bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Possible linkage between climatic conditions and invasions on the Indian subcontinent during the period 6th century BCE to 16th century CE
Authors: Gandhi Naveen , Sardar Smruti , P. Mukhopadhyay Protyusha , Mukhopadhyay Parthasarathi
Published: March 2024

Monsoon is crucial for human sustenance and economic stability. This study explores the correlation between long-term climatic conditions and major invasions on the Indian subcontinent. The study utilises paleoclimate records of 2500 years for different locations across South and Central Asia. The findings reveal that invasions often occurred during periods of favorable Indian Summer Monsoon. The study highlights how these favorable conditions made the region an attractive target for external forces seeking wealth and control. The presence of trade routes further facilitated invasions by providing access to valuable resources. Understanding this complex relationship between climate and invasions deepens our understanding of the historical dynamics of the region and highlights the role of climate in shaping the socio-political landscape. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of considering climatic factors when analysing historical events and provides insights into the motivations behind invasions in the Indian subcontinent. The correlation between good monsoon seasons, agricultural prosperity, and external interest in the region indicates the influence of climatic conditions on the course of history.
Quantifying Transboundary Air Pollution in Bangladesh using Low-Cost Sensors
Authors: Zaman Shahid Uz , Salam Abdus
Published: March 2024

Air quality monitoring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is often challenged by data scarcity and limited resources. In this study, we employ low-cost BlueSky (TSI incorporation, USA) sensors to assess the seasonal trends and variations of PM2.5 concentrations in both the northwestern (Panchagarh and Rajshahi) and southern (Bhola) regions of Bangladesh. Our research focuses on understanding transboundary air pollution dynamics, an issue critical for effective air quality management in the region. We utilize backward airmass trajectory analysis to identify potential sources influencing air quality in the specified regions. By tracing the origins of air masses, we aim to pinpoint the contributing factors to the observed pollution levels. To further quantify the contribution of transboundary air pollution, we employ the Weather Research and Forecasting with Chemistry (WRF Chem) modeling system. By integrating observational data from the low-cost sensors and meteorological information into the model, we aim to enhance our understanding of the spatial and temporal distribution of transboundary pollution in Bangladesh. Our findings not only contribute to the development of effective air quality management strategies in the studied regions but also demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing low-cost sensor networks for comprehensive air quality assessments in data-scarce LMICs.
Reconstruction of the Tarim craton within Rodinia: constraints from magmatic- orogenic records in the Altyn belt
Authors: Li Wei , Yao Jinlong , Zhao Guochun , Han Yigui
Published: March 2024

The position of the Tarim craton within the Rodinia supercontinent has long been the focus of scientific debate, with competing models varying from internal to external positions. The Altyn belt in the southeast Tarim margin records an extensive Neoproterozoic magmatic-sedimentary successions which likely recorded the convergence of Tarim to Rodinia. Thus, we here investigated the granitoids exposed in the Kuoshi-Kalaqiaoka and Tula areas in the eastern and western segment of the South Altyn belt. We present new field geology, zircon U–Pb–Hf–O isotopes and H2O, and whole rock geochemistry data from these granitoids. Zircon U–Pb data yielded ages of 914 ± 3.9 Ma for the Tula granite, 919 ± 5.2 Ma and 932 ± 6.5 Ma for the Kuoshi granite. The Tula and Kalaqiaoka granite samples mostly display high ACNK values that are typical of S-type granitoids, consistent with the presence of Al-rich minerals, such as garnet and muscovite. In addition, the Tula granite have higher zircon δ18O (7.62 to 10.85‰, peaked at 8.9‰) and lower εHf(t) (-4.0 to +0.3) values, along with lower H2O content (medium values at 102 and 251 ppmw), indicating that the primary magmas were generated from recycled ancient crust in a water-deficient syn-collisional setting, with minor juvenile contribution. On the other hand, the Kuoshi granite have high Sr (169–259 ppm), Sr/Y (17.85–19.33) and (La/Yb)N (30–49) ratios that are indicating of adakitic affinity. The Kuoshi granite are also characterized by lower δ18O (4.15 to 9.81‰, peaked at 8.2‰) and εHf(t) values(−2.4 to 0.6), along with higher H2O content (medium values at 255 and 795 ppmw) and MgO. These signatures suggest that the Kuoshi pluton was formed by recycling ancient crust and subducted continental crust. Overall, the granitoids across the South Altyn belt reflect a transformation of tectonic regime from water-enriched subduction setting to water-deficient syn-collisional setting. Moreover, the Hf isotopes evolution tend of the early Neoproterozoic granitoids and Suoerkuli Group across the South Altyn belt also suggest a transformation from slab retreat to syn-collision in the early Neoproterozoic. Therefore, overall data and field relations across the Altyn belt indicate an early Neoproterozoic magmatic-sedimentary successions that are similar to that of the Eastern Ghats Belt in India. Given the available paleomagnetic data and detrital zircon age patterns, we conclude a position of the Tarim craton between Australian and North India block in the periphery of Rodinia, close to East Antarctica as well. This research was supported by NSFC Projects (42322208 and 41972238), National Key Research and Development Programs of China (2022YFF0802700 and 2023YFF0803604) and Hong Kong RGC GRF (17308023).
ASH MEMORIES: A Virtual Reality Journey Through International Collaboration and Climate Change Resilience
Authors: Scarel Francesco
Published: March 2024

Summer 2022: as a consequence of a long and unusual drought, a series of fires devastate some wooded areas of the Karst, a cross-border area between Italy and Slovenia. According to researchers from the Environment and Territory group of the Department of Agri-food, Environmental and Animal Sciences of the University of Udine, the first estimate of the damage caused by fires (both on the Italian and Slovenian sides) is over 3700 hectares of burnt woodland. Almost 194,000 cubic meters of lost biomass. The fire has destroyed 32% of the forest stock in the areas affected by the fires. The recovery of the burned territories could take between 10 and 20 years.
ASH MEMORIES is a virtual reality experience (VR) built with 3D scans of fragments of Karst areas, collected during the days following the fires. This VR tells the story of a successful international collaboration, where people from two EU countries are working together in facing the consequences of climate change. The VR experience engages using a multimedia approach: users are invited to take a physical walk into a 3D world (almost 25 square meters) surrounded by sounds and voices of people living inside the affected areas. Fruition of this VR is therefore an active process where people can decide where to look and what to listen. This kind of environment invites people to take their time to experience the VR, letting emotions to rise.
We believe that memories of this kind, those rising as consequences of a natural disaster, find a common ground in human experiences: our minds are connected in a common sense of sorrow, because, after all, we feel as we are loosing our unique and only Home. Increasing awareness on the consequences of climate change by envisioning such bad scenarios is a powerful tool we can use to move people to act towards a more eco-friendly behavior.
ASH MEMORIES represents a case-study in communication of climate change risks awareness and the problems related to the loss of biodiversity. It is an example of how science can rely on art, creativity and new technologies to communicate and reach different publics. Moreover it tells a story of a disaster which was successfully mitigated by a virtuous cooperation between different countries, highlighting the importance of developing international climate change risk-prevention policies.
Statistical properties of Short Large-Amplitude Magnetic Structures (SLAMS) in the foreshock region of Earth
Authors: Bergman Sofia , Karlsson Tomas , Wong Chan Tsz Kiu
Published: March 2024

Short Large-Amplitude Magnetic Structures (SLAMS) are common magnetic field signatures observed in the foreshock region of collisionless quasi-parallel shocks. SLAMS are non-linear isolated structures, defined to have an amplitude of more than 2 times the background magnetic field. They have been suggested to grow from ultra-low frequency (ULF) waves that are common in the foreshock region, and are believed to play important roles in the formation of quasi-parallel shocks, influencing the properties and dynamics of the shock and also associated particle energization.   In this work, we use data from the Cluster and Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) missions to statistically study the properties of SLAMS in the foreshock region of Earth. We use an automated method to detect SLAMS in the data, producing a comprehensive database of SLAMS detections. The size, morphology and propagation velocity of SLAMS are then studied using statistical approaches, investigating the dependence on several parameters, such as amplitude, upstream conditions and distance from the bow shock. 
Determination of mechanical, ﬂowability, and microstructural properties of cemented tailings backﬁll containing rice straw
Authors: Chen Xin , Li Zeyu
Published: March 2024

China is the world’s major producer of tailings and straw, and they lead to serious environmental and economic problems. This work was conducted to study sustainable rice straw (RS) and tailings utilization for cemented tailings backﬁll (CTB), and the effect of RS on the properties of CTB was evaluated. The RS ﬁber of the RS content (0.08, 0.16 and 0.24 wt%) and RS length (0.9, 2 and 4 cm) were used to prepare CTB. RS ﬁbers show slight side effects of a decrease of 5% in the ﬂowability of the fresh CTB slurry because the natural RS ﬁbers with high water absorption cause viscous increases in the fresh CTB slurry. This decrease further decreases with increasing RS ﬁber content and length. The impact of the RS ﬁbers on the unconﬁned compressive strength (UCS) and the elastic modulus of the CTB is signiﬁcant. A UCS of more than 85% CTB and an elastic modulus of more than 74% CTB have been increased more than twice. The RS ﬁber reinforcement improves the ductility of the CTB and maintains the integrity of the CTB matrix when failure occurs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations analyses revealed that much hydration gel was generated in the RSCTB matrix, and these hydration gels became trapped on the surface of the RS ﬁbers, which established a physical skeleton structure and enhanced the strength of the CTB.
Understanding and quantifying chemical uncertainties in the hydrogen budget
Authors: Holland Rayne , Khan M. Anwar H. , Shallcross Dudley
Published: March 2024

The potential transition to a hydrogen-based economy, requires a comprehensive understanding of hydrogen's atmospheric behaviour for well-informed decision-making. Among the uncertainties surrounding the atmospheric fate of hydrogen, the chemical processes governing its formation and transformation are pressing.This study employs STOCHEM-CRI, a global 3D tropospheric chemical transport model, to explore the chemical uncertainty associated with atmospheric hydrogen. The primary objective is to improve our understanding of the hydrogen distribution, sources, and sinks on a global scale. Addressing the significant role of formaldehyde (HCHO) as a chemical source, we update its photolysis parameterisation in accordance with recent recommendations (JPL 2020 and IUPAC 2013) and assess its variability. Furthermore, we evaluate the atmospheric burden of HCHO as a function of its sources to identify key photochemical contributors to the present hydrogen budget.The study undertakes preliminary studies of the major sink of atmospheric hydrogen, namely uptake by soil, to gauge its impact. Through a meticulous examination of model outputs against observational data, various scenarios are systematically assessed for their ability to accurately replicate global hydrogen distribution and seasonal variations.Preliminary results show updates to the photochemical parameters of HCHO significantly reduce the hydrogen burden by between 50 and 90 ppb globally. This is namely due to updates to the quantum yield of the molecular (H2 producing) photolysis channel which varies significantly when compared to previous recommendations. There is limited variation between the two updates (JPL 2020 and IUPAC 2013) of up to 5 ppb. Additionally, minor updates relating to the temperature dependence of the soil sink result in significant improvement in the models replication of observational data, including seasonal variation.
Overturning Pathways Control AMOC Weakening in CMIP6 Models
Authors: Baker Jonathan , Bell Michael , Jackson Laura , Renshaw Richard , Vallis Geoffrey , Watson Andrew , Wood Richard
Published: March 2024

Future projections indicate the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) will weaken and shoal in response to global warming, but models disagree widely over the amount of weakening. We analyse projected AMOC weakening in 34 CMIP6 climate models, in terms of changes in three return pathways of the AMOC. The branch of the AMOC that returns through diffusive upwelling in the Indo-Pacific, but does not later upwell in the Southern Ocean (SO), is particularly sensitive to warming, in part, because shallowing of the deep flow of the AMOC prevents it from entering the Indo-Pacific via the SO. In most models, this Indo-Pacific pathway declines to zero by 2100. Thus, the present-day strength of this pathway provides a strong constraint on the projected AMOC weakening. However, estimates of this pathway using four observationally based methods imply a wide range of AMOC weakening under the SSP5-8.5 scenario of 29%–61% by 2100. Our results suggest that improved observational constraints on this pathway would substantially reduce uncertainty in 21st century AMOC decline. We also present new findings that compare the AMOC response in realistic warming scenarios with those found under more extreme climate forcings, including quadrupled CO2 concentrations and large North Atlantic freshwater forcing.
Emerging importance of chemistry-climate coupling on weather to climate timescales
Authors: Hegglin Michaela I.
Published: March 2024

The intricate interplay between atmospheric composition changes and climate dynamics is garnering increasing attention due to its implications for weather and climate prediction. In this talk, I leverage advanced modeling techniques and new observational climate data records to provide examples of chemistry-climate coupling on timescales ranging from subseasonal-to-seasonal weather to long-term climate trends. These examples include the impact of dynamical processes and abrupt events such as sudden stratospheric warmings and the Hunga-Tonga eruption on atmospheric composition anomalies and their feedbacks on meteorological and climate phenomena, as well as the impacts of stratospheric ozone depletion and recovery on climate radiative forcing and atmosphere-ocean dynamics. The findings underscore the important feedback loops between atmospheric composition and climate dynamics via radiative processes, emphasizing the need for a realistic representation of composition anomalies in weather forecast systems and climate models.
The Differential of Casualties, Energy Radiation, and Characteristics of Sequences from the Same MS: The Menyuan MS 6.9 2022 and Morocco MS 6.9 2023 Earthquakes
Authors: Meng Lingyuan , Zang Yang , Xie Mengyu
Published: March 2024

The January 10, 2022, MS 6.9 Menyuan, China, earthquake occurred caused by strike-slip faulting in the tectonically complex region of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, and ten people were injured in Menyuan City. The September 8, 2023, MS 6.9 Morocco, earthquake occurred in the African Plate at shallow depth with oblique-reverse faulting. At least 2,900 people were killed and more than 5,000 injured in Morocco till to September 13, 2023. International media reports of such kind of disasters by the Morocco earthquake only resulted from poor building structure design and low-solidity housing, such as in Marrakech, southwest of the epicenter. The surface wave magnitude (MS) of the two earthquakes is the same, and the moment magnitude (MW) and energy magnitude (Me) of the Menyuan mainshock are slightly lower than those of the Morocco event. Although the scalar moment and radiated seismic energy from Morocco dynamic rupture are only 2~3 times of the Menyuan earthquake, the density of urban residents nearby and around the epicenter of the Morocco mainshock is at least more than a hundred times higher than that around the epicenter of the Menyuan even. For the Morocco sequence, the USGS reported the number of aftershocks higher than MW4.0 is only seven and the largest is 4.9. In contrast, there are two aftershocks higher than MS5.0 in the Menyuan sequence recorded by the China Earthquake Networks Center, 5.1 and 5.2, respectively. Normally, a similar magnitude does not reflect the equivalent seismic moment, release of radiated energy, and the occurrence of strong aftershocks. Meanwhile, devastating loss of life and injuries are not only due to the design of the building and the quality of the house.Acknowledgment: This research is supported by the Spark Program of Earthquake Sciences (XH22012YC)
Instability of Antidune Incipience under Low Submergence Conditions 
Authors: Farazande Sofi , Pascal Ivan , Ancey Christophe
Published: March 2024

Investigating the stability of river bedforms is essential for understanding their occurrence and evolution over time. Whereas the formation of ripples and dunes has been extensively studied [1, 2], little is known about antidune stability in the early stages. Our research aims to fill this gap by focusing on antidune incipience in gravel-bed streams under low submergence conditions. Based on Vesipa et al. (2014), who distinguished between convective and absolute instabilities of bedforms [3], we investigated the behavior of the antidunes in the early stages of their formation. We conducted experiments in a narrow flume and studied how key flow factors (e.g., the Froude number, relative submergence, and initial perturbation) affect antidune dynamics. By filming the bed evolution from the sidewall, we determined the antidune wavelength and amplitude as a function of space and time in order to provide empirical insights that complement the theoretical framework. [1] Colombini, M., and Stocchino, A. (2011). Ripple and dune formation in rivers. Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 673, pp. 121-131.[2] Fourrière, A., Claudin, P., and Andreotti, B. (2010). Bedforms in a turbulent stream: formation of ripples by primary linear instability and of dunes by nonlinear pattern coarsening. Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 649, pp. 287-328.[3] Vesipa, R., Camporeale, C., Ridolfi, L., and Chomaz, J. M. (2014). On the convective-absolute nature of river bedform instabilities. Physics of Fluids, 26, 124104
AI-Enhanced Academic Entrepreneurship in K-12 Climate Education in China
Authors: Chen Xiuli , Ryoo Joohan
Published: March 2024

The main objective of this research is to establish the possible strategies that can be used in order to increase the number of people especially in K-12 education who are involved in climatology. The purpose is to analyze the creative utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) and academic entrepreneurship for teachers’ creation and sale of AI-based customized narrations on climate change issues. This is done by two means namely, application of AI tools through live streaming classes and e-training on content in teaching as well as mentoring them on business skills of disseminating and selling out such materials. There are three major areas where teachers require assistance such as producing better resource materials, generating income through them, and promoting students’ environmentally-related learning outcomes.The research design involves both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Questionnaires given to 150 respondents who undertook online training will enable the collection of quantitative data indicating how effective the program is and whether AI tools are user-friendly. Thus, more than eighty percent of educators admitted that they could facilitate personalized climate stories using these programs; moreover, 85 percent said they were able to create personalized stories with their assistance. Furthermore, more than seventy percent anticipate an increase in interest among students about studying climate change. Interviews were conducted among various stakeholders including ten teacher entrepreneurs, ten students, and ten parents so as to collect qualitative data. These interviews aim at illustrating trust building through AI-infused materials which improve how we talk about climate change as well as encouraging sustainable behaviors among young people who learn. For instance eight out ten respondents confessed that they “knew nothing about global warming” but today they have knowledge concerning power plants discharging greenhouse gasses into the environment.. Thus this indicates a decline in numbers of children who perceive environmental conservation as a normal thing thus demonstrating that AI based instruction is efficient towards changing students attitudes for sustainability actions caused by it.This study emphasizes that AI supports presentation of scientific knowledge to young people in an exciting way. Therefore, it is concerned with equipping teachers with competences in content development and entrepreneurship. Thus, climate education’s pedagogical efficiency, which improves its economic viability by presenting a way of imparting scientific truths on the subject matter, is thus also developed through this model.
Re-analysis of Uranus Data from Voyager 2 Plasma Science Experiment
Authors: Xystouris Georgios , Bagenal Fran , Wilson Robert
Published: March 2024

Both Voyager 1 and 2 are equipped with Plasma Science (PLS) instruments: four Faraday cups that measure the properties (density, temperature and flow) of low energy ions and electrons. During the Voyagers journey towards the interstellar space and the flybys from the gas giants PLS gave us the first in-situ data of the solar wind in such great distances, the magnetospheric plasma properties at the gas giants, and the extent of our heliosphere along with the conditions of the interstellar medium.Voyager was particularly important for the study of the gas giants, as it was the first time we had in-situ plasma measurements from inside the magnetospheres, and PLS helped in studying not only the morphology of the magnetosphere, but also the plasma sources, dynamics, interaction with the moons, and ultimately its interaction with the solar wind plasma.Jupiter and Saturn were visited from both Voyager 1 and 2, but only Voyager 2 visited Uranus and Neptune. The PLS data for Jupiter have been re-calibrated and archived by Bagenal+ [2017], Dougherty+ [2017], and Bodisch+ [2017]. They also developed an IDL package, VIPER (Voyager Ion PLS Experiment Response) for their analysis. For this work we re-analyzing the Voyager PLS data for Uranus and in this poster we present our methodology, the adaptation of VIPER for the Uranian conditions and the results of the re-analysis.
Do optically denser trade-wind cumuli live longer?
Authors: Seelig Torsten , Müller Felix , Tesche Matthias
Published: March 2024

We present a detailed investigation of the lifetime of Caribbean trade-wind cumulus clouds and the temporal evolution of their physical properties based on geostationary observations with the Advanced Baseline Imager (Schmit et al., 2017) aboard the GOES-16 satellite during the “ElUcidating the RolE of Cloud-Circulation Coupling in ClimAte” (EUREC⁴A; Stevens et al., 2021) field experiment in winter 2020. A first application of our upgraded cloud-tracking methodology (Seelig et al., 2021) to measurements with a spatio-temporal resolution of 2 × 2 km² and 1 min, respectively, enables the investigation of processes that control the lifetime of shallow marine cumulus clouds. Our analysis reveals that shallow marine cumulus clouds live longer when they span over a surface area that exceeds an order of tens of square kilometers. While these clouds show similar median cloud droplet size and number concentration compared to shorter-lived clouds, they contain more liquid water and, thus, show a cloud optical depth that is increased by about one third. Besides the effect of cloud optical depth, we find that the scale of the atmospheric motions with which the clouds interact is also critical to their lifetime.References:Schmit, T. J., Griffith, P., Gunshor, M. M., Daniels, J. M., Goodman, S. J., and Lebair, W. J.: A Closer Look at the ABI on the GOES-R Series, B. Am. Meteorol. Soc., 98, 681-698, https://doi.org/10.1175/BAMS-D-15-00230.1, 2017.Stevens, et al.: EUREC4A, Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 13, 4067-4119, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-13-4067-2021, 2021.Seelig, T., Deneke, H., Quaas, J., and Tesche, M.: Life cycle of shallow marine cumulus clouds from geostationary satellite observations, J. Geophys. Res.: Atmos., 126(22), e2021JD035577, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JD035577, 2021.
Contrasting glacier terminus position trend rates between Central-Western Greenland peripheral glaciers and ice sheet:  spatiotemporal patterns and trends (1985 to 2022)
Authors: Bonsoms Josep , Oliva Marc , López-Moreno Juan Ignacio
Published: March 2024

Greenland's snow and ice melting trends have increased since the conclusion of the Little Ice Age (LIA), leading to the emergence of new ice-free zones. Given its significant impacts on ecosystems and climate, a comprehensive understanding of the spatiotemporal patterns of Greenland meltwater, snow and ice cover is crucial. This study conducts a comparative analysis of recent snow and ice dynamics (1985-2022) within the Central-Western Greenland Ice-Sheet (GrIS) and Nuussuaq Peninsula Greenland peripheral glaciers (GICs). Specifically, we examine the extension of snow and ice cover, changes in mass balance, and the climatic evolution in these geographical areas. The regions of GICs and GrIS demonstrate a statistically significant (p-value
Accurate Magnitude and Stress Drop Using the Spectral Ratios Method Applied to Distributed Acoustic Sensing
Authors: Lior Itzhak
Published: March 2024

The reliable estimation of earthquake magnitude and stress drop are key in seismology. The novel technology of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) holds great promise for source parameter inversion owing to the measurements' high spatial density. Here, I demonstrate the robustness of DAS for magnitude and stress drop estimation using the empirical Green's function deconvolution method. This method is applied to nine co-located earthquakes recorded in Israel following the 2023 Turkey earthquakes. Spectral ratios were stacked along the fiber, and fitted with a relative Boatwright source spectral model. Excellent fits were obtained even for similar sized earthquakes. Stable seismic moments and stress drops were calculated assuming the moment of one earthquake is known. DAS derived estimates were found to be more stable and reliable than those obtained using a dense accelerometer network. The results demonstrate the great potential of DAS for source studies.
Global pattern of soil fauna drivel litter mixing incorporation to soil in relation to climate and litter quality 
Authors: Frouz Jan
Published: March 2024

Earlier studies show that across all biomes about half of litter fall is consumed by soil fauna. Part of that litter can be incorporated in to mineral soil by process called bioturbation. Soil fauna bioturbation may affect various processes related to decomposition and stabilization of organic matter, soil water retention, formation of habitat for soil biota and so on. In this contribution I summarized global experiment aimed to estimate amount of litter which is incorporated in soil by soil fauna bioturbation.  To do so a I used a filed mesocosm experiment located in 23 locations in all major biomes of northern hemisphere from tundra to tropical rain forest.   Mesocosms containing litter and mineral soil in two separate compartments were exposed in soil litter interface. These mesocosm were either accessible to soil fauna or not which allow to measure removal of litter from soil surface as well as accumulation of litter in mineral soil as well as overall loss of litter from the mesocosm. Mesocosm were supplied in local litter. Overall fauna significantly increased carbon accumulation in mineral soil. The effect was higher in temperate and tropical climate and lover in cold and dry biomes. Amount of carbon incorporated by fauna into mineral soil significantly positively correlated with actual evapotranspiration and negatively with CN ratio of litter.  In comparison with previous studies of litter consumption it can be estimated that about half of litter consumed by soil fauna is incorporated in mineral soil.  To put this together it appears that in natural ecosystem about half of annual litter fall is consumed by soil fauna and half of that fauna incorporate into mineral soil. This makes soil fauna important player in global carbon cycle
A climatological satellite view of marine cold air outbreaks in the northeast Atlantic
Authors: Devasthale Abhay , Tjernström Michael
Published: March 2024

Given the high rate of sea ice loss and the Arctic amplification, the dynamical processes responsible for airmass transport into or out of the Arctic, thus affecting the seasonal melt and recovery of sea ice, need to be understood and scrutinized from different observational perspectives. In a classical, rather binary view of transport “into or out of the Arctic”, a lot of attention in the recent years has rightfully been given on understanding the role of heat and moisture transport into the Arctic in regulating the sea ice melt. However, the cold and dry Arctic airmasses with long residence times are more than occasionally transported out of the Arctic over the open ocean waters, creating one of the most spectacular air mass transformations: the marine cold air outbreaks (MCAOs). The most tangible manifestation of MCAOs are the convectively rolled, narrow cloud streets formed over open water off the edges of the Arctic sea ice in the Nordic and Barents Seas, seen vividly in visible satellite imageries. MCAOs can also locally influence the onset of sea ice melt as they often happen in spring.  By combining nearly 20 years of remotely sensed data from the hyperspectral Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS), the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) instruments onboard NASA’s Aqua satellite, this study presents a climatological view of the vertical structure of atmosphere and the cloud radiative effects during MCAOs in the northeast Atlantic.
Hands-On Climate: Engaging the Public with 3D Geo-Data
Authors: Lisotti Annamaria
Published: March 2024

Despite the abundance of data on climate change, there remains a significant gap in public awareness and action. Recent trends in data communication have introduced the concept of data physicalization, which transcends traditional written and visual methods by engaging multiple senses, including touch and hearing. This innovative approach has shown potential in reaching diverse audiences and enhancing public engagement.Our project, "Tangible Statistics" at IIS Cavazzi (Liceo scientifico), involved students aged 16-18 and demonstrated the successful impact of data physicalization. A key method employed was the translation of geolocalized data into 3D models using QGis, followed by 3D printing. This technique was showcased at Science on Stage Italia in Naples (September 22-24, 2023) and has proved applicable also to younger students as it was immediately replicated in a junior secondary school.The project utilizes freely available tools such as QGis, Blender, FreeCad, and Cura for slicing. Training students in these tools, specifically for model creation and printing, is efficient (approximately 4 hours of lab work plus home application). This investment enriches curriculum across diverse subjects, facilitating the study and dissemination of data related to geography, environment, and more together with fostering data literacy of future responsible citizens.Environmental monitoring data, such as extreme temperatures, precipitation, and fire risk indices, are particularly suitable for this technique. Beyond presenting raw data, the focus is on narration– a critical factor in making data resonate with the public. The creation of physical artifacts for storytelling enhances public exhibitions, outreach, and awareness campaigns. These artifacts foster emotional engagement in an otherwise distracted or statistically unskilled population. The tactile experience of touching these models enables deeper understanding and accessibility of complex data.Moreover, these models, either scanned from the artifact with a cell phone free app or directly produced in digital format, can be integrated with data journalism pieces through QR codes. This integration allows readers to engage with augmented reality models while reading, providing a hands-on experience of data manipulation.The potential of data to bring people together to address societal issues is huge. By understanding and improving our communities through data, we can spark civic dialogue, hold institutions accountable, and foster effective communication. Our project is a contribution in demonstrating that through creative data physicalization, we can transform the abstract into the tangible, making climate data more accessible and impactful for the general public starting from Education.
Moving beyond the mean to understand circulation extremes under climate change
Authors: Shaw Tiffany , Miyawaki Osamu , Chou Hsing-Hung
Published: March 2024

Much has been learned about the response of the mean circulation under climate change. In particular, the subtropical jet will accelerate, the eddy-driven jet will shift poleward, storminess in the Southern Hemisphere will increase whereas storminess in the Northern Hemisphere will be impacted by a tug of war between different factors. However, very little is known about how circulation extremes will respond to climate change beyond blocking. This is in stark contrast to our understanding of the response of extreme temperatures, which follow the mean via an additive increase, and the response of extreme precipitation, which increase faster than the mean because of a multiplicative increase connected to the non-linear Clausius-Clapeyron relation. Here as a starting point, we investigate changes in upper-level circulation extremes defined using a daily distribution. We show fast upper-level jet stream (zonal) winds get faster under climate change. We also show extreme jet stream meandering or waviness (meridional wind) increases under climate change. These responses are geostrophic, robust across a climate model hierarchy (CMIP/AMIP/AQUA), and not connected to sea ice loss. The increase in upper-level circulation extremes is shown via moist thermal wind to be related to a multiplicative response connected to the non-linear Clausius-Clapeyron relation. Thus, upper-level circulation extremes exhibit a multiplicative increase similar to precipitation extremes. The results can be used to explain projected changes in commercial flight times, record-breaking winds, clear-air turbulence and a potential increase in severe weather occurrence under climate change.
WRF-SUEWS Coupled System: Development and Prospect
Authors: Sun Ting , Omidvar Hamidreza , Li Zhenkun , Zhang Ning , Huang Wenjuan , Kotthaus Simone , Ward Helen , Luo Zhiwen , Grimmond Sue
Published: March 2024

We present the coupling of the Surface Urban Energy and Water Scheme (SUEWS) into the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, which includes pre-processing to capture spatial variability in surface characteristics. Fluxes and mixed layer height observations from southern UK were utilised to assess the WRF-SUEWS system over two-week periods across different seasons. Mean absolute errors are lower in residential Swindon compared to central London for turbulent sensible and latent heat fluxes (QH, QE), with increased accuracy on clear days at both locations. The model's performance exhibits clear seasonality, showing enhanced precision for QH and QE during autumn and winter due to more frequent clear days than in spring and summer. Using the coupled system, we explored how anthropogenic heat flux emissions affect boundary layer dynamics by contrasting areas with varying human activities within Greater London; higher emissions not only raise mixed layer heights but also create a warmer, drier near-surface atmosphere. Future updates will align the coupled system with the latest SUEWS version, focusing on detailed surface-layer diagnostics that can support various urban climate applications such as building energy modelling and human thermal comfort assessments.
Ground Motion Models for rock sites in South Korea
Authors: Park Seonjeong
Published: March 2024

Ground motion models (GMMs) play a pivotal role in both deterministic and probabilistic seismic hazard assessments, which are essential for identifying the seismic safety of nuclear power plants. In regions with abundant seismic data, especially strong earthquake records, GMMs could be empirically derived. However, in areas like South Korea with scarce strong earthquake records, development of empirical GMMs is impractical, leading to the utilization of alternative methods such as stochastic simulations. There have been a few GMMs developed in South Korea, all of which relied on stochastically simulated motions. In this study, GMMs are developed for rock sites in South Korea using the hybrid empirical method (HEM) suggested by Campbell (2003). Western United States (WUS) is selected as a host region and five Next Generation Attenuation (NGA)-West2 GMMs are used as GMMs of the host region. The seismological parameters employed in the simulation, including effective point source distance, source and path duration, and path attenuation, duly encompass the findings of recent studies. The high-frequency spectral attenuation parameters, kappa, utilized as site attenuation parameters in ground motion simulations for the target region, are estimated in this study. It is primarily estimated using the classical method proposed by Anderson and Hough (1984). Additionally, the estimation process considers the standardized procedure and the recommended lower bound magnitude decisions put forth by Ktenidou et al. (2013) and Van Houtte et al. (2014), respectively. Since the shear wave velocity for bedrock is considered to be 760 m/s in South Korea, the site amplification functions have been applied with reference to this velocity for both the host and target regions. The adjustment factors obtained from simulated ground motions in both the host and target regions are applied to adjust NGA-West 2 Ground Motion Models (GMMs). Derived GMMs are for magnitudes from 5.0 to 7.5 and rupture distances from 10 to 500 km. Median GMMs are provided with aleatory standard deviations. Predictive GMMs are compared with observed ground motions from the available earthquake records for moment magnitudes 5.0 and 5.5. The notable advantages of the GMMs developed in this study are as follows: Distinct from previous researches utilizing stochastic methods, the implementation of HEM served to complement the limitations inherent in stochastic approaches such as lack of near-source ground motion characteristics. Defining the sites where GMMs are employed at Vs30 = 760m/s enables the derivation of seismic motions applicable to rock layers having Vs30 of 760m/s. Since aleatory standard deviations are quantitatively defined, they can serve as the sigma parameter within GMMs in Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA).
The effects of climate change and forest management on forest carbon sequestration potential
Authors: Liang Yu
Published: March 2024

The carbon sequestration potential of forest ecosystems is influenced by various factors, including climate change and forest management. Climate change directly impacts the rate of forest growth and the accumulation of biomass. Effective forest management measures could enhance the structural integrity of forests, thereby improving the carbon sequestration capacity and adaptability to climate change of forest ecosystems. However, the impacts of these factors on future carbon sequestration and its potential of forests remain unclear. There is a pressing scientific need to focus on whether future climate change will increase carbon sequestration potential, and how forest management should be carried out in the future, as part of the current efforts to develop nature-based climate solutions. This study focuses on the forests of Northeast China, located in a mid-latitude zone sensitive to global climate changes, possessing abundant forest resources and serving as one of China's primary carbon reservoirs, where extensive forest management has been implemented over the past decades. We assessed the carbon sequestration potential of Northeast China's forests under future climate change and forest management strategies. Specifically, we utilized multi-source data (such as forest inventory and remote sensing data), coupled with ecosystem process-based model LINKAGES and forest landscape model LANDIS PRO, to predict the forest succession and carbon storage dynamics of Northeast China during the 21st century. The study conducted multi-scale validation of the simulation results through multi-source data, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the model simulations. Then, we estimated the future forest above-ground carbon sequestration potential and quantified the impacts of climate change and forest management. The results suggested: (1) The simulation of the current spatial distribution of above-ground carbon storage and age structure in Northeast China's forests aligns closely with remote sensing products and inventory data; (2) Considering only forest succession, the above-ground carbon sequestration is projected to peak in 2060, with the rate of carbon sequestration reaching its apex in 2025-2030 at 0.08Pg C·a-1; (3) Climate change is likely to enhance the carbon sequestration potential and rate of Northeast China's forests, but to a limited extent, with an increase of 7.3% and 13.6% under the SSP245 and SSP585 scenarios, respectively; (4) It remains essential to continue forest management practices in the future to address the challenges posed by climate change.
Effects of Hydraulic Factors on Near-bank Landslide Susceptibility Analysis in Alishan River Watershed
Authors: Cheng Ti Ching , Chan Hsun Chuan
Published: March 2024

Near-bank landslide is the primary source of sediment in the mountain rivers. Scouring of slope toe may cause the near-bank landslide, resulting in slope materials collapsing into rivers. Collapsing materials accumulated on the riverbed obstruct the flow, forming barrier lake and greatly destabilizes the river channel, hence, post a threat to the safety of downstream residents and property.
The Alishan River watershed was selected as the research areas and utilized logistic regression analysis to assess the landslide susceptibility of near-bank areas. Models considered different factors, including geographical and hydraulic factors, were established. Model assessment used the area under the ROC curve (AUC) values to evaluate the performance. Results of the model with the highest AUC value was then produced the landslide susceptibility map to illustrate the effects of geographical and hydraulic factors in the landslide prediction. The results showed that concave banks and channel sinuosity index contribute to near-bank landslides significantly. Observations of landslide susceptibility map and satellite image revealed that concave banks and flow meandering are often the characteristics of near-bank landslide areas with high susceptibility. The results can serve as a reference for disaster prevention and management in the future.
Keywords: Alishan River, Near-bank Landslide, Landslide Susceptibility Analysis, Hydraulic Factors, Logistic regression
Climate uncertainty begets overestimation of Chinese natural carbon sinks
Authors: Cheng Yue , Luo Peng , Yang Hao
Published: March 2024

Changes in terrestrial carbon (C) balance under climate change continue to pose significant uncertainties in regional C budgets, leading to a lack of consensus on C balance and challenges in benchmarking. Here we investigate the spatiotemporal patterns and the potential drivers of China’s terrestrial C cycle and its covariation with climate from 1979 to 2014 using three atmospheric forcings and by an ecosystem model and a machine learning model. We estimate Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) over China ranging from 6.52 to 7.89 PgC yr-1, with a clear gradient from southeast to northwest. China is a weak C sink (0.01±0.01 PgC yr-1), indicating a previously overestimated natural carbon sink in China. The total carbon pool in China is estimated to be within the range of 86.30–90.00 PgC, with 84.1% stored in soil and 15.9% (10.17–14.04 PgC) in vegetation. Vegetation C sequestration  is estimated to offset 37%–50% of China’s anthropogenic emissions over that period. Forests, shrublands, grasslands, and croplands contribute significantly to this sequestration, with carbon storage values of 30.83–38.41 Pg C, 2.47–3.07 Pg C, 25.67–44.32 Pg C, and 2.52–3.5 Pg C, respectively. Our findings underscore the dominant influence of climatic factors in shaping the land C cycle, surpassing the impact of land use. The findings emphasize the need for China to prioritize industrial emission reductions for global carbon management and climate change strategies, emphasizing the pivotal role of its terrestrial C sinks.
The impacts of anomalies in atmospheric circulations on Arctic sea ice outflow and sea ice conditions in the Barents and Greenland seas: case study in 202
Authors: Zhang Fanyi , Lei Ruibo , Zhai Mengxi , Pang Xiaoping , Li Na
Published: March 2024

Arctic sea ice outflow to the Atlantic Ocean is essential to the Arctic sea ice mass budget and the marine environments in the Barents and Greenland seas (BGS). With the extremely positive Arctic Oscillation (AO) in winter (JFM) 2020, the feedback mechanisms of anomalies in Arctic sea ice outflow and their impacts on winter–spring sea ice and other marine environmental conditions in the subsequent months until early summer in the BGS were investigated. The results reveal that the total sea ice area flux (SIAF) through the Fram Strait, the Svalbard–Franz Josef Land passageway, and the Franz Josef Land–Novaya Zemlya passageway in winter and June 2020 was higher than the 1988–2020 climatology. The relatively large total SIAF, which was dominated by that through the Fram Strait (77.6 %), can be significantly related to atmospheric circulation anomalies, especially with the positive phases of the winter AO and the winter–spring relatively high air pressure gradient across the western and eastern Arctic Ocean. Such abnormal winteratmospheric circulation patterns have induced wind speeds anomalies that accelerate sea ice motion (SIM) in the Atlantic sector of Transpolar Drift, subsequently contributing to the variability in the SIAF (R=+0.86, P