bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilizing Euler poles for the evaluation of plate rigidity in numerical mantle convection models
Authors: Ojo Taiwo , Guerrero Joshua , Fairservice Chad , Javaheri Pejvak , Lowman Julian
Published: March 2024

We implement an innovative method of plate identification for the purpose of evaluating plate motion in numerical mantle convection models. Our method utilizes an existing tool,  Automatic Detection Of Plate Tectonics (ADOPT), which applies a tolerance (threshold) algorithm to elevation maps, to detect candidate plate boundaries at the surface of 3-D spherical mantle convection models. The logarithm of the strain-rate field yields a well-defined elevation map where local maxima lineations indicate spreading centres, zones of convergence, transform faults or diffuse deformation zones. For the plates found by ADOPT’s analysis, we determined rotation (Euler) poles implied by the velocities  within  the plate interiors. Subsequently, we examined the velocity field of each model plate for its agreement with rigid motion about the Euler poles.  We apply our method to snapshots taken from three previously published mantle convection calculations that appear to generate plate-like surface behaviour. Self-consistently generated model plates were obtained by combining a highly temperature-dependent viscosity with a yield stress that adds a strain-rate dependence to the viscosity, thus allowing for both intra-plate low strain-rate and weakening along tightly focussed plate boundaries. We generally identify more (and smaller) rigid plates for low yield stress or low threshold. Strong agreement of the surface velocities with rigid-body rotation around Euler poles is found for many of the plates identified; however, some plates also exhibit internal deformation. Regions that show a departure from rigidity can be decomposed into subsets of rigidly moving plates. Thus, the identification of a mantle convection model's maximally rigid plate surface may require plate boundary detection at both low and high thresholds. We suggest that as global mantle convection models superficially converge on the generation of plate boundary network similar to those observed with plate tectonics (including transform fault generation), testing for plate rigidity through the determination of Euler poles can serve as a quantitative measure of plate-like surface motion.
HEIMDALL: a grapH-based sEIsMic Detector And Locator for microseismicity
Authors: Bagagli Matteo , Grigoli Francesco , Bacciu Davide
Published: March 2024

Machine Learning (ML) applications in geoscience are growing exponentially, particularly in the field of seismology. ML has significantly impacted traditional seismological observatory tasks, such as phase picking and association, earthquake detection and location, and magnitude estimation. However, despite promising results, ML-based classical workflows still face challenges in analyzing microseismic dataLeveraging recent advances in Deep Learning (DL) methods, we present HEIMDALL: a grapH-based sEIsMic Detector And Locator for microseismicity. This tool utilizes an attention-based, spatiotemporal graph-neural network for seismic event detection and employs a waveform-stacking approach for event location, using output probability functions over a dense regular grid.We applied HEIMDALL to a one-month dataset (December 2018) from the publicly available Hengill Geothermal Field in Iceland, collected during the COSEIMIQ project (active from December 2018 to August 2021). This dataset is ideal for testing seismic event detection and location algorithms due to its high seismicity rate (over 12,000 events in about two years) and the presence of burst sequences with very short interevent times (e.g., less than 5 seconds).We assessed the methodology's performance by comparing our catalog with those obtained by two recent DL methods and one manually compiled by ISOR for the same period. The DL algorithms we considered are: (i) MALMI, a waveform-based location algorithm, and (ii) the recent GENIE graph-neural-network algorithm. For GENIE, we conducted a full repicking of continuous waveforms using the PhaseNet picking algorithm and subsequent retraining of its model to adapt it to the new seismic network.Finally, we highlight the pros and cons of each method and discuss potential improvements for microseismic event detection and location, with a particular focus on induced seismicity monitoring operations at EGS sites.
Emulating Thermosteric Sea-Level Rise Using a Three-Layer Energy Balance Model
Authors: Malagón-Santos Víctor , Slangen Aimée , Hermans Tim , Edwards Tamsin , Turner Fiona
Published: March 2024

Although the mass loss of land ice is projected to be the largest contribution to sea-level rise in the coming centuries, thermal expansion will also be an important contributor and its accurate projection is primordial to understanding sea-level change over (multi-)centennial timescales. Earth System Models (ESMs) are the main tools for projecting thermosteric sea-level rise. ESMs, however, are computationally demanding and therefore long, multi-centennial simulations are challenging. In this study, we use a physical-based emulator that simplifies the climate system by using three vertically stacked layers, allowing us to mimic the energy balance response of ESMs to reproduce their thermal expansion simulations. We use this emulator to extrapolate simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) from 2100 to 2300 and validate our method with CMIP6 runs that are available over that time scale. Overall, the three-layer emulator outperforms its two-layer predecessor in simulating thermal expansion up to 2300, providing a reduction of up to 78% in cumulative error for the projection period covering 2100 to 2300. Finally, we demonstrate how using temperature output from the three-layer model can help us capture non-linearities in dynamic sea-level change better than its two-layer counterpart. The latter is a first step towards building more reliable emulation approaches for oceanic processes affecting regional sea-level change.
Impact of decarbonated and high pH seawater on the physiology of intertidal mussels
Authors: Hooper Guy , Findlay Helen , Bell Thomas , Halloran Paul
Published: March 2024

Marine-based electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) is a rapidly evolving subject area. Technology is being developed that facilitates atmospheric CO2 removal by extracting Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC) from seawater. Decarbonated seawater, that also has a high pH, is released into the marine environment, facilitating the drawdown of atmospheric CO­2 into the surface ocean. Chemical perturbations also include low levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and bicarbonate (HCO3-),and increased levels of carbonate (CO32-). There is no literature that investigates the impact of low carbon seawater with elevated pH on marine ecosystems. Understanding and cataloguing the effect of mCDR is fundamental for: i) determining potential impact on vulnerable systems; ii) supporting the development of any necessary mitigating actions; iii) confirming overall mCDR effectiveness; and iv) engaging the public and harnessing their support.This work presents results from laboratory experiments that examine the physiological response of keystone organisms to decarbonated and high pH seawater. Decarbonated high pH seawater released into the environment will be diluted by mixing with ambient seawater, such that the chemical perturbations become less extreme with distance from source. Intertidal mussels (Mytilus edulis) are a keystone species that utilize DIC for major cellular functions and have poor acid-base balance. Mussels were exposed to three different dilutions of decarbonated high pH seawater (generating pH values of approximately, 10, 9.2 and 8.7). Mortality, oxygen consumption rate and filtering rate were measured after short-term (48 hr) exposure and then 48 hrs after returning to ambient seawater. Initial experiments indicate that undiluted decarbonated high pH seawater has a significant short-term impact on the physiological response of Mytilus edulis, but the species shows signs of recovery following a week in ambient seawater. Data from these and other experiments will be used to generate a risk gradient that illustrates how physiological response(s) change with dilution of low carbon, high pH seawater discharge.
Inelastic compaction in porous carbonates
Authors: Baud Patrick
Published: March 2024

The analysis of deformation and failure in many sedimentary settings hinges upon a fundamental understanding of inelastic behaviour, failure mode of porous carbonate rocks and their implications on fluid flow at various scales. The mechanical compaction behaviour of carbonate rock of a broad range of porosity has been investigated in the laboratory over a wide range of stress conditions in the last decades. The phenomenology of brittle failure and inelastic compaction in this rock type with often bimodal pore size distribution was found similar to that of sandstone. Inelastic compaction in limestone involved primarily cataclastic pore collapse and micromechanical analysis showed the strong influence of the micropore size on the yield stress. Compaction experiments on porous limestones also revealed a broad spectrum of complex failure modes. In situ X-ray Computed Tomography imaging combined with Digital Volume Correlation provided the first observations of discrete compaction bands in a high porosity limestone. Permeability variations in carbonates associated with shear-enhanced compaction and these failure modes were found significantly smaller than variations previously reported in porous sandstones of comparable porosities.In geophysical applications such 4D reservoir monitoring and the production of geothermal reservoirs, an understanding of the mechanical and chemical effects of pore fluid is fundamental. The mechanical influence of pore fluid on different properties is characterized by effective pressure coefficients. For limestone with dual porosity, both effective stress coefficients for permeability and pore volume change were observed to be consistently greater than unity. This implies that microscopic homogeneity is not a valid approximation for a limestone with dual porosity, and a realistic model must explicitly differentiate between the macropores and micropores, as well as account for their interplay in controlling the hydromechanical behaviour. Recent data showed that a significant weakening effect of water could also be expected in most carbonates. 
Evaluation of hub-height wind forecasts over the New York Bight
Authors: Myers Timothy , Van Ormer Allison , Turner Dave , Wilczak James , Bianco Laura , Adler Bianca
Published: March 2024

As offshore wind energy development accelerates in the U.S., it is important to assess the accuracy of hub-height wind forecasts from numerical weather prediction models over the ocean.  Leveraging approximately two years of Doppler lidar observations from buoys in the New York Bight, we provide an evaluation of 80-m wind speed forecasts from two weather models: the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) model and the Global Forecast System (GFS).  These two models have different horizontal (3 km vs 13 km) grid spacing, vertical layering, initialization methods, and parameterizations of boundary layer mixing and surface-atmosphere interactions.  Even with these differences, the models demonstrate similar and highly skillful short-term forecasts at three measurement sites (Day 1: root mean square error, RMSE, ≤ 2.4 m/s and r≥0.83; Day 2: RMSE≤3 m/s and r≥0.77).  Day-ahead forecasts also exhibit skill (Critical Success Index > ~0.5) in predicting quiescent winds and winds associated with maximum turbine power.  By Day 10, GFS forecasts on average have almost no skill.  Short-term forecast skill by the HRRR and GFS does not strongly depend on season or time of day, yet we find some dependence of the models' performance on near-surface stability.  Additionally, 5-14 day forecasts by the GFS exhibit lower RMSE during summer relative to other seasons.  The high skill of the HRRR and GFS short-term forecasts establishes confidence in their utility for offshore wind energy maintenance and operation.
Petrology and geochemistry of a Cratonic mantle-derived Eclogite Xenolith Suite from the Balmoral Kimberlite, Kimberley Region, South Africa
Authors: Pattnaik Jiten , Viljoen Fanus
Published: March 2024

This study presents the first comprehensive investigation into the petrography, major and trace element mineral chemistry of a mantle-derived eclogite xenolith suite from the Balmoral kimberlite. Most of the eclogite xenoliths from the Balmoral kimberlite pipe are bimineralic (garnet and clinopyroxene) rocks with a substantial number of corundum-bearing xenoliths also recognised. The bimineralic eclogites are classified into low MgO (
The Role of Using Natural-Based Solutions in Residential Building Materials for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Marey Heba , Kozma Gábor , Szabó György
Published: March 2024

The rapid population growth rate is associated with an increased number of residential buildings worldwide; thereby, the massive consumption of building materials causes negative environmental consequences such as the depletion of natural resources and rising non-renewable energy use. To address the environmental, societal, and economic challenges, using Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in residential building materials became essential and considered a catalyst tool for realizing sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the UN 2030 agenda. Consequently, using green building materials (GBM) based on NbS as a long-term strategy should be considered during the whole building life cycle for applying sustainability. This research aims to investigate the potential role of using NbS in residential building materials to achieve SDG and develop a framework for assessing and identifying the direct and indirect inner relationships that affect resource efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and building occupants' comfort level. The research attempts to answer how using NbS in residential building materials can contribute to achieving SDG. The eco-friendly approach was used based on a comprehensive literature review to identify the sustainability indicators for using the GBM. The system dynamics (SD) is also used for estimating and quantifying the selected materials through the building life span, starting from the early design stage until demolition and disposal to landfill. The causal loop diagram (CLD) was created based on the data collected from the residential building case study in New Capital Administrative in Egypt after applying the sustainability indicators, followed by critical analysis to identify the realization of the SDGs. The results showed the framework promotes the potential benefits of using NbS in residential building materials. GBM has significantly contributed to achieving several SDG goals and their targets. The study recommended that the selection of alternative materials and the occupant's comfort level deserve more attention from the early design stage and need more consideration.Keywords, Green Building Materials, Nature-based Solutions, System Dynamic, Sustainable Development Goals, Egypt
Invitation to a research project on geography and climate education
Authors: Promduangsri Pimnutcha
Published: March 2024

Educational approaches around the world are shaped by diverse geographical factors, including topography, climate, distance, urbanization and societal characteristics.  As a consequence, the methods employed for climate change education (CCedu) are expected to vary according to these geographical factors.The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) emphasizes the crucial role of CCedu in fostering an understanding of and effective response to the impacts of the climate crisis.  The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlights the importance of a globally conscious population for effectively addressing and adapting to climate change challenges.However, rather than exploring the concept of CCedu or its effectiveness, my research project will focus on identifying the influence of geographical factors on climate change education/literacy.  In the long run, this project could potentially contribute to improving the effectiveness of CCedu.  I invite participants to visit my poster to discuss, share ideas and collaborate on this research project.
Is mantle transition zone a water reservoir? Yes, but only transient
Authors: Gerya Taras
Published: March 2024

The spinel phase (wadsleyite, ringwoodite) in the mantle transition zone (MTZ), can contain up to 1–2 wt% of water. However, whether these water reservoirs in the MTZ are filled is debated and, as the result, water content estimates in the MTZ range from less than 1 to up to 11 surface oceans (Ohtani, 2021 and references therein). I test water stability in the MTZ numerically by using 2D hydro-thermomechanical-chemical upper-mantle scale models with phase transitions and water diffusion and percolation in the mantle. Initial conditions correspond to a hydrated stagnant slab segment placed on top of 660 km discontinuity. Numerical model predicts that water diffusion from thermally relaxing slab triggers development of cold hydrous plumes from the slab surface, which are driven by the water-induced buoyancy (Richard and Bercovici, 2009). These plumes rise to and interact with olivine-spinel transition at 410 km. Positive Clapeyron slope of this transition causes cold plume upwellings to spread under it until their temperature rises enough to allow hydrated material to cross the transition. This crossing triggers aqueous fluid release, which rapidly rises upward in form of porosity waives. Relatively low water content and cold temperature of the wet plumes rising from stagnant slabs in the mantle transition zones may suppress hydrous melting above the 410 km discontinuity, thereby disabling the transition-zone water filter effect (Bercovici and Karato, 2002) at this boundary. Based on the results of experiments, we conclude that, due to the intrinsic positive buoyancy of hydrated mantle compared to dry rocks, mantle transition zone can only serve as a transient water reservoir. The duration of water residence mainly depends on the characteristic thermal-chemical relaxation time of subducting slabs in the mantle transition zone. Therefore, average water content in this zone should mainly depend on the average amount of water brought into it by subducting slabs globally during the characteristic relaxation time. ReferencesBercovici, D., Karato, S., 2003. Whole-mantle convection and the transition zone water filter. Nature, 425, 39–44.Ohtani, E., 2021. Hydration and Dehydration in Earth's Interior. Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, 49, 253-278.Richard, G.C., Bercovici, D., 2009. Water-induced convection in the Earth’s mantle transition zone. J. Geophys. Res. 114, B01205.
Global Modeling of Heavy Ions in the Solar Corona and Inner Heliosphere with Multi-Ion-AWSoM
Authors: Szente Judit , Landi Enrico , van der Holst Bart
Published: March 2024

The goal of this study is to narrow down the uncertainties global modeling and PFSS back-tracing introduces when source regions are identified for in-situ data collections. We use the Space Weather Modeling Framework's Multi-Ion Alfven Wave Solar atmosphere Model with non-equilibrium ionization of heavy ions (NEI) to connect the remote sensing and in-situ signatures of solar wind properties from formation into the heliosphere. We use the NEI resulting charge state distributions and in-situ plasma properties to identify and connect source regions and their relating spectral emission signatures. The advantage of 3D modeling is that it enables data decomposition along the line-of-sight and study the effect of individual processes that result in the synthetic and actual observables. 
Two-stage non-linear approach in the analysis of precipitation time series 
Authors: Lioi Beatrice , Kochanek Krzysztof , Bisantino Tiziana , Iacobellis Vito
Published: March 2024

An increasing perception of climate change both on a global and local scale, accompanied by the increase in observed average surface temperature of the oceans, and by the increased frequency of extreme events in different territories, creates the necessity of developing hydrological tools and models within the framework of non-stationarity. This study analyses the daily and hourly rainfalls recorded in Puglia (Southern Italy). In scientific literature the widely used non-parametric Mann-Kendall (MK) test is suggested to identify monotonic trends, then followed by the application of a further non-parametric measure of trend, the Sen's Slope. Indeed, in parametric methods the non-stationary character is exercised with the addition of the temporal variable (co-variant) t in the probability distribution. In this framework the Two-Stage (TS) method allows to tackle this problem by associating the linear or non-linear temporal dependence to both mean and standard deviation of time series (Kochanek et al., 2013). In this field, we propose an advancement of the TS methodology by introducing a polynomial function in the mean trend, leaving the variance trend linear. The obtained results represent the first non-linear application of the TS method in a non-stationary approach to extreme events. With such application of the TS method, we show how to update the evaluation of quantiles with 5 or 10 years return time, in the aim of a technical application to hydraulic risk management and urban planning.
Variations in oxygenation, primary productivity, and sea level: Investigating the Faraoni Oceanic Anoxic Event in the Lower Cretaceous
Authors: Leone Stephanie , Giorgioni Martino , Savian Jairo , Jovane Luigi
Published: March 2024

The Faraoni Event is considered one of the oldest oceanic anoxic events of the Cretaceous, occurring in the Upper Hauterivian. This event, of short duration (200 to 300 ka) and not globally recognized, exhibits atypical characteristics when compared to larger anoxic events like the OAE 1a. Due to these peculiarities, an in-depth study of this event is of great importance, as it suggests the possibility of the existence of other relevant dysoxic to anoxic events, yet to be recognized and adequately investigated. This study focuses on the Faraoni Event in the Western Tethys, from the Puez section located in the Dolomites Mountains, Northern Italy. It is noteworthy that the studied samples were not black shales, as generally expected in anoxic events, but rather . The research included analyses of elements, elemental ratios, rare earth element analyses, grain size, mineralogy, and magnetic mineralogy of discrete samples.From the conducted analyses, it was possible to comprehend the Faraoni Event in more detail, with a focus on variations in redox conditions and primary productivity. These analyses highlighted distinctive features of predominantly dysoxic conditions during the event, as well as anoxic and euxinic conditions, occurring punctually. A significant perturbation was observed at the beginning of the event, possibly associated with a rapid sea-level rise, triggering a substantial nutrient input, causing a disturbance of considerable magnitude in the environment, and culminating in euxinic conditions. This nutrient input does not appear to be related to increased chemical weathering or volcanic activity, as proposed by some authors in the literature.Euxinic conditions occurred only for a short period. Through self-regulation of the system, primarily, and the decrease and/or stabilization of sea-level rise, there is no further evidence of euxinic conditions, but rather . There is evidence that the self-regulation of the ecosystem is crucial for returning to oxic conditions in the face of external variations. High productivity conditions would increase oxygen consumption through the decomposition of organic matter, leading to reducing conditions. This, combined with lower quantities of limiting nutrients such as phosphorus, would, in turn, decrease productivity. This would result in improved oxygenated conditions until the system reached equilibrium, maintaining oxygenation levels as observed before the initial disturbance. This system variation has been termed the "string vibration" and is clearly recognized in this context.Peculiar deposition conditions of a dysoxic event with euxinic and anoxic moments in limestones, the possible initial trigger of the Faraoni Event, and the importance of the self-regulation of the system are highlighted conclusions in this study.Key words: Faraoni Event, Lower Cretaceous, OAE 
Different dissolved organic matter (DOM) sources sustain microbial life in beach subterranean estuary
Authors: Abarike Grace , Brick Simone , Engelen Bert , Niggemann Jutta
Published: March 2024

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is diverse in composition and serves as substrate for microbial metabolism. Within subterranean estuaries (STEs), DOM is introduced from different sources along the groundwater flow paths. These different DOM sources make it challenging to disentangle degradation pathways, especially in high-energy beaches with dynamic porewater advection and changing redox conditions. We performed sediment incubations in flow-through reactors (FTRs) to investigate how DOM from different sources is transformed by STE microbial communities. We used sediment and groundwater from the STE of a high-energy beach on Spiekeroog Island (Germany). Intertidal beach sediments were incubated for 13 days in FTRs with groundwater of low (~1.6) and high salinity (~29.1) as marine and terrestrial endmember, respectively, in triplicate setups, and additional control FTRs with artificial seawater of respective salinities. The FTRs ran under oxic conditions with recirculating advective flow. Porewater samples were taken daily for quantification of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nutrient concentrations, and samples from the start and the end of the incubation were taken for the analysis of microbial community composition, microbial cell numbers, and DOM composition. DOM samples were isolated through solid phase extraction and molecularly characterized via ultrahigh-resolution Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Over the course of the incubation, DOC concentrations increased, presumably from sediment leaching and potentially also by primary production in light-exposed parts of the setup, as oxygen concentrations also increased. The DOM composition of the porewater samples at start and end of the incubation was highly diverse, with a total of up to 2900 different molecular formulae detected in each sample. As expected, the low salinity porewater had a more terrestrial DOM signature with a higher proportion of aromatic compounds compared to the DOM in the high salinity porewater. In all setups, the DOM composition changed significantly from start to end. We observed an increase in DOM lability in both endmember setups indicating the mobilization of fresh DOM from sediments and/or microbial activity, including primary production. Interestingly, the changes observed were similar for both DOM endmembers. Our results indicate that the microbial communities of the high-energy beach STE thrive on a similar fraction of DOM, independent of its source.
Temporal Analysis of Large-Scale Winds in Austral Chile
Authors: Cordova Ana Maria , Andrade Pablo , Pozo Diana , Bozkurt Deniz , Arevalo Jorge
Published: March 2024

Austral Chile, characterized by its intricate topography of small islands, channels, and fiords, relies heavily on navigation for local economic activities, security, and societal functions. Wind-related hazards pose a significant safety threat to navigation, with the complex topography exerting a profound influence on local wind patterns. This study undertakes a comprehensive examination of large-scale winds in the region as an initial step toward understanding the intricate dynamics of local wind systems. This study is part of a larger research project that aims to produce a very high-resolution wind forecasting system, based on the downscaling of WRF simulations by using Deep learning techniques (SiVAR-Austral, funded by ANID ID22I10206).Utilizing 50 years of ERA 5 reanalysis daily wind fields, we employ a self-organizing map (SOM) approach, with four distinct SOMs corresponding to each season, to unveil seasonal wind patterns. Furthermore, a cluster algorithm is applied to establish relationships between these patterns, elucidating the various stages of synoptic conditions associated with different wind patterns. Through an in-depth analysis, we explore the frequencies of these patterns across different decades, providing insights into their temporal evolution.Our findings reveal the complex interplay between the region's topography and wind patterns, offering a better understanding of the seasonal variations in large-scale winds. The identification of distinct synoptic conditions associated with specific wind patterns enhances our ability to predict and mitigate navigation-related safety threats. Additionally, the temporal evolution of these patterns across decades contributes valuable information for long-term planning and risk assessment. This research lays the foundation for a more robust comprehension of wind dynamics in Austral Chile, with potential applications in enhancing navigation safety protocols and supporting sustainable coastal development.
New Perspectives on the Shallow Environment in Alaska from co-located seismic, pressure, temperature, and wind sensors
Authors: Tanimoto Toshiro
Published: March 2024

The EarthScope Transportable Array (TA) in Alaska has been a unique seismic network since about 2014 because most stations are equipped with environmental sensors to record pressure, temperature, and wind (speed and direction). We will summarize some physical insights of near-surface properties in Alaska that can be gained from the combined analysis of seismic and environmental sensors. We also point out a possible effect of the thick sea ice on the climate in the North Slope region that faces the polar ocean.First, the combined analysis of seismic data and pressure data allows us to separate two distinct types of seismic noise; one is the ordinary seismic noise, consisting of propagating body and surface waves, and the other is the deformation caused by the local pressure loading. This loading effect is observed at many stations when surface pressure becomes high. It can be confirmed based on two pieces of evidence; one from high coherence between seismic and pressure data and the other from the phase difference between pressure and vertical seismic displacement. By selecting data from a high-pressure range, we can apply the compliance method, similar to the compliance method applied to ocean bottom observations (e.g., Webb and Crawford, 1998). We will show a map of shallow rigidity variations for the depth range of 50-100m.Second, the combined analysis of temperature and seismic noise allows us to identify the major effects caused by near-surface melting, primarily in the permafrost area. Some stations show a thousand-fold increase of horizontal noise in summer at 0.01-0.03 Hz in comparison to the frozen state. This anomalous horizontal noise can be seen at low frequency (< 0.1 Hz) and is undoubtedly related to tilt effects as its amplitude increases towards lower frequency.Third, seasonal variation in horizontal noise shows a rapid increase in summer due to melting but the way the noise level returns to the frozen (low-noise) state varies from station to station. For most stations, this return occurs well after the surface temperature becomes negative in September or October. But some stations require time until March of next year to return to the low noise level. These data suggest that the melt layer remains at depth for a long time even after temperature drops below freezing, perhaps developing a sandwiched molten layer between the developing ice from the surface and the underlying permafrost ice.
Social well-being and knowledge of geopark values in the settlements of Novohrad-Nógrád UNESCO Global Geopark
Authors: Pappné Vancsó Judit , Németh Nikoletta , Bertalan Laura
Published: March 2024

Areas of the Novohrad-Nógrád UNESCO Global Geopark are considered to be the most underdeveloped parts of Hungary and Slovakia from a socio-economic view. The paper provides an overview of the results of the regional development realized by the Geopark after more than ten years of operation, and whether it is reflected in the subjective well-being of the local society and its knowledge of geopark’s values. More than 260 completed questionnaires were collected among the inhabitants of the geopark settlements and 14 in-depth interviews were conducted with those who contributed to the establishment, organization, and operation of the geopark. The results based on the obtained database clearly show that local people are aware of the values of their environment, have a close relationship with the nature around them, and are proud of it, but they are typically unaware that these are also geopark values. Many people do not know that they live in a geopark area, and the proportion of those who directly benefit from the geopark's presence is minimal. The population seemed more "geopark-conscious" in the surroundings of the geopark or tourism-related investments. The information from the in-depth interviews gives reason for optimism, as geopark-related education or dissemination of knowledge is present in the area, so it can be assumed that the growing generation is more aware of their geopark environment than those interviewed in the study.
Quasi-horizontal transport of Asian summer monsoon air during the PHILEAS campaign in summer and autumn 2023
Authors: Riese Martin , Hoor Peter , Rolf Christian , Kunkel Daniel ,   PHILEAS Team Representatives
Published: March 2024

The Asian summer monsoon provides a strong link between the near-surface pollution and the global atmosphere by connecting local sources at the surface with the large-scale circulation. It affects both the composition of the deep stratosphere and of the extratropical lowermost stratosphere (LMS). To evaluate the associated global effects on climate, a detailed understanding of the associated pathways is essential. The extratropical upper troposphere / lower stratosphere (UT/LS) is mainly influenced by quasi-horizontal export of polluted and moist air from the upper-level Asian Monsoon anticyclone (AMA), which is facilitated by regular eddy shedding events. Currently, there is a lack of observations in the northern hemisphere transition area at middle and high latitudes where the dissolution and filamentation of the shed eddies and subsequent mixing into the lower stratosphere takes place.The recent HALO campaign PHILEAS (Probing high latitude export of air from the Asian summer monsoon) aimed to fill this important gap by dedicated aircraft observations from Anchorage/Alaska and Oberpfaffenhofen/Germany in summer and autumn 2023. Our presentation puts the PHILEAS campaign in a climatological context. We compare the special meteorological situation as well as model simulations of tracers of air mass origin and transit time distributions in the monsoon season 2023 (e.g. South Asia) with the respective long-year average (2000 to 2020). We analyse recurrent meteorological situations that favour the transport of AMA air to high latitudes and quantify the composition of these air masses exported from the AMA with air from different surface source regions and the related transport time scales. Based on this analysis we investigate whether the Asian summer monsoon anticyclone in 2023 and its impact on the northern extra-tropical lower stratosphere represents typical climatological conditions or stands out. Selected results from the aircraft measurements during the PHILEAS campaign are presented and discussed in light of particular meteorological situations.
Estimating Escherichia coli levels using drone-based RGB imagery and machine learning techniques
Authors: Hong Seokmin , Morgan Billie , Stocker Matthew , Smith Jaclyn , Kim Moon , Cho Kyung Hwa , Pachepsky Yakov
Published: March 2024

Rapid and efficient quantification of E. coli levels is the important goal of the microbial water quality assessment. To address this, remote sensing and machine learning algorithms have been used recently. Application of these techniques encounter challenges from a limited number of samples and imbalances in water quality datasets. This study focused on estimating E. coli concentrations in a Maryland irrigation pond during the summer season. We utilized demosaiced drone-based RGB imagery across visible and infrared spectrum ranges along with 14 water quality parameters. Employing four machine learning algorithms (Random Forest, Gradient Boosting Machine, Extreme Gradient Boosting, and K-nearest Neighbor) under three scenarios, the research explored the utilization of only water quality parameters, both water quality and drone-based RGB data, and finally, only RGB data. Two data splitting methods, traditional random data splitting (ordinary data splitting) and quantile data splitting, were employed, with the latter providing a constant splitting ratio across each decile of the E. coli concentration distribution. Quantile data splitting resulted in a very good model performances and smaller differences between training and testing datasets. The RF, GBM, and XGB models, trained with quantile data splitting and hyperparameter optimization, resulted in R2 values above 0.847 for training and 0.689 for the test dataset. The integration of water quality and imagery data led to larger R2 values exceeding 0.896 for the test dataset. Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) highlighted the visible blue spectrum intensity and water temperature as the most influential inputs to the RF model. Overall, demosaiced RGB imagery proved to be a valuable predictor for E. coli concentration across the studied irrigation pond.
A Global View of Upper Mantle Stratification: CRISP-RF
Authors: Swar Sayan , Olugboji Tolulope , Zhang Ziqi , Carr Steve , Legre Jean-Joel , Eckmecki Canberk , Cetin Mujdat
Published: March 2024

Abstract:Our planet’s mantle is the largest rock-layer by volume. Across its old and stable Archean and Proterozoic terranes, seismological evidence suggests ubiquitous, spatially variable, and puzzling discontinuities, within, across and beneath the upper mantle lithosphere (~50- 350 km). A variety of explanations have been proposed, including phase transformations, melting and compositional anomalies, anisotropy, and elastically accommodated grain. To evaluate these, and other models, it is crucial to improve our threshold for detecting such discontinuities especially in reverberant and noisy environments. Here, we present a new method for sifting through the echoes and reverberations: CRISP-RF (Clean Receiver function Imaging with Sparse Radon Filters). With a global dataset of Ps converted waves, we use CRISP-RF to isolate hard-to-detect wave conversions buried in reverberations and noise. This refined, high-resolution, global view of upper mantle stratification will ensure robust evaluation of proposed models of upper mantle structure, evolution, and dynamics.
Empirical storylines of climate change using clustering analysis
Authors: Levine Xavier , Mooney Priscilla
Published: March 2024

Storylines are intended to provide concrete realizations of the climate response to global warming, to help anticipate the possible impacts of climate change on society and nature. Recent studies on climate change storylines have used a multivariate linear regression (MLR) framework to determine those climate realizations, for specific variables, regions and seasons (called target variables); this is achieved by leveraging known climatic interactions across a large number of model projections, which are represented by the covariability of the target variable with pre-determined climate indices (called predictor indices). Yet, a systematic methodology for selecting the best set of predictor indices for a specific target variable is lacking, with the set of predictors usually being chosen according to our current understanding of the most important climatic interactions. Furthermore, the storylines that emerge from it are tailored to explain changes in one specific variable, region and season (the target variable), and thus are unable to be generally applicable to a range of target variables.Even if the MLR framework succeeds in generating an array of representative climate outcomes for specific cases, we hypothesize that alternative methodologies can be used to generate likely climate outcomes from model simulations while alleviating some of the limitations of the MLR framework. Here, we propose to use clustering analysis to provide possible climate realizations from model projections. Clustering ensures a comprehensive and efficient decomposition of the spread in climate projections found across model simulations, without the need of predefining predictors (both an advantage and inconvenience), but also can be applied to more than one target variable at a time. We present findings from various empirical clustering methods, using the three main categories of algorithm (e.g. distribution-, density-, and centroid-based) to produce our so-called empirical storylines. We focus on the Arctic region during the boreal summer season, comparing storylines obtained from each clustering method with findings from a set of “classic” storylines obtained using the MLR framework. We discuss the implications of our results for improving our understanding of the spread in climate projections, and conclude on the existence of a most likely cluster (storyline) by relating our climate change clusters with clusters for the present-day climate. 
Decoding the extensional phase of the Atlas system: Unraveling Crustal Stretching during rifting: 
Authors: Ankach Mouad , Gouiza Mohamed , Amrouch Khalid
Published: March 2024

The Atlas fold and thrust belt extend from the Atlantic rifted margin of Morocco to Tunisia over a distance of 2500km. Before its inversion in the Cenozoic to the present, the Atlas system evolved initially as a rift basin that opened simultaneously with the Atlantic rift in the west and the Tethys in the north, during the upper Triassic-Jurassic period.The Western High Atlas is believed to be influenced by the Atlantic Ocean (also known as the Atlantic domain), where the Triassic to Early Jurassic strata are considered to be syn-rift, while the Middle Jurassic to Cretaceous deposits are labelled as post-rift. In contrast, the Marrakech High Atlas (MHA), Central High Atlas (CHA), Middle Atlas (MA), and the Eastern High Atlas (EHA) are assumed to be influenced by the Tethys Ocean (also known as Tethyan domain), where the Triassic to Jurassic sediments are considered to be syn-rift. This implies that the Mesozoic rifting along the Atlas was diachronous, making it difficult to determine the exact timing and kinematic of crustal stretching. Constraining the extensional phases in the Atlas system is crucial for understanding how the Atlas crust was stretched and thinned. Our work aims to quantify the magnitude and regional kinematic of stretching in the Atlas system using various methods, namely, thickness variation method, subsidence analysis and palinspatic reconstruction of 2D cross-sections.Our preliminary results indicate that the maximum stretching factor (beta factor) in the Atlas is β = 1.25; and that crustal thinning did not exceed 20%, based on tectonic subsidence analysis. While the palinspatic restoration suggest that the Moroccan Atlas system underwent approximately a uniform stretching with β = 1.11 in EHA (Midelt-Errachidia area), β = 1.08 in CHA (Imilchil area), and β = 1.12 in the East Marrakech High Atlas (EMHA: Demnat area). These values indicate that the Moroccan Atlas crustal thickness has been thinned by 9% in EHA, 8% in CHA, and 11% in EMHA. In addition, the geological context of the High and Middle Atlas regions, where the estimated shortening is reported to be less than 20%, the stretching factor (β) was calculated based on the crust thickness. The initial crustal thickness (IC) of the Meseta block, which constitutes one of the Atlasic rift shoulders, considered an undeformed area, served as a reference. Accounting for the observed shortening, the final crustal thickness was deduced by subtracting the reported shortening value representing 7.8 km from the observed crustal thickness (39 km), resulting in a β value of 1.25, which is consistent with the result obtained from the subsidence analysis.Keywords: Atlas system, extension, stretching factor, Thinning factor,   
Analysis of farmers' perception about sealing techniques for runoff harvesting ponds: the case of Burkina Faso.
Authors: Kaboré Tégawindé Vanessa Rosette
Published: March 2024

Arid and semi-arid areas are characterized by low annual rainfall that is unevenly distributed in time and space. These low and variable rainfall conditions are exacerbated by the effects of climate change, resulting in increasing agricultural losses for rain-fed crops. To overcome this, several water conservation techniques have been developed to safeguard agricultural yields. For example, supplemental irrigation using catchment basins is a climate change adaptation solution that has been promoted for many years in drought-prone areas. Unfortunately, this technique has had limited success in the Sahel due to the large amount of water lost through infiltration into the basins. These losses are closely related to the type of lining chosen to seal the runoff collection basins. Using a factorial analysis model, this paper highlights farmers' preferences for four of the most popular liners in Burkina Faso. Based on Waso-2 method, the survey was conducted in 2022 among 41 pond-owning farmers in the Central, Central Plateau and Central South regions. The results clearly show that the choice of liner has little to do with its availability and cost: producers focus all their attention on the liner's ability to improve the watertightness of their ponds and on the complexity of its maintenance. Concrete is therefore the first choice of producers as it is the most watertight, weatherproof, and durable, but also the most expensive. It is followed by plastic sheeting, a highly waterproof material available on the market, but not very durable. Clay comes third, despite its availability and low cost. Well-known in traditional architecture for ensuring the comfort of buildings, clay has proved ineffective for waterproofing submerged structures where the ground is unstable or cracked. Bitumen came last, as it is little known for pond protection and is not available in rural Burkina Faso.Keywords: Rainwater harvesting basin, sealing solutions, supplemental irrigation, Waso-2.