bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drinking water quality assessment for geochemical and microbial parameters in Nowshera District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan; In an aspect of Geo-ethical Consideration
Authors: Naveed Muhammad , Yaseen Muhammad , Shaheen Saba , Muhammad Said
Published: March 2020

Abstract

This study investigated the physicochemical and microbial contamination in the drinking water of fifteen villages in the Nowshera District. For this purpose, water samples (n=165) were collected and analyzed for pH, alkalinity, total dissolved solids, anions: carbonate (CO3), bicarbonate (HCO3), chloride (Cl), fluoride (F), nitrate (NO3) and sulphate (SO4), cations: sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and arsenic (As) and microbial parameters (total coliform, fecal coliform and E coliform). Results revealed higher F, NO3 and Fecal coliform contaminations in drinking water of the study area that have surpassed 28%, 5% and 30% of sampling respectively.  Higher level of these contaminants in drinking water could cause health hazards such as dental and skeletal fluorosis, joint pain, dysentery, diarrhea and various other water borne diseases among the inhabitants of the study area. Fluoride contamination in water could be attributed to the F containing carbonates rocks of Peshawar Basin. Higher NO3 and Fecal coliform contaminations in water could be attributed to surface ongoing agriculture activities and animals wastes that have affected dominantly the shallow aquifers in the study area. The study, therefore, strongly recommends deep well boring and defluoridation of the drinking water in the study area.    
Assessing litter loads and estimating macroplastic emission rates of three major North Sea tributaries – Ems, Weser, and Elbe – through holistic, field-based observations
Authors: Schöneich-Argent Rosanna , Dau Kirsten , Freund Holger
Published: March 2020

Research into the scope of litter pollution, particularly of plastic debris, in freshwater systems has shown similar levels to the marine and coastal environment. Global model estimates of riverine emission rates of plastic litter are however largely based on microplastic studies as long-term and holistic observations of riverine macroplastics are still scarce. Our study therefore aimed to contribute a detailed assessment of macrolitter in the transitional waters of three major North Sea tributaries: Ems, Weser, and Elbe. It was hypothesised that the larger and more intensely used, the more polluted the river would be. Litter surveys were carried out in four river compartments: along the embankment, on the river surface, in the water column, and on the river bed. Plastic generally comprised 88-100 % of all recorded debris items. Our data revealed spatio-temporal variability and distinct pollution levels for each compartment. Beaches had the highest debris diversity and were significantly more littered than vegetated sites and harbours. Stony embankments were least polluted. Benthic litter levels appeared substantial despite rapid burial of objects being likely due to high suspended sediment loads. Extrapolated to daily mean emission rates, more plastic litter is discharged into each estuary via the river surface than through the water column. Combining both, the Ems emits over 700 macroplastic items daily, the Weser more than 2,700, and the Elbe ~196,000 objects. Using the mean (median) plastic item mass recorded from water column samples, i.e. 6.3 g (1.7 g), this equates to ~4.5 (1.2) kg d-1 and ~1.6 (0.4) t y-1 of plastic waste discharged by the Ems, ~17.2 (4.6) kg d-1 and ~6.3 (1.7) t y-1 for the Weser, and ~1.2 (0.3) t d-1 respectively ~451 (122) t y-1 carried into the North Sea via the Elbe. These rates deviate considerably from previous model estimates of plastic loads discharged by said rivers. Future studies should therefore ground-truth model estimates with more river-specific and long-term field observations, which will ultimately help assess the effectiveness of waste management and reduction strategies inland and on water.
Tracking the Magmatic Flow in a Dyke-Sill Hybrid System using a Multi-Method Approach (AMS, SPO, X-ray micro-CT) for Petrofabrics Characterization (Lessines, Belgium)
Authors: Triantafyllou Antoine , Baele Jean-Marc , Diot Hervé , Cnudde Veerle , Meftah Redouane , Vandycke Sara , Van Noten Koen
Published: March 2020

Understanding how magmas are transported and collected within the crust is crucial for constraining the dynamic of shallow plumbing volcanic systems and associated hydrothermal activity. This study focuses on the Lessines dioritic intrusion exposed in the SW margin of the Brabant Massif in Belgium. The kilometric subvolcanic body was emplaced around 419 Ma and is thought to result from the emplacement of multiple sills which intruded a lithostratigraphic discontinuity within Upper Ordovician sedimentary units. Our study aims to constrain how magmatic flow is recorded through different fabrics, how this flow varies across the solidified magmatic intrusion and how primary fabrics can be affected by subsequent hydrothermal overprint.

The petrofabric of 40 oriented diorite samples was investigated with a multi-methods approach: (i) Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) along with K-temperature curves determined using low field KLY-4S Kappabridge susceptibilimeter (at LIENS lab, University of La Rochelle, France), (ii) Shape Preferred Orientations (SPO) of melanocratic phenocrysts (pseudomorphosed amphibole and biotite) as well as leucocratic phenocrysts (quartz and sericitized felspars s.l.) determined by the Intercepts method applied on optical scans of three adjacent cut faces of each sample, (iii) X-ray micro-CT scanning of five selected samples using the HECTOR device at UGCT lab (Ghent University, Belgium).

AMS and melanocratic fabrics SPO are mainly marked by prolate shaped ellipsoids. Both subsets show similar and homogeneous orientation of their structures through the studied area, with E-W striking foliations dipping 70° to the North to subvertical. Leucocratic petrofabric SPO shows more heterogeneous distribution with a similar E-W to N120-striking foliations but generally subhorizontal to low dipping structures (< 30°). This discrepancy is thought to be due to differential record of the subvolcanic phenocrysts during the ultimate emplacement and solidification of the Lessines magmatic body. These results combined to field observations (e.g., enclave orientations, columnar joints, borehole logs) suggest that the Lessines intrusion is a complex dyke-sill hybrid system, made of a main subvertical dyke-like structure that fed lateral sills bodies.
Mother Nature Needs Her Daughters: A Homeward Bound global review and fact sheet investigating gender inequality in STEMM
Authors: Hann Madeleine , Dattner Fabian , Gray Tonia , Feeney Mary-Ellen , Hassenberger Daisy ,   Homeward Bound Project Gender Fact Sheet Team
Published: March 2020

The world is at an important cross road. Many key indicators measuring human progress are on the ascent: better education, declining infant mortality, population growth, fewer pandemics, and reduction of infectious disease; more food for most people, extraordinary innovation and global access to technology and information. However, as a consequence of these human achievements, the physical environment and natural systems which support the survival of our species (and 9 million others) are experiencing unprecedented change. Most notably, the planet’s climate is rapidly heating, with a multitude of unpredictable consequences for biodiversity and food security. Globally we are experiencing largescale habitat destruction and deforestation, rampant biological invasions, a mass extinction, ubiquitous plastic pollution, collapse of natural food resources and critical loss of insect populations. The biological system is at tipping point, under threat of irreversible collapse; at this pivotal time, we need collaborative, global leadership that prioritises these issues. We are cognizant that the very practice of leadership that got us to where we are today - male dominated, competitive, aggressive, short term, ‘I’ over ‘we’, and often using the common assets for personal gain - is manifestly unsuited to guiding humanity to where it needs to be to survive and indeed prosper - together. Indeed, we need a radically new model of leadership; the easiest way to shift the current leadership paradigm? Include more women. To inform this discussion, we have compiled an extensive literature review and fact sheet on the systemic challenges faced by women with a STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine) background in both the developed and developing world.
Enhanced transport and mixing of Arctic ozone during SSWs
Authors: de la Camara Alvaro , Abalos Marta , Hitchcock Peter , Calvo Natalia , Garcia Rolando
Published: March 2020

The extreme disruptions of the wintertime stratospheric circulation during sudden stratospheric warmings (SSW) have important effects on tracer concentrations through alterations in transport and mixing properties. In this presentation we will examine the dynamics that control changes of Arctic ozone during the life cycle of SSWs, providing a quantitative analysis of both advective transport and mixing of Arctic ozone. We use output from four ensemble members (60 years each) of the Whole Atmospheric Community Climate Model, and also use reanalysis and satellite data for validation purposes. The composite evolution of ozone displays positive mixing ratio anomalies up to 0.5 – 0.6 ppmv above 550 K (∼50 hPa) around the central warming date and negative anomalies below (-0.2 to -0.3 ppmv), consistently in observations, reanalysis and model.

Our analysis shows a clear temporal offset between ozone eddy transport and diffusive ozone fluxes. The initial changes in ozone are mainly driven by isentropic eddy fluxes linked to enhanced wave drag responsible for the SSW. The recovery of climatological values in the aftermath of SSWs is slower in the lower than in the upper stratosphere, and is driven by the competing effects of cross-isentropic motions (which work towards the recovery) and isentropic mixing (which delays the recovery). These features are enhanced in strength and duration during sufficiently deep SSWs, particularly those also labeled as Polar-night Jet Oscillation (PJO) events. It is found that SSW-induced ozone concentration anomalies below 600 K (∼40 hPa), as well as total column estimates, persist around one month longer in PJO than in non-PJO warmings.
Numerical simulations of evaluating dynamic interactions between groundwater and river water in GWHP operated riverside area
Authors: Kim Hyun Jung , Koh Eun-Hee , Park Byeong-Hak , Lee Kang-Kun
Published: March 2020

The riverside area is suitable for operating the Groundwater Heat Pump (GWHP) system because it has abundant groundwater. In riverside area, inflow of river water can occur due to the hydraulic gradient between the river water and the groundwater. The mixing of the two waters can cause changes of groundwater temperature. Because GWHP systems use a stable temperature of groundwater as the heat source, groundwater temperature changes can affect operational efficiency. Therefore, in order to operate the GWHP system in the riverside region, it is important to understand how the mixing of river water and groundwater affects the groundwater background temperature. In addition, the temperature of groundwater re-injected into the aquifer after heat exchange in the GWHP system can also affect the background groundwater temperature. In this study, 3D groundwater flow and heat transport modeling was conducted based on groundwater and river water level and temperature monitoring data in order to investigate the mixing of river water and groundwater. Solute transport model was used to calculate the mixing ratio of river water and groundwater to determine whether it affects GWHP system. The model was also used to predict the effects of long-term GWHP system operation in the study area for more than 30 years. The model results predicted the sustainability of the GWHP system by understanding changes in groundwater temperature distribution in the study area.
Crop residues amendments quality and effect on greenhouse gas emissions and aggregate stability
Authors: Stegarescu Gheorghe , Escuer Jordi , Kauer Karin , Reintam Endla
Published: March 2020

The organic residues amendments have been widely studied for their essential role of enriching the soil with organic matter. Although the pathways of the fresh organic matter additions are very complex, so is the effect. Thus, the quality of the crop residues incorporated into the soil is a valuable attribute when deciding to switch to conservation agriculture. The different C/N ratio and biochemical composition of the crop residues will affect in various ways soil CO2, N2O and CH4 emissions and soil structural stability. The study explores the effect of different crop residues incorporated in the soil on greenhouse gas emissions and aggregate stability. The incubation experiment consisted of five treatments: control (just soil), sand (as reference), soil mixed with wheat straw, soil mixed with green fresh rye residues and soil mixed with green fresh oilseed rape residues. The residues were applied into the soil at a rate of 6 g C kg-1 of soil. The pots of all the treatments were placed for incubation for 105 days at approximately 23 oC and covered with dark plastic bags. The wetting procedure was done five times at 0-11-26-46-75 days to bring the soil to field capacity for water. The sampling for the gas emissions and aggregate stability was done before wetting and after wetting. The gas emissions were sampled using the chamber method and analysed in a Gas Chromatographer. The water-stable aggregates were analysed using the wet sieving method. The plant material was chemically analysed for total carbon and nitrogen and the biochemical composition on Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The results revealed that the cumulative CO2 emissions in oilseed rape were 8% higher than in rye treatment. Also, it was 76% higher than in wheat straw treatment and 95 % higher than in control treatment. The highest cumulative N2O emissions were registered in rye treatment 18.79 (±0.48) mg m-2 h-1. Oilseed rape treatment had 19% lower cumulative emissions compared to rye and 98 % higher compared to control and wheat straw treatments. Both rye and oilseed rape had a low C/N ratio 12 and 10, respectively whereas wheat straw had 98 C/N ratio. From a biochemical point of view, the wheat straw was richer in stable compounds such as lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose followed by rye and oilseed rape which had a higher content of labile compounds such as sugars and easily decomposable proteins. In general mean aggregate stability increased significantly only in the wheat straw treatment being 34.69% ±1.35. 

In conclusion, this study showed that crop residues with low C/N ratio have a negative effect on greenhouse emissions. But do not have a long term effect on the increase of aggregate stability. On the contrary, the wheat straw has a positive impact on greenhouse gases, and it increased aggregate stability. 
Developing Best Practices for Observing Global Surface Shortwave and Longwave Radiation across the Land and Ocean
Authors: Weller Robert , Lanconelli Christian , Wild Martin , Trenmann Joerg
Published: March 2020

In-situ shortwave or solar radiation and longwave or thermal radiation are observed at the earth’s surface on both the land and the ocean.  In addition, satellites are used to develop fields of surface radiation balance.  Planning for the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) has identified surface heat flux, including the radiative fluxes, as an Essential Ocean Variable (EOV) and Essential Climate Variable (ECV), respectively.  The GOOS and GCOS requirements for surface radiative fluxes (spatial and temporal sampling, accuracies) are summarized here.  Surface radiation sites will continue to be sparse in the future, especially in the ocean; and satellite-derived products developed in concert with in-situ observing system will be important.  To make better progress towards meeting those requirements, we propose the goal of establishing dialog across the different methods of in-situ observing surface radiation and with the remote sensing community.  Objectives of the effort would include sharing knowledge and experience of how to make the observations, documentation of calibration methods, and assessment of the uncertainties to be associated with the different observing methods.  The resulting metadata and quantitative understanding of the different approaches would support improved combination of surface radiation observations across land and sea into homogeneous products at global scale.  At the same time, improved in-situ sampling would help assess and validate climate models and contribute to our understanding of the earth’s energy balance.  We review here the different observing methods now in use on land and at sea and discuss the challenges faced in making the observations.  We also propose future field inter-comparison and standardization of calibration methods to better establish the accuracy and comparability of surface radiation observations on land and at sea.
Vulcanian/hydrothermal eruptions of Ebeko volcano, Kurile Islands
Authors: Belousov Alexander , Belousobva Marina , Walter Thomas , Auer Andreas
Published: March 2020

Ebeko is a small (1156 m a.s.l) andesitic volcano located in the northern part of Paramushir island of Kurile Island Arc. It is not well studied but in fact represents the most active volcano of the Kuriles  with > 10 eruptions recorded in the 20th century.  All historical eruptions of the volcano had similar style. They were purely explosive, mild (VEI 1 – 2) series of frequent short-lived outbursts of ash and bombs with eruptive clouds up to 3 km high. Some of the outbursts were more extended in time (lasted minutes-hours) and produced mostly fine ash. Common explosions occurred in the summit area of the volcano which characterized by strong hydrothermal activity and multiple fumaroles depositing sulfur. Each eruption produced broad, shallow craters surrounded by low rims of the ejected material. Commonly the craters are later occupied by shallow lakes.

 In 2019 we realized a field work to investigate the most recent eruptive activity of Ebeko that commenced in 2016.  We installed seismometers, monitoring cameras and recorded the terrain using unmanned aerial systems (UAS) together with optical and infrared cameras. The drone data shows dimensions and structures of the newly forming crater and shows deposition of erupted materials. Ejected material was probed and analysed. It is represented by ash and bread crust bombs composed of moderately vesicular two pyroxene andesite with glassy crusts. We found evidence for recycling and rewelding of ash shown by the clastic domains, which are enclosed / mantled by coherent lava. The eruptions of Ebeko volcano were in part phreatic (hydrothermal) and in part magmatic / phreatomagmatic (vulcanian in a broad sense). Mechanism of this (and probably of some other eruptions) can be explained by shallow intrusions of small batches of strongly crystallized andesitic magma into water-saturated hydrothermally altered rocks composing the volcano summit. We suggest a model of the Ebeko eruptions, where new batches of fresh magma incorporate and amalgamate previously erupted fresh material.
Recent Changes in the Larsen-Weddell System
Authors: Scambos Ted
Published: March 2020

A warming planet, and particularly the warming Pacific Ocean, has led to major changes in the Larsen-Weddell System. While somewhat less significant than those in the adjacent Amundsen-Bellingshausen Sea and its coastal ice, the changes are nonetheless dramatic indicators of a closely interconnected system, driven by increased westerly winds and their impact on surface melting and ice drift. The system very likely will see further major changes if warming continues through the 22nd Century.

A warming trend in the central Pacific over the past ~80 years has induced air circulation changes over the Southern Ocean and Antarctic Peninsula. A rise in the mean speed of westerly-northwesterly winds across the northern Peninsula led to more frequent foehn events, which in turn increased surface melting on the eastern Peninsula ice shelves, and were responsible for reduced sea ice cover and more frequent shore leads on the eastern edges of the ice shelves. This likely led to greater sub-ice-shelf circulation, possibly including solar-warmed surface water (in summer) and modified Weddell Deep Water (mWDW). Around 1986, structural evidence in the form of more disrupted shear zones and increased rifting suggests that the Larsen A and B ice shelves began to thin and weaken. At this progressed, a combination of increased surface ponding and reduced backstress on the iceshelves led to a series of catastrophic break-ups due to hydrofracture, in 1995 (Larsen A shelf) and 2002 (Larsen B).  More recently, thinning detected by altimetry on the northern Larsen C may have contributed to new fracturing and calving of a large iceberg there in 2016 (iceberg A-68), setting the ice shelf front significantly farther to the west than has previously been observed (since 1898).

Looking forward, if the trend in increased westerly winds and Southern Annular Mode index continues, it is anticipated (modelled) that the large clockwise Weddell Gyre will increase in mean flow speed, and that warm deep water entrained from the Antarctic Circumpolar Current will more frequently mix with the mid- to deep ocean layers in the Weddell Gyre. One outcome of this is likely to be advection of warm deep water into the Ronne Ice Shelf cavity, dramatically increasing the heat available for sub-ice-shelf melting there and potentially changing ice sheet flux from the outlet glaciers significantly.
Understanding explosion-related aftershocks using field experiments and physics-based simulation
Authors: Kroll Kayla , Ichinose Gene , Ford Sean , Pitarka Arben , Walter William , Dodge Douglas
Published: March 2020

Previous studies have shown that explosion sources produce fewer aftershocks and that they are generally smaller in magnitude compared to aftershocks of similarly sized earthquake sources (Jarpe et al., 1994, Ford and Walter, 2010). It has also been suggested that the explosion-induced aftershocks have smaller Gutenberg-Richter b-values (Ryall and Savage, 1969, Ford and Labak, 2016) and that their rates decay faster than a typical Omori-like sequence (Gross, 1996). Recent chemical explosion experiments at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) were observed to generate vigorous aftershock activity and allow for further comparison between earthquake- and explosion-triggered aftershocks. Of the four recent chemical explosion experiments conducted between July 2018 and June 2019, the two largest explosions (i.e. 10-ton and 50-ton) generated hundreds to thousands of aftershocks. Preliminary analysis indicates that these aftershock sequences have similar statistical characteristics to traditional tectonically driven aftershocks in the region.

 

The physical mechanisms that contribute to differences in aftershock behavior following earthquake and explosion sources are poorly understood. Possible mechanisms may be related to weak material properties in the shallow subsurface that do not give rise to stress concentrations large enough to support brittle failure. Additionally, minimal changes in the shear component of the stress tensor for explosion sources may also contribute to differences in aftershock distributions. Here, we compare aftershock statistics and productivity of the explosion-related aftershocks at the NNSS site to synthetic catalogs of aftershocks triggered by explosion sources. These synthetic catalogs are built by coupling strains that result from modeling the explosion source process with the SW4 wave propagation code with the 3D physics-based earthquake simulation code, RSQSim. We compare statistical properties of the aftershock sequence (e.g. productivity, maximum aftershock magnitude, Omori decay rate) and the spatiotemporal relationship between stress changes and event locations of the synthetic and observed aftershocks to understand the primary mechanisms that control them.

Prepared by LLNL under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.
Constraints on glacier bedrock roughness from spectral analysis of glacier forefields
Authors: Woodard Jacob , Zoet Lucas , Iverson Neal , Helanow Christian
Published: March 2020

The slip of hard bedded glaciers partly depends on the morphology of their beds. Thus, constraints on subglacial bedrock morphology are imperative for accurate forecasting of glacier flow rates. Digital elevation models (DEMs) from ten valley glacier and ice-sheet forefields were used to analyze the spectral patterns of recently deglaciated bedrock. Valley glacier DEM length scales are 0.1 m - 100 m, while ice sheet DEM length scales are 10 m -1000 m. We observe a higher spectral roughness and aspect ratio (i.e. bump height/wavelength) for valley glaciers than ice-sheet forefields. However, forefield aspect ratios span a narrow range and decrease with increasing length scale at a consistent rate despite a range of bedrock lithologies analyzed. This implies that bedrock shear strength (τ) scales with length scale (L), as τ ~ L-0.37, closely matching the bulk strength scaling relation seen in fault rocks (Brodsky et al., 2016). These morphological constraints of forefields allow extrapolation of bedrock roughness beneath active glaciers that can help predict sliding rates.
Reach-scale modeling of reaction cascades and spatially-dependent reactions in the hyporheic zone
Authors: Roche Kevin , Drummond Jennifer , Sund Nicole , Schumer Rina , Dentz Marco
Published: March 2020

Stream tracer injection experiments are widely used  to characterize reach-scale transport and reaction in rivers. Results from tracer injection experiments (i.e., concentration vs. time profiles, or breakthrough curves) are often used to estimate reach-averaged processes controlling solute fate. Advances in both tracer technology have greatly improved our ability to infer finer scale processes from the integrated, reach-scale result. However, to better meet the demands of improved tracer technology and the small-scale processes they elucidate, we need a model that incorporates process-based understanding of solute transport and reactivity. In brief, smarter tracers require smarter models. 

A noteworthy example of the disconnect between measurement and modeling capabilities is the resazurin-resorufin (Raz-Rru) tracer system. Raz is a fluorescent chemical that transforms irreversibly to Rru at a rate proportional to the local rate of aerobic metabolic activity. Co-injections of Raz and a conservative tracer provide experimentalists with a “smart tracer” system that is commonly used to estimate aerobic metabolic activity in streams, particularly within the hyporheic zone. At present, aerobic respiration rates are challenging to estimate from breakthrough curves for two reasons. First, multiple reaction pathways are possible beyond the target parent-to-daughter transformation of Raz to Rru. This implies that aerobic respiration rates inferred from breakthrough curve concentrations may be confounded by additional, zone-specific reactions such as the abiotic degradation of Rru after it is created. Second, field campaigns using the Raz-Rru system have demonstrated that aerobic respiration rates vary strongly with depth in the hyporheic zone. Nevertheless, existing reach-scale models assume uniform reaction rates throughout the hyporheic zone for analytical tractability. This assumption biases the rates of metabolic activity inferred from tracer injection experiments in streams where metabolic rates are spatially variable. 

Here, we present recent advances in reach-scale analytical modeling that address both challenges. We generalize a classic mobile-immobile model to account for multiple reaction pathways of Raz (e.g., via aerobic metabolic activity and abiotic decay) and Rru (e.g., via Raz transformation and abiotic decay). We then extend this framework to account for spatial variability in the hyporheic zone, and we validate semi-analytical model solutions against reach-scale simulations for reactive transport. Together, these advances provide a simple way to estimate reactivity of the benthic biolayer – a known hotspot of reach-scale ecosystem respiration – using established methods. The new framework also opens the door for modeling other chemical constituents transformed through reaction cascades in streams. 
Remote sensing-aid assessment of wetlands in central Malawi
Authors: Ogunyomi Emmanuel , Hwang Byongjun , Wood Adrian
Published: March 2020

Many areas in Malawi undergo extreme seasonality: floods in the wet season and drought in the dry season. Each year, this extreme seasonality poses formidable challenges for local farmers to sustain their crops. Often in the dry season, farmers use the water in the surrounding seasonal wetlands (dambos) for small-scale irrigation to supplement their rainy season harvest. In Malawi, the agricultural use of wetland is growing year by year and these areas play significant roles in regulating food price shocks and price. Such intensive use of wetlands can negatively affect the sustainability of wetland eco-system and their crop production, with communities even affected by the drying up of wells. Farmers, especially small-scale farmers, will face even more challenges for sustaining wetland production, as climate changes cause more frequent occurrence of droughts as Malawi has experienced in recent years. With the increasingly intensive use of these seasonal wetlands for agricultural purpose and the expansion of wetland degradation generally across the country, more attention is required toward effective management of these wetlands through identification, mapping, monitoring and data analysis. To achieve the sustainable use of these seasonal wetlands, it is essential to establish systematic monitoring and assessment procedures. Widely used assessment protocols (i.e., WET-Health) which evaluate the wetlands based on physical indicators such as land cover, hydrology, geomorphology, soil organic matter and natural vegetation have been successfully implemented in South Africa. However, obtaining those indicators across the full length of an individual wetland, let alone all wetlands in one district in Malawi, is labour intensive and time-consuming and difficult to complete. In this research, we utilise both unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and satellite imageries. These data sources are being tested in nine different seasonal wetlands in central Malawi to provide an accurate derivation of key indicators such as gully formation, sedimentation, water extent, changes in land use and natural vegetation. Additionally, using satellite imageries and GIS, the condition of each individual wetland has been quantified, with land cover and the extent of inundation determined through multi-temporal data analysis. Our results can be applied across a larger area, i.e. several districts to help identify where more detailed ground assessment is needed and technical support required to improve wetland management, feeding into both policy and technical guidance which can help sustain the range of ecosystems services of these important areas.
Intercomparison of nitrogen monoxide and nitrogen dioxide measurements in the atmosphere simulation chamber SAPHIR during the MetNO2 campaign
Authors: Wegener Robert ,   The MetNO2 SAPHIR intercomparison team
Published: March 2020

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrogen monoxide (NO) govern the photochemical processes in the troposphere. Although nitrogen oxides have been measured for decades, their quantification remains challenging. The MetNO2 (Metrology for Nitrogen Dioxide) project of the European Metrology Programme for Innovation and Research (EMPIR) aims to improve the accuracy of NO2 measurements.

In total 15 instruments were intercompared at the World Calibration Centre for nitrogen oxides (WCC-NOx) in Jülich in autumn 2019 within the project. In addition to chemiluminescence detectors (CLD), the instruments encompassed Quantum Cascade Laser Absorption Spectrometers (QCLAS), Iterative CAvity-enhanced Differential optical absorption spectrometers (ICAD) and Cavity Attenuated Phase Shift (CAPS) spectrometers.

During the campaign, air from a gas phase titration unit, air from the environmental chamber SAPHIR or outside air was provided to the instruments via a common inlet line. The participants calibrated their instruments prior and after the campaign with their own calibration procedures. During the campaign, the common inlet line was used for daily calibration to compare standards, calibration techniques and sensitivity drifts of the instruments. NO2 for calibration was provided either by gas phase titration from NO, from permeation tubes or from gas mixtures produced within the MetNO2 project.

It was observed that measurements by chemiluminescence or CAPS instruments are prone to interferences from humidity and ozone. However, in most cases data can be corrected. Alkyl nitrates and reactive alkenes were also observed to cause interferences in some instruments, while isobutyl nitrite was found to be photolyzed by photolytic converters.

Finally, measurements in ambient air were compared. The nitrogen oxide observations were accompanied with measurements of hydroxyl radical (OH) reactivity and reactive nitrogen species as nitrous acid (HONO), dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5), and chloryl nitrate (ClNO2). Detailed results of the intercomparison will be presented.
Realization and use of a digital portable Weather Station - An integrated example of technological applications of low cost and high quality professional hardware platforms for innovative laboratory teaching in the classroom
Authors: Crimi Pietro
Published: March 2020

As part of the innovation in the laboratory teaching of Natural Sciences, an experimental path of learning of Atmospheric Sciences and Microclimates is proposed in continuation and evolution, which was presented with a poster at the GIFT workshop 2017, an experience of project, construction and use of a mobile and portable Weather Station with digital features.By identifying the main parameters that measure the physical characteristics of the lower troposphere and the corresponding sensors responsible for detecting instantaneous weather data, a project was developed for the construction of a mini weather station with an assembly system of modular electronic components in "open source" , such as those of the "Arduino" platform (series of electronic boards equipped with a microcontroller). In this way, a device for controlling the main weather parameters (temperature, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, ...) in real time in any part of the territory was achieved relatively quickly and easily. The hardware platform in pre-assembled version, with specific microcontrollers and USB interface for connections to the most advanced computer devices, together with the sensors, which can be acquired through the online network, allow you to create a completely inexpensive but absolutely professional, effective and efficient weather mobile system as well as easily transportable in various external and internal environments. The subsequent data collection, through visualization with advanced technology display and fast and online communication networks, by means of applications for mobile systems (tablets and smartphones), integrated by field observations, define the instantaneous weather and to process meteorological data in statistical terms with simple operations and graphs.
Linguistically Science (Using EGU Planet Press to promote Science in a native language)
Authors: Pope Michael Anthony
Published: March 2020

Spoken and written language are the foundation for learning. The power of the spoken and written word is important to researchers and students. When students can understand, discuss, and verbalize their learning in their native tongue, we can provide the perfect platform and conduit for the next generation of scientists and inventors. The EGU Planet Press is a perfect resource that I use to facilitate this in my school with the advanced Spanish classes. Students use authentic and science based content to further their learning of the foreign language. The articles are also helpful for our English second language (ESL) Spanish speakers in their science content learning. This type of usage of the material is producing a benefit in the Spanish classroom, for the school’s ESL population and as an extension for English speaking students who are curious about science research not currently presented in their textbooks. Additionally, I am also using the material with my polyglot daughter and her Swedish school friends to include authentic language to the teaching of science content.
Carbon turnover and Turnover rate of enzyme cellobiohydrolase in earthworm biopores
Authors: Hoang Thi Thu Duyen
Published: March 2020

Earthworm catalyzes soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition through their burrowing activity, gut processing of carbon (C) inputs and microorganism stimulation. Specific enzyme is characterized for the decomposition, which is denoted in enzyme activity, substrate turnover and turnover rate of the decomposition. To demonstrate the interaction between earthworms and microbial activities, 14C-labelled plant litter was placed on a soil surface of a mesocosm (10 x 2 x 50 cm) prior to placing earthworms into soil, control soil was set up in mesocosms without earthworms. After 1 month of earthworm presence, soil materials coated on the biopore walls were excavated for another soil incubation to define C turnover by trapping respired CO2 in NaOH 1M. While another subsample was used to define activity of cellobiohydrolase (a cellulolytic enzyme) and its turnover rate. The hypotheses were that i) C turnover by incubation is associated with enzymatic turnover rate but ii) these two turnover rates are depth dependent.

Consequently, activity of cellobiohydrolase was higher in earthworm biopores than control soil regardless of soil depth. The difference in enzyme kinetics between biopores and control soil showed a shift of enzyme system toward higher substrate affinity in the topsoil but lower in the subsoil. This finding can be explained by the distinction in microbial community between topsoil and subsoil in both earthworm biopore and control soil. Substrate turnover time calculated based on saturated substrate concentration and maximum reaction rate velocity. The turnover
rate of substrate decomposition was faster in biopores than bulk soil. The substrate turnover time is depth dependent. We concluded that earthworm biopores are microbial hotspots with demonstrated interactions between microbial functions and microscale features. The decrease of enzyme activities with depth, accompanied by the decrease of catalytic efficiency, implies the microbial production of more efficient enzymes in the top- than in the subsoil. Bioturbation induced by earthworms leads to localization of microorganisms and litter within biopores and plays a crucial role for organic matter processing, its microbial utilization, and turnover. This has direct consequences for C and nutrient cycling.
Potential vulnerability of demersal fisheries to Western Mediterranean warming
Authors: Tomàs-Ferrer Joaquim , Sanz-Martín Marina , Jordà Gabriel , Tugores M. Pilar , Massutí Enric
Published: March 2020

Western Mediterranean Sea is immersed in a warming process, at least since the beginning of the XX century. Moreover, climate simulations project an accelerated warming at all depths for the next decades. The effects of sea warming on demersal species of high commercial interest is an open question of paramount relevance for the management of their fisheries. Unfortunately, the answer is not simple as it involves a complex chain of interactions between environmental conditions and the different trophic levels. A first limitation is that there is no clear knowledge of the thermal limits of these species, so the direct impact of warming on the individuals cannot be assessed.

 The aim of this study is to establish the thermal limits of 24 selected demersal or benthopelagic species of fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods of commercial interest and the effects of global warming on their distributions in the Western Mediterranean. In particular, we selected Merluccius merluccius, Arsteus antennatus, Parapenaeus longirostris, Octopus vulgaris, Nephrops norvegicus, Mullus barbatus, M. surmuletus, Pagellus erythrinus, P. bogaraveo, Sepia officinalis, Solea solea, Phycis blennoides, Lophius budegassa, L. piscatorius, Illex coindetti, Eledone cirrhosa, E. moschata, Lepidorhombus boscii, Helicolenus dactylopterus, Trachurus trachurus, T. mediterraneus, Aristaeomorpha foliacea, Todarodes sagittatus and Loligo vulgaris. First, we reviewed the literature regarding temperature range where each species has been found. We also used global databases of species distribution and cross them with temperature information to characterise a conservative range of optimal temperatures for each species. Once the thermal ranges were defined, we compared them with the current projections of temperature evolution of Mediterranean waters to describe the future changes in the suitable habitat of the studied species due to ocean warming.

Our results suggest that, under a business-as-usual scenario (RCP8.5), at the end of the century 8 of 19 species will see their potential habitat greatly reduced, 3 of 19 will find a moderate reduction and 8 of 19 will not be directly affected by the warming.
Transport into the upper troposphere-lower stratosphere over North America
Authors: Wang Xinyue , Randel William , Wu Yutian
Published: March 2020

We study fast transport of air from the surface into the North American upper troposphere-lower stratosphere (UTLS) during northern summer with a large ensemble of Boundary Impulse Response (BIR) idealized tracers. Specifically, we implement 90 pulse tracers at the Northern Hemisphere surface and release them during July and August months in the fully coupled Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM) version 5. We focus on the most efficient transport cases above southern U.S. (10°-40°N, 60°-140°W) at 100 hPa with modal ages fall below 10th percentile. We examine transport-related terms, including resolved dynamics computed inside model transport scheme and parameterized processes (vertical diffusion and convective parameterization), to pin down the dominant dynamical mechanism. Our results show during the fastest transport, air parcels enter ULTS directly above the Gulf of Mexico. The budget analysis indicates that strong deep convection over the Gulf of Mexico fast uplift the tracer into 200 hPa, and then is vertically advected into 100 hPa and circulated by the enhanced large-scale anticyclone. 
Characterisation of Martian soil simulant MMS-1 in mixture with green compost for future sustainable space agriculture
Authors: Adamo Paola , Vingiani Simona , Palladino Mario , El-Nakhel Christophe , Duri Luigi G. , Pannico Antonio , Rouphael Youssef , De Pascale Stefania , Caporale Antonio G.
Published: March 2020

The configuration of a biologically active and fertile substrate consisting mainly of Martian regolith to facilitate the growth of edible plants during long-term manned missions to Mars constitutes one of the main challenges in spatial research. Regolith amendment with compost derived from recycled crew effluent crop waste generated by bioregenerative life support systems constitutes a substrate that may contribute to upgrade crew autonomy and long-term survival in space. In this context, the present work aimed to: i) study the geochemical and mineralogical composition of MMS-1 Mars simulant and the physicochemical and hydraulic properties of mixtures obtained by mixing MMS-1 and green compost at varying rates (0:100, 30:70, 70:30, 100:0; v:v); ii) evaluate the potential use of MMS-1 as growing medium of two lettuce cultivars; iii) assess how compost addition may impact on sustainability of space agriculture exploiting local resources. MMS-1 is a coarse-textured alkaline substrate consisting mostly of plagioclase, amorphous material and, to a lesser extent, zeolite, hematite and smectites. Although it can be source of nutrients, it lacks of organic matter, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and sulphur (S), which may be supplied by compost. Both lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cultivars were able to grow on all mixtures for 19 days under fertigation. Red Salanova lettuce produced a statistically-greater dry biomass, leaf area and number than green Salanova. Leaf area and plant dry biomass were higher on 30:70 simulant/compost mixture. The shoot/root ratio of plants decreased as simulant in growth substrate increased. Lack of biological fertility and possible salt stress negatively impacted on plants grown in non-amended simulant. Our results show that it is possible to grow crops in Martian simulants adequately amended and fertilized. However, many remaining issue warrant further investigation concerning the dynamics of compost production, standardization of supply during long-term manned missions and representativeness of simulants to real Martian regolith.

 
CO2 hydrate equilibria at atmospheric partial pressures, and implications for atmospheric acidity
Authors: Durham Brian , Pfrang Christian
Published: March 2020

We take moist air (and artificial air) at +0.35 ⁰C, variously doped with CO2, and pass it through a chamber chilled to -3⁰C.  We record any depletion of CO2 in the gas stream using differential NDIR spectrometers, and we then de-gas the melt-water to measure the captured CO2, again with NDIR.  Preliminary results are consistent with published curves for the CO2/hydrate equilibrium at partial pressures relevant to the petrochemical industry and to industrial carbon capture as determined by Raman microscopy (Chazallon and Pirim 2018).

Extension of the CO2/ice curve to atmospheric partial pressures allows a review of a range of related issues in atmospheric water, one of the more accessible being its acidity. The dissociation of CO2 in water at equilibrium with 400ppm CO2 at Earth surface is quoted as pH5.6, but fresh rainwater (and snow-melt) can be significantly more acidic, decaying exponentially to equilibrium with a half life of around four hours. This observation is consistent with published analyses of [CO2] in rainwater that are significantly higher than the Henry equilibrium (Warneck 2000).  Both would be explained if convection was resulting in CO2/ice-formation in clouds within the boundary layer, in turn leading to deposition of supersaturated levels of CO2 together with enhanced acidity.

This paper speculates on the local [H3O+] delivered by the melting of an ice particle that had grown in an atmosphere of 400ppm CO2 at an altitude of 1km, and its dissipation through dilution by neighbouring unfrozen water drops and by slow release from the residue of hydrate caging in liquid water. For Earth surface it has potential implications for acid rain, for the solution and redeposition of carbonate rocks, and for ocean acidification.  