bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovation Management of BSUIN Underground Laboratories
Authors: Giese Rüdiger , Jaksch Katrin
Published: March 2020

The Baltic Sea Underground Innovation Network BSUIN is a European research project funded by Interreg Baltic Sea Region. The BSUIN network consists of six underground laboratories in Finland, Sweden, Russia, Poland and Germany with associated business and research partners. Each of the underground laboratories is unique in its geology, underground space and use. The BSUIN aims to build up a platform for innovative research and business concepts for the use of underground infrastructures and also especially for applications after completion of mining activities.

For an innovation management it is important to identify research and application fields in underground labs for the present but also research areas of interest in the future. Also it is significant to define the relevant research fields, which are more likely to result in innovations and business applications.

Within BSUIN an innovation platform concept will be established as a guideline for innovation management and support for the innovation processes. For that purpose we questioned aspects of the use of underground labs for users from several kind of customers and users from research and business of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Here we present an overview of the evaluation of the questionnaire. What are the main aspects which are important for the use of underground labs for research and innovation and especially for business activities? Within BSUIN a concept of an innovation platform concept will be integrated in the BSUIN web based tool. This will allow to apply innovation keywords to site-specific research activities in each BSUIN mine.
Evaluation of trends in extreme temperatures simulated by HighResMIP models across Europe
Authors: van der Schrier Gerard , Squintu Antonello , van den Besselaar Else , van der Linden Eveline , Scoccimarro Enrico , Roberts Christopher , Senan Retish , Putrasahan Dian , Roberts Malcolm , Klein Tank Albert
Published: March 2020

The comparison of simulated climate with observed daily values allows to assess their reliability and the soundness of their projections on the climate of the future. Frequency and amplitude of extreme events are fundamental aspects that climate simulations need to reproduce. In this work six models developed within the High Resolution Model Intercomparison Project are compared over Europe with the homogenized version of the observational E-OBS gridded dataset. This is done by comparing averages, extremes and trends of the simulated summer maximum temperature and winter minimum temperatures with the observed ones.

Extreme values have been analyzed making use of indices based on the exceedances of percentile-based thresholds. Winter minimum temperatures are generally underestimated by models in their averages (down to -4 deg. C of difference over Italy and Norway) while simulated trends in averages and extreme values are found to be too warm on western Europe and too cold on eastern Europe (e.g. up to a difference of -4% per decade on the number of Cold Nights over Spain). On the other hand the models tend to underestimate summer maximum temperatures averages in Northern Europe and overestimate them in the Mediterranean areas (up to +5 deg. C over the Balkans). The simulated trends are too warm on the North West part and too cold on the South East part of Europe (down to -3%/dec. on the number of Warm Days over Italy and Western Balkans).

These results corroborate the findings of previous studies about the underestimation of the warming trends of summer temperatures in Southern Europe, where these are more intense and have more impacts.  A comparison of the high resolution models  with the corresponding version in CMIP5 has been performed comparing the absolute biases of extreme values trends. This has shown a slight improvement for the simulation of winter minimum temperatures, while no signs of significant progresses have been found for summer maximum temperatures.
Critical zone dynamic over the past 2,000 years record in large Mediterranean Lake (Iseo, Italia): Climate versus human impacts
Authors: Rapuc William , Sabatier Pierre , Bouchez Julien , Gaillardet Jérôme , Augustin Laurent , Piccin Andrea , von Grafenstein Ulrich , Arnaud Fabien
Published: March 2020

Human activities and climate variability have direct impacts on the dynamic of the Critical Zone (CZ) both in quantitative (increase of the flux of organic and mineral matter) and qualitative way (modification of the biogeochemical cycles). Mountainous areas hold a strong CZ dynamic due to their inherent environmental conditions. Among them, European Alps are of prime interest because they have been impacted by human activities over the last millennia. To understand the CZ trajectories, we need to develop long term monitoring far beyond the current instrumental period. To reach this objective we adopt a source-to-sink approach based on geochemical analyses with i) Nd and Sr isotopic composition to trace sediment sources form the watershed and ii) major and traces elements compositions to reconstruct the evolution of  sources weathering states over this period. The watershed of Lake Iseo, located in the Val Camonica (NW Italy) was chosen for its substantial size (1.777km²), its various geological context, helping the identification of the different sources of sediment inputs, and a well-documented anthropization history. 25 samples of fine fluviatile sediments were sampled on the flood plain of the main tributaries of Lake Iseo and were linked to a 15.5m long lake sediment core, retrieved from the deep basin of the lake and covering the last 2,000 years. The fluctuations of the sediment inputs coming from the different sources is discussed from the  Roman period until the recent warming through Medieval Optimum and Little Ice Age period to disentangle the influence of both climate (precipitation, glacial dynamics) and human activity onto the dynamic of the CZ throughout the erosion and the chemical weathering of the soils in this Mediterranean Alpine region.
Generation and propagation of dust cloud during high energy rock-avalanches
Authors: De Blasio Fabio Vittorio
Published: March 2020

F.V. De Blasio, G. Dattola and G.B. CrostaDept. of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy

Rock avalanches are initially intact rock masses that collapse catastrophically and that during sliding are subjected to a severe fragmentation processes reducing progressively the clasts diameter. The potential energy is so dissipated by friction and fragmentation, in addition to other energy sinks. During the motion of a rock avalanche, particles of tens of micrometers size are generated from crushing, grinding, or chipped off the rock and released to the air generating a suspension hereafter called dust cloud.  

The dust cloud moves away from the rock avalanche sliding path, partly thrust by the energy of impact of the avalanche against obstacles, and partly inheriting the speed of the rocky mass. Moreover, having density slightly higher than air, the cloud is responding to downward thrust exerted by the gravity field. Thus, the cloud velocities may be variable depending on the geometry of collapse and on the initial rock avalanche speed. At high cloud speed, hazards include severe abrasion  and air blast. Also after the high velocity phase the cloud may be hazardous, reducing visibility for hours until dust particles are completely settled. If this process takes place for example in proximity of facilities and transportation lines, problems may arise to traffic flow.

For this reason the prediction of the cloud formation and further motion is an important, albeit poorly developed subject. We are developing a simple physical model which describes cloud formation and motion. Firstly, the cloud is assumed to form by high-energy chipping of the rocks. To calculate the cloud movement, the shape is split up in a set of deformable sub element. By initially imposing the strongly limiting condition of incompressibility, namely, that cloud density does not change, the equations of motion for a deformable cloud can be written. The equations are then solved numerically. Several situations are considered, including (i) a change in the slope inclination, (ii) the presence of an obstacle, (iii) initial high cloud speed inherited by the travelling rock avalanche, in comparison with zero initial speed. So far, the model is capable to reproduce the cloud motion and the increase in the pressure when it strikes an obstacle.

Case studies considered in conjunction with this theoretical work include the recent events of the Pousset and Gallivaggio rock avalanches both in Northern Italy, where rock dust could be recovered from different locations along the cloud path, promptly after the event.
Policy scenarios for agriculture that enhance soil ecosystem services in Europe and China
Authors: Martín-Candilejo Araceli , Santillan David , Garrote Luis , Iglesias Ana
Published: March 2020

Aiming to evaluate the effect of agricultural management practices in the environmental footprint, this study develops scenarios of future farm and soil management systems for improved productivity and enhanced soil quality. The analysis is at the continental scale in Europe and China. The evaluation has two components: (1) A multi-actor approach is used to develop the policy scenarios; and (2) An upscalling model is used to evaluate the effect of the scenarios at the continental scale. The results are presented in a series of maps with a 10 x 10 km resolutions, that allow comparison of strategies relevant to agricultural policy development. Three scenarios are evaluated: The Expected scenario maintains the observed tendency in the implementation of beneficial agricultural management practices. The Regional Targets assumes the same rate of implementation of agricultural management practices, but considers that policy efforts are focused on areas where soil threats are more active and soil quality indicators are poorer. The emphasis, therefore, is place on targeting the regions that where the practices would be more beneficial. The Towards 2050 scenario assumes an intensification on the rate of implementation of agricultural management practices as a result of public policies. The scenarios are necessarily a simplification of the complex policy processes that influences farmer choices at the local and regional levels. The content of the study is based on the results of the iSQAPER (http://www.isqaper-project.eu/) H2020 project.
Automatizing MiniRhizotron Image Acquisition
Authors: Rewald Boris , Lazarovitch Naftali , Baykalov Pavel , Hadar Ofer , Mayer Stefan , Bodner Gernot , Seehra Liaqat
Published: March 2020

Minirhizotron (MR) imaging systems are key instruments to study the hidden half of plants and ecosystems, i.e. roots, mycorrhiza and their interactions with pathogens, fauna etc. in the rhizosphere. However, despite scarce data on the ‘hidden half’ of plants and ecosystems, e.g. needed for better understanding species’ ecophysiology, breeding resource efficient crops or determining soil C input, the technological advances remained yet limited.

We designed and build an automatic, modular MR camera system for permanent operation in situ, combining state-of-the-art imaging sensors (UHD VIS and certain near infrared (NIR) wavebands) with mechatronic automation to allow for effective and precise imaging of MR tubes. The system consists of a MR camera ‘carrier system’ (i.e. for camera positioning, scheduling and processing of images, interconnectivity) for 7 cm diameter, up to 2 m long, MR tubes installed in situ (fields to forests), and two interchangeable camera modules to be used with the carrier system. The first module is a cost-effective UHD RGB module and the second module combines VIS and selected multispectral (NIR) wavebands--potentially allowing for advanced image processing such as root classification (age, branching order etc.) and approximation of selected soil properties (soil water content, C contents etc.).

The presented technology has the potential to benefit society both indirectly via improving the capacity of the research community to study root and rhizosphere systems (e.g. in a C budgeting, or plant breeding context), and is, beside automatic image analysis, a prerequisite for making root development information available to stakeholders in real time (e.g. to farmers for precision irrigation). Additional benefits of an automatic MR system such as precise stitching (for creating ‘panoramic’ images) and creation of ‘super resolution’ images are discussed.
Modeling the dose distribution in a human brain structure using CT images on the surface of Mars
Authors: Khaksarighiri Salman , Guo Jingnan , Wimmer-Schweingruber Robert , Rostl Lennart
Published: March 2020

One of the most important steps in the near-future space age will be a manned mission to Mars. Unfortunately, such a mission will cause astronauts to be exposed to unavoidable cosmic radiation in deep space and on the surface of Mars. Thus a better understanding of the radiation environment for a Mars mission and the consequent biological impacts on humans, in particular the human brains, is critical. To investigate the impact of cosmic radiation on human brains and the potential influence on the brain functions, we model and study the cosmic particle-induced radiation dose in a realistic head structure. Specifically speaking, 134 slices of computed tomography (CT) images of an actual human head have been used as a 3D phantom in Geant4 (GEometry ANd Tracking) which is a Monte Carlo tool simulating energetic particles impinging into different parts of the brain and deliver radiation dose therein. As a first step, we compare the influence of different brain structures (e.g., with or without bones, with or without soft tissues) to the resulting dose therein to demonstrate the necessity of using a realistic brain structure for our investigation. Afterwards, we calculate energy-dependent functions of dose distribution for the most important (most abundant and most biologically-relevant) particle types encountered in space and on Mars such as protons, Helium ions and neutrons. These functions are then used to fold with Galactic Cosmic Ray (GCR) spectra on the surface of Mars for obtaining the dose rate distribution at different lobes of the human brain. Different GCR spectra during various solar cycle conditions have also been studied and compared.
Energetic Electron Acceleration in Unconfined Reconnection Jets
Authors: Chen Guo , Fu Huishan , Zhang Ying , Li Xiaocan , Ge Yasong , Du Aimin , Liu Chengming , Xu Yin
Published: March 2020

Magnetic reconnection in astronomical objects such as solar corona and the Earth’s magnetotail theoretically produces a fast jet toward the object (known as a confined jet as it connects to the object through magnetic field lines) and a fast jet departing the object (known as an unconfined jet as it propagates freely in space). So far, energetic electron acceleration has been observed in the confined jet but never in the unconfined jet, arousing a controversy about whether or not reconnection jets can intrinsically accelerate electrons. Our study is focused on the electron acceleration in unconfined reconnection jet based on Cluster observations and VPIC simulations.
Using the NIRS for analyzes of soil clay content
Authors: Mariage Clémence , Colinet Gilles , Genot Valérie
Published: March 2020

REQUASUD network (based in Wallonia, Belgium) consists of laboratories working directly with farmers, giving them soil fertility diagnostics and advice for a good management of soils and cultures. Therefore, the laboratories analyze, among others, available nutrients. But they need more information to correctly interpret the results and give fertility advice, like the cationic exchange capacity (CEC) and the clay content. However, analyzing CEC and clay content is expensive, time-consuming and requires the use of chemicals. To overpass this problem, the near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) has been developed and is now used routinely in the laboratories. This method is rapid, non-destructive and allows the simultaneous estimation of soil characteristics. Nowadays, the REQUASUD NIR database performances for clay content are the followings : RPD = 2,22% for cultures and RPD = 1,72% for grasslands. This method of analysis can be used for other purposes than fertility advice.
IASI-NG L1 processing : new algorithms to calibrate a new instrument
Authors: Luitot Clément
Published: March 2020

The development of the IASI-NG System, under responsibility of CNES, includes the development
and delivery of IASI-NG instruments (to be flown on the Metop-SG A Satellites serie, the
development of the Level 1 C Processor (L1C POP) as part of the EPS-SG ground segment, and the
development of a Technical Expertise Centre (IASTEC) in charge of the in-flight calibration,
validation and continuous performance monitoring.
The IASI-NG instrument represents a major technological gap compared to the IASI Fourier
transform spectrometer. In order to be able to deliver data with both a twice lower radiometrical
noise and a twice better spectral resolution, the IASI-NG interferometer design is based on the Mertz
principle and uses movable prisms to compensate the so-called self-apodization effects. This change
of instrumental concept and our ability to send together to the ground the real and imaginary part of
the spectra lead to major changes in the definition of the IASI-NG algorithms compare to the IASI
ones and generally to an increase in their complexity.
This paper presents the processing chains involved in the radiometric and spectral calibration of the
IASI-NG spectra. The overall scheme of calibration is shown and a focus is put on major evolutions
induced by the new IASI-NG instrumental concept. Logically, this new concept impacts mainly the
algorithms in charge of the instrumental spectral response function estimation (ISRF-EM). Indeed, in
order to preserve the IASI user-friendly approach and to deliver spectrally consistent data, the
instrumental spectral response function (ISRF) of the spectrometer is continuously estimated onground
and removed by the level 1 processing.
This estimation relies on both an instrumental model and observable parameters coming from five
metrology beams, a Fabry-Perot interferometer or absorption features in the atmospheric spectra. We
will describe the two main parts of this algorithmic chain dedicated to the estimation, on one part, of
the spectral shift and on the other part, of the shape of the ISRF. The correction of these two effects is
done simultaneously in the on-ground processing by local deconvolution. The estimated ISRF is then
removed and replaced by a perfect Gaussian function. This correction is applied to each
interferogram and for each wavenumber because of the high chromatic effect (i.e. the variation of the
relative spectral shift with the wavenumber) due to the use of refractive optical components to create
opd.
A status will be made on the algorithms definition and the first end-to-end validation studies on the
whole processing chain conducted by the IASI-NG L1C team will be shown.
Evaluation of a NOAH-MP Land Surface Model Ensemble over the Mississippi Basin
Authors: Rothermel Jonas , Schumacher Maike
Published: March 2020

Physical-based Land Surface Models (LSMs) have deepened the understanding of the hydrological cycle and serve as the lower boundary layer in atmospheric models for numerical weather prediction. As any numerical model, they are subject to various sources of uncertainty, including simplified model physics, unknown empirical parameter values and forcing errors, particularly precipitation. Quantifying these uncertainties is important for assessing the predictive power of the model, especially in applications for environmental hazard warning. Data assimilation systems also benefit from realistic model error estimates.

In this study, the LSM NOAH-MP is evaluated over the Mississippi basin by running a large ensemble of model configurations with suitably perturbed forcing data and parameter values. For this, sensible parameter distributions are obtained by performing a thorough sensitivity analysis, identifying the most informative parameters beforehand by a screening approach. The ensemble of model outputs is compared against various hydrologic and atmospheric feedback observations, including SCAN soil moisture data, GRACE TWS anomaly data and AmeriFlux evapotranspiration measurements. The long-term aim of this study is to improve land-surface states via data assimilation and to investigate their influence on short- to midterm numerical weather prediction. Thus, the uncertainty of the simulated model states, such as snow, soil moisture in various layers, and groundwater are thoroughly studied to estimate the relative impact of possible hydrologic data sets in the assimilation.
The benefits for ITRF2020 from multi-technique combination at the observation level (COOL) processing
Authors: Otten Michiel , Springer Tim , Gini Francesco , Mayer Volker , Schoenemann Erik , Enderle Werner
Published: March 2020

For the previous ITRF calls for participation ESOC reprocessed the historic data from the IDS, IGS, and ILRS. Our three solutions were computed with a single software package (NAPEOS), running on the same machine and using, as far as possible, identical settings. Any systematic differences between the technique dependent reference frame solutions must therefore be caused by the techniques themselves, and not because of model differences or errors. Our three technique dependent solutions gave us a good understanding of the technique dependent effects, helping us to improve our models.

At ESOC we have now made a significant step forward by including all satellite geodetic techniques (SLR, DORIS and GNSS) into one solution. This allows us to combine the ILRS, IDS and IGS reference frames by using “space ties”. Of course these space ties are not perfectly known but they still allow for a rigorous combination of the different reference frames. Furthermore, and very important for the GNSS technique, they allow for the direct estimation of the GNSS satellite transmitter phase centre offset. We solve not only for integer ambiguities of the GPS satellites but also for those of the LEO satellites, which is also providing GPS phase observations on two frequencies. 

Our poster presents an overview of this multi-technique combination approach at observation level (COOL). We have included all observations provided by the following satellites in a single parameter estimation process: GNSS, JASON, SPOT, Sentinels, GRACE, LAGEOS and Etalon satellites. We demonstrate the benefits of such a rigorous approach compared to processing the various space geodetic techniques separately.
Graphene oxide modified magnetic sludge biochar as a green adsorbent for environmental concentration level of pesticide removal
Authors: Zhang Zulin , Ma Yongfei , Chen Siyu , Lu Tingmei , Yang Lie , Wu Li
Published: March 2020

In addition to the advantage for resource utilization of municipal sludge which is an important solution to reduce the secondary pollution (e.g. landfill and incineration) to the environment, biochar derived from municipal sludge displayed a potential adsorption capacity for emerging contaminants, particularly with appropriate modification. This study synthesized a green adsorbent (Graphene oxide modified magnetic sludge biochar, GO/CoFe2O4-SBC), which showed the superiority of low cost, effective adsorption and separation for the environmental concentration level of pesticide (Imidacloprid, IMI) removal from water. The results suggested that higher dose and temperature would facilitate the contaminant removal. The optimum removal rate of IMI obtained at pH=6 was due to the weakest electrostatic repulsion. Pseudo-second kinetic, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models fitted the experimental data, which indicated that both physisorption and chemisorption were involved in the adsorption process. The maximum adsorption capacity of sludge biochar (SBC), magnetic sludge biochar (CoFe2O4-SBC) and GO/CoFe2O4-SBC were 3.11×103, 5.99×103 and 8.92×103 μg g-1, respectively. Physicochemical characteristics, kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamics analysis suggested that the better adsorption performance for GO/CoFe2O4-SBC was attributed to pore filling, π-π electron donor-acceptor and oxygen-containing functional groups (e.g. C=O, C-O, -OH, Fe-O and Co-O) interaction. IMI adsorption was a spontaneous endothermic process and GO/CoFe2O4-SBC exhibited the greater spontaneous. Ethanol extraction increased the regeneration of adsorbents and maintained more than 90% of adsorption capacity in the recycles (1-5 cycles) of the fresh. The leaching concentrations of Fe and Co of adsorbent (GO/CoFe2O4-SBC) were below drinking water standard (0.5 mg L-1) in the range of pH 3 to 12. In conclusion, this work not only provided a promising biochar (e.g. GO/CoFe2O4-SBC) with superior removal capacity for pesticides in water at low concentrations, but also offered a sustainable and cost-effective way for the resource utilization of municipal sludge.
Continuous monitoring of fault-controlled CO2 degassing in the Los Humeros Volcanic Complex, Mexico
Authors: Jentsch Anna , Düsing Walter , Jolie Egbert
Published: March 2020

Over the last few decades, monitoring of soil CO2 efflux has been widely used in different scientific disciplines like volcanic and seismic hazard assessment, carbon capture and sequestration, geothermal well integrity, and others. We installed a comprehensive LICOR LI-8150 monitoring system on the Los Humeros normal fault, one of the major structures in the geothermal production field. Over a five-months period, seven accumulation chambers measured CO2 efflux every hour in combination with an on-site meteorological station recording air temperature, air humidity, barometric pressure, precipitation, wind speed, and wind direction. Seismic activity was recorded simultaneously by a seismic array of 42 stations distributed across the volcanic complex, which identified both, high frequency, volcano tectonic (>10 Hz) and low frequency, long-period events (1-8 Hz). Furthermore, monthly geothermal production and re-injection data are available. Our study aims to (1) characterize significant temporal variations of soil CO2 efflux, (2) assess the effect of environmental parameters, (3) analyze the possible influence of natural seismicity and geothermal exploitation (production/re-injection) on CO2 degassing rates. The latter aspect plays an important role to better understand the hydraulic connection and communication between subsurface and surface along structural discontinuities in the volcanic-geothermal system.
Sampling protocol, preparation scheme and error evaluation for SEM-EDS quantitative analysis of asbestos in ophiolitic rocks
Authors: Belardi Girolamo , Trapasso Francesca , Tempesta Emanuela , Passeri Daniele , Paciucci Matteo , Botta Serena , Avataneo Chiara , Barale Luca , Piana Fabrizio , Turci Francesco
Published: March 2020

The quantification of asbestos in ophiolitic rocks is of particular importance in the management of soil and rock excavated in civil works and materials from quarry exploitation.

In Italy, a well-described quantitative method is currently available taking advantage of the high resolution of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the mineral discrimination provided by energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS) (Italian Ministerial Decree of 06/09/1994). The method provides a limit of detection of ca. 4-10 ppm and delivers quantitative results for asbestos content higher than 100 ppm. Conversely, a guide for on-field sampling and laboratory sample milling / preparation is still required, to correctly define the quantities of materials of variable geometric dimensions and weight to be sampled following a representative approach. The development of a proper sampling protocol will define the minimum volume of material that is required to correctly represent an asbestos-bearing soil/rock.

The work aims to introduce a structured composite sampling and processing protocol, to reduce data variability and increase sample representativeness for a specified volume of material under investigation.

The protocol is designed to obtain one single aliquot for SEM-EDS quantitative analysis (ca. 10 g) that has all the constituents in the same proportion with a known grade of accuracy and to minimize sample preparation time.

Variability in measured asbestos concentration in ophiolitic rocks between discrete samples is due primarily to the texture of rocks and heterogeneity in the distribution of asbestos. To consider the heterogeneous distribution of asbestos, a simulation of size distribution of the material after laboratory size reduction (crushing and grinding) as a function of operating parameters was obtained. It was studied the influence of some parameters, specifically linked to ophiolitic rocks, such as: particles shape factor, granulometric factor, mineralogical factor, asbestos liberation factor, and maximum particle size on the representativeness of the subsamples.

The methodology provides reasonably unbiased, reproducible estimates of the mean concentration of asbestos in the specified volume of material.
Object-based flood risk modelling of the European road network: physical damage and mobility disruptions
Authors: Costa Ana Laura , Koks Elco , van Ginkel Kees , de Groen Frederique , Alfieri Lorenzo , Dottori Francesco , Feyen Luc , Bles Thomas
Published: March 2020

River flooding is among the most profound climate hazards in Europe and poses a threat to its road transport infrastructure. Traditional continental-scale flood risk studies do not accurately capture these disruptions because they are typically grid-based, whereas roads are relatively narrow line elements which are therefore omitted. Moreover, these grid-approaches disregard the network properties of roads, whereas the costs of reduced mobility could largely exceed the costs of the physical damage to the infrastructure.

We address these issues by proposing and applying an improved physical damage assessment coupled with the assessment of mobility disruption for a comprehensive risk assessment at a continental level.

In this study, we introduce an object-based, continental scale flood risk assessment of the European road network. We improve the estimates of direct, physical damage, by drawing road network data from OpenStreetMap, while making optimal use of the available metadata. We also introduce a set of road-specific flood damage functions, which are validated for an observed flood event in Germany. The results of this approach are compared to the traditional, grid-based approach to modelling road transport damage.

Next, we showcase how the object-based approach can be used to study potential mobility disruptions. In this study we present how the network data from OpenStreetMap and available metadata can be used to assess the flood impacts in terms of decreased connectivity, that is, increased distance, time and/or costs. The approach is flexible in physical scope, able to address national and continental resilience assessments and provide advice on tipping points of service performance. Furthermore, flexibility is also incorporated in terms of different resilience perspectives including decision-making by the asset owner or the national or trans-national supply chain disruption to a particular economic sector or company.

Finally, the risk assessment is discussed based on applications for the impacts of floods on European roads and the potential to extend to multi-hazard assessments (landslides, earthquakes, pluvial flooding) and other types of critical networks is discussed.  

 

This paper has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 776479 for the project CO-designing the Assessment of Climate CHange costs. https://www.coacch.eu/

 
Optimal design and Levelized Cost of Electricity of 100% solar power microgrids in Africa: robustness and sensitivity to meteorological and economical drivers
Authors: Plain Nicolas , mathy Sandrine , Hingray Benoit
Published: March 2020

To accelerate the rate of electrification in remote places of sub-Saharan Africa and to be coherent with the COP21 Paris agreement, different studies propose the development of autonomous solar microgrid which have a moderate levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) while ensuring a good quality of service. This LCOE directly depends on the storage and PV oversizing needs required locally. In the present work, using high resolution satellite irradiance data for 20 years period and considering load curves for a panel of productive/domestic uses configurations, we show that the optimal design required locally (storage capacity/oversizing level of PV panel fleet) first depends on the temporal pattern of the demand and are typically lower when the demand is based on productive uses rather than domestic. It next depends on the level of the temporal resource/demand adequacy which typically varies in space according to the local climate features.

The costs of batteries, solar panels and the discount rates, obviously significantly determine the LCOE to be achieved with a given microgrid. These economical drivers could also influence the optimal storage/PV oversizing configuration. We further explore the sensitivity of the optimal design to such drivers. This sensitivity could have obviously important implications for all operational and institutional actors involved in the development of such systems in this area. We explore how this sensitivity varies in space and where the optimal design obtained with chosen values of those economical drivers can be considered as robust.
Determination of n(13C)/n(12C) isotope ratios by MC-ICPMS and IRMS for providing improved R(13C/12C) value of the zero-point of the VPDB isotope delta scale
Authors: Malinovskiy Dmitriy , Dunn Philip , Goenaga-Infante Heidi
Published: March 2020

Carbon isotope ratios are typically expressed as isotope delta values d(13C/12C), often shortened to d13C. These are isotope ratios expressed relative to an international measurement standard, which for more than 30 years has been the virtual carbonate Vienna Peedee Belemnite (VPDB). While carbon isotope delta values relative to VPDB can be obtained with very small uncertainties, maintenance of the VPDB scale itself is challenging as it is based upon artefacts with exactly assigned isotope delta values. Linking the VPDB isotope delta scale to the SI would alleviate some of the issues inherent to artefact-based scales and aid long-term comparability of measurement results. Such a link is provided by determination of absolute isotope ratios, i.e., R(13C/12C).

New and improved methods for SI-traceable measurements of R(13C/12C) by both gas source isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICPMS) have been developed at LGC. These methods are based on the calibration approach using synthetic isotopologue mixtures. The developed methodology has been successfully applied to producing glycine reference materials, ERM-AE672a and LGC171-KT, with certified SI-traceable n(13C)/n(12C) isotope amount ratios under ISO 17025 and 17034 accreditations together with indicative d(13C/12C)VPDB values traceable to VPDB.

These new reference materials realise an absolute isotope ratio for VPDB itself R(13C/12C)VPDB through regression of the  n(13C)/n(12C) against d(13C/12C)VPDB values. Examining all published values for R(13C/12C)VPDB, including our most recent results, allows a better estimation of this quantity than has previously been achievable and points the way towards linking the VPDB isotope delta scale more firmly to the SI.
Do Statistical models capture magnetopause dynamics during sudden magnetospheric compressions?
Authors: Staples Frances , Rae Jonathan , Forsyth Colin , Smith Ashley , Murphy Kyle , Raymer Katie , Plaschke Ferdinand , Case Nathan , Rodger Craig , Wild James , Milan Steve , Imber Suzanne
Published: March 2020

Under steady-state conditions the magnetopause location is described as a pressure balance between internal magnetic pressures and the external dynamic pressure of the solar wind. The question is, does this approximation hold during more dynamic solar wind features?

Under more extreme solar wind driving, such as high solar wind pressures or strong southward-directed interplanetary magnetic fields, this boundary is significantly more compressed than in steady-state, playing a significant role in the depletion of magnetospheric plasma from the Van Allen Radiation Belts, via magnetopause shadowing. Large step-changes in solar wind conditions enable the real magnetopause to have a significant time-dependence which empirical models cannot capture.

We use a database of ~20,000 magnetopause crossings, to determine how the measured magnetopause differs from a statistical model, and under which conditions. We find that observed magnetopause is on average 6% closer to the radiation belts,  with a maximum of 42%, during periods of sudden dynamic pressure enhancement, such as during storm sudden commencement. Our results demonstrate that empirical magnetopause models such as the Shue et al. [1998] model should be used cautiously to interpret energetic electron losses by magnetopause shadowing. 
Assessment of meander hydro-morphodynamics using modelling approaches in an amazonian river
Authors: Montenegro Gambini Julio Isaac , Cusipuma Ayuque Magaly
Published: March 2020

The Madre de Dios river basin belongs to the Amazon river basin, until the study area has an approximate area of ​​47070 km2. In recent years serious problems of lateral undermining are occurring on the right bank of the river, bringing with it problems in nearby towns and the layout of the interoceanic highway that connects to the country of Brazil. The case study is the Meander “La Pastora”, whose right margin is constituted by a compact clay material, which was affected by local undermining phenomena, also the approach of thalweg and sedimentation in the left margin was caused by causes of deforestation of the basin and increased solid contribution. Since 2015, measures have been built that have the function of mitigating erosion on the right bank and recovering the affected area. Using two-dimensional numerical modelling, ADCP/multibeam bathymetric surveys and limnimetric records, the hydrodynamic conditions and sediment transport will be evaluated by the hand of a results from physical modelling and inclusion of structural measures, estimating erosion and sedimentation areas that may have been in the meander. BASEMENT and IRIC NAYS2DH-FASTMECH models were used which simulated the flow conditions in different minimum and maximum hydrological scenarios compared with physical modelling results and field data, considering sediment flux corrections in curved channels with significant secondary flow motions and lateral erosion to precisely capture the complex flow field induced by channel curvature and riverbank gravitational effects.
A transportable absolute Quantum Gravimeter employing collimated Bose-Einstein condensates
Authors: Herr Waldemar , Heine Nina , Matthias Jonas , Abend Sven , Timmen Ludger , Müller Jürgen , Rasel Ernst M.
Published: March 2020

The transportable Quantum Gravimeter QG-1 will perform absolute measurements of local gravitational acceleration with an unrivalled uncertainty below 3 nm/s² by utilising collimated Bose-Einstein-Condensates for atom interferometry in a compact setup. To permit this performance, leading order error sources of today’s cold atom gravimeters, predominantly stemming from the horizontal velocity of the interrogated atoms, will be minimised by this novel approach.
This contribution elaborates on the design and implementation of the interferometry setup into the atom chip based experimental system. We discuss their impact on the targeted uncertainty of 3 nm/s² and present recent developments for further miniaturisation and further reduction of next-generation instrument's complexities.

We acknowledge financial support from "Niedersächsisches Vorab" through "Förderung von Wissenschaft und Technik in Forschung und Lehre" for the initial funding of research in the new DLR-SI Institute and by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) in the project A01 of the SFB 1128 geo-Q and under Germany's Excellence Strategy - EXC 2123 QuantumFrontiers, Project-ID 390837967.
On the Ocean Mixed Layer influence on the genesis of Mediterranean Tropical-Like cyclones
Authors: Ricchi Antonio , Bonaldo Davide , Miglietta Mario Marcello , Carniel Sandro
Published: March 2020

The Mediterranean basin is the formation site of a vast number and type of cyclones. Among these, we can occasionally identify intense vortices showing tropical characteristics, called Tropical-Like Cyclones (TLC) or MEDIcanes (Mediterranean Hurricane). Their development has been studied in several case studies, showing the influence of synoptic scale upper level forcings and mesoscale features, such as the sea surface temperature and the characteristics of the air masses on the formation area. The importance of Sea Surface Temperature (SST) consists in modulating the intense latent and sensible heat fluxes, which control the development of the TLC. For tropical cyclones, one of the most studied factors in recent years is the ocean heat content in the formation basin of these storms. We plan here to extend this analysis to TLC. Besides innovative studies with coupled atmosphere-waves-ocean numerical models, a simpler approach for investigating the sole effect of the ocean heat content consists of adopting a simplified ocean (1-Dimensional) description by varying the local characteristics of the Ocean Mixed Layer (OML). In this work we use the WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting system) model, in standalone (atmospheric) mode, with 3 km grid spacing, forced with GFS-GDAL (0.25°x0.25° horizontal resolution) and SST initialization provided by the MFS-CMEMs Copernicus dataset. Three case studies of TLC are examined here, namely ROLF (06-09/11/2011), ILONA (19-21/01/2014) and NUMA (11-20/11/2017). The ocean is simulated with an OML approach, with SST updated at each iteration as a function of the atmospheric heat fluxes and with an average mixed layer deph (MDL) provided by the MFS-CMEMS dataset. For each TLC studied, the MDL is modified by increasing and decreasing its depth by 50% and increasing and decreasing its lapse rate by 50%. The results show how the structure of the MDL influences not only the intensity of the cyclone but also the structure and precipitation both in terms of quantity and location. These outcomes suggest that, as for hurricanes, also for MEDICANES the heat content of the mass of seawater plays a fundamental role in their intensification, suggesting further studies also in a climate change perspective.
microbial mechanisms in biomineralization
Authors: Kothe Erika , Meier Aileen , Kirtzel Julia , Costa Flavio
Published: March 2020

Activities of microorganisms can lead to formation of biominerals. This biomineralization has been described to be either 'microbially controlled' or 'microbially induced'. The control over crystalization can work intracellularly, e.g. with magnetosomes, or extracellularly like in mammals. With increasing evidence for intermediate processes with specific proteins inducing different crystalloid (macro)morphology even at a distance to a colony, and processes involving both bioweathering and formation of new minerals, the concept of biomineralization should be re-visited and a more detailed classification of biomineralization processes is needed including formation of a stable backbone determining the macromorphology of biominerals even at distance from cell surfaces.

Here, the supply of mineral components (e.g. phosphate, reduced nitrogen compounds, etc.) through microbial exudation and matrix provided by bacteria or fungi are discussed. Especially with respect to metal resistance mechanisms, this is an active process, costly to the cells. Examples are given for microbial biomineralization processes in metal rich environments on  a former heap site. The formation of manganese hydroxides, like birnessite, leading to massive hardpan formation, is one of the examples derived from the former uranium mining site in Thuringia, Germany. Other examples with different macromorphologies include carbonates, (magnesium) calcite or vaterite, formed under laboratory conditions with strains of streptomycetes in dependence of excreted amphipathic surface proteins of the bacteria. And as a third example, the formation of (nickel) struvite, switzerite and nickel phosphate formation on soil from the former mining site under laboratory conditions will be discussed.

From the original research, a new concept for microbially aided, extracellular biomineral formation is developed. The concept thus extends the previous distinction of biomineralization on the part of the 'microbially induced' formation in a process oriented way, including microbial physiology and secondary metabolism into a unified concept of biomineralization.
Mapping of high-elevation alpine grassland communities based on hyperspectral UAV measurements
Authors: Papp Levente , Mejia-Aguilar Abraham , Sonnenschein Ruth , Tonin Rita , Loebmann Michael , Geitner Clemens , Rutzinger Martin , Mayr Andreas , Lang Stefan
Published: March 2020

Mountain environments are particularly vulnerable to ongoing climatic and environmental changes. Specifically, alpine grasslands are seriously threatened by shallow erosion which has been increasingly detected during the last decades on alpine meadows and pastures. It has been suggested that a high plant species diversity of alpine grassland communities may increase the erosion resistance of soils, mainly through positive effects on root length, number of root tips and foliage abundance. Moreover, high plant biodiversity has shown to stabilize water channels by giving slope instability. Against this background, we used Earth Observation to map grassland communities and to understand the link between species diversity and the presence of shallow erosion spots in an alpine region.

Our study site is within the valley of Funes in South Tyrol, Italy where shallow erosion spots have multiplied in the last years and decades. The study site is over 2300 m above sea level and covers an area of approximately 5 ha. We mapped the grassland vegetation in this area with using different technologies: The main data source was a hyperspectral image with overall 28 spectral bands (506 nm to 896 nm) and a 5 cm spatial accuracy acquired from a UAV flight campaign in 04.09.2019. Our reference data set comprised detailed ground measurements within 50x50 centimeter plots. Overall, we acquired field spectroradiometer measurements covering the spectral range from 339 nm to 2500 nm (1024 spectral bands), ground-based hyperspectral measurements and sampled the different grassland communities within the plots. Based on the data integration of two different scaled field measurements and the UAV mapping we were able to detect the main grassland community occurrences and hotspots in species-level with high accuracy.