bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nice weather or burning heat? Sentiment analysis of temperature-related media reports.
Authors: Bogdanovich Ekaterina , Brenning Alexander , Guenther Lars , Reichstein Markus , Frank Dorothea , Schäfer Mike S. , Ruhrmann Georg , Orth René
Published: February 2023

The frequency, duration, and intensity of heat waves are expected to increase in the coming decades. This could lead to elevated heat stress and consequently an increase in excess mortality, caused by hyperthermia, dehydration, respiratory disease, cerebrovascular disease, or heat stroke. Public awareness of such impacts is key to mitigate heat-related consequences of hot temperatures. For example, the sentiment of heat-related media coverage can affect the perceived risk and the motivation of people to implement risk mitigation such as avoiding outside activities and ensuring sufficient water intake.  In this study, we analyze the sentiment of temperature-related newspaper reports from multiple countries in an automated way. In particular, we investigate (i) how newspapers in different countries respond to hot temperatures in terms of the number of on-topic articles and their sentiment, and (ii) to what extent socioeconomic and climatic characteristics can explain differences between countries.For this purpose, we employ data on minimum, mean, maximum, and apparent temperature from the ERA5 reanalysis. We obtain country-specific relationships between the sentiment of temperature-related newspaper articles and the respective temperatures. We hypothesize that these relationships differ, for example, between cold and warm countries, and that heat waves are generally perceived more positively in cold regions.In summary, this work reveals the links between the sentiment of newspaper articles and hot temperatures across countries. Linking these results with observed heat-related health impacts can guide public health agencies, newspapers, and journalists in particular to ensure public awareness of the detrimental impacts of heat waves, which are expected to further aggravate in a warming world.
New Insights on the Formation and Breaking Mechanism of Convective Cyclonic Cones in the South Adriatic Pit during Winter 2018
Authors: Pirro Annunziata , Mauri Elena , Gerin Riccardo , Martellucci Riccardo , Zuppelli Piero , Marie Poulain Pierre
Published: February 2023

The deepwater formation in the northern part of the South Adriatic Pit (Mediterranean Sea) during winter 2018 is investigated using in-situ glider data. After a period of about 2 weeks from the beginning of the mixing phase, a homogeneous convective area ∼110-km-wide and ∼300-m deep, breaks up due to the baroclinic instability process in cyclonic cones made of geostrophically adjusted fluid. The base of these cones is located at the bottom of the mixed layer, and they extend up to the theoretical critical depth Zc. These cones, with a diameter on the order of internal Rossby radius of deformation (∼6 km), populate the convective site, develop beneath it, and have a short lifetime of weeks. Later on, they extend deeper and intrusion from deep layers makes their inner core denser and colder. The breaking mechanism of these cyclonic spinning features occurring during the spreading phase and some bio-geochemical aspects associated to their evolution are also addressed. The observed cones differ from the long-lived cyclonic eddies sampled in other ocean sites and formed at the periphery of the convective area in a postconvection period. In-situ data are also corroborated by theoretical studies, laboratory experiments and model simulations.
ROBOMINERS resilient reflectance/fluorescence spectrometers
Authors: Burlet Christian , Stasi Giorgia , Godon Simon , Gkliva Roza , Piho Laura , Ristolainen Asko
Published: February 2023

ROBOMINERS (Bio-Inspired, Modular and Reconfigurable Robot Miners, Grant Agreement No. 820971, http://www.robominers.eu) is a European project funded by the European Commission's Horizon 2020 Framework Programme. The project aims to test and demonstrate new mining and sensing technologies on a small robot-miner prototype (~1-2T) designed to target unconventional and uneconomical mineral deposits (technology readiness level 4 to 5) (Lopez and al. 2020).
As part of the ROBOMINERS sensor array development, a set of mineralogical and geophysical sensors are designed to provide the necessary data to achieve a “selective mining” ability of the miner to reduce mining waste production and increase productivity of a small mining machine. To achieve this, the robot should have the ability to react and adapt in real time to geological changes as it progresses through a mineralized body. This study focuses on a set of compact sensors designed for ultrahigh-resilience and continuous operation in high pressure/vibrations/temperature environment. They are based on reflectance/fluorescence measurements in the visible/near infrared range, using a broadband light source (tungsten-halogen lamps) in reflectance mode and 365nm UV LED in fluorescence mode. 
The ROBOMINERS reflectance/fluorescence spectrometer “Mk1” was developed in collaboration with Taltech University. The spectrometer is built around a monolithic spectrometer (Hamamatsu C12800MA and a wifi capable microcontroller (Arduino RP2040 Connect).. As the ROBOMINERS prototype will be operated by ROS2 (Robotic Operating System v2 - https://www.ros.org/ ), we decided to implement a Micro-ROS publisher on the microcontroller.
The first field trials of the sensor have been carried out in the entrance of abandoned mine (baryte and lead mine, Ave-et-Auffe, Belgium), with the sensor integrated directly in the propulsion mechanism of the “RM3”’ ROBOMINERS prototype. This test allowed to demonstrate the immunity of the sensors to  to shocks, water and dust with no measurable de-calibration of the spectrometer.
References.
Lopes, B. Bodo, C. Rossi, S. Henley, G. Žibret, A. Kot-Niewiadomska, V. Correia, Advances in Geosciences, Volume 54, 2020, 99–108
 
 
Groundwater flow patterns and subsurface heterogeneity drive critical zone geochemical reactions
Authors: Bouchez Camille , Osorio Ivan , Le Traon Charlotte , Le Borgne Tanguy
Published: February 2023

In continental subsurface environments, biogeochemical reactions drive nutrient delivery, deep microbial life and mineral weathering, with crucial importance in the critical zone. Current models often simplify groundwater transport, using the residence time approach or hillslope models. However, increasing observations suggest that the nature, location and efficiency of reactions are strongly affected by groundwater 3D flow patterns, chemical gradients and subsurface heterogeneity. Here, we investigate how hydrological and geological structures control where and when biogeochemical reactions occur in the deep critical zone. For this purpose, our approach integrates long-term and widespread local observations in a catchment-scale framework and is based on data from two critical zone observatories of the French OZCAR national network. The first study took place in Guadeloupe (Obsera), where we integrated geophysical, hydrological and geochemical data in a reactive-hydrogeological model to simulate the 3D structure of groundwater flow paths and weathering. We found that the downstream evolution of the river chemistry is controlled by the pattern of hydrogeological circulations and by the depth of the weathering front. Furthermore, the calibrated 3D model allowed the delimitation of areas where weathering occurs and we showed that active weathering is restricted to catchment-areas where downward groundwater flows are deep. The second study focused on the dynamics of dissolved oxygen (DO) in a fractured aquifer at the Ploemeur catchment (Bretagne, France). Deep and intermittent inputs of DO in groundwater were observed, enabling the reaction of DO with dissolved Fe2+, in turn sustaining the development of deep microbial communities. In this study, we designed a simple model to simulate jointly the depth-distribution of DO and Fe2+ and to investigate the hydrological and geological factors controlling the DO depth-distribution. We found that the reducing capacity of the bedrock and the mean fluid transit time are the main parameters to explain and predict the depth of the oxic-anoxic transition in crystalline environments. In this presentation, we will provide new perspectives to observe and understand the origin of subsurface biogeochemical reactions and we will illustrate key processes that breakdown classical assumptions of reactive groundwater models.
Evapotranspiration dynamics and partitioning from concurrent above and below canopy flux measurements in a Montane Sierra Nevada Forest
Authors: Wolf Sebastian , Paul-Limoges Eugenie , Sayler Dan , Kirchner James W.
Published: February 2023

Evapotranspiration (ET) from the land surface to the atmosphere consists of transpiration (T) from plants and evaporation (E) from soil and vegetated surfaces. These biological and physical component fluxes respond differently to changes in temperature, water availability and atmospheric composition. ET can be measured directly at the ecosystem scale with the eddy covariance (EC) method but similar measurements are not currently available for the component fluxes E and T. Concurrent EC measurements above and below forest canopies provide a promising approach to partition ET into T and E. However, our understanding of the performance of such measurements is still very limited. To address these challenges, we measured and partitioned ET with three concurrent EC towers (1 above & 2 below canopy) in a montane forest at Sagehen Creek in the Sierra Nevada, California from late June 2017 to September 2020. We observed a total forest ET of 606 mm yr-1 with 275 mm yr-1 measured in the understory and a tree transpiration of 331 mm yr-1. Below-canopy measurements replicated at two locations within the above-canopy footprint indicated only small spatial variability for understory ET near the creek at Sagehen. Interannual variability in ET above and below canopy was small during the water years 2018 to 2020, despite large variability in precipitation totals. Accordingly, vegetation water use was relatively stable across years and the P–ET water balance was mainly driven by variations in water supply. Partitioning the components of total forest ET at Sagehen with concurrent EC measurements showed that on average 67–74% originated from T (47% from trees and 20–27% from understory grasses), while 26–33% were from E (mostly from the understory). Our results demonstrate the strength of concurrent above- and below-canopy EC measurements for the partitioning of ET.
Explicit simulation of volcanic eruption plumes in atmospheric models: first results and implications
Authors: Bierbauer Sascha , Hoshyaripour Gholam Ali , Bruckert Julia , Reinert Daniel , Vogel Bernhard
Published: February 2023

Explosive volcanic eruptions emit large amounts of solid and gaseous materials into the atmosphere, thereby affect weather and climate and pose hazards to human health and aviation. To constrain those impacts it is important to understand dynamical, microphysical and chemical evolution of the eruption plumes. Especially the density of a plume and atmospheric conditions control the dynamical development of an eruption plume. To simulate those plumes correctly the flow field has to be described as a multi-constituent multiphase flow system. This is realized in eruption plume models but not in the conventional atmospheric models. The latter neglect the partial density of ash particles in relation to total air mass and cannot treat for the effect of ash particles on dynamics during simulations. To overcome this limitation, we use a modified version of ICOsahedral Nonhydrostatic model with Aerosols and Reactive Trace gases (ICON-ART) in which we extended the existing equation set. This version of ICON-ART can consider a source of total mass during the eruption as well as a mass sink due to sedimentation of ash and other constituents. The mass source is accounted by an additional source term for total density, and the mass sink is accounted by implementing the lower boundary condition of the vertical velocity at the surface. This leads to a conserved dry air mass and changing total air mass, which affects dynamics and is crucial for handling multiphase flows correctly. Additionally, a momentum forcing as well as a temperature forcing cause the strong updraft within the plume region.We simulated the real case of the Raikoke eruption in 2019 in a LES-mode for more detailed investigations of the plume. In this experiment, in addition to ash, we also emit water vapor which might lead to an additional upward motion in the convective plume region due to latent heat release when clouds develop. The results show that the model is able to reproduce the observed plume geometry vertically and horizontally. Moreover, we simulated gravity waves that developed during the eruption around the volcano. In combination with microphysics and aerosol dynamics, the new implementations in ICON-ART enable detailed investigations of volcanic plume development across scales.
Tectonics controls on melt production and crustal architecture during nearly amagmatic seafloor spreading
Authors: Mezri Leila , García-Pintado Javier , Pérez-Gussinyé Marta , Liu Zhonglan , Bach Wolfgang , Cannat Mathilde
Published: February 2023

At ultra-slow ridges, tectonics, hydrothermalism, serpentinization and magmatism interact to build the oceanic crust. How this heterogenous crust forms and relates to faulting remains poorly understood, but is key for elucidating hydrothermal flow patterns and their implications for ocean-lithosphere element exchange. Along the melt-poor Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR) at 64°30' East, crustal thickness varies across the ridge strike, with crustal thickening attributed to serpentinization extending downward along detachment faults, DFs. This observation calls into question the commonly assumed relationship between local crustal thickening and magma-supply increase. Here we use 2D numerical models to analyze how coupled tectonics, mantle melting, magma emplacement and serpentinization interact. Our model includes hydrothermal cooling, ocean loading, and the oceanic crust density. We reproduce the observed bathymetry at SWIR, 64°30'E, which is shaped by alternating DFs formed in flip-flop mode. Our results show that the offset and duration of DFs are controlled by ocean loading and crustal density. Importantly, shallow faulting and deeper mantle flow are coupled: long-lived DFs result in relatively slower mantle upwelling, lower melt supply, but crustal thickening due to deeper serpentinization, ~5 km, consistent with the observed thick ultramafic crust in nature. In between alternating DFs, mantle upwelling is faster, melt supply higher, and serpentinization shallower, < 2km. Since magmatic crustal thickness is overall very small, 1.5-2 km, changes in faulting-induced serpentinisation depth, are the main cause for observed variations in crustal thickness, 2-7 km. We conclude that, at melt-poor ridges, tectonics controls both crustal thickness variations and melt supply oscillations.
Exploring the mechanisms through which basidiomycota fungi may influence slope stability
Authors: El Mountassir Grainne , Salifu Emmanuel , Fathollahi Alireza , Zhang Qi , Schellenger Alexandra
Published: February 2023

Current research at the university of Strathclyde is investigating the potential for basidiomycota fungi to be deployed as a nature-based technique to improve the stability of soil slopes. Basidiomycota are filamentous fungi which grow in the form of hyphae as they forage for nutrients in their surrounding environment. Hyphae are tubular structures with diameters between 2-7μm. Hyphae branch out and can anastomose forming a complex network, called the mycelium. Mycelial networks have attractive characteristics for use in ground engineering: evidence from natural analogues indicates that they can form massive, durable mycelia and they are resilient; dynamically responding to the environment and to damage/disruption.A comprehensive experimental campaign has been conducted investigating the influence of the growth of basidiomycota fungi on soil behaviour including: assessment of liquid-solid contact angles, evaluation of water infiltration via instrumented columns, evaluation of saturated permeability and determination of soil water retention behaviour. Mechanical testing has included direct shear testing and jet-erosion testing. Our research shows that the growth of mycelial networks can influence the hydraulic and mechanical behaviour of soils via a number of different mechanisms including: (1) altering soil water repellency and infilling of pore space leading to reduced water infiltration and reduced permeability and (2) binding of soil particles via physical enmeshment within mycelial networks leading to enhanced soil cohesion and improved resistance to water-induced erosion. Furthermore, our results show that different fungal species can exhibit differences in growth behaviour and thus produce soil-mycelial systems with varying architecture which impacts upon the resulting soil behaviour. In summary, basidiomycetes show promise for enhancing slope stability by reducing water infiltration during heavy rainfall events, enhancing soil cohesion and improving soil resistance to erosion.
Insights into the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on USEPA PMF-5 derived PM2.5 source contributions at Bhopal, India
Authors: Pullokaran Delwin , Sunder Raman Ramya , Bhardwaj Ankur , Shukla Deeksha , Haswani Diksha
Published: February 2023

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is one of the major atmospheric components that is responsible for poor air quality and adverse health and climate effects. An identification of both primary emission sources as well as secondary formation mechanisms of PM2.5 is important to develop effective and efficient strategies to control and mitigate these adverse effects.The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on air quality across the globe through reduction in source emissions. This study examines the impact of the lockdown measures on PM2.5 and its chemical composition in Bhopal, India by comparisons with pre-lockdown period. Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) (Paatero and Tapper, 1994) is the most widely used approach for factor analysis-based source apportionment studies. In this study the EPA PMF program version 5.0, was used to solve the PMF model. A comprehensive suite of instruments was used to measure the 24-hour integrated PM2.5 mass and its chemical composition collected onto various filter substrates every other day for two years (2019-2020) at Bhopal. This period coincides with the pre-lockdown, lockdown, and post-lockdown phases in India. The mass concentrations during the study period ranged between 54.7 µg m-3 during pre-lockdown and 45.1 µg m-3 in lockdown phase. PMF5 was applied to a dataset of organic and elemental carbon fractions (OC1, OC2, OC3, OC4, OP, EC1, EC2, EC3), nine major water-soluble inorganic components namely F-,Cl-, NO3- ,SO4-2,Na+, NH4+,Mg+2, K+, Ca+2, and elements (Al, Mg, Ca, Si, P, K, V, Ti, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Zn, Se, Sb, Ba, Pb) were used in the analysis.Overall, the combined datasets (2019-2020) approach helped in better model resolution as several zeroes were present in both the loading and score matrices compared to a model run with 2019 data alone. An 8-factor solution was resolved with factors identified as coal and gasoline combustion, biomass burning, secondary sulfate, secondary nitrate, re-suspended crustal dust, diesel emissions, brick kiln emissions and mixed industrial emissions. Further, assessment of the pre-COVID and lockdown scenarios revealed a decreased in the mass contribution of diesel emissions (21.3%), mixed industrial emissions (13.7%), secondary sulfate (10.6%) and secondary nitrate (4.7%) during the lockdown phase compared to the pre-lockdown period at the study site. However, there was no decrease in the biomass burning source contribution due to no curbs on agricultural activities during the lockdown period in India. Overall, this study provides key insight into the source composition and contribution variations due to the reduction of specific anthropogenic source emissions due to COVID-19 lockdowns. Further, it is an added impetus for policymakers to implement targeted strategies and regulations, to reduce local and regional air pollution.
Mineral type, land use, and management intensity drive the formation of mineral-associated organic matter in temperate soils
Authors: Ulrich Susanne , Bramble De Shorn , Schöning Ingo , Mikutta Robert , Kaiser Klaus , Schrumpf Marion
Published: February 2023

Formation of mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM) supports accumulation and stabilization of carbon in soil, and thus, is a key factor in the global carbon cycle. Little is known about the interplay of mineral type, land use, and management intensity on the extent of MAOM formation. We addressed this research question by exposing mineral containers with pristine minerals (goethite, as a representative of oxide-type mineral phases, and illite, representing layered aluminosilicate minerals) for five years to ambient soil conditions at 5 cm depth in 150 grassland and 150 forest plots in three regions across Germany. After recovery, the content of organic carbon (OC) of the minerals was determined by dry combustion. Results show that irrespective of land use and management intensity, more OC accumulated on goethite than illite (on average 0.23 and 0.06 mg m-2 mineral surface, respectively), demonstrating that mineral type was the most crucial factor for MAOM formation. Carbon accumulation was consistently greater in coniferous forests than in deciduous forests and grasslands. Structural equation models revealed that in grasslands, fertilization had contradictory effects on carbon accumulation, with the positive effect being mediated by enhanced plant productivity and the negative effect by reduced plant species richness. Overall, our results suggest that OC stabilization in soil is primarily driven by mineral type, in particular iron and other metal oxides. The mineral-driven MAOM formation is further modified by land use and management intensity.
New website of the ITRS CC at DGFI-TUM: dtrf.dgfi.tum.de
Authors: Seitz Florian , Seitz Manuela , Bloßfeld Mathis , Glomsda Matthias , Angermann Detlef , Rudenko Sergei , Zeitlhöfler Julian
Published: February 2023

The ITRS CC at the Deutsches Geodätisches Forschungsinstitut of the Technical University of Munich (DGFI-TUM) has created the new DTRF website https://dtrf.dgfi.tum.de. On this site, DGFI-TUM provides background information and data access to the current and all previous DTRF solutions. In particular, the DTRF2020 processing strategy is presented and the results are described and explained. In addition to the actual solution, the DTRF2020 release contains further datasets that are necessary for a highly accurate application of the DTRF2020. The website clearly presents and makes available all datasets, partly map-based. Our poster gives an overview of the new DTRF website and provides examples of its use.
An open source dataset for Deep Learning-based visual detection of floating macroplastic litter
Authors: Vallendar André , Jia Tianlong , de Vries Rinze , Kapelan Zoran , Taormina Riccardo
Published: February 2023

Plastic pollution of water bodies is a major environmental issue, as it can have harmful effects on marine life, riverine ecosystems and society as a whole. To mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution, accurate detection and quantification of macroplastic litter (plastic items > 5 mm) is of particular importance. In recent years, researchers and engineers have developed Deep Learning methods showing promising performances for detecting riverine macroplastic litter. However, there are several outstanding issues hindering the advancement of the field, including the lack of available data sources for training such models.Here, we present a new open source dataset for the detection of floating macroplastic litter. We generated the dataset from controlled experiments carried out in a small drainage canal on the TU Delft campus. The dataset features 626 different litter items including plastic bottles, bags and other plastic objects, as well as metal tins and paper litter. These items include household waste as well as litter recovered from canals in the Netherlands. We captured images with a resolution of 1080p and a linear field of view using two different action cameras and a phone, mounted on a bridge. The dataset consists of 10000 images, taken from two different heights (2.7 and 4.0 meters), two different inclinations (0 and 45 degrees from the horizontal), and two different weather conditions (sunny and cloudy sky).In this presentation, we provide information on the dataset and the experiments carried out to generate it. We also discuss the results of benchmark Deep Learning models for multi-class classification trained on the dataset, and their out-of-sample generalization ability to other case studies. While labels are currently available only for image classification, we aim to release annotations for object detection and image segmentation tasks in the future.
Weakened impact of the Atlantic equatorial mode of variability on the future Guinea Coast extreme rainfall indices
Authors: Worou Koffi , Fichefet Thierry , Goosse Hugues
Published: February 2023

The Atlantic equatorial mode (AEM) is an interannual oceanic internal mode of variability which impacts the tropical circulation during its active phases in the boreal summer. A positive phase of the AEM is characterized by above-normal sea surface temperature anomalies in the eastern equatorial Atlantic which lead to positive rainfall anomalies over the Guinea Coast, a region located in the southern part of West Africa. The AEM appears as the leading oceanic driver of the Guinea Coast rainfall (GCR) during the monsoon season, and the AEM-GCR relation during the last century is stationary.  Moreover, extreme rainfall events over the Guinea Coast are also enhanced by the AEM-positive phases.  Therefore, there is a need to study how the relationship between the AEM and extreme rainfall indices would change under future global warming. The present work assesses this relationship between the AEM and the Guinea Coast extreme rainfall indices in the historical simulations performed by 24 General Circulation Models (GCMs) participating in the sixth phase of the Coupled Models Intercomparison Project (CMIP6). Results indicate that the extreme rainfall responses to the AEM under present-day climate conditions are qualitatively well reproduced by the GCMs in the 1995-2014 period, although there are substantial biases in their magnitudes.  For the future changes, we consider the CMIP6 Shared Socio-economic pathway 5-8.5 (SSP5-8.5) simulations and three different periods: the near-term (2021-2040), the mid-term (2041-2060) and the long-term (2080-2099).  Relative to the present-day period, our results indicate an overall gradual increase with time in the mean and variability of the different extreme indices for the Guinea Coast. However, the future influence of the AEM on the extreme rainfall indices decreases with time, which is in line with the projected decrease in the future AEM variability.
Evaluation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) For WES Conservation in an Agricultural Watershed
Authors: Majhi Triveni , Ramadas Meenu
Published: February 2023

Implementation of best management practices (BMPs) is essential for conservation of soil and water resources, and for preventing degradation of water related ecosystem services (WES) in agricultural watersheds. Assessment of effectiveness of BMPs to mitigate problems due to erosion and peak runoff at watershed scale can be performed through scenario analyses in hydrological models such as Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). In this study, we performed spatial assessment of vulnerability of a small watershed (Jambhira) located in eastern part of India to erosion and sediment loading, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of few BMPs to mitigate the negative impacts of erosion. We utilized the SWAT model to simulate watershed management options such as grassed waterways, terracing, filter strips, strip contour cropping and stream bank stabilization as BMPs. After identifying critical soil erosion prone areas in the study watershed, BMPs are implemented targeting a decrease in sediment output, minimizing loss of nutrients, and lowering of peak runoff from the watershed. In a similar manner, critical reach sections are also determined for implementing suitable BMPs. Out of 21 sub basins of the study watershed, 14 sub basins fall under category of “very high” soil erosion (sediment yield is 20-40 t/ha/yr) and among these 14 sub basins, the reach corresponding to 6 sub basins have a significant sediment concentration. Thus, BMPs are implemented in the six critically soil erosion prone sub basins that constitute 34.29% of watershed area. Based on the geography and land use of the study watershed, we found the land management operations: contour farming and strip contour cropping, and channel restoration strategies: buffer strips and grassed waterways, as most suitable. After implementation of contour farming and strip contour cropping, it is seen that the critical sub basins have moved from “very high” to “high” and “moderate” soil erosion categories thus leading to improved WES in the area. Based on simulated results, the effectiveness of strip contour cropping is found to be higher than contour farming in reducing sediment yield of the study watershed. With additional interventions proposed for reach management in this watershed, it is possible to reduce negative effects of erosion substantially.Key words: Best Management Practices, Soil Erosion, Soil and Water Assessment Tool, Watershed Conservation, Sediment Yield
Implications of Forest Cover Changes and Fire Management Practices in Kalwilo Area, North-western Province of Zambia
Authors: Namayanga Lemmy , Lizaga Ivan , Sichingabula Henry , Boeckx Pascal , Banda Kawawa
Published: February 2023

The earth’s surface and its landforms are a sensitive result of geomorphic processes that tend to balance out. Zambia, together with central and Southern Africa, has been a land mass of the Mesozoic era and likely older. This old land mass has been subject to a complex history of erosion, uplift, faulting (particularly in eastern Zambia) and gentle warping. In Upper Zambezi Basin (UZB), Kabompo District, an interesting landform taking the sharp of an Octopus, a part of the Kalahari sands landform, seems to be a stable feature with a land cover type (vegetation) which it now supports. The Octopus Land Feature (OLF) from satellite imagery appears whitish and devoid of vegetation. Ground-truthing reveals a termitaria landscape with highly scattered shrubs. All around this feature, thick Cryptosepalum forests extending to distances of 20+ km can be observed interspaced with ‘’arms’’ of the OLF.This landform may be a ‘’pan’’ in the dry season and a dambo in the wet season. Morphometric analysis of the OLF indicates that elongated transverse arms are sources of several streams arising from the interdune depressions of sand ridges that hold rainwater during the rainy season to overflow as sources of rivers that traverse the thick forests. This complex landform-land-cover ecosystem is at risk of degradation and destruction due to increasing human induced fires and commercial logging. Land cover and geomorphic processes play an influential role in maintaining a balanced and functional ecosystem. Conversion of natural landscapes for agriculture and logging often impacts soil integrity, nutrient fluxes, and native species assemblages. Such changes can affect watershed hydrology by altering rates of interception, infiltration, evapotranspiration, and groundwater recharge, resulting in changes to the timing and amounts of surface and river runoff.This study seeks to understand the implications of land cover changes on the hydrology and materials (sediment & nutrients) through the Kalwilo Community Area (KCA) and the drying of the Mumbenji River. The wanton use of fire in opening up new agricultural areas has been noted to aid in the rapid destruction of forests in the study area. To this aim, a combined approach of soil and sediment sampling together with the use of remote sensing will be employed to establish a link between the rate of deforestation and the sedimentation of the Mumbenji River and its disappeared eflows. It is clear that the drying up of the Mumbenji River, which was once perennial, is a result of the disruption of the landscape system caused by anthropogenic activities.
Revealing global drivers of recent losses in vegetation resilience
Authors: Fournier de Lauriere Camille , Runge Kathi , Smith Gabriel , Dakos Vasilis , Kéfi Sonia , Crowther Thomas , Berdugo Miguel
Published: February 2023

Context: Changes in ecosystem resilience have been recently studied on various scales using remote sensing data, revealing various regions exhibiting decreasing resilience. However, the drivers of these changes have not been identified yet. Our study aims at filling this gap by exploring the factors that have caused the resilience of ecosystems to change during the last two decades.
Methods: We investigate changes in vegetation resilience at the planetary scale, by quantifying two complementary aspects of resilience, namely sensitivity and autocorrelation, which are respectively associated with resistance and recovery abilities of ecosystems. We use a machine learning approach to identify the main environmental, climatic, and anthropogenic drivers of changes in resilience between two periods (the period 2000-2010 vs that of 2010-2020).
Results: We find that in 26% of ecosystems worldwide, vegetation exhibits signs of resilience loss, and that the changes in climate conditions as well as the ecosystem’s intrinsic properties (aridity, elevation, anthropization) affect the way vegetation resilience has changed over time. Different biomes (forest, grasslands, and savannas) exhibit similar responses to their changing environment. Regions experiencing intense warming (>0.2ºC/decade) have shown a major loss in vegetation resilience. Decreasing productivity is associated with reduced resilience, and interacts with warming, exacerbating resilience loss of degraded lands. This shows that global warming and human activities are major drivers of losses in vegetation resilience across vegetation types.
Conclusions: We reveal a decline in the capacity of a number of ecosystems to withstand perturbations, which should be accounted for in the management of vulnerable areas. Our results raise concerns about the persistence of ecosystems due to projected warming and expected intensification of human activities.
A probabilistic framework to assess resilience in regional water systems - exploring the impact of circular water strategies
Authors: Bouziotas Dimitrios , Nikolopoulos Dionysios , Dimas Panagiotis , Frijns Jos , Makropoulos Christos
Published: February 2023

Contrary to the ‘make-use-dispose’ linearity seen in conventional resource management, circular economy design principles have been proposed as an  alternative that reduces waste and promotes efficiency. These principles find use in water as well, offering an alternative against centralized water systems planning and management. Despite the intrinsic links between circularity and resilience, few studies have advanced the identification and discussion of linkage beyond a theoretical or conceptual level. Moreover, few studies have estimated resilience with a probabilistic approach to include the inherent future uncertainty located simultaneously at source and demand level. In this study, a probabilistic framework to assess resilience for regional systems across multiple domains (drinking water, wastewater and drainage) is presented. The framework is based on stress-testing using an urban water cycle model, paired with reliability-based Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that describe system resilience for each domain and for several different stress-testing factors (stressors). For its practical implementation, the framework is then applied to the provincial case study of Delfland, the Netherlands, where different circular water strategies are evaluated in terms of their overall resilience, (a.) firstly deterministically to explore the impact of individual stressors, and (b.) probabilistically to evaluate system performance against future uncertainty. The results quantitatively demonstrate that circular water options lead to water systems of increased resilience. The more circular dimensions are addressed through interventions and management strategies, the more robust resilience profiles become across different urban water cycle domains, thus securing regional water systems against future uncertainty.
Photosynthesis acclimates to warming through predictable changes in photosynthetic capacities, stomatal sensitivity and enzyme kinetics
Authors: Schneider Pascal D. , Gessler Arthur , Stocker Benjamin D.
Published: February 2023

Acclimation of photosynthesis allows plants to adjust to seasonal environmental changes and gradual long-term changes of similar magnitude. However, current global photosynthesis models diverge in their representation of temperature acclimation. Here, we applied fundamental principles of acclimation to identify key processes for predicting the response of photosynthesis to global warming.
 
We investigated how the instantaneous temperature response of photosynthesis changes due to acclimation of the photosynthetic capacities (changes in base rates of carboxylation, electron transport and respiration), the stomatal response (sensitivity to changes in vapour pressure), and the enzymatic response (changes in the enzyme kinetics of carboxylation and electron transport). Using a dataset of gas exchange measurements from globally distributed sites, we compared predicted and observed relationships between prevalent growth temperature (Tgrowth) and the optimal temperature of photosynthesis (Topt), the photosynthesis rate at Topt (Aopt), and the temperature sensitivity (width of the temperature response curve, Tspan).
 
The observational data showed a significant linear increase of  Topt with Tgrowth (0.74 °C/°C) and no correlations between Tgrowth and Aopt, respectively Tspan. To accurately predict Topt, all acclimation processes were required (R2 = 0.74). Acclimation of the enzymatic response was a key driver but caused an underestimation of Topt in tropical climates. This underestimation was resolved through acclimation of the base rate of respiration and the stomatal sensitivity to vapour pressure changes. Both decreased with increasing Tgrowth, resulting in an upwards shift of Topt and accurate predictions in tropical climates. Additionally, acclimation of the photosynthetic capacities was necessary to avoid an otherwise falsely predicted increase of Aopt with Tgrowth. The model predicted a linear decrease of Tspan with Tgrowth, indicating an incomplete formulation for the acclimation of the enzymatic response.
 
Our results demonstrate that the thermal acclimation of Topt and Aopt is predictable from the environment across species and that global photosynthesis models should adopt acclimation of the photosynthetic capacities, stomatal sensitivity and enzymatic response to predict the response of photosynthesis to global warming accurately.
Major volcanic events from Mohéli, Anjouan and Mayotte Island edification in the Comoros Archipelago at Northern Mozambique Channel inferred by seismic reflection data.
Authors: Masquelet Charles , Leroy Sylvie , Sauter Daniel , Delescluse Matthias , Chamot-Rooke Nicolas , Thinon Isabelle , Watremez Louise , Lemoine Anne
Published: February 2023

The timing of volcanic events at the Comoros archipelago (North Mozambique Channel) are currently only known by dating samples from the onshore islands. According to these data, the oldest lavas from the Comoros are 10 Ma and several distinct volcanic periods are inferred (Michon, 2016). However, the onset of the volcanism within the archipelago cannot be constrained by these data. Here we use two different datasets of wide angle, and  high resolution multichannel seismic reflexion profiles to provide insights on the birth and early evolution of the volcanism around the islands of Mohéli, Anjouan and Mayotte, in the Comoros basin (SISMAORE cruise, ANR COYOTES project, (Thinon et al., 2022)).The seismic interpretation revealed several distinct volcanic horizons within the sedimentary cover, that could be related to the formation of the Jumelles Ridge, Geyser bank, Mohéli, Anjouan and Mayotte volcanic island. We identify the onset of the main volcanic event that led to the formation of Mayotte island. We show that the corresponding seismic volcanic horizon is located at different depths in the north and the south of Mayotte island. This indicates at least two different major volcanic phases of the Mayotte island edification. Seismic profiles also show  the presence of a magmatic feeder complex underneath. Using known regional stratigraphy, we finally propose a chronology of all the volcanic episodes in the regional volcanic context of the construction of the Comoros archipelago.Michon, L., 2016. The Volcanism of the Comoros Archipelago Integrated at a Regional Scale, in: Bachelery, P., Lenat, J.-F., Di Muro, A., Michon, L. (Eds.), Active Volcanoes of the Southwest Indian Ocean, Active Volcanoes of the World. Springer Berlin Heidelberg, Berlin, Heidelberg, pp. 333–344. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-31395-0_21Thinon, I., Lemoine, A., Leroy, S., Paquet, F., Berthod, C., Zaragosi, S., Famin, V., Feuillet, N., Boymond, P., Masquelet, C., Mercury, N., Rusquet, A., Scalabrin, C., Van der Woerd, J., Bernard, J., Bignon, J., Clouard, V., Doubre, C., Jacques, E., Jorry, S.J., Rolandone, F., Chamot-Rooke, N., Delescluse, M., Franke, D., Watremez, L., Bachèlery, P., Michon, L., Sauter, D., Bujan, S., Canva, A., Dassie, E., Roche, V., Ali, S., Sitti Allaouia, A.H., Deplus, C., Rad, S., Sadeski, L., 2022. Volcanism and tectonics unveiled in the Comoros Archipelago between Africa and Madagascar. Comptes Rendus. Géoscience 354, 1–28. https://doi.org/10.5802/crgeos.159
Urban deadly heat and global inequality
Authors: Lohrey Steffen , Creutzig Felix
Published: February 2023

Anthropogenic climate change leads to more extreme heat in most regions around the world, in greater magnitude and longer durations. With a global perspective in mind, we explore equity impacts of physiologically deadly heat in cities. In a warming climate, heat extremes reaching a physiological threshold is a phenomena predominantly affecting regions closer to the equator, in contrast to heatwaves defined as a deviation from the mean which appear more frequently in all parts of the world. Many of the regions hit by deadly heat are also vulnerable from factors such as economic challenges, or other climate hazards posing fundamental threats to societal stability and livability.We here quantitatively explore the intersection of socio-economic variables with previously described occurence of deadly heat in urban environments. These variables include current and future GDP estimates, Gini coefficients and population dynamics. We use metrics of inequality borrowed from economics. We intersect global deadly heat in future climate scenarios with urbanization dynamics. Sub-Saharan Africa stands out as a region where both trends are pronounced. We also demonstrate that countries with responsibility for high historic emissions are overall less affected by the extreme heat.The insights provided by this research contribute to an improved general understanding of global inequality and climate change as a driver of these. They further contribute to the loss and damage discussion.
Approaches and methodologies to monitor and mitigate saltwater intrusion in the Adriatic coastal plains
Authors: Cosma Marta , Zancanaro Ester , Aljinović Iva , Morari Francesco , Srzić Veljko , Teatini Pietro , Tosi Luigi , Bergamasco Alessandro , Botto Anna , Camporese Matteo , Cavallina Chiara , Da Lio Cristina , Donnici Sandra , Lovrinović Ivan , Racetin Ivan , Zaggia Luca , Zoccarato Claudia , Salandin Paolo
Published: February 2023

Saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers is a global problem recently worsened by anthropogenic activities (e.g., aquifer overexploitation, hydraulic reclamation and drainage of low-lying areas) and climate change effects (e.g., severe droughts, sea level rise) that contribute to reduce groundwater natural recharge, water quality, and agricultural production. Many low-lying coastal plains facing the Adriatic Sea are strongly affected by saltwater intrusion with serious consequences on agricultural activities and tourism that may become dramatic in a relatively short time due to climate change. In this framework, this work aims to identify monitoring strategies to characterize the process of saltwater intrusion under the effects of climate change and recommend appropriate countermeasures in two Adriatic low-lying coastal plain: south of the Venice Lagoon (north-eastern Italy), and at the Neretva River mouth (south-eastern Croatia).Geomorphologic, stratigraphic, hydrogeologic, and agricultural data were collected to characterize the aquifer system at both sites and assess the effects of seawater intrusion on agricultural productivity. Saltwater intrusion was monitored and analysed through monitoring systems that provide qualitative and quantitative information on the processes influencing groundwater and surface water dynamics within the two coastal systems. Moreover, laboratory physical models were developed to serve as benchmarks for the numerical models used to simulate the field results. Numerical modelling reliably implements boundary and initial conditions defined in-situ on both sites, simulates existing states, specifies different scenarios, and predicts salinization dynamic changes caused by climate changes.The results of the research activities include the development of specific tools for the management of agriculture-related activities and freshwater resources in coastal areas including vulnerability assessment, mitigation plans, and countermeasures against salt contamination. These results were obtained by integrating the findings gained on both sites, considering differences and peculiarities of the specific areas that are representative of many low-lying plains located on both sides of the Adriatic coast.This study has been funded by the contribution from the EU cofinancing and the Interreg Italy–Croatia Cross Border Collaboration (CBC) Programme 2014–2020 (Priority Axes: Safety and Resilience) through the European Regional Development Fund as a part of the projects MoST  (AID: 10047742) and SeCure (AID: 10419304).