bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microphysical influence on cloud radiative effect during New Mexico deep convective cloud cases
Authors: Finney Declan , Blyth Alan , Field Paul , Daily Martin , Murray Benjamin , Boeing Steven
Published: March 2024

Cloud feedbacks associated with anvil cirrus are some of the most uncertain. The Deep Convective Microphysics EXperiment (DCMEX) aims to reduce this uncertainty by improving the representation of microphysical processes in climate models. In support of this aim, we present analysis of the cloud radiative properties from cloud-resolving simulations with the Met Office Unified Model (UM). We apply the Cloud AeroSol Interacting Microphysics (CASIM) module within the UM. Overall, the results suggest that an increase in cloud droplet number or ice nucleating particles can increase the reflectivity of anvil cloud. However, the magnitude of these effects shows a dependency on environmental conditions such as wind shear.Our simulations are based upon a number of case studies from the DCMEX 2022 field campaign held over the Magdalena Mountains in central New Mexico. In the campaign, numerous cases of deep convective cloud formation were observed using the FAAM aircraft, radar,  ground-based aerosol instruments,  and automated cameras. A number of observation-informed, sensitivity simulations have been performed to explore the representation of cloud microphysics within the UM-CASIM model. With the model sensitivity simulations we explore the effect of a range of measured microphysical features. The features include: 1) Cloud droplet number concentration, 2) Temperature dependence of heterogeneous freezing, and 3) Secondary ice formation rate from the Hallett-Mossop process.There is consistently higher outgoing radiation from high cloud, and across the whole domain, in experiments using higher cloud droplet concentration. This aggregate radiative effect manifests from changes in anvil cloud area and reflectivity. Experiments using the ice nucleating particle-temperature relationship derived from DCMEX observations are compared to a simulation using the widely-used Cooper curve. We find an increase in high cloud reflectivity in several cases, but the magnitude of the difference varies from 0-10%, depending on environmental conditions. Overall, the sensitivity experiments vary in all-domain mean outgoing radiation by greater than 10 Wm-2.Our results offer an important contribution to the understanding of anvil cloud effects on climate through describing the potential effect of small-scale processes on radiation. These microphysical processes are not well represented in climate models. Our finding that their effect depends on environmental conditions encourages a focus on evaluation methods that take this into consideration.
Comparison of EM38 and Syscal Pro measurements for soil mapping in an agroforestry system
Authors: Carrara Marco , Bonzi Lorenzo , Hamouda Fatma , Sportelli Mino , Puig Sirera Angela , Antichi Daniele , Tramacere Lorenzo Gabriele , Pampana Silvia , Rallo Giovanni
Published: March 2024

Abstract: This study aimed to assess and compare the performance of EM38 (Geonics Limited) and Syscal-Pro (Iris instruments) EMI tools in soil spatial heterogeneity mapping. Mainly, the two tools were evaluated for their ability to explain the spatial variability of the soil resistivity, which strongly correlates with the soil’s physical status properties. Moreover, the effect of two surface soil roughness caused by two different tillage modalities has been studied.The experimental plot (30 m width x 100 m length) consisted of an agroforestry system located in San Piero a Grado (Pisa, Italy, (, 43°41’07” N, 10°20’32” E).  Two 100-meters length deep open drains were located on the edges.  The soil texture is loam, with clay content values from 7.64% to 15.14% and sand content ranging from 22.36% to 49.37%. The intercropping system consisted of wheat (Triticum aestivum L) and pea (Pisum Sativum L) in the inner part of the field, and two rows of poplar (Populus x euramericana Dode Guiner) on the edges experimental plot.Data were acquired before seed-bed preparation by pulling the two tools over the soil. For the Syscal-pro, 13 cylindrical stainless-steel electrodes were pulled by a tractor, allowing soil resistivity data acquisition according to the reciprocal Wenner-Schlumberger array (Telford, 1976). A total of five transects with 5 m spacing were spanned to the inner field zone, whereas four additional transects allowed to detail the resistivity gradients closed the two deep open drains.Regarding the EM38 tool, a preliminary laboratory activity allowed the development of a specific data acquisition (DAQ) system for continuous monitoring of the resistivity data recording and spatializing. This DAQ system is based on a CR1000 Data logger (Campbell Scientific, United States), which allows collecting the speed and position of the EM-38 device by carrying it on a specifically designed sled system.Two Garmin’s GPS (model 79S/SC for Syscal Pro and model GPS16X-HVS for the EM38) enabled georeferencing the collected data.Preliminary results have shown a range of electrical conductivity values between 30 mS/m and 45 mS/m, spatially distributed according to the pattern obtained by Syscal-Pro. Further investigation is required to better understand the relationship between EM38 and Syscal-Pro measurements, after which the vertical domain explored has been standardised between the two methods.Keywords: Agroforestry system, EM38, Syscal, soil bulk resistivity, soil bulk conductivity, spatial variability.
Combining meteoric and in situ 10Be for depositional flux estimations along a climate gradient
Authors: Krone Laura , Wittmann Hella , von Blanckenburg Friedhelm
Published: March 2024

Along an extreme climate gradient from arid to humid in the Chilean Coastal Cordillera, we investigated soil profiles using the meteoric cosmogenic radionuclide 10Be and its ratio to stable 9Be. The isotope ratio 10Be(meteoric)/9Be combines an atmospheric flux tracer to Earth’s surface with stable 9Be that is released by weathering. In contrast to the well-established in situ 10Be method, the meteoric variety of 10Be is not limited to quartz-bearing lithologies and requires less sample material. However, to calculate denudation rates from 10Be(meteoric)/9Be knowing the depositional flux to Earth’s surface, F10Bemet, is an essential prerequisite.We applied the in situ 10Be technique for denudation rate estimations on soil profiles (Dinsitu) and compared the results with 10Be(meteoric)/9Be-derived denudation rates (Dmet). Our results show that Dmet in conjunction with F10Bemet derived from a general circulation (GCM) model (ECHAM5-HAM; Heikkilä, 2007) are consistent with Dinsitu at the mediterranean (10Beinsitu: 126 ± 32 t km-2 yr-1, 10Be(meteoric)/9Be: 170 ± 40 t km-2 yr-1) and humid (10Beinsitu: 38 ± 10 t km-2 yr-1, 10Be(meteoric)/9Be: 31 ± 8 t km-2 yr-1) study sites, both with mean annual precipitation (MAP) > 400 mm (mediterranean: 440 mm yr-1, humid: 1080 mm yr-1). However, at the arid (MAP: 10 mm yr-1) and semi-arid (MAP: 90 mm yr-1) study sites, when using a GCM-based F10Bemet, Dmet exceed Dinsitu by a factor of up to 170. The cause for this offset may lie in an overestimation of F10Bemet at low precipitation. Indeed, when using Dinsitu as benchmark and solving for F10Bemet instead, a much lower flux results.These results suggest a lower precipitation limit (~400 mm yr-1) for the use of GCM-derived F10Bemet especially in dry regions. In such arid and semi-arid regions with high spatial climate variability the depositional flux derived from coarse-resolution GCM-models overestimates the input of meteoric 10Be to Earth’s surface either by wet or dry deposition. In settings with sufficient precipitation above this limit the GCM-derived flux is suited to determine denudation rates using 10Be(meteoric)/9Be.Heikkilä, U., 2007, Modeling of the atmospheric transport of the cosmogenic radionuclides 10Be and 7Be using the ECHAM5-HAM general circulation model: ETH Zurich, doi:10.3929/ETHZ-A-005560259.
Investigating surface deformation with C-Band satellite interferometry in landslide complexes: insights from the Brienz/Brinzauls slope instability, Swiss Alps 
Authors: Manconi Andrea , Jones Nina , Loew Simon , Strozzi Tazio , Caduff Rafael , Wegmueller Urs
Published: March 2024

The analysis of multi-temporal Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) datasets using specific algorithms, such as Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) or Small-Baseline Interferometry (SBAS), enables the generation of ground velocity maps and displacement time series, achieving sub-centimetric accuracies in ideal cases. These applications have significantly transformed the approach to investigating landslide processes and surface deformation measurements can now be obtained at relatively high spatial and temporal resolutions without the need for costly instrumentation. The current availability of regional, country-scale, and even continental-scale datasets has not only impacted research activities but has also influenced the daily practices of practitioners and civil protection strategies.In mountainous areas, intrinsic limitations of satellite SAR imagery can hinder the nominal performance of PSI and SBAS results. In this contribution, we present a comprehensive analysis of C-Band SAR datasets from the European Space Agency (ESA) satellites ERS-1/2, Envisat ASAR, and Sentinel-1 spanning the period 1992-2020. Our goal is to reconstruct the multi-decadal spatial and temporal evolution of surface displacements at the Brienz/Brinzauls landslide complex, located in canton Graubünden, Switzerland. To achieve this, we analyzed approximately 1,000 SAR images using standard differential interferometry (DInSAR), multitemporal stacking, PSI, and SBAS approaches. The extensive network of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations on the Brienz landslide complex allowed us to validate the deformation results.Our analysis sheds light on the limitations that arise when relying on satellite radar measurements for the analysis and interpretation of complex landslide scenarios, particularly in cases of significant spatial and temporal heterogeneities in the deformation field. Satellite radar interferometry measurements are now routinely employed in local investigations, as well as in regional, national, and continental monitoring programs. Therefore, our results hold significant relevance for users seeking a comprehensive understanding of such datasets in complex scenarios.
Aligning experimental and model perspectives on atmospheric nanoparticle growth
Authors: Stolzenburg Dominik , Cai Runlong , Blichner Sara , Kontkanen Jenni , Zhou Putian , Makkonen Risto , Kerminen Veli-Matti , Kulmala Markku , Riipinen Ilona , Kangasluoma Juha
Published: March 2024

The process of new particle formation from gas-phase precursors holds significant importance in Earth's atmosphere and introduces a notable source of uncertainty in climate change predictions. The growth of freshly formed molecular clusters should in theory be crucial for the climate impact of new particle formation, influencing the survival probability of these particles exponentially and determining their ability to act as cloud condensation nuclei. However, defining the fundamental aspects of nanoparticle growth is intricate. It involves a complex interplay of condensational and reactive vapor uptake, aerosol coagulation, sink processes, and a diverse array of potential gaseous precursors. Observational nanoparticle growth rates, derived from the evolution of the particle-size distribution, portray growth as a collective phenomenon. However, models often interpret these rates at a single-particle level, integrating them into simplified size-distribution representations (Stolzenburg et al., 2023). dditionally, many models only consider a limited subset of condensable vapors, while recent experimental observations identify an increasing number of potential contributors to new particle growth.Our objective here is to bridge the gap between experimental and modeling studies on nanoparticle growth. We compare three large-scale models (NorESM, ECHAM, and TM5) regarding their sensitivity to organic nanoparticle growth processes. Surprisingly, we find a much lower sensitivity than anticipated from box models. Through the inclusion of a sectional scheme into NorESM, we demonstrate that representing the complexity of size distribution dynamics leads to significantly different cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) levels. Furthermore, our results suggest that, on regional scales, sensitivity to organic growth is much higher. Inclusion of additional growth processes and/or a scaling of condensable vapor concentrations could yield a significantly altered climate response. In turn, comprehensive experimental observations from e.g. the open oceans are still lacking and we show that continental data exhibit surprisingly little variation in measured particle growth rates. The latter indicates limited sensitivity in current experimental approaches and potential unaccounted multi-phase chemistry in the growth process.Consequently, we propose specific guidance for future research to address questions regarding the buffered climate response in large-scale models and the unexpectedly low variation observed in global growth measurements. We advocate for more sensitivity studies and improved model-measurement comparisons.References:Stolzenburg, D., Cai, R., Blichner, S. M., Kontkanen, J., Zhou, P., Makkonen, R., Kerminen, V.-M., Kulmala, M., and Kangasluoma, J.: Atmospheric nanoparticle growth, Rev. Mod. Phys., 95, 045002, https://doi.org/10.1103/RevModPhys.95.045002, 2023. 
Circular management of sewage sludge for the sustainable dewatering and reuse of biosolids: an experimental study
Authors: Asimakoulas Ioannis , Regouzas Panagiotis , Koukouraki Elisavet , Stefanakis Alexandros
Published: March 2024

Wastewater treatment generates a by-product material known as sewage sludge. In many countries, most of the produced sludge is disposed in landfills, following a linear management strategy that is based on mechanical and chemical methods for limited dewatering and daily transportation to landfills. This strategy is rather expensive and unsustainable and possesses several environmental risks such as groundwater pollution, insufficient sludge drying and stabilization, high carbon footprint etc. Ecological engineering concepts and technologies can provide a circular sludge management strategy that focuses on the utilization of this valuable by-product with the smallest possible environmental impact.This work will present an ongoing large research study that investigates different technologies and methods towards transforming this organic by-product to a beneficial material with the minimum environmental impact. Specific tasks of the project are:A setup of 16 pilot-scale units of the sustainable technology of Sludge Treatment Wetlands for sewage sludge treatment. The pilot units have different operation and construction properties, such as planted/unplanted, presence of earthworms, different substrate thickness, different loading rates, in order to eventually result in a highly efficient and optimized design configuration.
Composting of sewage sludge along with the reed biomass from the constructed wetlands
Production of biochar using sewage sludge and reed biomass as raw materials
 The experimental results of the first operational year of this project will be presented.The studied circular model for sludge management will be evaluated regarding the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions due to the non-use of mechanical dewatering methods, avoidance of high energy and chemicals consumption, and cessation of daily transport and disposal in landfills. The various organic materials that are produced will be assessed based on their quality properties and will further be tested by application to tomato crops for the estimation of yield improvement. Ultimately, an assessment of the economic, technical, environmental and social parameters of all methods and material cycles and studied management scenarios, will be carried out in order to determine the optimal circular management strategy.
Identification and Application of Detrital Diagenetic Facies Logging Based on Unsupervised Xi Technology: A Case Study of the Mesozoic in Chengdao-Zhuanghai Area
Authors: meng yuan , zhang liqiang
Published: March 2024

The Mesozoic in Chengdao-Zhuanghai area is affected by complex tectonic evolution, diverse sedimentary types and lithology, and the reservoir heterogeneity is extremely strong, and the prediction of reservoir quality is difficult, and the accurate identification and division of lithofacies types plays a crucial role in the classification and evaluation of reservoirs. In the well section with relatively few corings, four logging curves sensitive to diagenesis, GR, AC, DEN, and RD were selected as the basis for diagenetic facies division, and the diagenetic facies division was carried out by the method of machine Xi. The traditional machine Xi is divided into two Xi: supervised Xi and unsupervised, in which supervised Xi requires a large number of Xi samples to ensure its accuracy, and unsupervised Xi does not need to learn Xi samples, but the classification results may not be the expected classification type. Combined with the characteristics of strong heterogeneity, relatively few coring sections and limited results of unsupervised Xi in this area, the method of unsupervised Xi with single factor constraint was considered to identify and divide the logging facies of the three formations in the Chengdao-Zhuhai area. Combined with the geological data such as core, cast thin section identification, logging data, etc., the calibration of logging facies and diagenetic facies is realized, so as to complete the identification and division of regional diagenetic facies. Finally, the accuracy of the Xi method is verified by comparing the thin section identification results, which provides a basis for the identification of reservoir diagenetic facies in the lack of coring well sections.Keywords: clastic rocks; Chengdao-Zhuanghai area; The Mesozoic;Diagenetic facies logging identification; Univariate constrained unsupervised learning
Formation and temperature dependence of Highly Oxygenated Organic Molecules from ∆3-carene ozonolysis
Authors: Luo Yuanyuan , Thomsen Ditte , Iversen Emil Mark , Roldin Pontus , Skønager Jane Tygesen , Li Linjie , Priestley Michael , Pedersen Henrik B. , Hallquist Mattias , Bilde Merete , Glasius Marianne , Ehn Mikael
Published: March 2024

Monoterpenes, comprising 15% of global biogenic volatile organic compound emissions, play a pivotal role in atmospheric chemistry. ∆3-carene, the second most prevalent monoterpene, has been identified as a significant source of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) upon oxidation, potentially surpassing α-pinene under similar conditions. Despite its importance, research has predominantly focused on α-pinene , leaving gaps in our understanding of ∆3-carene's oxidation pathways, particularly its capacity to form highly oxygenated organic molecules (HOM).To address this knowledge gap, we conducted an investigation into HOM formation during the ozonolysis of ∆3-carene using atmospheric simulation chambers. Employing a chemical ionization atmospheric pressure interface time-of-flight mass spectrometer with nitrate as the reagent ion (NO3-CIMS), we measured HOM resulting from ∆3-carene ozonolysis. Additionally, we explored the impact of temperature and relative humidity on HOM composition and distribution across various conditions (0, 10, and 20 ºC, and humidity levels below 15% and around 80%).Our analysis revealed diverse HOM monomers and dimers from ∆3-carene ozonolysis. Predominant HOM monomers included C10H14,16O9 and C9H12,14O9, while the largest dimers comprised C19H30O6,10,11 and C20H32O7,9,11. Significantly, HOM monomers with 9 or more oxygen atoms and all dimers irreversibly condensed onto particles, while those with 6-8 oxygen atoms behaved as semi-volatile organic species, maintaining notable gas-phase concentrations. Intriguingly, ∆3-carene ozonolysis produced higher HOM concentrations than α-pinene, suggesting distinct formation pathways for these two monoterpenes. Furthermore, we observed a substantial decrease in HOM concentrations at lower temperatures, consistent with previous studies on α-pinene ozonolysis. Despite similar main HOM species at temperatures of 20, 10, and 0 ℃, the ratio of HOM dimers to monomers increased from 0.78 to 1.51 as temperatures decreased. This temperature-dependent variation underscores the complexity of ∆3-carene's atmospheric processing, revealing nuanced behaviors of HOM under different environmental conditions.In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the HOM formation pathways of ∆3-carene, shedding light on its unique atmospheric chemistry. The observed differences in HOM concentrations and temperature-dependent behaviors highlight the need for a more comprehensive understanding of various monoterpenes, moving beyond the well-studied α-pinene. These findings contribute to the broader knowledge of biogenic volatile organic compounds and their impact on atmospheric processes.
Probing microbe-mineral-organic matter interactions in soils with photothermal infrared spectromicroscopy
Authors: Jamoteau Floriane , Kansiz Mustafa , Keiluweit Marco
Published: March 2024

Interactions among microbes, minerals, and organic matter are key controls on carbon, nutrient, and contaminant dynamics in soil and sediments. However, probing these interactions at relevant scales and through time remains an analytical challenge due to both their complex nature and the lack of tools permitting non-destructive time-step analysis. The recent development of optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) microscopy has opened the way for non-invasive analysis of these interactions at submicron resolution through time. Here we demonstrate the ability of O-PTIR microscopy to analyze mineral-organic microstructures down to 400 nm, without contact, allowing the time-resolved, non-destructive characterization of both mineral and organic components. Results showed that, while all these mineral-organic microstructures can be analyzed without measurable beam damage using the appropriate laser power, poorly crystalline minerals, and high-molecular-weight compounds are more sensitive to damage than crystalline minerals and low-molecular-weight compounds, respectively. Despite these differences in beam damage sensitivity, we found analytical conditions under which all materials were analyzed without damage and could therefore be analyzed repeatedly over time. With synthetic mineral-organic microstructures, we localized mineral-bound and unbound organic compounds, down to the sub-micron scale. Our results highlight the potential of and provides analytical recommendation for the application of O-PTIR microscopy to resolve microbe-mineral-organic matter interactions in soil and sediments.
Exploring Precipitation Intensity-Duration-Area-Frequency Patterns using Weather Radar Data 
Authors: Rosin Talia , Morin Efrat , Marra Francesco
Published: March 2024

Extreme precipitation is the main trigger of hazardous phenomena such as floods and flash-floods, that pose a serious threat to human beings and livelihood worldwide. Extreme precipitation is highly variable in both space and time, thus understanding and managing the related risks necessitates improved knowledge of their probability at different spatial-temporal scales.We employ the simplified metastatistical extreme value (SMEV) framework, a novel non-asymptotic framework, to estimate extreme return levels (up to 100 years) at multiple temporal (10 min–24 h) and, for the first time, spatial (0.25 km2–500 km2) scales using weather radar precipitation estimates. The SMEV framework reduces uncertainties and enables the use of relatively short archives typical of weather radar data (12 years in this case).Focusing on the eastern Mediterranean - a region characterised by sharp climatic gradients and susceptibility to flash floods - we derive at-site intensity-duration-area-frequency relations at various scales. Comparison with extreme return levels derived from daily rain gauge data over areas with dense gauge networks yields comparable results, demonstrating that radar precipitation data can provide important information for the understanding of extreme precipitation climatology.We then examine the climatological differences in extreme precipitation emerging from coastal, mountainous, and desert regions at different spatial and temporal scales. Three key findings emerge:At the pixel scale, precipitation and duration exhibit simple scaling, but this relationship breaks down with increasing area - this has significance for temporal downscaling.
Precipitation intensity is dissimilar for different area sizes at short durations but becomes increasingly similar at long durations - thus areal reduction factors may be unnecessary when computing precipitation for long durations.
The reverse orographic effect causes increased precipitation for multihour events and decreased precipitation for hourly and sub-hourly durations; however, this phenomenon decreases over larger areas.
Water temperature dynamics and influencing factor analysis in Yangtze Estuary, China
Authors: Zhao Leihua , Xin Pei
Published: March 2024

Estuaries are located at the interface between terrestrial and marine environments, and they are valuable aquatic ecosystems. Water temperature is an important environmental factor affecting estuarine ecosystems. Atmospheric, riverine, and marine forcings govern water temperature dynamics in estuaries. Given the complex hydrodynamic conditions (e.g., tides, waves, and runoff) in estuarine environments, it is still a challenge to well understand estuarine water temperature distributions and variations at different spatial and temporal scales. Recently, many methods (e.g., numerical modeling, remote sensing, and field observation) have been applied in studies of estuarine water temperature dynamics. The main objective of this study is to investigate water temperature dynamics and associated influencing factors in the Yangtze Estuary. The used methods are introduced in detail, including the data collection and model setup (i.e., the Delft3D model). Then, the distributions of estuarine water temperature, variations in heat flux, and contributions of influencing factors to estuarine water temperature variations are analyzed. In addition, the roles of influencing factors in estuarine water temperature, implications for estuarine ecosystems, and limitations of this study are discussed. We hope this study can advance understanding of estuarine water temperature dynamics and provide implications for management of estuarine ecosystems.
Water vapor variability in the extratropical UTLS from combined passenger and reasearch aircraft measurements
Authors: Konjari Patrick , Rolf Christian , Krämer Martina , Rohs Susanne , Li Yun , Bönisch Harald , Zahn Andreas , Petzold Andreas
Published: March 2024

Water vapor (H2O) is a key trace gas in the upper troposphere (UT) and lowermost stratosphere (LMS) because it plays a crucial role in the Earth’s climate. However, accurate knowledge of the amount of H2O in this region is still insufficient due to the difficulty and lack of in-situ and space-borne measurements. This study presents a new methodology to compile H2O climatologies for the LMS from simple, extensive measurements aboard passenger aircraft between 1994 and now within the IAGOS infrastructure covering in the extratropical UT/LMS.To this end, a statistical comparison of mean H2O in sampling bins of air relative to the tropopause is performed between a dataset from ≈60.000 flights applying the IAGOS-MOZAIC and -CORE simple sensor and a dataset of only ≈500 flights using the more sophisticated IAGOS-CARIBIC instrument. We find good agreement in the UT, but a systematic positive bias in the simple measurements in the LMS. To account for this bias, mean water vapor values of the simple sensor are adjusted to the sophisticated observations based on a new statistical approach. After applying this new method, the LMS water vapor measurements are in good agreement. The extensive H2O dataset from the simple IAGOS sensor can now be used to produce highly resolved water vapor climatologies for the climatically sensitive LMS region. With the adjusted IAGOS H2O data, water vapor transport processes and (de-)hydration of air masses in the extratropical UT/LMS are analysed through backward trajectories and microphysical CLaMS-ICE simulations.
Middle Miocene calcareous nannofossil and isotope fluctuations in the Central Paratethyan Realm (Eastern Carpathians)
Authors: Anton Eliza , Apotrosoaei Vlad , Pojar Iulian , Lazar Constantin , Melinte-Dobrinescu Mihaela
Published: March 2024

This work presents the fluctuation pattern related to the modifications in the calcareous nannofossil diversity and abundance and shift in δ13C and δ18O isotopes identified in a succession situated in the Outer Moldavide nappe system of the Eastern Carpathians. The studied section is mainly made by clays and marls and includes a cm-thick volcanic ash layer dated as 13.32 ± 0.07 Ma (de Leeuw et al., 2018). We have pointed out the biotical response to the environmental changes that took place as a consequence of the “Badenian Evaporitic Crisis” of the Central Paratethyan Realm. Based on the biostratigraphy of the calcareous nannofossils, we identified the Badenian NN5 biozone, argued by the co-occurrence of Sphenolithus heteromorphus, Coronocyclus nitescens and Cyclicargolithus floridanus. The semiqualitative analysis point out the abundant presence of Helicosphaera spp. (mainly H. carteri), which together with Sphenolithus spp., Cyclicargolithus floridanus, Reticulofenestra pseudoumbilicus and Braarudosphaera bigelowii accounted up to 50% calcareous nannofossil assemblages. Most of the found specimens of Braarudosphaera bigelowii are “rounded” morphotypes, as previously identified in several Central Paratethyan Miocene successions (Melinte-Dobrinescu & Stoica, 2013; Peryt et al., 2021), whereas the “classical” specimens with sharp edges and trapezoidal segments are extremely rare. In the studied interval, the values of δ13C and δ18O isotopes show wide ranges, with a significant negative shift of δ13C isotope values towards the top of the studied succession.ReferencesDe Leeuw, A., Tulbure, M., Kuiper, K.F., Melinte-Dobrinescu, M.C., Stoica, M., Krijgsman, W., 2018. New 40Ar/39Ar, magnetostratigraphic and biostratigraphic constraints on the termination of the Badenian Salinity Crisis: Indications for tectonic improvement of basin interconnectivity in Southern Europe. Global and Planetary Change, 169, 1-15.Melinte-Dobrinescu, M.C., Stoica, M., 2013. Badenian Calcareous Nannofossil Fluctuation in the Eastern Carpathians: Palaeoenvironmental significance. Acta Palaeontologica Romaniae, 9(2), 47-56.Peryt, D., Garecka, M., Peryt, T.M., 2021. Foraminiferal and calcareous nannoplankton biostratigraphy of the upper Badenian–lower Sarmatian strata in the SE Polish Carpathian Foredeep. Geological Quarterly, 65(18), 1-22.
The Record-Breaking Precipitation Event of December 2022 in Portugal: Synoptic Background
Authors: Ferreira Tiago , M. Trigo Ricardo , M. Ramos Alexandre , Gaspar Tomás , G. Pinto Joaquim
Published: March 2024

Extreme precipitation over western Iberia is mostly concentrated in the winter half-year. While relatively rare, intense precipitation events can disrupt and are often associated with major human, social and economic damages. Most of the time these extreme precipitation events are triggered by intense extratropical cyclones and associated frontal systems. However, in the last decade a number of studies have shown the important role played by Atmospheric Rivers (ARs) in the occurrence of extreme precipitation events in western Europe, particularly in the Iberia Peninsula.In this study we analyse the all-time 24h record-breaking precipitation values recorded in Lisbon, Portugal between the 12 and 13 December 2022 in terms of the synoptic background. We obtained a comprehensive synoptic characterization of the atmospheric circulation between the 1st and 15th of December, considering a wide range of meteorological fields, such as vertically integrated water vapor flux, sea level pressure, geopotential height and divergence at the 850 hPa isobar, divergence at the 200 hPa, vertical velocity at the 500 hPa and temperature and specific humidity at 900 and 600 hPa.Results show that on the 8 December by 06 UTC an extratropical cyclone was present in the middle of the North Atlantic, with a high moisture content and that by 18 UTC on the following day a cut-off low was formed in the northwest Atlantic. This cut-off system was well characterized by relatively high vertical velocities and convergence at the low levels, combined with high rates of evaporation acquired over the Gulf Stream, intensifying the moisture content to its south side. Both systems converged on 10 December by 12 UTC and by the 18 UTC the algorithm detected an AR located southward of the extratropical cyclone. The combination between high IVT values, with maxima ranging between 947 kg m-1 s-1 and 1227 kg m-1 s-1, with a dynamical component characterised by winds above 20 m/s, as well as a suitable vertical motion, allowed the system to evolve and maintain the AR characteristics for 72 h. The AR progressed towards Iberia, affecting Portugal and central Spain as an extreme AR event, leading to the 24h precipitation record of 134.6 mm measured at the Geophysical Institute in Lisbon, the highest value since continuous measurements started in the 1860. The previous record was registered on the 18 February 2008, with a value of 118.4 mm.This work was supported by the Portuguese Science Foundation (FCT) through the project AMOTHEC (DRI/India/0098/2020) with DOI 10.54499/DRI/India/0098/2020 and also through national funds (PIDDAC) – UIDB/50019/2020. Tiago Ferreira was supported by FCT through PhD grant UI/BD/154496/2022.
Haromonic Curvature and Bedding Uncertainty Across Scales
Authors: Nathan David , Zelic Mario , Holden Eun-Jung , Wedge Daniel , Gonzalez Christopher
Published: March 2024

Observations of geological structures are often made at different scales and often can cross multple orders of magnitude. This attribute of scale though is often not explicitly incorporated into the workflow of geological modeling and is usually treated as data preparation or sampling bias. The spectral properties of the discrete Laplacian operator, when applied to reconstructed surfaces from implicit modeling though offer a potential means of bridging this gap, when also combined with appropriate directional statistical anaysis. We present an example of how bedding orientation measurements from a 1:5000 scale surface map and drillhole bedding orientation picks from borehole televiewer images can be integrated using the manifold harmonics of the Laplacian operator and a mixture of von-Mises Fisher probability distributions. This provides automated insights for sampling for modeling and also possible kinematic and tectonics processes.
Modeling Climate Regulating Service Provided by Hong Kong Vegetation and Its Decadal Climatic and Environmental Drivers
Authors: Lam Hayden C. H. , Tai Amos P. K. , Yung David H. Y. , Lo Joshua T. W.
Published: March 2024

Terrestrial vegetation regulates climate by photosynthetic uptake of CO2. The extensive coverage of vegetation in Hong Kong (more than 70% of land) highlights the potential for terrestrial carbon sink to play a major role in achieving carbon neutrality in such a metropolitan city. To quantify the potential, local measurements and allometric modeling have estimated the aboveground biomass (AGB) on plot scales in Hong Kong. However, it remains a challenge to illustrate the temporal trends and spatial distribution of carbon uptake by vegetation in the city, and to understand what factors have shaped them. Here, we aim to estimate the net primary productivity (NPP) of Hong Kong vegetation, and identify the key drivers for variability of NPP on a city scale. We use the Terrestrial Ecosystem Model in R-Hong Kong (TEMIR-HK), a localized process-based ecosystem model, to evaluate the changes in NPP trends induced by changing CO2 concentration, temperature, ozone concentration, and changing leaf area index (LAI) shaped by these factors as well as land use. Simulation results show an increasing trend of NPP, with an average NPP of 1.53 Tg C y-1, which is less than 10% of the annual total anthropogenic carbon emission from Hong Kong, suggesting a limited but indispensable potential of urban forestry to achieve city-level carbon neutrality. The factorial simulations show that increasing ambient CO2 concentration is the most dominant driver of increasing NPP among all potential drivers. This suggests that the globally well-mixed CO2 concentration is impacting NPP more than the local climate, environmental and land-use changes in Hong Kong.
Investigating terrestrial biogeochemical responses to enhanced rock weathering for carbon capture in a whole-watershed experiment
Authors: zacharias quinn , Rioux Robert , Sun Fengchao , Tagte Wyatt , McCall Marshall , Wereti Dula , Polussa Alexander , Raymond Peter , Planavsky Noah , Saiers James
Published: March 2024

Enhanced weathering (e.g., spreading crushed silicate rock on agricultural fields) is a promising approach for carbon sequestration. As rainwater weathers the crushed rock, atmospheric CO2 is converted to bicarbonate, which is transported through soils to streams and rivers that drain to the ocean, where the bicarbonate is stored. Other products of the weathering reaction, including nutrients and trace metals, may be exported to streams, retained within soils, or taken up by plants. While results of laboratory experiments and theoretical assessments of enhanced rock weathering are encouraging from the standpoint of CO2 removal, observations that illuminate associated ecosystems responses to weatherable-rock additions are scarce. Our objective is to help address this deficiency through execution of a watershed-scale experiment on enhanced rock weathering. In June 2023, crushed basalt was applied at a rate of 20 tons per hectare to hayfields and pasture of a small, agricultural watershed in northern Vermont, USA.  Prior to the basalt application, 64 sampling plots distributed over eight transects were established for soil and vegetation sampling. Each transect was oriented parallel to the hillslope gradient and traversed pasture and hayfield. Four transects received the basalt amendment, and the other four served as basalt-free controls. Soil samples have been collected from all sampling plots and are currently being analyzed for exchangeable nutrients (B, Mg, P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo), trace metals (Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb), pH, bulk density, soil organic carbon (particulate and mineral associated), soil inorganic carbon, and microbial biomass. Vegetation from the hayfield plots has been collected four times over the growing season and is being analyzed for nutrient content (B, Mg, P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Mo) and to estimate above-ground net primary productivity. We find that the basalt treatment has had a statistically significant and positive effect on above-ground primary production within the hayfield. These results, together with observations on changes in vegetation nutrient content and trace-metal concentrations in soil and vegetation, will be described and interpreted in our presentation. These findings should improve understanding of the agricultural benefits of enhanced rock weathering and the role of this carbon-capture approach in modifying soil chemistry.
Environmental Characteristics Associated with the Tropical Transition of Mediterranean Cyclones
Authors: Bernini Lisa , Cavicchia Leone , Desbiolles Fabien , Parodi Antonio , Pasquero Claudia , Scoccimarro Enrico
Published: March 2024

Using tracks from a reference dataset (Flaounas et al., 2023), cyclones in the Mediterranean Sea have been classified based on thermal winds (Hart, 2003). This classification allowed us to explore the major differences between extra-tropical cyclones with a cold inner core and tropical-like cyclones with adeep inner warm core. For that purpose, the time evolution along the cyclones’ lifetime of different environmental characteristics taken from the ERA5 reanalysis has been studied. Warm-core cyclones are characterized by higher surface wind speeds, larger air-sea fluxes, and more intense precipitations. In comparison to cold-core cyclones, their development is favored by low wind shear and high moisture levels in the mid-troposphere. Different proxies also attest the major importance of the convective process in the establishment of the warm core. Finally, their dissipation seems to be driven by an abrupt decrease in the mid-level moisture content. This decrease is possibly related to the occlusion phase of the cyclone, and not to a limitation of moisture supply at the surface due to landfall.
The role of serpentinized mantle on thrust-fault earthquake dynamics offshore SW Iberia
Authors: Prada Manel , Martínez-Loriente Sara , B. Ruh Jonas , Sallarès Valentí
Published: March 2024

The present-day Eurasia-Africa plate convergence offshore SW Iberia gives rise to a diffuse plate boundary marked by deep lithospheric thrust and strike-slip faults. The Horseshoe Abyssal Plain Thrust (HAT) stands out as a key structure accommodating plate convergence, and it has been the site of deep (> 30 km depth) and large magnitude (Mw > 6) earthquakes. Additionally, the HAT has been proposed to be the source of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake (estimated Mw≥8.5), one of the most destructive earthquakes and tsunami in the history of Europe. The geometry of the fault and the physical properties of rocks surrounding it have been determined through tomographic models derived from controlled-source seismic data. Although large earthquakes along the HAT primarily occur at considerable depths within the peridotitic mantle (~40 km depth), the fault intersects a region of serpentinized mantle at shallower depths (10-20 km depth). In contrast to peridotite that undergoes seismic deformation, the frictional behaviour of serpentinized peridotite depends on factors such as pressure, water content, temperature, and slip velocity. Laboratory measurements indicate that serpentinite transitions from rate-strengthening behaviour at plate tectonic rates to rate-weakening at seismic slip rates. This dual nature suggests that large deep earthquakes, nucleated in pristine peridotite, could rupture seismically through the weaker serpentinized peridotite. While this mechanism has been proposed to explain the HAT's potential to generate large tsunamigenic earthquakes, it remains untested. In this study, we use dynamic rupture numerical simulations to investigate the role of serpentinized peridotite in the rupture process and the tsunamigenic potential of the HAT. In particular, we explore various frictional scenarios to determine the slip pattern necessary to account for the previously estimated tsunamigenic uplift associated with the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.
Changes in the timing of phytoplankton blooms: comparison between northern and southern Adriatic
Authors: Vodopivec Martin , France Janja , Jasprica Nenad , Pasković Nika , Batistić Mirna , Mozetič Patricija
Published: March 2024

The phenology of phytoplankton blooms holds significant implications for marine ecosystems as it shapes pelagic food webs. The onset, intensity, and duration of phytoplankton blooms, along with their synchronization with zooplankton cycles, can impact the survival rates of these species and overall community production. In this study, we employ a combination of in situ and satellite-derived chlorophyll concentrations, utilizing various statistical methods to discern the presence and timing of spring and autumn blooms in different regions of the Adriatic Sea. The northern Adriatic (NA) represents a coastal, river-dominated ecosystem influenced by anthropogenic nutrient enrichment, with a recent decline observed in chlorophyll concentration and primary production. Conversely, the southern Adriatic (SA) is characterized as a true pelagic ecosystem with minimal influence from coastal waters on nutrient levels. Here, primary production is primarily controlled by meteorological conditions that dictate convective mixing and nutrient availability for autotrophic uptake. Our analysis reveals that the northern Adriatic predominantly experiences both spring and autumn blooms, whereas the southern Adriatic witnesses only autumn blooms, peaking in late autumn or winter. We investigate trends in the timing of the onset and peak of phytoplankton blooms, searching for environmental factors influencing these shifts. As anticipated, the onset of the autumn bloom is found to be delayed, with statistically significant trends observed in specific areas. It is worth noting that the lack of statistical significance in some instances may be attributed, at least in part, to the relatively short period of available satellite data (from 1997 onwards).
3-D structural model of the Rioni foreland fold-and-thrust belt, Georgia 
Authors: Enukidze Onise , Alania Victor , Kvavadze Nino , Razmadze Alexandre , Giorgadze Anzor , Merkviladze Demur
Published: March 2024

The Rioni foreland basin system is located between the Lesser Caucasus (LC) and the Greater Caucasus (GC) orogens. Deformation of the Rioni double flexural foreland basin was controlled by the action of two opposing orogenic fronts, the LC retro-wedge to the south and the GC pro-wedge to the north (Alania et al., 2022). The Rioni foreland fold-and-thrust belt (RFFTB) is part of the Greater Caucasus pro-wedge.  Here we show the deformation structural style of the RFFTB based on seismic reflection profiles and serial structural cross-sections. On the basis of serial structural cross-sections, 3-D structural models. 2-3D structural models show that the Rioni foreland is a thin-skinned fold-and-thrust belt and the main style of deformation within the RFFTB is represented by a set of fault-propagation folds, duplexes, and triangle zones. The presence of two detachment levels in the RFFTB raises important questions about the deformation sequence. The serial structural cross-sections show that fault-propagation folds above the upper detachment level can develop by piggyback and break-back thrust sequences. The formation of fault-bend fold duplex structures above the lower detachment is related to piggyback thrust sequences. The synclines within the Rioni foreland fold-and-thrust belt are filled by the Middle Miocene-Pleistocene shallow marine and continental syn-tectonic sediments, forming a series of typical thrust-top basins. The evolution of the thrust-top basins was mainly controlled by the kinematics of thrust sequences. Fault-propagation folds and duplex structures formed the main structure of the thrust-top basin. Recent earthquake data indicate that the RFFTB is still tectonically active and earthquake focal mechanisms within the RFFTB are thrust faults (Tsereteli et al., 2016), and active structures are mainly represented by thrust faults, blind thrusts, and blind wedges. Acknowledgments. This work was funded by the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation (SRNSF) (grant# FR-21-26377).ReferencesAlania, V., et al. (2022). Deformation structural style of the Rioni foreland fold-and-thrust belt, western Greater Caucasus: Insight from the balanced cross-section. Frontiers in Earth Science 10, 10968386.Tsereteli, N., et al. (2016). Active tectonics of central-western Caucasus, Georgia. Tectonophysics 691, 328–344.