bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How well do the regional atmospheric, oceanic and coupled models describe the Antarctic sea ice albedo?
Authors: Verro Kristiina , Äijälä Cecilia , Pirazzini Roberta , Maure Damien , van de Berg Willem Jan , Uotila Petteri , Fettweis Xavier
Published: March 2024

A realistic representation of the Antarctic sea ice surface albedo, especially during the melting period, is essential to obtain reliable atmospheric and oceanic model predictions. Antarctic sea ice cover influences the atmosphere by reflecting solar radiation and acting as a barrier between the atmosphere and the ocean, for example. The Antarctic sea ice consists of ice floes of varying thickness, usually covered by snow, and broken up by cracks, leads and polynyas. Therefore, the optical properties of sea ice can vary greatly.We use regional atmospheric (HCLIM-AROME), oceanic (MetROMS-UHel) and coupled (MAR-NEMO) models to compare the representation of the basic sea ice characteristics: sea ice albedo, snow and ice thickness, and meteorological data during the melt periods of two Antarctic domains with very different sea ice conditions, using data of the ISPOL and Marsden field campaigns. During the ISPOL campaign (Dec 2004; Hellmer et al. 2008) RV Polarstern was moored to an ice floe in the Weddell Sea, where snow-covered multi-year ice persists. The Marsden field campaign (Nov. 2022; Dadic et al. 2023) was established over 2.4m thick land-fast ice of McMurdo Sound, where snow thickness ranged from 0 to 40 cm in patches over the roughest ice. We aim to bridge the models to observations, by comparing model output to various levels of observations, from in-situ measurements of the ISPOL and Marsden campaigns to smaller/larger scale satellite observations over Weddell and Ross Seas. The first comparisons revealed that HCLIM, with a simplistic 1D thermodynamic sea ice scheme (SICE, Bartrak et al. 2018), was underestimating snow albedo up to 30%, and needed retuning for Antarctic conditions. Overall, preliminary results indicate that the models do well reproducing the snow-covered sea ice during the ISPOL campaign, when the weather was warm, with the air temperature mostly above −5◦C. MetROMS-UHel, which uses the Delta-Eddington multiple scattering radiative transfer model to calculate the sea ice albedo, even reproduced similar diurnal variability than observed. The Marsden field campaign took place in an area of complex topography, cold weather conditions, and greatly varying sea ice. The models tend to overestimate the albedo of the land-fast ice of the Marsden field campaign, as a uniform, instead of patchy, snow layer is modelled. Models also cannot reproduce the variety of sea ice, such as freshly formed ice, in the McMurdo Sound area apparent on the satellite images.
Evaluating Tropical Precipitation Extremes: Insights from first simulations from nextGEMS and Destination Earth Climate Digital Twin
Authors: Nazarova Natalia , von Hardenberg Jost , Davini Paolo , Nurisso Matteo , Caprioli Silvia , Ghinassi Paolo
Published: March 2024

Understanding tropical precipitation extremes is crucial for capturing the complexities of global climate dynamics. In this study, we employ a novel methodology to examine these extremes in spatial and temporal resolutions that have not previously been explored in global climate modeling. High-resolution data from nextGEMS Cycle 3 and preliminary DestinE simulations are our primary sources. We thoroughly analyzed advanced models from different historical periods, including ICON, IFS-FESOM, and IFS-NEMO. The research also includes a range of observational data sources, such as the MSWEP, ERA5, and EMERG datasets, to create a robust framework for comparison. Our methodological approach includes zonal mean analysis and probability distribution functions (PDFs), applied to data re-gridded to both standard 1° monthly and finer high-resolution 0.1° scales. This dual-resolution strategy is key for revealing detailed patterns and extremes in tropical precipitation. The study uncovers notable alignments and discrepancies between model simulations and observational data. Some models show a high degree of accuracy in reflecting real-world observations, whereas models like ICON demonstrate significant biases, especially in extreme precipitation rates. Such variations in precipitation peaks and rates across different models underscore the need for adjusting simulation parameters to enhance accuracy.
A new Pluvial Flood Index (PFI) considering meteorological, hydrological and hydrodynamic processes for real-time flash flood forecasting
Authors: Weiler Markus , Haag Ingo , Hänsler Andreas , Krumm Julia , Leistert Hannes , Schmit Max , Steinbrich Andreas
Published: March 2024

Pluvial (flash) floods regularly cause significant damage in both rural and urban catchments. Such pluvial floods are usually caused by short-term local precipitation events of extreme intensity, resulting in infiltration excess and overland flow. In contrast to fluvial floods, the hazard of pluvial floods is mainly due to overland flow and flow in small ditches and creeks. Therefore, pluvial floods cannot be evaluated with common extreme value statistics, which are based on fluvial discharge records at river gages. On the other hand, pluvial floods are not only influenced by precipitation alone, but also by hydrological and hydrodynamic processes. Thus, precipitation statistics are not sufficient to evaluate and predict pluvial floods, either. Therefore, we suggest a new pluvial flood index (PFI), which evaluates the danger resulting from overland flow and surface flooding during pluvial floods and takes into account precipitation along with hydrological and hydrodynamic processes.The new PFI is based on the proportion of pluvial flood hazard areas (PFHA). We define PFHA as areas where pedestrians or vehicles are at risk because water depth, flow velocity or the combination of both (flow rate) exceed defined thresholds. Based on historical events and design events (combining different probabilities of precipitation and initial soil moisture), we defined thresholds of PFHA to generate four classes of PFI ranging from no flood danger to very large flood danger. Hence, PFI is a simple, dimensionless measure, which can convey valuable information about the occurrence and severity of a pluvial flood to the general public and authorities.PFHA and PFI for different events are determined from precipitation input, dynamic simulation of infiltration and saturation excess and hydrodynamic simulation of surface runoff concentration. Thus, simulation and forecasting PFI does not only require quantitative precipitation input and appropriate hydrodynamic overland flow models, but also adequate distributed, process-based hydrological models that consider infiltration excess and saturation runoff resulting from different initial soil moisture and land surface conditions. We demonstrate the application and usefulness of the new PFI in case studies for historical events and for a large-scale test area and show the potential using ML methods to allow real-time forecasting. We will also demonstrate that this information is much more valuable than rainfall warning alone. Moreover, the PFI can be linked to detailed local data to improve decision making of local municipalities. Therefore, the PFI is a valuable core piece for operational, real-time pluvial flood forecasting and early warning systems. The proposed system provides information on whether pluvial flooding will occur in a certain area on the scale of several hectares to square kilometers and how extreme this flood will be.
Collaborative provision of a national peak flow data service
Authors: Sefton Catherine , Turner Stephen , Kumar Amit , Suman Gayatri , Tindall Isabella , Muchan Katie , Kennedy Grant , Tudor-Ward Glenda , Galbraith Gary , Hannaford Jamie
Published: March 2024

High quality and trustworthy data on peak river flows are fundamental for assessing, monitoring, estimating and managing flood events.  In the UK, a national data service provides open access to peak flow data (annual maximum and peaks-over-threshold) with supporting metadata at more than 900 gauging locations.  A collaborative programme of work involves the four main Measurement Authorities (MAs) and the National River Flow Archive (NRFA) which is based at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH).  This partnership and the channelling of peak flow data for the UK through one organisation also promotes sharing of best practice.  Once the data have been generated, they undergo checks by each of the MAs before being sent to UKCEH who undertake a number of complementary automatic and manual quality control checks.  These include the consistency of the data with stage-discharge ratings, the continuity of the digital and pre-digital periods, and the suitability of the data for flood estimation purposes.  Queries that arise during this process are resolved in close collaboration with the MAs.The data are updated and released annually.  The most recent water year is added to the dataset, and a rolling programme of period-of-record review for a percentage of sites each year captures data reprocessing, newly available data from digitisation and other improvements that have come to light since the initial submission of the data to the central repository.  Following each annual cycle, the data are released in a number of accessible formats, including files which can be loaded directly into the UK’s industry standard Flood Estimation Software (WINFAP), as well as being added to the NRFA website and API.  Each gauging station has a webpage with a wealth of associated metadata and context to aid the community in using the data.There are however challenges remaining.  These include event independence, concerned with the criteria used to derive peaks-over-threshold data, consolidation of stage-discharge ratings between the MAs and UKCEH, and further digitisation of pre-digital data where physical charts exist.  Running through all of these threads is the quantification of uncertainty in high flow measurement and the challenges in how to communicate this to users.  Initiatives are addressing some of these, but more is needed to ensure that reliable long records are available for reproducible flood estimation and trend analysis.
Assessment of a Climate Reanalysis Product for Estimating Hourly Wind Energy Production in Italy
Authors: Elmaddah Esraa , Gaetani Marco , Fattori Fabrizio , Motta Mario
Published: March 2024

Recently, the Italian government has revised its national energy and climate plan (NECP) and has significantly increased its objective for wind energy capacity. However, climate change itself can affect the availability of wind resources, due to the increasing frequency of extreme weather conditions, and possible shifts in the mean climate conditions. Meanwhile, RSE has been developing the Meteorological Reanalysis Italian Dataset (MERIDA) to monitor climate variability in Italy over the last 20 years. MERIDA consists of a dynamic downscaling of the ERA5 global reanalysis using the WRF-ARW limited area model and provides hourly data. While MERIDA has a spatial resolution of 7 km, RSE has also developed MERIDA High-resolution for Renewable Energy Sources (HRES) with 4 km spatial resolution. MERIDA HRES represents an upgrade of MERIDA to describe the most relevant meteorological variables for applications related to renewable energy e.g. wind, air temperature, solar radiation.This work presents an assessment of both MERIDA and MERIDA HRES hourly datasets for the estimation of wind power production in Italy. A comparative analysis has been conducted based on three different types of wind variables, namely: wind speed at 100 m height from MERIDA HRES, 100 m height wind speed extrapolated from MERIDA HRES wind speed at 10 m height, and 100 m height wind speed extrapolated from MERIDA wind speed at 10 m height. A wind power density model has been also developed as part of this work to estimate the wind energy production using wind speed variables. A validation for the results has been conducted vs the hourly actual wind energy output at bidding zone level based on historical data (from ENTSO-E). The results present the impact of both changes in spatial resolution and extrapolation of MERIDA datasets on the expected wind energy output vs the actual energy output.
Bio-Electrochemical Systems to Monitor Biodegradation around Groundwater Plumes
Authors: Doherty Rory , Kirmizakis Panagiotis , Cunningham Mark , Kumaresan Deepak
Published: March 2024

This study introduces a straightforward and cost-effective Bio-Electrochemical System (BES) design that can be easily retrofitted into a borehole. The design uses standard bailers and Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) to create electrodes. These electrodes are connected across redox environments in nested boreholes. The  electrodes were installed in pre-existing boreholes surrounding a groundwater plume at a gasworks site. The BES at the plume fringe had the highest electrical response and showed variations in the bacterial and archaeal taxa between the anode and cathode electrodes. The other BES configurations in the plume center and uncontaminated groundwater showed little to no electrical response, suggesting minimal microbial activity. This approach enables rapid decision-making to effectively monitor degradation at groundwater plumes. 
Towards Foundation Models for Earth Observation; Benchmarking Datasets and Performance on Diverse Downstream Tasks
Authors: Jungbluth Anna , Allen Matt , Dorr Francisco , Gallego-Mejia Joseph , Martínez-Ferrer Laura , Kalaitzis Freddie , Ramos-Pollán Raúl
Published: March 2024

Satellite-based Earth Observation (EO) is crucial for monitoring land changes and natural hazards on a global scale. In addition to optical imagery, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology has proven indispensable, since radar pulses can penetrate clouds and detect millimeter changes on the ground surface. While SAR polarimetry data is easily available (e.g. via Google Earth Engine), interferometric products are harder to obtain due to complex pre-processing requirements. In general, using the information contained in EO data (both optical and SAR) for specific downstream tasks often requires specialized analysis pipelines that are not easily accessible to the scientific community. In the context of applying machine learning to EO, self-supervised learning (SSL) - machine learning models that learn features in data without being provided with explicit labels - offer great potential to fully leverage the wealth and complexity of the available data.In this work, we apply self-supervised learning techniques to create pre-trained models that can leverage the features learned from unlabelled EO data for a variety of downstream tasks. More specifically, we pre-train our models on optical imagery (Sentinel-2) or SAR data (Sentinel-1), and fine-tune our models to predict local events (e.g. fires, floods) and annual land characteristics (e.g. vegetation percentage, land cover, biomass). We compare a number of state-of-the-art SSL techniques (MAE1, DINO2, VICReg3, CLIP4) that have shown great performance on standard image or text based tasks. By adapting these models to our use case, we demonstrate the potential of SSL for EO, and show that self-supervised pre-training strongly reduces the requirement for labels.In addition to the pre-trained models, we provide global benchmarking datasets of EO input data and associated downstream tasks ready for use in machine learning pipelines. Our data contains 25+ TB of co-registered and aligned tiles, covering South America, the US, Europe, and Asia. By comparing how well our pre-trained models perform on unseen data (both regionally and temporally), we investigate the generalizability of SSL techniques for EO research. With this, our work provides a first step towards creating EO foundation models that can predict anything, anywhere on Earth. 1. He, K. et al. Masked Autoencoders Are Scalable Vision Learners. (2021).2. Caron, M. et al. Emerging Properties in Self-Supervised Vision Transformers. (2021).3. Bardes, A., Ponce, J. & LeCun, Y. VICReg: Variance-Invariance-Covariance Regularization for Self-Supervised Learning. (2021).4. Radford, A. et al. Learning Transferable Visual Models From Natural Language Supervision. (2021).
Distinct response of Asian summer precipitation and monsoon circulation to orbital forcing during Heinrich events
Authors: Liang MingQiang , Yin Qiuzhen , Sun Yong , Zhang Chao , Wu Zhipeng , Liu Wei
Published: March 2024

Climatic fingerprint of Heinrich (H) events was characterized by widespread megadroughts over the Asian monsoon region, accompanied by a systemic weakening of Asian summer monsoon. However, recent hydroclimate proxies suggest that South China experienced increased precipitation contrasting with the prevalent megadrought conditions during the Heinrich events. Our simulations performed with the HadCM3 model show that changes in insolation alone can induce spatiotemporal discrepancies in precipitation over the Asian summer monsoon region. During the H1, 3, 4, 5, 6 events, the amplification of the land-sea pressure contrast in response to a positive solar insolation gradient during boreal summer intensifies moisture transport from the ocean to the Asian monsoon region. The ensuing moisture divergence, combined with anomalous downdrafts, results in decreased precipitation in the South Asian Summer Monsoon (SASM) region, but converse situation for the East Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM) region. During the H2 event, the increased precipitation across the Yangtze River Valley sharply contrasts with the widespread drought over the ASM region. This is attributed to an enhancement of a southerly warm-moist vapor transport along the western edge of the subtropical Western North Pacific anticyclone and an enhancement of a northerly cold-dry vapor transport along the western edge of the Aleutian cyclone, which converge over the Yangtze River Valley. Our results further show an in-phase relationship between the SASM and EASM circulation strengths in response to orbital forcing. This is driven by the combined influence of the land-sea thermal contrast and the migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, supporting Kutzbach's hypothesis.
Complex metamorphic and metasomatic history recorded by REE-phosphates in apatite-iron oxide ores from Svalbard
Authors: Majka Jaroslaw , Maraszewska Maria , Harlov Daniel E. , Manecki Maciej , Schneider David A. , Broska Igor , Myhre Perle Inge
Published: March 2024

A set of small iron oxide-apatite (IOA) ore bodies have been discovered within polydeformed and polymetamorphosed metasedimentary rocks on Prins Karls Forland, Svalbard. A complex tectonothermal history resulted in the development of various ore structure, varying from brecciated to mylonitised. Generally, the IOA ores are divided into two major geochemical subtypes: (1) fluorapatite-bearing with predominant low-Th monazite, and (2) F-Cl apatite-bearing with predominant high-Th monazite. Initial alteration of the ores resulted in liberation of REE and P from the apatite and redeposition as small (
Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Global Wetland Extent using CMIP6 multi-model analysis.
Authors: Hardouin Lucas , Decharme Bertrand , Colin Jeanne , Delire Christine
Published: March 2024

Wetlands play a crucial role in the Earth's system, interacting with various processes such as the hydrological cycle, energy and water exchange with the atmosphere, and global nitrogen and carbon cycles. However, the historical extent of wetlands has suffered significant losses, primarily driven by human activities, particularly in Europe, North America, China, and Southeast Asia. Because of their remote locations, northern Canada and Siberia remain relatively untouched, while South America and Central Africa face current threats. The future trajectory of wetlands is anticipated to be influenced not only by direct human actions but also by climate change. Here we present our assessment of climate-driven global change in wetland extend, focusing on the main wetland complexes. We used an approach based on the Topographic Hydrological model (TOPMODEL), and soil liquid water content projections from 14 models of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6). Our analysis reveals a consistent decrease in wetland extent in the Mediterranean, Central America, and Northern South America, with a substantial long-term loss of 28% in the western Amazon Basin under high radiative forcing (SSP370). Conversely, Central and Western Africa exhibit an increase in wetland extent, excluding the Congo Basin. Nevertheless, most of the area studied (80%) presents uncertain results, due to conflicting projection of changes between the models. Notably, we show that there is significant uncertainty among CMIP6 models regarding liquid soil water content in high latitudes, due to permafrost representation and its thawing. By narrowing our focus to 10 models that seem to best represent the thawing of permafrost, we find modest decline in the overall global area (< 5%), yet significant spatial diversity, with better model agreement. Beyond 50°N, long-term losses of 13% are noted globally, with specific areas like the Hudson Bay Lowlands experiencing a 21% decrease and the Western Siberian Lowlands a 15% decrease under high radiative forcing.
Understanding the role of natural flood management in a ‘not-so-natural’ catchment: field observations of an NFM scheme in rural, lowland Lincolnshire
Authors: Lewis Copper , Pattison Ian
Published: March 2024

The implementation of Natural Flood Management (NFM) measures theoretically provides an opportunity to build resilience into flood risk management systems in a way that incorporates sustainable practices and holistic management of the landscape. However, there remains a lack of clear understanding of these solutions, and in practice this can hinder the uptake of NFM;  there is a need to expand the emerging evidence base in order to quantify and demonstrate their effectiveness in a range of catchment and storm event scenarios.This study focuses on an NFM scheme implemented across a 22km2 rural, lowland catchment in Lincolnshire, UK. An additional 46,000m3 of storage has been created through the construction of five offline attenuation ponds and a number of field-edge swales alongside the channel network. Land management practices in this catchment have resulted in significant modifications to the hydrological processes through historical realignment and modification of the channel network, intensive agricultural practices and the installation of tile drainage beneath arable fields. The Swaton Eau catchment is located in a lowland area with an elevation range of less than 50m across the catchment. It is important to investigate how NFM features are expected to perform in catchments that are characterised by hydro-modifications and low gradients as there currently is a lack of research of this.An array of monitoring has been installed across the catchment in a nested structure to gather empirical evidence on the performance of the NFM scheme both at a feature scale and at a wider sub-catchment and catchment scale. Water level sensors are located throughout the channel network to track the propagation of the peak flood level. Transects of soil moisture sensors are buried in the shallow sub-surface in chosen swales to monitor short time-scale movement of water through these features.The first major test of the features occurred in October 2023 during Storm Babet and Storm Ciaran. Field evidence indicates that the flood wave was attenuated through the catchment with a less flashy catchment response observed compared to a pre-NFM event in 2012. Soil moisture data collected within the swales indicates that they are intercepting pathways of water through the catchment and preventing runoff entering the surface water drainage network.
Landslide mobility enhanced by dynamic basal liquefaction of underlying sediments
Authors: Reid Mark , Collins Brian
Published: March 2024

Far-traveled landslides greatly increase hazard and risk. Although pervasive liquefaction in debris flows and flow slides can dramatically boost their mobility, the effects of liquefaction on the mobility of coherent landslides is more difficult to forecast. In 2014, the Oso landslide in Washington State, USA failed rapidly and swept across more than 1 km of the adjacent flat alluvial valley, killing 43 people. We mapped over 350 sand boils that emanated from the alluvium under the debris-avalanche hummock deposit. Although transient, these sand boils represent definitive evidence of sub-bottom (basal) liquefaction of the alluvium beneath the overriding slide. The hummocks in the slide mass were not liquefied and they commonly rafted upright vegetation, including coniferous trees, and intact layered glacial sediments across the valley floor. A liquefied base provides little shear resistance, greatly enhancing slide mobility. Our extensive laboratory testing and numerical modeling revealed that several mechanisms may have enhanced basal liquefaction at Oso: rapid undrained loading, shearing of contractive alluvial sediments, and cyclical loading from ground shaking associated with rapid emplacement. Here we further investigate the potential for a rapidly moving slide mass to dynamically liquefy underlying alluvial sediments through undrained loading. We use a fully coupled poro-elastic numerical model with parameters determined by laboratory tests of the valley alluvium at the Oso landslide site. Given a landslide speed of 10 m/s, estimated from seismic records of the event, our modeling demonstrates that rapid loading induces transiently elevated pore-fluid pressures nearly equal to the overriding landslide load. These pore-fluid pressures are capable of liquefying the saturated alluvium, reducing its shear strength, and enhancing mobility. Both landslide speed and the hydraulic conductivity of the underlying alluvium strongly modulate the potential for liquefaction. Slower landslide speeds and/or greater alluvial hydraulic conductivity allow simulated pore pressures from loading to dissipate before reaching liquefaction levels. Only specific combinations of these parameters promote basal liquefaction. Such basal liquefaction effects may enhance the mobility of other slides traveling rapidly across saturated alluvium in adjacent valley floors.
Financial risk management needs to integrate compound events in physical climate risk assessment
Authors: Ceglar Andrej , Ranger Nicola , Kornhuber Kai , Dolk Michaela , Mahul Olivier
Published: March 2024

The world has recently witnessed many unprecedented climate disasters, often coinciding with other crises such as pandemics, socio-economic instabilities and ecosystem degradation (closely linked to biodiversity loss). These compound shocks exert profound effects on human, environmental, and economic dimensions, presenting substantial implications also from a financial risk standpoint. Consequently, it becomes imperative to transcend the isolated assessment of individual events and associated risks and progress towards an integrated evaluation of interconnected crises. Compound shocks exhibit characteristics marked by non-linear, intricate, and often unpredictable effects on both society and the economy. Consequently, discerning their impacts cannot be simplified to a mere summation of the effects of their individual shocks. The intricate nonlinearities have the potential to amplify the repercussions of climate-related shocks, presenting considerable challenges to financial stability. Recent advancements in the fields of climate impact modelling, catastrophe risk modeling, machine learning, and macroeconomic modeling hold promise in addressing the existing gaps in modeling compound risks. Our study builds on a survey we conducted among twenty-six central banks and supervisory bodies, revealing a consensus on the crucial importance of considering compound shocks in climate change scenario analyses, specifically pertaining to physical. Leveraging the insights garnered from this survey, we set up a research direction towards integration of compound risks into the development of scenario narratives, storylines and (macro-)economic models capable of effectively capturing compound shocks.
Evaluation of Submarine Groundwater Discharge and Chemical Fluxes along the Coastal Plains of Odisha, India.
Authors: Nayak Soumya Kanta , Nandimandalam Janardhana Raju
Published: March 2024

Submarine Groundwater Discharge (SGD) and Seawater Intrusion (SWI) are two opposite components of hydrological cycle that occur across the land-sea continuum and their understanding are imperative for development and management of coastal groundwater resources. This study has attempted to identify the SGD and SWI sites along the water stressed coastal plains of Odisha through a three tier investigation system and quantify the SGD and associated chemical fluxes (nutrients and metals) though seepage metric measurements. A total 340 samples (85 each i.e., 30 porewater, 30 seawater and 25 groundwater in two post-monsoons and two pre-monsoons) were collected and their in-situ physicochemical parameters were measured along ~145 km of the coastline. Considering high groundwater EC values (> 3000 μS/cm), three probable SWI and low porewater salinities (< 32 ppt in pre-monsoons and < 25 ppt in post-monsoons), four probable SGD zones were identified. The high positive hydraulic gradient (> 10 m) near SGD site and negative gradient (< 0 m) near SWI site along with anomalous SST (due to cold/warm groundwater input) at SGD locations validated the identified locations. Lee type seepage meters were installed at SGD identified sites during the low tide period and the measured fluxes ranged from 0 to 4247.973 m3 m-2 year-1 in post-monsoon and 0 to 1470.46 m3 m-2 year-1 in pre-monsoon. The metal fluxes were found in the order of B > Sr > Li > Ba > Al > As > Fe > Ni > Cu > Co > Mo > Be > Mn with highest flux of B (2962.86 mmol. m-2 year-1) at Puri beach which was 7x of Sr-flux and 30x of Li-flux respectively. Among the measured nutrients, DSi fluxes were higher than NO3- and PO43- and the highest flux of DSi (849.86 mmol. m-2 year-1) was observed at Puri beach. These nutrients and metal fluxes may lead to an increased chance of eutrophication/algal blooms at the SGD-identified locations and influence the sensitive coastal-marine ecosystems of Odisha; therefore, further investigations focusing on biogeochemical species transformation are needed along the fresh-saline interface.Keywords: Submarine Groundwater Discharge, Seawater Intrusion, Nutrient flux, Metal flux, Seepage meter, Odisha Coast.
Tools for managing metal contaminated areas: multidisciplinary approach to develop inputs for a more sustainable region
Authors: Oliveira Rui Jorge , Caldeira Bento , Palma Patrícia , Costa Maria João , Fialho Ana
Published: March 2024

This work aims to develop an environmental management model specifically designed for mining areas that have been contaminated by toxic metals. A sustainable management model is suggested to be established, utilizing a combination of developed tools. This model will provide tools and strategies to effectively manage and mitigate the environmental impact of such contamination, with the goal of promoting an increment of sustainability in these regions. The environmental management model combines the outcomes of employing a range of analytical techniques and tools to monitor polluted regions, including biophysical analyses, analysis of soil and water chemistry (measuring quality physic-chemical parameters and quantifying potentially harmful metals in soil and water samples), geophysics (using magnetic, electromagnetic, electrical, and seismic methods), and satellite hyperspectral remote sensing. The artificial intelligence model will utilize the data gathered from many domains as its inputs. On the other hand, a plan for the economic and financial viability of the management model will be formulated.With the model we aim to optimize and conserve resources during the sampling and analysis phases. It will provide crucial real-time information for decision-making, specifically for monitoring and managing pollution. The device has wide-ranging utility in identifying metal pollution, facilitating the transfer of technology to various geographical regions and other metal contamination situations, such as landfills and agricultural fields.Through our multidisciplinary approach, we anticipate diverse contributions to the region affected by metals contamination. The region benefits from the adoption of new strategies that improve current routines, streamline procedures, and ensure timely execution. This leads to positive environmental, social, and economic outcomes, including resource conservation, remediation of contaminated sites, restoration of ecosystem balance, improved company performance, reduced environmental impact, and promotion of regional sustainability.Acknowledgment: The work was supported by the Promove Program of the “la Caixa” Foundation, in partnership with BPI and the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), in the scope of the project INCOME – Inputs para uma região mais sustentável: Instrumentos para a gestão de zonas contaminadas por metais (Inputs for a more sustainable region: Instruments for managing metal-contaminated areas), PD23-00013. The work was carried on in the scope of the funding by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) project UIDB/04683/2020 - ICT (Institute of Earth Sciences).
Fluid-induced earthquake nucleation controlled by shear-induced compaction and dilation
Authors: Dal Zilio Luca , Selvadurai Paul , Gerya Taras , Ampuero Jean-Paul , Tinti Elisa , Cocco Massimo , Cappa Frédéric , Wiemer Stefan , Giardini Domenico , FEAR team the
Published: March 2024

The conventional understanding of tectonic faults primarily categorizes them based on frictional behavior: stable due to velocity-strengthening (VS) behavior, or unstable owing to velocity-weakening (VW) that lead to seismic ruptures. This classification has traditionally led to the assumption that VS faults are unlikely candidates for earthquake nucleation. However, emerging evidence from recent laboratory experiments and field studies is challenging this simplistic view, pointing towards a more complex mechanism. In this study, we utilize a hydro-mechanically coupled fault model, which integrates VS friction governed by rate-and-state friction laws with dynamic weakening influenced by poroelastic effects. A key aspect of our findings is the impact of fluid injection on the mechanical state of the fault. This process decreases the effective normal stress and frictional resistance, initially paving the way for the propagation of an aseismic, slow-slip event. The transition from aseismic to seismic slip on VS faults hinges on the balance between shear-induced dilation and compaction. These opposing mechanisms respectively lead to a decrease and an increase in pore-fluid pressure, dictating the balance between fault stability or instability. Our results show that when the effect of compaction-induced pressurization surpasses the initial dilatancy phase, it enables the propagation of dynamic rupture as a solitary pore-pressure wave. Conversely, when dilation predominates over compaction, an aseismic slow-slip event propagates through the fault, maintaining stability and preventing rapid seismic activity. These findings advance our understanding of seismic risk associated with VS faults. They are especially relevant in the context of fluid injection practices in geothermal energy production and CO2 storage, demonstrating how such activities might activate faults that are considered nominally stable. Additionally, our results underscore the critical need for more experimental and theoretical investigations into shear-induced compaction as an efficient mechanism for fault self-pressurization, which plays a key role in leading to seismic instabilities.
Turbulent dissipation in 1D and 3D simulations of thin solar wind flux tube   
Authors: Réville Victor
Published: March 2024

Turbulence is likely to be the main source of heating of the solar corona and solar wind. The turbulent cascade transfers energy from large scale motions down to ion and electron scales, where the plasma is heated. Self-consistent simulations of the turbulent solar wind heating are however very hard to achieve as the cascade spans many scales and physical, fluid and kinetic, processes. In this talk, we focus on the inertial range of the cascade, which may be modeled with MHD. Using a 1D profile along a solar wind flux tube, we show that we can power a solar wind solution through a compressible cascade triggered by a non-linear parametric instability. The dissipation process of this simulation is, however, unlikely to be similar to 3D realistic configurations. Hence, we compare this simulation with an extremely high resolution 3D simulation of a thin flux tube, allowed by the new GPU accelerated MHD code Idefix. We compare the Politano-Pouquet law in its classical and weak formulation to assess the means of the dissipation in both simulations.
Advancing soil moisture estimation across scales: insights from the SoMMet Project 
Authors: Emamalizadeh Sadra , Pirola Alessandro , Alessandrini Cinzia , Balenzano Anna , Baroni Gabriele
Published: March 2024

The accurate estimation of soil moisture is fundamental for understanding hydrological processes and optimizing water resource management, particularly in agricultural areas. The SoMMet project, a joint research project within the Programme 'European Partnership on Metrology' of EURAMET, contributes significantly to this field by developing and establishing a metrological framework for soil moisture measurements covering lateral scales ranging from the decimetre to kilometre. Among the different research activities, the project aims to compare and harmonize various soil moisture observation methods, addressing their uncertainty, sensing volume, and systematic effects. This involves a systematic review of methods, comparison of their spatial and temporal characteristics, and the development of a harmonization approach.In line with these activities, in this contribution we present the comparison performed between a remote sensing product, Soil Water Index (SWI) by Copernicus Global Land Service (CGLS), and soil moisture estimated by ground-based Cosmic-Ray Neutron Sensors (CRNS). The study, conducted in 4 sites in Northern Italy, spans the entire growing season of 2021 and incorporates SWI data at multiple depths. We explore the correlation between vegetation vigor (NDVI) and soil moisture trends to understand the spatial mismatch among soil moisture products. The results show a general good correlation between remote sensing and ground measurements. The agreement between the two soil moisture observations, however, is not consistent in time. The differences are mainly attributed to the role of the vegetation.This research is pivotal for identifying representative spots for ground measurements, enhancing the utility of soil moisture products across applications. In conclusion, our abstract showcases the importance of advancing soil moisture estimation methods, addressing uncertainties and representativeness. The integration of metrological principles, harmonization approaches, and comparisons between different observation methods demonstrates the holistic approach in enhancing our understanding of soil-water dynamics.
U-Pb Dating of Apatite in Sanidinite-Facies Pyrometamorphosed Rocks from the Hatrurim Basin, Israel
Authors: Segall Zohar , Katzir Yaron , Vapnik Yevgeny , Elisha Bar
Published: March 2024

Apatite, an abundant accessory mineral in igneous and metamorphic rocks, may accommodate appreciable amounts of trace elements including U, Pb and REE and is thus a useful U-Pb geochronometer and tracer of high-temperature metasomatism. Since apatite is susceptible to recrystallization, new growth and fluid-induced chemical changes, a good understating of the U-Pb system closure in apatite at variable geological conditions is required to correctly interpret apatite U-Pb ages. In this research, we delve into the behavior of apatite in marine phosphorites metamorphosed at sanidinite facies conditions to constrain U-Pb systematics in apatite under extreme high-T low-P conditions.We sampled non-metamorphosed, metamorphosed, and hydrothermally altered marine phosphorites from the Mottled Zone pyrometamorphic complex exposures in the Hatrurim Basin, Israel. Petrographic study of the samples was followed by in -situ measurement of major (EMPA) and trace element compositions and U-Pb dating (LA-ICP-MS) of apatite.Our results show that during the pyrometamorphic event apatite recrystallized and incorporated carbonate, silica, and sulphate into its crystal lattice. Thermally derived apatite recrystallization resulted in a submillimeter-scale Pb isotopic homogenization, inheritance of common lead of very low 207Pb/206Pb ratio from the U-rich, biogenic apatite precursor, and contemporaneous U-Pb system closure of apatite on a wider scale. The Miocene and Pliocene U-Pb ages of apatite coincide with previously known 40Ar/39Ar and K-Ar ages of the Mottled Zone pyrometamorphic event (Gur et al., 1995). Post-metamorphic interaction of high-T metamorphosed phosphorites with carbonate-, uranyl- and vanadate-rich fluids resulted in U and V enrichment of apatite, as well as redistribution of REE.The results of our research shed new light on the timing and extent of the Mottled Zone pyrometamorphic event, contribute to understating the behavior of biogenic apatite under extreme high-T, low-P conditions, and exemplify the utilization of apatite in meta-sedimentary rocks for dating thermal events including combustion metamorphism.
Persistent positive anomalies in geopotential height drive enhanced wildfire activity across Europe
Authors: Little Kerryn , Castellanos-Acuna Dante , Jain Piyush , Graham Laura , Kettridge Nicholas , Flannigan Mike
Published: March 2024

Persistent positive anomalies in 500 hPa geopotential height (PPAs) are upper-air circulation patterns associated with surface heatwaves, drought, and consequently fuel aridity, elevated fire weather, and active wildfires. We examined the association between PPA events and surface fire weather and burned area at a pan-European level. Europe-wide, extreme fire weather and wildfires were on average 3.5 and 2.3 times more likely to occur concurrently with a PPA, respectively. PPAs were associated with 43% of pan-European area burned between March and October 2001–2021, and there was a latitudinal increase in the percentage of area burned during PPAs up to 60% over Northern Europe. Burned area was highest in the three days following PPA presence, and fuel moisture indices from the Canadian Fire Weather Index System lagged behind peak PPA strength, demonstrating the role of PPAs in pre-drying fuels. PPAs have been associated with significant wildfire events experienced across Europe, including the 2017 Portugal wildfires, the 2018 UK, Sweden, and Finland wildfires, and the 2021 Greece wildfires. Our findings demonstrate opportunities for developing early warning systems of wildfire danger, having implications for wildfire awareness and preparedness, informing policy, and wildfire management decisions like early mobilisation and resource sharing initiatives within and across Europe.
Crustal Structure in the Central Tethys Realm
Authors: Teknik Vahid , Thybo Hans , Artemieva Irina
Published: March 2024

The central Tethys realm including Anatolia, Caucasus and Iran is one of the most complex geodynamic settings within the Alpine-Himalayan belt. We calculate the depth to magnetic basement and the average crustal magnetic susceptibility, which is sensitive to the presence of iron-rich minerals, to interpret its present structure and the tecto-magmatic evolution. The data demonstrates that the structural complexity increases from the Iranian plateau into Anatolia.In Iran, our data reveals the presence of hitherto unknown sedimentary basins and we identify two unknown parallel Magmatic-Ophiolite Arcs hidden by the sedimentary cover in eastern Iran. Based on the width of the magmatic anomalies we find that the paleo-subduction zone at the Urmia-Dokhtar Magmatic Arc (Neo-Tethys subduction structure at Zagros) was steeply dipping (> 60°) in the SE and, in contrast, it had shallow dip(< 20°) in the NW part.Our results for Anatolia demonstrate exceptional variability of crustal magnetization with smooth, small-amplitude anomalies in the Gondwana realm and short-wavelength high-amplitude variations in the Laurentia realm. Poor correlation between known ophiolites and magnetization anomalies indicates that Tethyan ophiolites are relatively poorly magnetized, which we explain by demagnetization during recent magmatism. We analyze regional magnetic characteristics for mapping previously unknown oceanic fragments and mafic intrusions, hidden beneath sedimentary sequences or overprinted by tectono-magmatic events. By the style of crustal magnetization, we distinguish three types of basins and demonstrate that many small-size basins host large volumes of magmatic rocks within or below the sedimentary cover. We map the width of magmatic arcs to estimate paleo-subduction dip angle and find no systematic variation between the Neo-Tethys and Paleo-Tethys subduction systems, while the Pontides magmatic arc has shallow (∼15°) dip in the east and steep (∼50°–55°) dip in the west. We recognize an unknown, buried 450 km-long magmatic arc along the western margin of the Kırşehir massif formed above steep (55°) subduction. We propose that lithosphere fragmentation associated with Neo-Tethys subduction systems may explain high-amplitude, high-gradient crustal magnetization in the Caucasus Large Igneous Province. Our results challenge conventional regional geological models, such as Neo-Tethyan subduction below the Greater Caucasus, and call for reevaluation of the regional paleotectonics.References:Teknik V., Thybo H., Artemieva I.M., Ghods A., 2020, Crustal density structure of NW Iranian Plateau. Tectonophysics, 792, 228588, doi: 10.1016/j.tecto.2020.228588.Teknik, V., Artemieva, I. M., & Thybo, H. 2023. Geodynamics of the central Tethyan belt revisited: Inferences from crustal magnetization in the Anatolia-Caucasus-Black Sea region. Tectonics, 42, https://doi.org/10.1029/2022TC007282.