bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of forced Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation weakening on atmospheric pCO2
Authors: Boot Amber , von der Hyedt Anna , Dijkstra Henk
Published: February 2023

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is thought to be a tipping element in the Earth System with two stable states. Currently, the AMOC is in a state of strong overturning, but studies have shown that climate change might tip the AMOC to a state of weak overturning. Changing the state of the AMOC changes the global climate, but especially the climate in the North Atlantic. Due to disrupted heat transport the Northern Hemisphere is expected to cool, while the Southern Hemisphere is expected to warm. Besides effects on the climate, the AMOC also influences the carbon cycle by transporting nutrients and Dissolved Inorganic Carbon. Deep water formation in the North Atlantic is for example an important pathway of carbon from the surface to the deep ocean. It can therefore be expected that a weakening of the AMOC affects the marine carbon cycle and therefore also atmospheric pCO2. Here, we investigate the effect of a forced AMOC weakening on atmospheric pCO2 using simulations performed with the Community Earth System Model v2 (CESM2). We force the simulations with the emission driven SSP5-8.5 scenario and additionally, force the simulations with freshwater forcing in the North Atlantic Ocean. This so-called hosing weakens the AMOC on top of a weakening caused by the greenhouse gas emissions. We use these simulations to determine how much and through what mechanisms, an AMOC weakening influences atmospheric pCO2. 
Domestic water supply under stress due to future climatic and socio-economic changes: A European-scale analysis
Authors: Söller Linda , Luetkemeier Robert , Döll Petra
Published: February 2023

Groundwater resources are essential for human water supply and ecosystem functioning. Against the background of climate change, groundwater use becomes increasingly important, as it serves as a buffer during dry periods and is often less polluted than surface water. However, changing socio-economic factors influence groundwater use patterns (e.g. demographic transition, economic development and efficiency gains) and can lead to high demands during (dry summer) periods of low availability. In addition, there are climate change-related changes in groundwater recharge due to altered precipitation patterns and increased potential evapotranspiration. Therefore, it is necessary to consider scenarios of future groundwater availability and use to support sustainable groundwater management in Europe. We combine groundwater recharge and societal water demand in Europe to identify spatial patterns of groundwater availability and demand mismatches. For the current situation, we use data from the global hydrological model WaterGAP to quantify, with a spatial resolution of 0.5°, groundwater stress across Europe as the ratio of total groundwater abstractions to groundwater recharge. For future recharge estimation, we compile a multi-model ensemble with data from the Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project (ISIMIP) that includes four global climate and eight global hydrological models to assess the uncertainties that are inevitable in analyzing the future impacts of climate change. We quantify scenarios of future domestic water demand using water use data, population scenarios and climate variables on a national and sub-national scale. By combining current groundwater stress with trends in future groundwater recharge and domestic water demand, we identify hotspots of future stress on domestic water supply. Our approach contributes to the understanding of human-water interactions and highlights the importance of combining physical conditions and human influences. The methodology can be easily adapted to other regions of the world (if data on water use and population are available) to support sustainable groundwater management.
Evaluating the impact of urban parks on the thermal comfort during a heat wave episode in a Mediterranean city
Authors: Segura Ricard , Estruch Carme , Badia Alba , Ventura Sergi , Krayenhoff E. Scott , Villalba Gara
Published: February 2023

The Mediterranean basin is expected to experience an increase in intensity and frequency of heat wave events. Additionally, heat peaks are exacerbated by the low albedo of urban materials and the heat island effect of urban areas. To reduce heat-related discomfort and health risks, urban planners aim to implement green infrastructures to regulate temperatures thanks to their transpiration cooling effect. For example, the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB) has created a metropolitan network of “climate shelters”, which are public spaces (both indoor and outdoor) where urban dwellers can find better climatic conditions. Urban parks can be considered “climate shelters” if two requirements are met: the NDVI of the vegetation is higher than 0.4 and the extension of the park is bigger than 0.5 ha. However, given the dense urban edification and space limitation, we wanted to explore the thermal regulation capacity of smaller urban parks which are easier to implement. In this study, we present the results of a micrometeorological measurement campaign to assess the temporal and spatial variations of thermal comfort in parks of different sizes in the AMB during a heatwave episode in July 2022. The goals of this study are to determine the impact on human biometeorology of urban design in the construction of urban parks for facing heatwave episodes and to check the classification requirements for the “climate shelters”.Using a mobile human-biometeorological weather station (MaRTy cart), we registered the microclimatic factors affecting thermal exposure at different points inside and outside the parks. From the microclimatic measurements we derived the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). Additional characterization of the measurement points consisted in sky-view-factor estimations and 360o vegetation and impervious view factors. Throughout the campaign period and measurement hours (14:00, 15:00 and 20:00 LT), the UTCI varied between 29.5 oC (moderate heat stress) and 41.9 oC (very strong heat stress). During the early afternoon, when air temperatures and heat stress are higher, the UTCI is lower inside of the parks, by a difference that ranges from 1.0 oC to 3.2 oC. The sky-view-factor is responsible for 43 to 58% of the observed variability in the UTCI, pointing out the importance of tree shadowing inside the parks. Air temperature has also a clear influence on thermal comfort, explaining between 17 and 50% of the UTCI variability. Although air temperature reductions in smaller parks are not as significant as in the “climate shelter” park, there are vegetation zones inside the smaller parks with comparable reductions in the UTCI. The results show that small parks can provide thermal comfort in similar capacity as bigger parks classified as “climate shelters”.
Physics-based hydrological modeling of the joint variations of stream network length and catchment discharge
Authors: Zanetti Francesca , Botter Gianluca , Camporese Matteo
Published: February 2023

Understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics of runoff generation in headwater streams is crucial for better characterizing catchment functioning under current and projected climatic conditions. In this context, experimental data on the expansion and contraction of the stream network can be especially valuable. These data can be gathered exploiting different tools and techniques, from visual surveys to cameras, from remote sensing to electrical conductivity probes. New available data are often used to study joint variations of active stream length and discharge at the catchment outlet and allowed the scientific community to derive general laws for describing and interpreting such complex behavior. However, field mapping is highly time consuming, e.g. because the instruments deployed required an intense supervision to ensure the reliability of the data collected. Using physically based numerical models to simulate the spatial configuration of the wet channels and the corresponding catchment discharge thus represents a promising application. In this study, we used CATHY (CATchment HYdrology), an integrated surface–subsurface hydrological model, to study event-based dynamics of catchment discharge and active stream network in two synthetic catchments with pre-defined geological characteristics (hydraulic conductivity, porosity, water retention curve, depth to bedrock) and different morphometric properties (shape and slope). We run a set of simulations under time-variant conditions and under steady state conditions for different levels of catchment wetness and we analyzed the emerging relationship between total active length (L) and outlet discharge (Q). The numerical simulations were used to investigate the role of topography, climate and morphology on the dynamics of L and Q, and the ensuing L(Q) relationship. Numerical models can be a valuable tool for investigating the internal dynamics of the soil moisture that eventually drives the joint changes of river network length and discharge in response to precipitation.
Summertime urban ammonia emissions may be substantially underestimated in Beijing, China
Authors: Xu Jiayu , Zhang Lin , Lu Mengran , Guo Yixin , Chen Youfan , Liu Zehui , Zhou Mi , Lin Weili , Pu Weiwei , Ma Zhiqiang , Song Yu , Pan Yuepeng , Liu Lei , Ji Dongsheng
Published: February 2023

Ammonia (NH3) emission control has been advocated for its potential to mitigate PM2.5 air pollution, yet emission quantifications at city levels are limited. Here we develop high-resolution (3 km) bottom-up emission inventories of agricultural NH3 in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region and traffic NH3 in Beijing for the year 2016. The resulting WRF-Chem simulated NH3 and PM2.5 are compared against ground-based and satellite observations. Our estimated annual BTH agricultural NH3 emissions (625 Gg) and Beijing’s traffic emissions (7.8 Gg) are within the ranges of published inventories. However, simulated NH3 concentrations are significantly lower than observations during August in urban Beijing, while wintertime underestimations are much more moderate. Further evaluation and sensitivity experiments show that such discrepancies cannot be attributed to biases in meteorology or regional transport. Using measurements as constraints, our inversed NH3 inventory indicates both agricultural and non-agricultural NH3 emissions in Beijing during August should increase by ~5 times to match NH3 and PM2.5 observations. Current underestimations may result from the missing power sector, urban green space emissions, the lack of representation of industrial hotspots, and uncertainties in traffic emissions. Our study highlights that denser and more frequent urban NH3 observations are urgently needed to constrain and validate bottom-up inventories.
Complete thermodynamic characterization of the soil organic matter from forest ecosystems.
Authors: Barros Nieves , Popovic Marko , Pérez-Cruzado César
Published: February 2023

Thermodynamic characterization of soils is a developing field that involves the calculation of the enthalpies, Gibbs energy, and entropy of the soil organic matter, SOM. Its achievement would contribute to the development of the bioenergetics of soil systems beyond the existing theoretical models.This work shows different experimental procedures and theoretical models for the complete thermodynamic characterization of SOM. It was applied to a total of 31 samples representing different soil horizons from different locations.Thermodynamic characterization of SOM was achieved through the calculation of empirical formulae for SOM from the SOM elemental composition, application of Patel-Erickson, Sandler-Orbey, and Battley methods, as well as direct measurements of the energy content by simultaneous TG-DSC.The used computational methods belong to a group of approaches modeling thermodynamic properties of SOM as a sum of contributions from its constituent elements. The first computational approaches were those from the Patel-Erickson and Battley equations. Patel-Erickson equation was used to find the standard enthalpy of combustion, ΔCH⁰PE, of SOM based on its elemental composition:ΔCH⁰PE(SOM) = –111.14 kJ/mol ∙ (4nC + nH – 2nO – 0nN + 5nP + 6nS)where nJ is the number of atoms of element J in the empirical formula of SOM. The Battley equation gives the standard molar entropy, S⁰m, of SOM:S⁰m(SOM) = 0.187 ∑J [ S⁰m(J) / aJ ] nJwhere S⁰m(J) and aJ are standard molar entropy and the number of atoms of element J in its standard state elemental form. The enthalpy from the Patel-Erickson equation is combined with entropy from the Battley equation, to find the Gibbs energy of SOM.The second computational approach handled equations proposed by Sandler and Orbey that allow finding standard enthalpy of combustion ΔCH⁰SO and standard Gibbs energy of combustion, ΔCG⁰, of SOM:ΔCH⁰SO(SOM) = –109.04 kJ/C-mol ∙ (4nC + nH – 2nO – 0nN + 5nP + 6nS)ΔCG⁰(SOM) = –110.23 kJ/C-mol ∙ (4nC + nH – 2nO – 0nN + 5nP + 6nS)The enthalpy and Gibbs energy obtained using the Sandler-Orbey method were combined to find entropy.  Results obtained by the application of Patel-Erickson and Sandler-Orbey methods to calculate the enthalpy of SOM combustion did not significantly differ when comparing data given by the TG-DSC with those obtained from the SOM empirical formulation. The same results were obtained when comparing the Gibbs energy. These results enabled the calculation of the entropy of SOM and the comparison of those values among different soil layers and sampling sites.
Digital rock mass characterization for landslide risk mitigation in a nature reserve
Authors: Caliò Davide , Mineo Simone , Pappalardo Giovanna
Published: February 2023

The analysis of a three-dimensional digital model, derived from aerophotogrammetric data, is presented herein as an alternative and homogeneously improved tool for the study of rock masses in restricted areas, such as nature reserves, which are often protected by dedicated management strategies. Airborne photogrammetric and infrared thermography techniques were applied for the geostructural and morphological characterization of the tourist path at Lachea Island, belonging to the nature reserve archipelago "Lachea Islet and Cyclop Rocks" in eastern Sicily (Italy). Geologically, it is considered one of the earliest evolutionary stages of the volcano Etna that occurred about half a million years ago, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2013 due to its exceptional level of volcanic activity. It is a world-renowned tourist destination that suffers from limited enjoyment due to the instability of the rock masses. This methodological approach provided quantitative and qualitative data on both the spatial orientation of discontinuities and the location of major structural features, as well as the volume of protruding blocks and the identification of areas of block detachment. The digitally derived spatial data were used to perform a kinematic analysis of the rock masses, highlighting the most recurrent unstable failure patterns. Infrared thermography allowed also defining the most relevant discontinuities. Through the detailed analysis of the 3D model, it was also possible to recognize potential source areas of future rockfalls, which were modelled through trajectory simulations. The results showed that rockfall threat is a crucial issue affecting the nature reserve and that the methodological approach carried out allows a quick, reliable rock mass characterization for practical purposes. Digital data were validated by a field surveying campaign, which returned a satis-factory match proving the usefulness and suitability of the approach, allowing quick and reliable rock mass characterization in the frame of practical use and risk management purposes.  
Elevation dependence of biases and trends of climatic indices in the EURO-CORDEX ensemble over the European Alps
Authors: Matiu Michael , Napoli Anna , Kotlarski Sven , Zardi Dino , Bellin Alberto , Majone Bruno
Published: February 2023

Mountain regions are especially sensitive to climatic changes. At the same time, the complex local topography modulates meteorological and climatic patterns. Here, especially the elevational dependence of meteorological variables is of high relevance, which is found in both observations and models at varying resolutions. However, previous evaluations of regional climate models focused on large scale horizontal spatial patterns and less on elevation dependencies. In this study we evaluate the historical EURO-CORDEX ensemble at 0.11° resolution over the European Alps as a function of elevation. In addition to evaluating the standard EURO-CORDEX model output we assess the impact of bias-adjustment as represented in the CORDEX-Adjust ensemble. The model data are compared to high-resolution observational datasets over the entire Alpine region, such as APGD and EOBS, and to national observational datasets. Besides climatic averages, also climatic indices that sample extreme conditions are evaluated. We identify how potential biases depend on elevation, region, and climatic index. In addition, we highlight potential advantages and weaknesses of bias-adjustment methods within CORDEX-Adjust with respect to elevation and climatic index. 
Rift propagation in south Tibet controlled by under-thrusting of India: A case study at the Tangra Yumco graben (south Tibet)
Authors: Hetzel Ralf , Wolff Reinhard , Hölzer Kyra , Dunkl István , Xu Qiang , Anczkiewicz Aneta , Li Zhenyu
Published: February 2023

Active graben systems in south Tibet and the Himalaya are the expression of ongoing E-W extension, however, the cause and spatio-temporal evolution of normal faulting remain debated. We reconstruct the history of normal faulting at the southern Tangra Yumco graben by using new thermochronological data and thermo-kinematic modelling (Wolff et al., 2022). The Miocene cooling history of the footwall of the main graben-bounding fault is constrained by zircon (U-Th)/He ages between 16.7±1.0 and 13.3±0.6 Ma, apatite fission track ages (15.9±2.1 to 13.0±2.1 Ma), and apatite (U-Th)/He ages (7.9±0.4 to 5.3±0.3 Ma). Thermo-kinematic modelling of the data indicates that normal faulting began 19.0±1.1 Ma ago at a rate of ~0.2 km/Myr and accelerated to ~0.4 km/Myr at ~5 Ma. In the northern Tangra Yumco rift, re-modelling of published thermochronological data (Wolff et al., 2019) shows that faulting started ~5 Ma later at 13.9±0.8 Ma. The age difference and the distance of 130 km between the two sites indicates that rifting and normal faulting propagated northward at an average rate of ~25 km/Myr. As this rate is similar to the Miocene convergence rate between India and south Tibet, we argue that the under-thrusting of India beneath Tibet has exerted an important control on the propagation of rifts in south Tibet.ReferencesWolff, R., Hetzel, R., Hölzer, K., Dunkl, I., Xu, Q., Anczkiewicz, A.A., Li, Z. (2022). Rift propagation in south Tibet controlled by underthrusting of India: A case study at the Tangra Yumco graben (south Tibet). J. Geol. Soc. Lond., https://doi.org/10.1144/jgs2022-090.Wolff, R., Hetzel, R., Dunkl, I., Xu, Q., Bröcker, M. & Anczkiewicz, A.A. (2019). High-angle normal faulting at the Tangra Yumco graben (southern Tibet) since ~15 Ma. J. Geology, 127, 15–36, http://doi.org/10.1086/700406. 
Mountain water resources and the importance of looking downstream
Authors: Viviroli Daniel
Published: February 2023

Mountain hydrology faces a number of specific challenges, such as the high spatial variability of conditions and processes in horizontal and vertical dimension, and the comparatively low density and limited representativity of hydrometeorological observation networks. Vít Klemeš (1990) characterized these challenges very pointedly when he noted that mountainous areas, despite their hydrological importance, represent “some of the blackest black boxes in the hydrological cycle”.In the meantime, our knowledge about mountain hydrology has improved considerably, although the challenges can still be characterized as greater than for most lowland regions. Also, global hydrological models have become a research field in their own right since the time of Klemeš’ statement, and even though these models face similarly increased challenges in mountain regions, they can be useful for studying mountain regions and their water resources in a larger context. In addition, valuable information can be extracted from an overview of regional studies, as has been done, for example, in the mountain-specific parts of the IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate and the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report.This contribution will discuss a comprehensive view from the mountains looking downstream, with a focus on the importance of mountain water resources for the lowlands.ReferenceKlemeš V, 1990. Foreword. In: Molnár L, ed. Hydrology of Mountainous Areas. Proceedings of a workshop held at Strbské Pleso (Czechoslovakia), June 1988. IAHS Publication 190, IAHS, Wallingford, ISBN 0-947571-42-6, p. 7
Assembling the climate story: use of storyline approaches in climate-related science
Authors: Baulenas Eulàlia , Versteeg Gert , Terrado Marta , Mindlin Julia , Bojovic Dragana
Published: February 2023

Scenario-based approaches, including the concept of storylines, were introduced in climate science to provide unity of discourse, integrate the physical and socioeconomic components of phenomena, and make climate evolution more tangible. The use of storylines by multiple scholar communities and the novelty of some of its applications renders the concept ambiguous nonetheless, because the term hides behind a wide range of understandings and methodologies that often collide ontologically and epistemically. This semi-systematic literature review identifies three approaches that use storylines as a keystone concept: scenarios –familiar for their use in IPCC reports, discourse-analytical approaches, and physical climate storylines. After screening all peer-reviewed articles that mention climate and storylines, we selected 270 articles, with 158, 55, and 57 in each category. Results indicate that each community works with different methods and understandings. Moreover, these approaches have received criticism in their assembly of storylines: either for lacking explicitness or for the homogeneity of expertise involved. We propose that cross-pollination amongst the approaches could improve the goal to support climate action. Good practices are the involvement of a broader range of disciplines, use of mixed-methods, storyline assessment against a wider set of quality criteria, and stakeholder participation in key stages of the process.
Land use changes- the Remaining Available Aquifer Storage (RAAS) response in arid-semiarid regions: the Baicheng case study
Authors: Wang Zhe , Shu Longcang , Yin Xiaoran , Chen Yuan , Niu Shuyao , Xu Pengcheng
Published: February 2023

Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) is an important approach to the sustainable development and utilization of groundwater resources in arid-semiarid regions. However, research on MAR has not been well developed with regard to the remaining available aquifer storage (RAAS), and in particular the impact of land use changes on the RAAS has not been fully explored. This study takes the Baicheng area as an example, calculates the RAAS on the basis of determining the remaining available aquifer, extracts the precipitation- and groundwater extraction-affected RAASs through independent component analysis, establishes regression equations for the areas of land use types and the precipitation- and groundwater extraction-affected RAASs using stepwise regression and all-subsets regression. The response of the precipitation- and groundwater extraction-affected RAASs under three future land use change scenarios is explored. The results show that the RAAS responds significantly to land use changes. The land use changes were active from 2000 to 2018, and the RAAS showed a fluctuating upward trend, reaching a maximum value of 22.39×108m3 in 2010. In the 2036 economic development scenario, the precipitation-affected RAAS is the largest and the groundwater extraction-affected RAAS is the smallest of the three scenarios, contrary to the results in the baseline scenario. The woodland conservation scenario shows that reasonable woodland conservation measures is conducive to groundwater development and utilization, maintaining the groundwater level at a stable level and ensuring the stability of the RAAS, which is conducive to the design and implementation of artificial recharge schemes based on this. The results quantify the relationship between the precipitation- and groundwater extraction-affected RAASs in response to land use changes, and provide a reference for groundwater development and sustainable water resource management in arid-semiarid regions.
The unique contextual situation of the Ca’ Granda burial ground: from taphonomic observations towards a new type of anthropogenic soil
Authors: Tagliabue Giulia , Masseroli Anna , Mattia Mirko , Sala Carlotta , Belgiovine Elena , Capuzzo Daniele , Giordano Gaia , Galimberti Paolo Maria , Slavazzi Fabrizio , Cattaneo Cristina , Trombino Luca
Published: February 2023

Soil is a dynamic matrix that can rapidly respond to disturbance events, such as the death and the subsequent deposition of an organism. Concurrently, it can be considered an archive of evidence due to its ability to record the signals of disturbance events. Such a condition turns the biogeochemical analysis of geopedological samples into a valuable tool for the study of decomposition processes, especially when they are flanked with the examination of the remains. The aim of the present research is to present the unique contextual situation of the Sepolcreto (i.e., burial ground) under the crypt of the ancient Ospedale Maggiore of Milan Ca’ Granda (Italy). The sepulchre hosted an estimated amount of 150000 buried individuals, 10000 of which are still buried in one of the underground chambers, named “chamber O”, and whose remains underwent various type of post-mortem transformative processes, both disruptive and preservative. In this study microscopic and ultramicroscopic analysis have been carried out in order to detect any evidence of material exchange between the bone tissue, from three skeletal remains collected from the “chamber O” of the Sepolcreto, and the surrounding pedosedimentary matrix. The specimens were analysed by the mean of a polarizing microscope and a SEM-EDS, which pointed out the presence of a mutual exchange of material between the two substrates, underlying the intensity of the interaction between organisms (even after their death) and the environment. Finally, this burial context permitted to observe an inedited type of soil, mainly composed of organic matter transformed by thanatological processes, bone tissue fragments and some other evidence of anthropic origin and/or activity. Therefore, it has been considered a new type of anthropogenic soil named “Thanatogenic soil”.
Ice, Incision and Execution in the eastern Yorkshire Dales – citizen cave science and climate studies in the karst of northern England.
Authors: Murphy Phil
Published: February 2023

The glaciokarst of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, situated in the English Pennine hills, provides an under realised opportunity for paleo climate studies in mid latitudes. It was marginal to the Last Glacial Maximum British and Irish Ice Sheet which has been reappraised over recent decades as being a dynamic and unstable body. The caves were extensively excavated by Victorian (1837-1901) and Edwardian (1901-1910) antiquarians/archaeologists but was then largely ignored until the development of radiometric dating in the late 1970 and early 1980s. Since then scientific and archaeological attention has been sporadic and piecemeal with studies often being driven by the findings of the very active cave exploration community which have been responsible for the discovery of the approximately 90 km long Three Counties System in the west of the area.The hills and valleys to the east of the area are less visited by both cavers and cave scientists though there is great potential for discovering new caves. A detailed study was undertaken on the complex Stump Cross cave system beneath one of the wide interfluves in the 1980s which has been subject to a recent reappraisal but otherwise scientific attention has been limited and sporadic. In this study a dendritic cave system dissected by the glaciated trough valley of Littondale has been subjected to study by an ad-hoc group of scientists, both citizen and academic, along with a team of cavers and cave divers. The now perched valley side caves reveal a complex record of drainage and flooding presumably related to the reoccupation of the valley by successive ice sheets and the resulting episodic down cutting. Speleothem damage provides the first evidence for the existence of ice bodies within the regions caves. Archaeological findings have shown Roman use of caves in the region is geographically more extensive than previously thought and have provided constraining evidence for the ongoing investigation of an early medieval murder mystery. This study highlights the potential of the area for future detailed paleo climate studies. The work was supported by funding from the British Cave Research Association Cave Science and Technology Research Initiative.
Decay of deadwood carbon – current knowledge and opportunities for modelling
Authors: Neumann Mathias , Pucher Christoph , Hasenauer Hubert
Published: February 2023

Deadwood is a prominent part of forest ecosystems. It is important for multiple forest functions, including habitat, water storage, nutrient cycling and carbon storage. Deadwood volume is now routinely measured in many large-scale inventory programs, including the national forest inventory or inventory of nationalparks or nature reserves. Policy changes, increasing climatic stress, more frequent and more intense disturbances and/or abandoning forest management will likely lead to increasing deadwood volumes in the next decades. We will explore here the available knowledge on decay of deadwood in Central Europe, focussing on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content and release.Decay classes can be assessed in the field and provide a potent proxy for deadwood density, pore volume and C:N ratios, based on pilot studies in Eastern Austria. Using C:N as proxy for decomposability suggest that decomposition is non-linear and that advanced decay stages have faster decomposition. Our results highlight that smaller sized deadwood (2-10 cm diameter) can store substantial amounts of C and N. Additional field work, non-destructive methods and modelling can link decay stages with time since death and allow estimating mass and volume loss by decomposing organisms.For understanding the dynamics between standing and lying deadwood we will need models that are able to predict the disintegration of trees, considering loss of less stable stem parts, like bark or sapwood. We will need continuous deadwood monitoring as well as more complex models to understand the main pathways for deadwood decay, the effects of climate on decomposition and the role of management in deadwood accumulation and dynamics. Complementing available data with new methods and models will allow us to quantify the capacity of managed and unmanaged forests for deadwood, the carbon sequestration in deadwood and its persistance in the future.References:Gschwantner T (2019) Totholz-Zunahme ausschließlich positiv? BFW Praxisinformation 20:Müller-Using S, Bartsch N (2009) Decay dynamic of coarse and fine woody debris of a beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forest in Central Germany. European Journal of Forest Research 128, 287–296. doi:10.1007/s10342-009-0264-8.Neumann M, Hasenauer H (2021) Thinning Response and Potential Basal Area — A Case Study in a Mixed Sub‐Humid Low‐Elevation Oak‐Hornbeam Forest. Forests 12:. https://doi.org/10.3390/f12101354Neumann M, Hasenauer H (in review) A simple concept for estimating deadwood carbon in forests. Carbon ManagementOettel J, Lapin K, Kindermann G, et al (2020) Patterns and drivers of deadwood volume and composition in different forest types of the Austrian natural forest reserves. For Ecol Manage 463:118016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2020.118016Pietsch SA, Hasenauer H (2006) Evaluating the self-initialization procedure for large-scale ecosystem models. Glob Chang Biol 12:1658–1669. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2486.2006.01211.x
Constraints on the provision of bio-energy from forest biomass in Austria
Authors: Jandl Robert , Schindlbacher Andreas
Published: February 2023

Limited access to gas has stimulated a new interest in domestically available sources of renewable energy. Currently, about 13% of the Austrian national energy demand (1453.9 PJ) is met from forest biomass and residues from wood product manufactoring. The share of renewable sources of energy is 29.8% (432.9 PJ). Efforts to increase the bioenergy production are in stark contrast to European policies to prevent an icrease of the direct energetic use of primary forest biomass. Austria has a highly efficient timber processing sector and is globally the second largest importer of timber. After a cascade of timber utilization for sawnwood, particle boards and pulp & paper about 50% of the resource is used for energy production. It partially supplies energy for timber processing, and is partially used in biomass power plants. Primary wood that goes directly from the forest into energy production comprises assortments and tree parts that presently cannot be turned into wood products. Yet, particularly in rural areas small-holder foresters extract timber for their regional energy needs. The growing demand for pellets cannot be fully met from the residues of timber processing and relies partially on imported pellets. A further increase of the provision of energy is possible, if (i) the market demands more wood products, and/or (ii) the harvesting rate is increased. Simulations have shown that Austrian forests can sustain several decades of increased harvesting rates, merely because the harvesting rate has been lower than the annual growth, as shown by rising biomass stocks since at least 60 years. Many forests are overdue for thinning because the operational  costs are not covered. Sustainability issues are raised. A slight increase in the production of bioenergy is feasible. Strong increases would deplete resources within only a few decades, and potentially lead to undesired side effects such as nutrient depletion.
Holocene human-environmental interactions and seismic activity in a Late Bronze to Early Iron Age settlement center in the southeastern Caucasus
Authors: von Suchodoletz Hans , Kirkitadze Giorgi , Koff Tiiu , Fischer Markus L. , Poch Rosa M. , Khosravichenar Azra , Schneider Birgit , Glaser Bruno , Lindauer Susanne , Hoth Silvan , Skokan Anna , Navrozashvili Levan , Lobjanidze Mikheil , Akhalaia Mate , Losaberidze Levan , Elashvili Mikheil
Published: February 2023

Long-term human-environmental interactions in naturally fragile drylands are an actual topic of geomorphological and geoarchaeological research. Furthermore, many prehistoric societies in drylands were also affected by seismic activity. The semi-arid Shiraki Plain in the tectonically active southeastern Caucasus is currently covered by steppes and largely devoid of settlements. However, numerous Late Bronze to Early Iron Age city-type fortified settlements suggest early state formation between ca. 3.2 – 2.5 ka that abruptly ended after that time. A paleolake was suggested for the lowest plain, and nearby pollen records suggest forest clearcutting of the upper altitudes under a more humid climate during the Late Bronze/Early Iron Ages. Furthermore, also an impact of earthquakes on regional Early Iron Age settlements was suggested. However, regional paleoenvironmental changes and paleoseismicity were not systematically studied so far. We combined geomorphological, sedimentological, chronological, paleoecological and hydrological modelling data to reconstruct regional Holocene paleoenvironmental changes in the Shiraki Plain, and identify possible natural and anthropogenic causes as well as possible seismic events during the Late Bronze/Early Iron Ages. Our results show a balanced to negative Early to Mid-Holocene water balance probably caused by forested upper slopes. Hence, no lake but an incipient Chernozem developed in the lowest plain. Following, Late Bronze/Early Iron Age forest clear-cutting obviously caused lake formation and the deposition of lacustrine sediments derived from intensive soil erosion. Subsequently, regional aridification obviously caused slow lake desiccation. Remains of freshwater fishes indicate that the lake potentially offered valuable ecosystem services for regional prehistoric societies even during the desiccation period. Finally, colluvial coverage of the lake sediments during the last centuries could have been linked with hydrological extremes during the Little Ice Age. Our study demonstrates that the Holocene hydrological balance of the Shiraki Plain was and is situated near a major hydrological threshold, making the landscape very sensitive to also small-scale human or natural influences with serious consequences for local societies. Furthermore, seismites in the studied sediments do not indicate an influence of earthquakes on the main and late phases of Late Bronze/Early Iron Age settlement. Altogether, our study underlines the high value of multi-disciplinary approaches to investigate long-term human-environmental interactions and paleoseismicity in drylands on millennial to centennial time scales.
IoT technologies to access urban environment.
Authors: Ferreira António , Boulet Anne Karine , Ribeiro Arlindo , Fonseca Fabio , Fraga Pedro , Mafra Sandra , Custódio Filipe , Silva Fernando , Aguilar Gil , Antunes Mario , Maximiano Marisa , Santos Pedro , Cação Ricardo , Relvão Pedro
Published: February 2023

Cities present complex environments, where a multitude of factors can influence the environmental performance of small areas, in terms of microclimate, hydrology and pollutant transport and deposition.The IoT generation sensors provide a unique opportunity to address the diversity of environmental processes and properties that are of exceptional value for the planning and management of cities, with the data obtained from the sensors and the information produced by machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence, which allow decision makers to take the necessary measures for the best of the citizens. The Agricity project (AVISO Nº 12/SI/2020 - ANI) aims to develop systems to help in the management of different types of environmental conditions. In what concerns the urban agriculture, key issues are the micro-meteorological and micro-climatological factors, and the soil quality parameters, namely in what concerns the heavy metal levels.In fact, although urban agriculture may be seen as an important role in overall sustainability, by closing some energy and mass loops, and in reducing the carbon footprint, cities are also among the most polluted places on earth, reason why the transfer of pollutants from polluted areas to food is of utmost relevance in what concerns the public health. This requires more detailed systems, capable of presenting a higher resolution.This is the aim of the Agricity project (AVISO Nº 12/SI/2020 – ANI), that integrates IoT solutions to micromanage the environmental factors in cities, and will be presented in the EGU General Assembly.
Optimal resolution of UAV-based digital elevation models (DEMs) for mapping of selected subtle glacial landforms
Authors: Śledź Szymon , Ewertowski Marek
Published: February 2023

Geomorphological mapping is one of the primary research methods used to collect data on glacial landforms and reconstruct glaciological processes. The most common approach is a combination of field-based and remote mapping using data obtained from various sensors. However, one of the crucial methodical problems is collecting remote sensing data in the appropriate spatial resolution for the analyzed landform, which directly affects the data collection time and costs. This study aims to find the optimal resolution of digital elevation models (DEMs) to map subtle glacial landforms: kame terraces, eskers, flutes, and push moraine. Such landforms contain valuable information about the glacial process–form relationships, however, are often too subtle to be recognized on satellite data, and therefore more detailed data (e.g., UAV-based) are required. By “optimal”, we mean the resolution high enough to enable recognition of the landforms mentioned above, and at the same time, as low as possible to minimize the time spent on data collection during the fieldwork.To find out the optimal resolution, we used detailed (0.02 – 0.04 m ground sampling distance [GSD]) DEMs of the glacier forelands in Iceland (Kvíárjökull, Fjallsjökull and Svinafellsjökull), created based high-resolution images from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The DEMs were resampled to 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.30, 0.40, 0.50, 1.00 and 2.00 m GSD and selected glacial landforms were mapped independently by two operators and cross-checked. The results indicate that 2.0 m resolution is insufficient to properly recognize landforms such as pushed moraines or flutes; however, it can be sufficient to detect kame terraces and major glacifluvial channels. For general mapping of locations of forms such as annual pushed moraines or fluting, the 0.5 m resolution is required. However, to obtain geomorphometric characteristics of the landforms (e.g., height, width, volume) resolution between 0.1 and 0.2 m is necessary. Finer resolution (better than 0.05 m GSD) does not increase the ability to detect landforms or better characterize their geometric properties; however, in some cases might be useful to obtain information about clast characteristics. The experiment proved that decimeter-scale spatial resolution is sufficient for mapping of some geomorphological forms (annual pushed moraines, flutes), which allows for planning UAV missions at a higher elevation above the ground and, therefore, minmizing the duration of field surveys. Moreover, some of the more prominent landforms (e.g., kame terraces, larger moraines) can be successfully detected from aerial or satellite-based DEMs (e.g. freely available ArcticDEM) with a resolution of 2.00 m, the use of which reduces the costs of field research to a minimum.This research was funded by the National Science Centre, Poland, Grant Number 2019/35/B/ST10/03928.
High-performance electromagnetic mapping in the exascale era
Authors: Castillo Reyes Octavio , Queralt Pilar
Published: February 2023

Electromagnetic imaging has been perfected to investigate the subsurface over the past three decades. Developing numerical schemes, algorithms, and easy access to supercomputers have supported innovation throughout the geo-electromagnetic community. Now, with the Exascale computing era dawning upon us, even more accurate, clearer, and faster data will be within our reach. However, numerical methods, computational strategies, and codes must be reshaped and honed to prepare for the upcoming challenges. Europe is making a huge effort in the strategic global race to Exascale, with large investments in the infrastructure. From the point of view of science and services, this unprecedented infrastructure opens a myriad of possibilities but, at the same time, the transition is challenging and requires a joint effort from (geo)scientists, mathematics, software engineers, and data analysts. Herein, we discuss the symbiotic relationship between numerical methods and computational strategies for EM imaging in the Exascale era. We focus on the need to explore all the alternatives of technologies, applications, and expertise transfer to propel the high-performance electromagnetic mapping landscape forward.
Higher temperature and nutrient concentrations may decrease black mangrove seedling stability during coastline recovery
Authors: Pino Cobacho Sara , Janssen Sjoerd , Brekelmans Mabel , van de Leemput Ingrid , Holmgren Milena , Christianen Marjolijn
Published: February 2023

Mangrove forests provide a wide range of benefits for natural and human communities in tropical and subtropical coastlines. Mangrove restoration using seedlings is vital to counteract the loss of mangrove forests, currently estimated at 3.4% over the past 24 years, with mangroves disappearing at a rate twice as large as their gain. Restoration success depends on the successful establishment of seedlings in the new environment, which may be influenced by unexplored factors such as nutrient status and temperature in selected sites. In order to determine the role of these two factors on mangrove seedling growth and development once they have been outplanted, we set up a laboratory experiment consisting of two climate rooms at 25ºC and 30ºC mimicking a standard and a future global warming scenario. These two temperature levels were combined with two different nutrient levels representing a standard and an eutrophication scenario. We assessed the influence of increased nutrients and temperature on the development and photosynthetic performance of black mangrove seedlings over a period of 10 weeks, and studied their responses to the individual and combined effects of these drivers. Seedling growth was measured as leaf area, plant length and above/ below biomass development. In addition, we determined the photosynthetic performance of seedlings by applying the Pulse Amplitude Modulated (PAM) fluorometry technique. Our results showed reduced root growth and disproportionally long, bent stems, with lower net assimilation rates under the combined effects of high temperature and nutrient concentrations. These outcomes, specially the nearly-negligible root growth suggest a low stability as the seedlings fail to anchor themselves to the sediment, which may translate into a greater vulnerability to physical disturbance leading to their dislodgement. On this basis, we recommend that local hydrodynamic conditions and nutrient status are taken into consideration for improving future site selection and increasing restoration success under a warming climate. Our results also suggest that the impacts of global-scale processes such as global warming could be dampened by the implementation of local policies, such as preventing coastal eutrophication.