ from each other. In particular, while the till at the base of sequence A is dominated by large clasts derived from the underlying Molasse bedrock, the till at the base of sequence B has no such Molasse components. Furthermore, the till in sequence A bears evidence for glaciotectonic deformations. Both tills are overlain by thick facies assemblages of subaqueous, most likely glaciolacustrine and lacustrine sediments. Sequence A is characterized by cross-bedded and steeply inclined sand, gravel and diamictic beds which we interpret as deposits of density currents in a subaqueous ice-contact fan system in a proglacial lake. In contrast, the lacustrine sediments in sequence B are considered to record a less energetic environment where the material was most likely deposited in a prodelta setting that gradually developed into a delta plain. Towards the top, sequence B evolves into the fluvial system of sequence C, where large sediment fluxes of a possibly advancing glacier resulted in a widespread cover of the region by a thick gravel unit. Additionally, feldspar luminescence dating was performed on two samples from a sand layer at the top of sequence B. The dating in combination with lithostratigraphic correlations with the sequences encountered in the neighboring scientific drillings to the north (Meikirch) and south of Bern (Thalgut) suggests that sequence B was deposited during Marine Isotope Stage 8 (MIS 8; 300–243 ka).
EO4D_ash – Earth observation data for detection, discrimination & distribution (4D) of volcanic ash
Authors: Papagiannopoulos Nikolaos , Mona Lucia , Dema Claudio , Amiridis Vassilis , Gialitaki Anna , Kampouri Anna , Uppstu Andreas , Scollo Simona , Merucci Luca , Boichu Marie , Goloub Philippe , Barsotti Sara , Parks Michelle
Published: March 2021

Volcanic eruptions are a natural disaster with significant impact on human activities. The unprecedented European Volcanic Ash Crisis in 2010 demonstrated the vulnerability of the infrastructure and the need for new approaches to enable stakeholders in the aviation sector to obtain fast and accurate information. Currently, there are many data sources available and cutting-edge technology to provide the means to detect and monitor high impact eruptions. However, the information from multiple data sources is not yet efficiently integrated and aviation-specific products incorporating multi-platform datasets is not in place. To this end, the integration of tailored ground-based, satellite, and model data as well as information from volcanic observatories in Europe is essential. The Pilot EO4D_ash – Earth observation data for detection, discrimination & distribution (4D) of volcanic ash – of the e-shape project aims to strengthen the Earth Observation and in-situ data exploitation and multi-source (satellite, remotely sensed, and ground-based network) data integration  to derive innovation for ash discrimination and monitoring; to enhance the capability of 4D forecasting volcanic ash dispersal and to foster innovation in the decision making processes and mitigate ash related impact and hazard resilience. The overall pilot structure, tailored products, aerosol lidar profile assimilation and study cases will be presented at the conference.

Acknowledgements: This work has been conducted within the framework of the H2020 e-shape (Grant Agreement n. 820852) project.
Microbial sulfur cycling during the formation of Primary Lower Gypsum in Mediterranean marginals basins
Authors: Guibourdenche Laetitia , Cartigny Pierre , Dela Pierre Francesco , Natalicchio Marcello , Aloisi Giovanni
Published: March 2021

During the first phase of the Messinian Salinity Crisis, massive amounts of sulfate (SO42-) have been sequestred in the form of up to 200m thick gypsum deposits (Primary Lower Gypsum) in Mediterranean marginal basins. The sulfur isotopic composition of the sulfate ion of this unit (δ34SSO4) (on average 22.3 ‰) strongly suggests that gypsum was formed by concentration of marine sulfate. Interestingly, the preservation of sulfide globules within the gypsum and marls interbeds suggests that the basin sulfate was not only involved in gypsum formation but a fraction was also reduced through microbial sulfate reduction. Moreover, filamentous fossils interpreted to be the remnants of sulfide oxidizing bacterias are entrapped in this gypsum and indicate, together with the occurrence of sulfide globules and dolomite, that an active biogeochemical sulfur cycling was active at the time of Primary Lower Gypsum deposition. To investigate the role of this active sulfur cycling in Mediterranean marginal basins, we analyzed the multiple sulfur isotopic composition of sulfate and sulfide minerals (δ34S andΔ33S)from Primary Lower Gypsum of the Vena del Gesso basin (Italy). Whereas the isotopic composition of gypsum (δ34SSO4 from 21 to 24‰ and Δ33SSO4 from -0.001 to 0.049‰) display very homogenous values that are close to those of the Messinian ocean (δ34SMSC ~22±0.2‰ and Δ33SMSC~0.039±0.015), the analyzed reduced sulfur compounds display a wide range of variability  with -36 to +9‰ in δ34S and -0.017 to 0.125‰ in Δ33S. This suggests huge hydrologically-driven redox variations during Primary Lower Gypsum deposition in the Vena del Gesso basin, possibly involving intermittent stratification of the water column and an active microbial cycling of sulfur.
Statistical response of middle atmosphere composition to solar proton events in WACCM-D simulations: the importance of lower ionospheric chemistry
Authors: Kalakoski Niilo , Verronen Pekka T. , Seppälä Annika , Szeląg Monika E. , Kero Antti , Marsh Daniel R.
Published: March 2021

Atmospheric effects of solar proton events (SPEs) have been studied for decades, because their drastic impact can be used to test our understanding of upper stratospheric and mesospheric chemistry in the polar cap regions. For example, odd hydrogen and odd nitrogen are produced during SPEs, which leads to depletion of ozone in catalytic reactions, such that the effects are easily observed from satellites during the strongest events. Until recently, the complexity of the ion chemistry in the lower ionosphere (i.e., in the D region) has restricted global models to simplified parameterizations of chemical impacts induced by energetic particle precipitation (EPP). Because of this restriction, global models have been unable to correctly reproduce some important effects, such as the increase in mesospheric HNO3 or the changes in chlorine species. Here we use simulations from the WACCM-D model, a variant of the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model, to study the statistical response of the atmosphere to the 66 strongest SPEs which occurred in the years 1989–2012. Our model includes a set of D-region ion chemistry, designed for a detailed representation of the atmospheric effects of SPEs and EPP in general. We use superposed epoch analysis to study changes in O3, HOx (OH + HO2), Clx (Cl + ClO), HNO3, NOx (NO + NO2) and H2O. Compared to the standard WACCM which uses an ion chemistry parameterization, WACCM-D produces a larger response in O3 and NOx and a weaker response in HOx and introduces changes in HNO3 and Clx. These differences between WACCM and WACCM-D highlight the importance of including ion chemistry reactions in models used to study EPP. 
Evolution of the MHD turbulence properties in the inner heliosphere with the PSP/SolO alignment data
Authors: Telloni Daniele ,   PSP/FIELDS, PSP/SWEAP, SolO/MAG and SolO/SWA/PAS team
Published: March 2021

Radial alignments between pairs of spacecraft is the only way to observationally investigate the turbulent evolution of the solar wind as it expands throughout interplanetary space. On September 2020 Parker Solar Probe (PSP) and Solar Orbiter (SolO) were nearly perfectly radially aligned, with PSP orbiting around its perihelion at 0.1 au (and crossing the nominal Alfvén point) and SolO at 1 au. PSP/SolO joint observations of the same solar wind plasma allow the extraordinary and unprecedented opportunity to study how the turbulence properties of the solar wind evolve in the inner heliosphere over the wide distance of 0.9 au. The radial evolution of (i) the MHD properties (such as radial dependence of low- and high-frequency breaks, compressibility, Alfvénic content of the fluctuations), (ii) the polarization status, (iii) the presence of wave modes at kinetic scale as well as their distribution in the plasma instability-temperature anisotropy plane are just few instances of what can be addressed. Of furthest interest is the study of whether and how the cascade transfer and dissipation rates evolve with the solar distance, since this has great impact on the fundamental plasma physical processes related to the heating of the solar wind. In this talk I will present some of the results obtained by exploiting the PSP/SolO alignment data.
Characterization of a mobile atmospheric simulation chamber for laboratory and field studies: DouAir
Authors: Bouzidi Hichem , Lahib Ahmad , Reijrink Nina , Duncianu Marius , Perraudin Emilie , Flaud Pierre-Marie , Villenave Eric , Williams Jonathan , Tomas Alexandre , Dusanter Sébastien
Published: March 2021

Atmospheric transformation processes have been extensively studied in the laboratory using simulation chambers with various designs and materials. These tools allow  kinetic experiments to be performed under well-controlled conditions whereby a selected volatile organic compound (VOC) is usually oxidized in synthetic air. While atmospheric chambers are invaluable to provide kinetic parameters that are needed in atmospheric chemical mechanisms, their limitation is that they do not test these chemical mechanisms under conditions that are representative of the complex atmosphere, i.e. containing multiple VOCs and inorganic species.

In the present work, a mobile rectangular atmospheric simulation chamber of ~ 9 m3, made of Teflon FEP foils, was built at IMT Lille Douai for laboratory and field studies. The whole setup – called DouAir – can be easily disassembled, transported and deployed in the field. This new tool allows trapping of real air masses on-site, providing observations on the fate of reactive trace gases, which when compared to box model simulations can provide a critical test of our understanding of atmospheric chemistry. The chamber allows both solar and artificial irradiation, the irradiance being monitored by spectroradiometry. The chamber is equipped with a large array of analytical instruments, including PTR-ToFMS and GC-MS for VOC measurements, CRM for total OH reactivity, PERCA for peroxy radicals, O3 and NOx analyzers, and SMPS for aerosols. Here we describe the DouAir setup and will discuss characterization experiments carried out to validate the chamber. DouAir was tested for the first time during an intensive field campaign in the Landes forest (France) during summer 2018: CERVOLAND (Characterization of Emissions and Reactivity of Volatile Organic Compounds in the Landes Forest). Examples of experiments performed during CERVOLAND will be presented.
On the space-time maximum oceanic waves and related sea-state parameters during the tropical storm Kong-rey (2018)
Authors: Benetazzo Alvise , Barbariol Francesco , Bergamasco Filippo , Bertotti Luciana , Cavaleri Luigi , Yoo Jeseon , Shim Jae-Seol
Published: March 2021

The characteristics of the space-time extreme value statistics of maximum oceanic waves under the tropical storm Kong-rey (2018) is investigated in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean (Yellow Sea and East China Sea). We base our composite analysis upon space-time 3D measurements of the sea surface elevation field and wave model frequency/direction spectra. We focus on the highest individual waves that may develop at short-term/range under the cyclonic winds and we consider the spatial distribution around the storm centre of two main variables of interest, namely the maximum sea surface elevation (crest height) and the maximum wave height. Their expectations are linked to characteristic parameters of the sea state, such as the significant wave height, the mean steepness, the directional spreading, the bandwidth, of which we extend the meaning in the temporal domain in order to include the 3D geometry of the wave field. Our results evidence the sea regions where the highest individual waves may be expected and highlights, via scale analysis, the main mechanisms responsible for the generation of space-time extreme conditions. 
Small farmers, large issues: discourse, local knowledge, and strategies
Authors: Koopman Jop
Published: March 2021

This research proposal aims to contribute to the body of knowledge about smallholder farmers’ anthropogenic climate change perceptions, and how said perceptions shape adaptability and resilience, resulting in adopting new and old strategies grounded in local knowledge. 86% of farms in Indonesia are owned and cultivated by smallholders. This group is among the poorest and most vulnerable in Indonesia while contributing the most considerable part to the available food production in the entire country. Smallholder farmers from Lombok are, in particular, among the most vulnerable due to their socio-economic status and the high exposure of the region to climate-related hazards. The group’s perceptions and discourse of anthropogenic change are shaped by local knowledge and the social environment, and top-down initiatives from the government and NGOs. The interplay of both factors has yet to be researched. This research is ethnographic and qualitative and will be conducted during three field-site visits of 6 months each. In apprentice anthropology, the notion that the farmer is the expert on local knowledge and new strategies as a means to adapt will be included wherein the researcher is the student and the respondent the teacher. The choice for this type of methodology is made because the majority of research on the intersection of agriculture, climate change, and social science is quantitative and does not consider local farmers as experts in their own field. Therefore, participant observation, semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and group discussions will be used.
Comparison of FAO Crop Reference Estimates and Radiation based Estimates for Daily Reference Evapotranspiration Estimation
Authors: Mitra Rouhin , Gebremichael Mekonnen , Trigo Isabel Franco , de Bruin Henk A.R.
Published: March 2021

Reference evapotranspiration (ETo), a hypothetical concept to estimate evapotranspiration from irrigated and large grass fields is crucial in finding the irrigation water demand in places with extensive agricultural practice. In general, the FAO method (based on the Penman-Monteith equation) is used to estimate ETo from stations that are placed in locations that violate the requirements for reference evapotranspiration. In this study we compare radiation-based methods used to estimate reference evapotranspiration such as ETo De Bruin and ETo Makkink with more conventional ETo approaches in FAO PM method and Priestley Taylor method using in-situ measurements from stations placed in two different settings: (1) Areas that are well-irrigated but surrounded by dry land, (2) Areas that are dry but extensive. We use two spatially dense networks of stations: 1) CIMIS stations of California located in irrigated and in-extensive fields, (2) MESONET stations of Oklahoma located on dry surfaces.  We analyze the differences in the ETo estimates and hypothesize that the radiation-based estimates give more accurate results in the conditions given above for irrigation advisory. We also assess the spatial variability of the different ETo estimates and attempt to investigate the reason behind the differences in these estimates due to the climatic factors.
The AuScope Geochemistry Network and the AusGeochem geochemistry data platform
Authors: Prent Alexander , Dalton Hayden , Boone Samuel , Florin Guillaume , Greau Yoann , McInnes Brent , Gleadow Andrew , O'Reilly Suzanne , Kohn Barry , Matchan Erin , Alard Olivier , Rawling Tim , Kohlmann Fabian , Theile Moritz , Noble Wayne
Published: March 2021

The AuScope Geochemistry Network (AGN, www.auscope.org.au/agn) was established in 2019 in response to a community expressed desire for closer collaboration and coordination of activities between Australian geochemistry laboratories. Its aims include: i) promotion of capital and operational investments in new, advanced geochemical infrastructure; (ii) supporting increased end user access to laboratory facilities and research data; (iii) fostering collaboration and professional development via online tools, training courses and workshops. Over the last six months, the AGN has coordinated a monthly webinar series to engage the geoscience community, promote FAIR data practices and foster new collaborations. These webinars were recorded for future use and can be found at: www.youtube.com/channel/UC0zzzc6_mrJEEdCS_G4HYgg.

A primary goal of the AGN is to make the networks’ laboratory geochemistry data, from around the globe, discoverable and accessible via development of an online data platform called AusGeochem (www.auscope.org.au/ausgeochem). Geochemical data models for SHRIMP U-Pb, Fission Track, U-Th/He, LA-ICP-MS U-Pb/Lu-Hf and Ar-Ar are being developed using international best practice and are informed by expert advisory groups consisting of members from various institutes and laboratories within Australia. AusGeochem is being designed to provide an online data service for analytical laboratories and researchers where sample and analytical data can be uploaded (privately) for processing, synthesis and secure dissemination to collaborators. Researcher data can be retained in a private space but studied within the context of other publicly available data. Researchers can also generate unique international geo sample numbers (IGSNs) for their samples via a build in link to the Australian Research Data Commons IGSN registry. 

AusGeochem supports FAIR data practices by providing researchers with the ability to include links to their AusGeochem registered data in research publications, providing a potential opportunity for AusGeochem to become a trusted data repository.
Quantifying Planetary Boundaries interaction strengths with expert knowledge elicitation
Authors: Chrysafi Anna , Jalava Mika , Virkki Vili , Porkka Miina , Sandström Vilma , Piipponen Johannes , LaMere Kelsey , Lade Steven , Kummu Matti
Published: March 2021

The concept of planetary boundaries (PBs) was developed to set biophysical limits to human perturbations and to maintain the Earth System at its current steady-state. Research has focused on further updating and improving the PBs, while utilizing them as the conditional basis for sustainable development. A limitation of the current approaches, and focus of our work, is that the PBs closely related to food production are assessed individually without considering their interactions and feedbacks. These PBs include surface water use, land-system change, biogeochemical flows, and biosphere integrity. Such an omission could potentially overestimate the margin for food production within PBs on a local scale, which could have negative implications for sustainable food supply.  

Here, we aim to quantify these interactions with the ultimate goal of estimating a more realistic safe operating space (SOS) for future food production. We build on earlier literature review-based work that identified and quantified many PBs interactions on global scale but was unable to identify and quantify some of the interactions that are important to food production. Thus, we move a step forward by using expert knowledge elicitation to quantify the PBs interactions important to food production at local scale and to qualitatively map the mediating biophysical mechanisms. Expert knowledge elicitation suits the study well since it can fill knowledge gaps when quantitative data is scarce. In this work, we identified the missing links and expanded our knowledge on existing PBs interactions. Following recent work on updating PBs definitions, we divided the biosphere integrity PB into land, freshwater, and ocean components and the surface water PB into blue and green water components. These divisions accommodate for the differences among the Earth System functions. Where needed, we developed new interim control variables to enable quantifying the interaction strengths.

The expert knowledge elicitation was conducted remotely following the IDEA elicitation protocol and utilizing a custom-made web application. A total of 37 experts, in various fields of Earth sciences, completed the process and we received input for all 42 interactions, ranging from 5 to 19 responses each, with a median response rate of 9. We collected both quantitative and qualitative data on interaction strengths, tipping points, and mediating mechanisms, which are aggregated and used in synergy to better describe complex Earth System processes. In addition, we aim to highlight the most important interactions in an effort to prioritize them based on their role in the Earth System and existing knowledge gaps.