bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat transport model simulations of Lysimeter/Ecotron systems
Authors: Klammler Gernot , Vrzel Janja , Kupfersberger Hans
Published: March 2024

Soil temperature plays a central role in the complex processes in the vadose zone, particularly in connection with water and solute transport. As a major thermal factor, soil temperature influences not only the physical properties of the soil, but also the biochemical reactions responsible for the transport of water and solutes. The variation of soil temperature can have significant effects on the mobility of nutrients and pollutants and thus plays a key role in understanding and controlling important soil processes.Ecotrons in combination with weighable lysimeters are generally able to investigate complex ecological processes (e.g. evapotranspiration, nutrient dynamics) under controlled conditions. However, the requirement for this is that the temperature control of the soil column can be simulated with sufficient accuracy over the entire height and cross-section. Furthermore, it must also be ensured that the required rates of temperature change in the soil column, which can vary depending on the scientific question, can be simulated.In the course of the abstract submitted here, we would like to present the results of 3D heat transport model simulation for selected examples, which contribute to the optimization of the technical design of Lysimeter/Ecotron systems (e.g. with regard to insulation thickness, heat exchanger area, required inlet temperature in the heat exchanger, etc.).
Advancing Coastal Resilience through Integrated Modeling of Compound Flooding Events
Authors: Lee Wonhyun , Sun Alexander Y. , Scanlon Bridget R.
Published: March 2024

Coastal areas, facing escalating hazards intensified by climate change, are particularly vulnerable to wind-driven storm surge, waves, and flooding. The unprecedented events of Hurricane Harvey in 2017 highlighted the urgent need to better predict and understand storm-induced impacts in complex coastal environments. This study integrates two numerical modeling frameworks, namely the Delft3D Flexible Mesh (DFM) and Super-Fast INundation of CoastS (SFINCS), to provide a comprehensive approach addressing the challenges of coastal hazards and compound flooding in the Texas Gulf Coast region. This integrated DFM approach incorporates features like surface wave, hydrological, and hydraulic model-coupling, alongside grid nesting procedures to capture the wave and flow dynamics. The variable grid configuration optimally represents bathymetry while improving simulation time and accuracy. Model validation against measurements ensures a high level of accuracy, with a focus on estimating spatiotemporal variability in storm-induced surge and flooding. Addressing challenges faced by Texas Gulf Coast communities, a probabilistic surge and flood-inundation modeling system employing SFINCS is proposed. This system offers probabilities for different water depth thresholds, supporting surge and flood risk assessments, resilient infrastructure design, and coastal planning decisions. SFINCS, with reduced computational demand, uses essential physics for efficiency and accuracy, overcoming limitations of High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems. The study's outcome includes probabilistic predictions of compound flooding events in the Texas Gulf Coast region, presented through a probabilistic map and data. Stakeholders and end-users will benefit from this information for short and long-term planning and management, contributing to the resilience of coastal communities facing the complex challenges of climate-induced hazards. This integrated approach advances scientific understanding, supports decision-making, and promotes mutual benefit for researchers, policymakers, and coastal communities alike
Do Temporal Diversity Dynamics Reconcile Viral and Grazer Based Theories for the Propocalypse?
Authors: Follett Christopher , Duckworth Barbara , Dutkiewicz Stephanie
Published: March 2024

Understanding the relative importance of top-down vs. bottom up controls for setting plankton populations is an open challenge in marine ecology. Recent work has focused on the sharp spatial decline in Prochlorococcus biomass when moving northward in the North Pacific transition zone. This work has argued against bottom up controls like temperature and for top down mechanisms like apparent competition or viruses setting the location of the collapse. However, as temperature and light modify the underlying rates in the system we would expect them to play some role in the temporal dynamics. Here, we seek to unify bottom up and top down controls to make predictions about the seasonal progression of the ‘Propocalypse’ and the associated predators of Prochlorococcus. Observations suggest that the Propocalypse occurs further poleward in the summer and about 10 degrees further south in the winter. Here, we use models to confirm that ecological interactions allow for the existence of the transition, and that the meridional movement is determined by growth rate changes due to light and temperature in the spring, and by mixed layer depth changes during the fall and early winter. We go on to seek a diversity-mortality relation for Prochlorococcus connecting viral mortality to the seasonal motion of the Propocalypse. 
Sub-orbitally paced cycles from the lowermost Danian Elles section (Tunisia): implications for the timing of climate evolution after the Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary impact
Authors: Galeotti Simone , Speijer Robert
Published: March 2024

The Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary, ca. 66 million years ago, marks the one of the largest mass extinction events ever. It is widely appreciated that the K-Pg extinction event was mainly caused by the impact of a large extraterrestrial body, known as the Chicxulub asteroid impact. The impact led to dramatic global environmental changes. In addition to the dust in the vapor-rich plume of ejecta the impact produced several climatically active gas components, including aerosol-producing sulfur oxides, greenhouse-warming CO2 and H2O, and ozone-depleting Cl and Br. The possible primary and secondary global climatic and environmental effects include a short-term global cooling phase, the so-called impact “winter” sustained by impact generated S-bearing gases followed by CO2 greenhouse warming.
Besides modelling, the acquisition of temporally well resolved proxy records form expanded and continuous sedimentary archives can provide insights into the direct and indirect effects of the K/Pg impact in the aftermath of the event. The identification of orbital (Milankovitch band) and suborbital periodicities is a fundamental pre-requisite to build a sufficiently resolved time framework for the succession of proxy-based reconstruction in such sedimentary successions. 
To develop a high-resolution chronology of the post-K/Pg interval, we analyzed a 0.9 cm-resolved record of grain-size straddling the lowermost Danian at the expanded Elles section (Tunisia). Spectral analysis of this record allowed us to recognize sub-orbital periodicity that provides a fine scale chronology of the evolutionary and environmental events in the aftermath of the impact. 
Pyrite in Dutch peat - influence of  paleoenvironment and current land use 
Authors: Hoving Alwina , Guyat Josh , Behrends Thilo , Griffioen Jasper
Published: March 2024

Peatlands in the Netherlands contain high amounts of sulfur (S). Drainage of these peatlands has led to oxidation of the peat, more recently enhanced through extended drought periods from the result of climate change. Oxidation of peat leads to the mobilization of S and elevated sulfate levels in surface waters. High sulfate concentrations are considered a water quality problem and can enhance eutrophication. In this study, the S content and S speciation in Dutch peats were investigated and their relation to paleoenvironment and current land-use.Peat samples from eight locations in an east-west section, varying over paleoenvironment, peat type, proximity to the River Rhine and the North Sea, and current land‑use were analyzed. Sequential sulfur extraction was performed to fractionate iron-monosulfide, pyrite and organic-bound sulfur. Porewater was analyzed for sulfate, iron and nitrate concentrations to investigate their influence on the S speciation.The analytical results could be split into 3 groups. The first group consisted of peats of marine paleoenvironment which had the highest total S content. Due to limited availability of iron (Fe), sulfur was predominantly present as organic-S and
Chemistry-transport modelling with the new CHIMERE version v2023
Authors: Menut Laurent , Cholakian Arineh , Pennel Romain , Siour Guillaume , Mailler Sylvain , Valari Myrto , Lugon Lya , Meurdesoif Yann
Published: March 2024

The CHIMERE model has been under continuous development for many years, and has been used to carry out numerous analyses of air pollution cases, future scenarios and parameterization developments. The model is updated regularly, and a new version is released under the free GPL license every 2 or 3 years. This poster presents the new 2023 version released in December. It contains new schemes (emissions, turbulence, chemistry) but also a coupling with the XIOS code and the SSH-aerosol aerosol module, and the recent version of WRF 4.3 for direct and indirect aerosol effects. In terms of correlation and bias, this version is better than its predecessor for simulating gases and aerosols such as O3, NO2, PM10 and AOD. It is also faster, as it runs simulations 40% faster than the previous version.
Connecting different roles of globally systematic ground-based hydrological observations for Numerical Weather Prediction and Climate Reanalysis
Authors: Dietrich Stephan , Zink Matthias , Dorigo Wouter
Published: March 2024

In this study we refer how hydrological observation systems impact not only hydrological applications but also numerical weather prediction and climate re-analysis. The terrestrial water cycle, vital to the Earth system, intricately links with the atmosphere, biosphere, and human activities. Climate change intensifies water storage and flux changes, escalating the frequency and severity of water-related disasters. Water-related deaths have doubled in the last decade, with projections indicating a continued rise. Hydrological observations, unlike atmospheric weather data, lack systematic exchange of measurement. Existing datasets, mainly annual yearbook data, lack timeliness for operational numerical weather prediction and are only rarely accompanied by near real time data or satellite observations.The WMO Task team EarthHydNet explores extending the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) to incorporate hydrological observations, enhancing surface-based data for weather forecasts. The workshop addresses bridging observational gaps for Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) and Climate Reanalysis, focusing on user requirements and data standardization. The study will focus on two aspects:The status of the global terrestrial water observation architecture will be presented, showcasing the capacities and limitations of systematic observations, both in situ and via satellite remote sensing products.
Three hydrological observations—precipitation, snow, and soil moisture—have been identified as key to improving NWP in previous workshops. Soil moisture is directly influenced by rainfall patterns and vegetation systems, and it influences in turn both rainfall regimes and vegetation development. Unfortunately, soil moisture observations, coordinated under the International Soil Moisture Network (ISMN), are currently sparse in space and time, limiting climate change applications and NWP. Yet in situ observations are crucial because satellite products only provide information about the top few centimetres of the soil, and their capabilities are limited by dense vegetation.
The GBON expansion to terrestrial hydrological variables aligns with the WMO Earth System Approach, aiming to understand the planet as a whole system where atmospheric, oceanic, and terrestrial components are interconnected.
Mapping global peatlands thickness and carbon stock
Authors: Widyastuti Marliana Tri , Padarian José , Maggi Federico , Minasny Budiman
Published: March 2024

Peatlands, occupying just 3–4% of the Earth's surface area, are remarkable for holding nearly 30% of the world's terrestrial carbon (C), securely stored in their soil. These ecosystems are incredibly diverse, found from the Arctic to the Tropics and at various elevations. They perform numerous critical functions and ecosystem services, crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.The 2022 Global Peatland Assessment reported over 500 million hectares of peatlands worldwide, emphasising the importance of evaluating their baseline status and routinely assessing their conditions. This is vital for the conservation of these significant ecosystems. While global and national extent maps of peatlands exist, there's a notable gap in information regarding global peatland thickness and carbon stock.This study aims to perform a preliminary evaluation of global peatland thickness and carbon stock by employing digital mapping techniques. We gathered over 5,000 data points on peatland characteristics (including thickness, carbon content, and bulk density) from existing observations and maps worldwide.  We combined these observations with spatial data from earth observations representing climate, topography, and vegetation as covariates for use in machine learning methods to explicitly estimate peatland thickness and carbon stock globally at a 1 km resolution. The outcome of this work provides a first comprehensive global quantification of peat thickness, carbon content, and stock, aiding in the global modelling of peatland status and conditions.
Comprehensive analysis of CME-driven shocks observed by multi-spacecraft observations
Authors: Perri Silvia , Nisticò Giuseppe , Mesoraca Andrea , Chiappetta Federica , Pucci Francesco , Malara Francesco , Sorriso-Valvo Luca , Lepreti Fabio , Zimbardo Gaetano
Published: March 2024

In this study, we aim at analyzing coronal mass ejection (CME)-driven shocks, possibly observed by a constellation of satellites, at the solar source and in the inner heliosphere. We started with the analysis of the CME detected by STEREO-A, SOHO, Parker Solar Probe, and Solar Orbiter between 5 and 6 September 2022. In particular, thanks to the remote observations from Stereo-A, SOHO, and Parker Solar Probe it has been possible to reconstruct the shock wave both in 2D and 3D and to derive shock parameters, such as the compression ratio and the Mach numbers at its source. The analysis has been supported by in-situ observations in the inner heliosphere at different radial distances and longitudes by Solar Orbiter and Parker Solar Probe. It has been found that the shock wave is strong with a high compression ratio both at the source and when detected in the interplanetary space, while the Mach numbers tend to decrease due to a deceleration of the shock. The 3D reconstruction tool setup can be further applied to other CMEs detected by multiple spacecraft. In addition, an investigation on the high-energy protons accelerated at the shock wave has been carried out in order to infer their transport properties in the heliosphere, jointly with the shape of the differential proton energy spectrum. Such an analysis has also been performed for several interplanetary CMEs.This study is achieved in the context of the research project “Data-based predictions of solar energetic particle arrival to the Earth” funded by the Italian Ministry of Research under the grant scheme PRIN-2022-PNRR.
Is the Corporate ESG Movement Sustainable? A Consumer Behavior View and Evidence
Authors: Ho S. Ping , Hsu Yaowen
Published: March 2024

The term “ESG” began with UN Global Compact’s (IFC, 2004) initiative “Who Cares Wins-Connecting Financial Markets to a Changing World.” Since then, capital markets have become a key facilitator of the corporate ESG movement. Today, due to the climate change, ESG movement is drawing unprecedented attention from corporations and their stakeholders, among which investors of capital markets also exert unprecedented pressures on corporations’ ESG efforts and performance. However, while every corporation now seems to or claims to strive for corporate ESG, many corporations are performing “greenwashing” instead of true ESG. Some studies showed that greenwashing did enhance corporations' financial performance (Li et al., 2023). Although research results on the relationship between greenwashing and corporate financial performance are inconsistent, it is clear that greenwashing at least helps corporations to escape from the direct pressures from capital markets, in addition to the pressures from other stakeholders. This brings a question: Why should corporations proactively invest in ESG? If we think that stakeholder theory and legitimacy theory have answered this question, we are assuming that corporate greenwashing is not possible, which is just the opposite of the fact. To answer the above question, we must come back to a fundamental question: Can true ESG generate competitive advantages? If the answer is no, logically, we may conclude that the corporate ESG movement is not sustainable and vice versa. To answer the second question, we focus on consumers, whose purchasing behavior determines whether true ESG can generate corporations' competitive advantage and the resulting excess profit. Therefore, in the current study, we developed a consumer behavior model of corporate ESG, which models how corporate true ESG may affect consumers’ behavior and hypothesizes a positive relationship between the purchase and the true corporate ESG. Furthermore, we conducted an empirical study to evaluate the hypothesis. The results of the current study have crucial implications on what motivates the consumers' sustainability (or green) purchases and whether corporations should invest in true ESG. Fortunately, the empirical results support our hypothesis on the positive impact of true corporate ESG on the purchase. Based on the consumer behavior model, strategy implications for corporations’ ESG investment were derived. 
Effect of Saharan dust storm events on the forecast of photovoltaic power generation in Hungary
Authors: Varga György , Gresina Fruzsina , Szeberényi József , Gelencsér András , Rostási Ágnes
Published: March 2024

The expansion of renewable energy sources is a major issue from the sustainability, climate policy and energy security perspectives. All of this expansion can be optimal if its potential is exploited to the best possible effect, and accurate forecasting of irradiance levels, both for existing and planned capacity, is essential.Solar forecasting is the process of predicting the expected solar output from a photovoltaic (PV) system over a given period. This process is important for power system operators and utility companies who need to ensure that they can meet the electricity demand of their customers by balancing the supply and demand of energy on the grid.Our research investigated the impact of mineral dust on photovoltaic power generation and day-ahead forecast. We analysed the year 2022, when the number of Saharan dust storm events identified in Hungary (n=16) set a new record. Our methods included satellite measurements, numerical simulations, air mass movement trajectory calculations and synoptic meteorological analyses, as well as laboratory analyses of the dust material that washed out with precipitation during Saharan dust storm events. During some episodes, a deficit of up to 500 MW between actual and predicted output was periodically detected, which required the use of expensive and polluting back-up capacity.We have shown that the semi-direct effect of atmospheric dust particles on high-level cloud formation rather than their direct irradiance-reducing effect is responsible for the reduced accuracies of e short-term (24-h) PV energy production forecasts during these events.The results were published in Varga et al. (2024). Effect of Saharan dust episodes on the accuracy of photovoltaic energy production forecast in Hungary (Central Europe). Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 193, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2024.114289The research was supported by the NRDI projects FK138692 and RRF-2.3.1-21-2021. The research was funded by the Sustainable Development and Technologies National Programme of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (FFT NP FTA). 
Rapid alteration of organic matter cycling in a boreal peatland in response to rising temperatures
Authors: Wiesenberg Guido L.B. , Ofiti Nicholas , Huguet Arnaud , Hanson Paul J. , Schmidt Michael W.I.
Published: March 2024

Global warming and increasing air temperatures also result in rising soil temperatures. Although acceleration of soil organic carbon cycling can be expected, the order of magnitude and speed of adaptation of carbon cycling to warming still remains largely unknown. This is especially crucial in boreal peatlands, where large reserves of terrestrial carbon are stored and these systems are known for their vulnerability to environmental changes.We investigated the organic matter composition in the SPRUCE (Spruce and Peatland Responses Under Changing Environments) experiment, where a boreal peatland was exposed to temperatures of up to +9°C and increased CO2 concentration compared to control conditions in open top chambers. A broad set of molecular markers (e.g., free extractable and bound lipids, lignin, benzene polycarboxylic acids) was used to trace incorporation and cycling of organic matter in the peat profile down to three meters depth four years after the start of the experiment.A strong response to increasing temperature was observed in the plant, microbial and peat chemical composition, the latter mainly in the acrotelm (0-30 cm) and partially also in the mesotelm (30-70cm). The response of the plant chemical composition was species-specific with the exception of nitrogen concentrations that increased for all plants. This is related to the stronger degradation of peat organic matter and thus increasing availability of nitrogen with rising temperature. All investigated molecular markers indicated a very fast response of carbon cycling in the whole acrotelm of the peat profile. This resulted from a dropping water table and thus more oxic conditions in the peat, which further enabled increasing shrub and tree root growth and increasing microbial abundance and activity. As a consequence of the more aerobic conditions, not only the comparatively easily degradable free extractable lipids, but also slow cycling polymeric substances such as suberin/cutin, lignin, and benzene polycarboxylic acids rapidly degraded and reflect an unexpectedly fast cycling of organic matter in the boreal peatland with increasing temperature. The acceleration of carbon cycling within the peatland with rising temperature is also reflected by the partial uptake of respired CO2 by the plants as indicated by the bulk and compound-specific d13C composition of the plants. Overall, our results illustrate the fast alteration of organic matter cycling in a boreal peatland when exposed to increasing temperature.
 Long-term Effects of Coastal Protection Measures on Sedimentology in a Dynamic Tidal Inlet: Spiekeroog, East Frisian Islands
Authors: Geßner Anna-Lena , Wollschläger Jochen , Giebel Helge Ansgar , Badewien Thomas
Published: March 2024

Coastal erosion and flood protection are significant global challenges and will become more important in the future. Hard coastal protection structures, such as groynes are implemented in high-risk areas to provide immediate results. However, their specific impacts on current dynamics and sediment properties, especially in tidal inlets, are inadequately understood. This study investigates the long-term effects of coastal protection measures on sedimentology and morphology, focusing on a tidal inlet in the East Frisian Islands, Northern Germany.
The erosive eastward littoral drift on the Southern North Sea coast sets an ideal backdrop. To protect the East-Frisian islands from storm surges groynes were built. A groyne on Wangerooge Island restricts the North Sea - Wadden Sea exchange, hypothesized to alter flow dynamics and sediment transport within the inlet “Harle”. Sedimentological analysis, including grain size and component analysis, reveals seven distinct sedimentological facies. Integrated multibeam data creates a facies map indicating higher grain size in main channels and the formation of a sandbar segregating the main tidal channels in the Harle. Erosion and deposition areas highlight altered current patterns, including circulation eddies and mixing shear zones.
Comparisons with an almost unaffected tidal inlet between the islands of Langeoog and Spiekeroog emphasize the enduring impacts of the coastal protection measures on sedimentology in the "Harle". This study illuminates the complex interplay between coastal protection and sedimentology in a high-dynamic tidal inlet system, providing insights coastal management amid global challenges.

 
Passive seismic exploration with a dense network of 700 sensors in the Canton of Jura, Switzerland
Authors: Savard Genevieve , Cabrera-Pérez Iván , Sfalcin Julien , Lupi Matteo
Published: March 2024

As part of the Net Zero climate strategies of the European Union and Switzerland, deep geothermal power production is given an important role to play as a baseload energy resource. In Switzerland, the Haute Sorne project of Geo-Energie Suisse is the first EGS geothermal project to take place since the unsuccessful project of Basel terminated in 2010. The Canton of Jura, where Haute Sorne is located, gave the green light to Geo-Energie Suisse in January 2022. To minimize the risk of damaging induced seismicity as in 2017 during the Pohang EGS project, innovative state-of-the-art exploration and monitoring methods at Haute Sorne are being implemented to reduce subsurface uncertainty and de-risk the project as much as possible.In this context, the University of Geneva is deploying a seismic network of 700 nodal sensors in February 2024 in a radius of 12 km around the planned Haute Sorne EGS site. The sensors will record continuous 3-component seismic velocity data passively over 30 days. Using ambient noise tomography techniques, this study aims to image at up to 5 kilometres depth regional-scale structures relevant to seismic hazard assessment and to understand the local seismo-tectonic context. Particular interest is given to basement-related structures including a nearby presumed Permo-Carboniferous trough. By examining anomalies in shear-wave velocity, radial anisotropy and/or attenuation, we aim to elucidate the presence of deep faults and/or deep fluid reservoirs. In this presentation, we will report the outcomes of the nodal deployment campaign, the quality of the data collected, preliminary ambient noise observations and the methods to be applied. Passive seismic campaigns with temporary nodal networks have great potential for geothermal exploration due to their low cost, easier permitting process, and ability to image basement-related structures with appropriately designed networks.
Reading dust provenance record in Epica Dome C Ice Core (EDC) of Antarctica reveals a shift from Patagonian to African sources through the last deglaciation (2.9 – 33.7 kyr)
Authors: Boxho Sibylle , Mattielli Nadine , Vanderstraeten Aubry , Laruelle Goulven G. , Bory Aloys , Gabrielli Paolo , Gili Stefania , Bonneville Steeve
Published: March 2024

Epica Dome C (EDC) ice core is invaluable and highly-resolved record of Earth’s climate. Within the database of climate proxies in deep ice core, quantifying the contribution of the various sources of dust has been very challenging and, so far, no continuous record of dust provenance has been established. Here, we developed an algorithm that combines the REE patterns from a large database (from 207 sediments/soils in well-known Potential Source Areas - PSA - in the Southern Hemisphere) to fit the REE patterns measure in EDC data[1]. Complemented by Monte Carlo simulations to account for analytical uncertainties and by evaluation of goodness-of-fit, our model quantifies the respective contribution of the dust sources (regrouped by large PSA like Patagonia, Africa, S-E Australia, New Zealand and Puna-Altiplano) deposited in EDC ice core between 2.9 and 33.7 kyr at a centennial resolution.Our provenance record reveals that a major shift in dust provenance occurred at ~14.5-kyr BP during which the contribution of Patagonia (PAT – the main supplier of dust of the Last Glacial Maximum -LGM) declined from   ̴55% to 35% (% of total dust deposition) while African dust (SAF) became more prevalent from   ̴20% during LGM to   ̴40% after 14.5 kyr BP. As a matter of fact, the main supplier of dust in EDC during the Holocene is Southern Africa. We ascribe this abrupt shift to (i) long-lasting changes in the hydrology and of Patagonian rivers and (ii) to a sudden acceleration of sea-level rise between 14 and 15 kyr BP that submerged vast swathes of Patagonian continental shelf, triggering a decline in PAT dust supply to Antarctica. In turn, this induced a steep increase – in relative term - of SAF dust contribution in EDC.Importantly,our record for EDC is very much consistent with our previous results for Epica Dronning Maud Land (EDML)[2] ice core showing the exact same shift (PAT for SAF dust) between 14 and 15 kyr BP. Yet, compared to EDML, EDC record shows generally larger contribution for SAF and lower PAT dust which seems logical considering the respective localization of EDML and EDC. Our results for EDC thus confirms the relationship between dust composition and eustatic sea level and also highlight the importance of African dust deposition in the Southern Indian ocean and in the adjacent sector of the Southern Ocean since 14 kyr. Our tracing method using REE patterns offers a new, high-resolution tool for the reconstruction of atmospheric paleo-circulation and paleoclimate in the Southern Hemisphere.[1]Gabrielli et al., (2010), Quaternary Science Review 29, 1-2.[2]Vanderstraeten et al., (2023), Science of the Total Environment 881, 16345
Soil carbon sequestration in sub-Saharan Africa – Great expectations, limited potentials?
Authors: Doetterl Sebastian
Published: March 2024

Improving carbon storage in soils and the biosphere is a promising nature-based solution to combat climate change and is receiving more and more attention with little understanding how this can be achieved globally and in a sustainable way.Many of our expectations in finding nature-based solutions rely on vast, less developed–but nevertheless populated and rapidly changing– regions of the Global South. At the same time, concepts and assumptions about which solutions work for increasing long-term carbon capture in soil systems are based on knowledge gathered largely from the Global North in often fundamentally different environmental settings and development history. In my talk I will illustrate with examples from the socio-ecological context of the African Tropics how these knowledge gaps and our lack of understanding of tropical carbon cycling mislead us into thinking that we can find easy solutions in the Tropics to mitigate climate change. I will highlight how the interactions of weathering and erosional disturbance can influence and dominate biogeochemical cycles in soils and discuss some directions where geochemical proxies that are available at the global scale can be useful for improving the spatial and temporal representation of tropical carbon storage and turnover.
3D digitization of Vivara islet (Procida island, Italy): new geoarcheological perspectives for the data analysis
Authors: Varriale Giovanni , Vitale Stefano , Esposito Lorenzo , Repola Leonardo
Published: March 2024

In Mycenaean times, the prehistoric settlement of Vivara, an islet of the Procida island close to the Campi Flegrei caldera in southern Italy, was a site of intense trade between peoples travelling the Mediterranean Sea along routes from the Near East and Greece to the coasts of North Africa and Western Europe. The interest in such navigations was linked to the supply of raw metal ore such as copper and tin. The Campi Flegrei area and the Aeolian archipelago already represented some places dedicated to trading these precious products around the middle of the 17th century BC.
According to the geologic reconstructions, at that time, the Procida-Vivara area was situated at an altitude of 14 metres higher than nowadays, and the two islands, which are now connected by a bridge about
150 metres long, formed a single body of land. Underwater photogrammetry research conducted in the Gulf of Genito uncovered traces of this harbour system. It revealed a staircase carved into the tuff along the slope at a depth of -1 to -10 metres. The staircase was part of the ancient system of connections between the settlement at the summit of Vivara and the port area. Excavations in Punta D'Alaca have uncovered pottery and other artefacts that support the hypothesis of a dense trade network between the local populations and the Mycenaeans. The site has also yielded evidence of fires and other disastrous natural phenomena, such as mudflows documented by the collapse of huts, that interrupted the flow of historical events. In this context, the present geo-archaeological study carried out in collaboration with the 'Isola di Vivara' State Nature Reserve aims to understand how geological phenomena influenced the evolution of the landscape and, consequently, the social and economic development of the people who inhabited Vivara.  We used innovative digitization and analysis methodologies for the emerged and submerged areas of the island to reconstruct the subsidence evolution of the island.
The instruments used include drone Lidar, terrestrial laser scanners, photogrammetric systems, thermographic sensors, and structured light scanners. The numerical models, geo-referenced and aligned within a single virtual space, provided information on the geology, botany and archaeology of specific island areas. This information is processed within digital platforms to analyse and visualise the models: the preliminary activities, focused on analytical studies of hydrogeological risk factors of the Vivara system, are conducted within a GIS platform specifically implemented for data management and storage. Then, the 3D models will be used to develop protection and enhancement interventions for Vivara Islet.
Feather-like submarine channels: a unique imprint of overbank flows imaged by 3D seismic data
Authors: Machado Garcia Aurora , Bellwald Benjamin , Planke Sverre , Anell Ingrid , Myklebust Reiden , Midtkandal Ivar
Published: March 2024

We document for the first time the extensive occurrence of “feather-like channels” in the 19000-year-old glacigenic submarine strata in the North Sea Fan (NSF). We describe these features in the uppermost deposits of the NSF, predominantly on the surface that marks the end of the period of shelf-edge glaciation, using over 14000 km2 of high-resolution 3D seismic reflection data (vertical resolution of 2m and bin size of 6.25 x 18.75m). These channels are a few 10’s of meters wide and depths on the limit of seismic resolution (~2 m). They lack clear cross sections, mostly presenting as disruptions in the otherwise readily traceable reflections, which make them easier to identify in amplitude maps rather than structure maps and seismic profiles. These “feather” channels occur exclusively in association with larger, deeper channels. The “feathers” diverge from the margins of the main channel, forming an obtuse angle with the flow direction of the main channel, becoming progressively sub-parallel further downstream, similar to a bird’s feather, with the divergence from the main channel axis in the downstream direction. They run for varied distances, as short as a few 100’s of meters and up to 7 kilometers. It’s also important to highlight that they occur extensively throughout the surface, with a small spacing of 10’s of meters between each other.Similar features have been described by others as lineations formed at the base of debris flows. This was credited to circular depressions found at the end of such lineations and the fan shape that those features would create at the end of a main channel body. This description is clearly different from what we have described in this study, where both circular depressions and fan-shaped terminations were absent. Here, we interpret them as the record of overbank flows from the main channel, due to their geometry and dimensions, representing the large pulses meltwater coming from the shelf.Our investigation into the “feather-like channels’’ reveals a unique seismic geomorphology, in a well understood palaeogeographical setting. The exclusive association of these channels with larger, deeper counterparts, their small spacing, and varied distances emphasize their pervasive nature. This research not only refines our understanding of submarine sedimentary dynamics, but also highlights the indispensable role of high-resolution 3D seismic data in understating the subsurface.
Predicting bathymetry in shallow regions using a machine learning model and a time series of PlanetScope images
Authors: Santos Rúben , Quartau Rui
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study conducted in Tavira - Portugal, is to show the ability to determine depths without relying on in-situ data. To achieve this goal, a model previously trained with depth data and multispectral images from 2018 was used. This model enables depth determination for any period, providing multispectral images.For this study, Cube satellite images from the PlanetScope constellation with a spatial resolution of 3.0 m and four spectral bands (blue, green, red, and near-infrared) were used. Corrections due to tidal height were obtained through modeled data provided by the Portuguese Hydrographic Institute for the tide gauge of Faro – Olhão. In-situ depths were obtained through the Digital Elevation Model of Reference (MDER) from the Coastal Monitoring Program of Continental Portugal of the Portuguese Environmental Agency.The model used to determine depths was previously obtained using the Random Forest (RF) algorithm, trained with a set of reflectances from 15 images acquired between August and October 2018 by the PlanetScope constellation, and a set of depths from the MDER, referring to October 2018.This RF model allowed the depth determination for a set of 7 images from the same constellation, acquired between August and October 2019. The results were corrected for tidal height to obtain all values in relation to the Hydrographic Zero reference. The Savitzky-Golay filter was applied to smooth the results, and then the DBSCAN (Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise) algorithm was applied to eliminate outliers. Finally, the median depth value was determined, resulting in a bathymetric surface morphologically similar to the MDER (2019).This final surface was compared with the 2019 MDER through differences between the two surfaces (residuals) and the respective statistics were calculated (mean, median, standard deviation, and histogram). A vertical profile between 0.0 and 10.0 meters of depth was also generated. The statistical results of the differences reveal a median of 0.5 meters, a mean of 0.7 meters, and a standard deviation of 1.3 meters. The histogram of differences between the two surfaces follows a normal distribution, with its center located at the median value, which is offset from zero.The results obtained in this study are promising for obtaining depths in coastal regions through multispectral images without the need for in-situ data. However, we are aware that improving the current model is important to reduce the median and standard deviation of the differences between the determined depth and the reference. Enhancing the model will lead to more accurate results, enabling the determination of seasonal variations and changes caused by extreme events or climate alterations without in-situ data.
AI-Driven Classification of X-band Radar Dual-Polarimetric Coherence Data for Mapping and Monitoring Penguin Colonies on Zavodovski Island, South Sandwich Islands
Authors: Richter Nicole , Schade Malte , Cartus Oliver , Hart Tom
Published: March 2024

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) remote sensing has become indispensable for monitoring natural and anthropogenic hazards. Here we present a novel application of SAR technology in the ecological domain. Focusing on Zavodovski Island, home to the world's largest penguin colony, we address the challenges posed by limited optical satellite observations due to persistent cloud cover and rare ground surveys due to the extreme remoteness of the study site.Our proposed approach involves the application of an AI-driven classification algorithm to high spatiotemporal resolution X-band radar interferometric coherence data. Despite the inherent limitations of optical observations, we showcase the potential of dual-polarimetric, high-resolution SpotLight SAR in measuring phenology and its effectiveness in detecting, mapping, and monitoring penguin colonies on Zavodovski Island. The study leverages temporally dense SAR data, utilizing the TerraSAR-X and PAZ satellite systems, and spatially high-resolution data gathered during two field campaigns in February and December 2023.This research not only highlights the innovative use of SAR in ecological monitoring but also underscores the broader applicability of SAR technology in diverse domains. By contributing to the understanding of penguin colony dynamics, our study exemplifies the transformative impact of SAR remote sensing on ecological health indices. This contribution demonstrates the capabilities of SAR technology in addressing unique challenges and expanding its utility beyond traditional hazard applications.
The role of Earth Observation in advancing our understanding of high sustained temperature leading to dry conditions compound events: the UK Science Case
Authors: Bateson Luke , Ciurean Roxana , Winson Annie , Smith Kay , Mills Erin
Published: March 2024

Between January and June 2022, the UK experienced the driest weather in over 40 years. This culminated in July, when temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius for the first time since records began. Unprecedented hot, dry conditions resulted in hazards and multi-hazard interactions that have not previously been experienced in the UK. This expression of high temperature induced multi-hazards along with more commonly seen hot weather induced hazards with longer residence times may lead to increased direct and indirect impacts on society and ecosystems as experienced in other parts of the world.The accurate, timely, and efficient derivation of information and data products from EO data and technologies is instrumental in predicting, monitoring, assessing, and evaluating the occurrence of single natural hazard events and their potential impacts. What is not so well understood is the role of EO-derived environmental indicators in characterizing complex causal relationships and underlying mechanisms leading to cascading or compounding multi-hazard impacts. This may be demonstrated using time series analysis of a single indicator or derived from several time series of two or more indicators of interrelated hazard events such as droughts, heatwaves, subsidence, wildfires, flooding, and landslides.In this study, we aim to advance the state-of-the-art by using long-term EO satellite data to identify thresholds, trends, and tipping points within time series of established environmental metrics which indicate the dynamic evolution of a multi-hazard event. This information will be complemented by in-situ observations and local, regional, and global models to identify environmental precursors and chains of effects that may be suggestive of multi-hazard event onset conditions. By utilizing several vulnerability and impact assessment models, such as impact chains, we will demonstrate the utility of EO techniques and datasets in enhancing multi-hazard risk assessment and management.In this presentation, we briefly introduce the research context, questions, methodological approaches, preliminary results, and future direction of the UK Science Case as part of the High Impact Multi-hazards Science (EO4Multihazards) project funded by the European Space Agency (2023 – 2026).
Optimising the sampling strategy in tall tower eddy covariance flux measurements
Authors: Ibrom Andreas , Kissas Konstantinos , Gorlenko Anastasia , Scheutz Charlotte
Published: March 2024

Tall tower eddy covariance (EC) measurements can be used to narrow down the gap between the ecosystem and the continental scale observations by capturing greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes in a landscape scale (>10 km2). Because of the large footprint, tall tower platforms enable monitoring of greenhouse gas net fluxes, integrating over a multitude of diverse GHG sources and sinks within anthropogenic ecosystems. Yet, the temporal variability of atmospheric stability and atmospheric boundary layer affects the size of the flux footprint and the quality of EC flux estimates, respectively, thereby complicating the interpretation of surface flux estimates. The objective of this study is to determine an optimal sampling scheme alternating between different measuring heights (zm) in order to maximise the number of valid flux measurements as well as mitigating the effect of weather fluctuations on the longitudinal position of the footprint.We used a six months’ data set of continuous turbulence data measured from a recently deployed prototype flux observation station in a rural area close to the Danish Capital of Copenhagen, Zealand. The system is mounted on a 200 m telecommunication tower equipped with 3D ultrasonic anemometers in three different heights (70m, 90m, 115m) and with a TILDAS GHG analyser capable of switching between three sampling lines corresponding to the specified heights.We define an optimal sampling strategy based on the peak location of the individual, crosswind-integrated footprints from valid samples. As valid, we characterized those flux measurements, when the zm was within the constant flux layer, as estimated from ceilometer measurement. For each of the half hours, we selected the zm with the footprint’s peak location closest to a target position.In this presentation, we demonstrate the ability to constrain the flux footprint within a target landscape area by establishing a sampling schedule across the three sampling heights. The results showed that designing a sampling strategy that combines multiple heights has the potential to bring the aggregated footprint for the entire period (footprint climatology) closer to the targeted area. A similar outcome can be attained when sampling from a single height and excluding the instances where the footprint significantly deviates from the target area. Nevertheless, this comes with the trade-off of discarding valid data. Moreover, the weather effect on the variability of the crosswind-integrated footprints was reduced by setting an optimal, multi-height strategy in comparison to the aggregated footprints from the individual heights.