bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementing a new data acquisition system for the advanced integrated atmospheric observation system KITcube
Authors: Kohler Martin , Fekri Mahnaz , Wieser Andreas , Handwerker Jan
Published: March 2020

KITcube (Kalthoff et al, 2013) is a mobile advanced integrated observation system for the measurement of meteorological processes within a volume of 10x10x10 km3. A large variety of different instruments from in-situ sensors to scanning remote sensing devices are deployed during campaigns. The simultaneous operation and real time instrument control needed for maximum instrument synergy requires a real-time data management designed to cover the various user needs: Save data acquisition, fast loading, compressed storage, easy data access, monitoring and data exchange. Large volumes of data such as raw and semi-processed data of various data types, from simple ASCII time series to high frequency multi-dimensional binary data provide abundant information, but makes the integration and efficient management of such data volumes to a challenge.
Our data processing architecture is based on open source technologies and involves the following five sections: 1) Transferring: Data and metadata collected during a campaign are stored on a file server. 2) Populating the database: A relational database is used for time series data and a hybrid database model for very large, complex, unstructured data. 3) Quality control: Automated checks for data acceptance and data consistency. 4) Monitoring: Data visualization in a web-application. 5) Data exchange: Allows the exchange of observation data and metadata in specified data formats with external users.
The implemented data architecture and workflow is illustrated in this presentation using data from the MOSES project (http://moses.eskp.de/home).

References:

KITcube - A mobile observation platform for convection studies deployed during HyMeX .
Kalthoff, N.; Adler, B.; Wieser, A.; Kohler, M.; Träumner, K.; Handwerker, J.; Corsmeier, U.; Khodayar, S.; Lambert, D.; Kopmann, A.; Kunka, N.; Dick, G.; Ramatschi, M.; Wickert, J.; Kottmeier, C.
2013. Meteorologische Zeitschrift, 22 (6), 633–647. doi:10.1127/0941-2948/2013/0542 
Turbidity current signature on consecutive turbidity current: analysis through numerical simulations of multiple consecutive submarine flows
Authors: Azpiroz-Zabala Maria , Storms Joep , Eggenhuissen Joris T. , van der Vegt Helena , Jagers Bert , Walstra Dirk-Jan , Obradors-Latre Arnau , Pontén Anna
Published: March 2020

Turbidity currents are powerful submarine density flows that travel towards the deep-sea carrying huge amounts of suspended sediment. The flow capacity of keeping sediment suspended in turbidity currents controls the flow duration, which can last from minutes to days. Sediment in turbidity currents is entrained when the flows are triggered, or when the flows erode the seafloor and suspend additional sediment in their downslope path. Eventually, suspended sediment settles to form deposits on the seafloor. Therefore, the composition of the seafloor after the passage of turbidity current depends on the initial composition of the seafloor and the erosion, reworking of the bed and deposition of the flow-entrained sediment. Can the comparison of seafloor before and after turbidity currents provide information about the initial flow and seafloor parameters? Can the seafloor composition after a turbidity current passage modify next flow behaviour and to what extent?

We set up numerical models of multiple consecutive turbidity currents in Delft3D4 to study the evolution of both the flows themselves as well as their interaction with the seafloor. Some simulated flows run into clear water while other simulated flows run into the tail of the previous turbidity current. We analyse the influence of the initial flow sediment grain size composition on the flow behaviour and on the bed sediment composition. We investigate the influence on the flow structure of the sediment kept in suspension between consecutive flows. We analyse the evolution of the stratigraphy in the deposit formed by multiple consecutive turbidity currents. The aim of this work is enhancing the knowledge on the evolution of both flows and seafloor. The combination of the findings of these numerical models with field and experimental measurements and interpretations add to the prediction of the characteristics of turbidity currents and the distribution of the flow sediment.
Monitoring Neptune's atmosphere with a combination of small and large telescopes
Authors: Hueso Ricardo , de Pater Imke , Simon Amy , Wong Mike , Sromovsky Larry , Redwing Erin , Chavez Erandi , Sánchez-Lavega Agustín , Dhillon Vik , Fry Patrick , Littlefair Stuart , Tollefson Joshua , Delcroix Marc , Ordonez-Etxeberria Iñaki , Iñurrigarro Peio , Hernández-Bernal Jorge , Pérez-Hoyos Santiago , Rojas Jose Félix , Marsh Tom
Published: March 2020

Neptune’s atmosphere is covered by tropospheric clouds and elevated hazes that are highly contrasted in hydrogen and methane absorption bands that dominate the red and near-infrared spectrum of the planet. The major cloud systems observed in these wavelengths evolve in time-scales of days, months and years. However, the differential rotation of the atmosphere, and the vertical wind shear implied by the motion of some of these systems, result in challenges in identifying common cloud systems observed in images obtained with a time difference of only a few weeks. Given the small apparent size of Neptune’s disk (2.3 arc sec at best) there are outstanding difficulties in obtaining sufficient high-resolution data to trace Neptune’s atmospheric dynamics and study the variability in the atmosphere.

In 2019 Neptune has been observed by a battery of different large telescopes and techniques including: Adaptive Optics observations from the Keck, Lick and other telescopes, observations from Hubble Space Telescope in two different dates, and lucky-imaging observations with the GranTeCan 10.4m, Calar Alto 2.2m and the 1.05m Pic du Midi telescope. In addition, some ground-based observers using small telescopes of 30-40 cm have been successful to image Neptune’s major clouds completing a dense time-line of observations. We will present comparative results of Neptune’s major cloud systems observed with these facilities at a variety of spatial resolutions and long-term drift rates of some of these cloud systems. These will be compared with similar multi-telescope results obtained in the past with several of these telescopes since 2015. Future punctual observations achievable with new observational facilities such as the JWST will benefit from ground-based coordinated campaigns and will require a combination of several telescopes to understand drift rates and evolutionary time-lines of major cloud systems in Neptune.
DInSAR and topographic techniques applied to study the Tazones Lighthouse landslide (N Spain)
Authors: Cuervas-Mons José , Monserrat Oriol , Domínguez-Cuesta María José , Mateos-Redondo Félix , González-Pumariega Pelayo , López-Fernández Carlos , Valenzuela Pablo , Barra Anna , Pascual-Lombardía Pablo , Jiménez-Sánchez Montserrat
Published: March 2020

Ground displacements associated to landslides can be analysed by means of geological, geotechnical, topographic and remote sensing techniques. In this work different classical topographic techniques are combined with a satellite based remote sensing technique: Differential SAR Interferometry (DInSAR). The topographic techniques provide precise measurements on a set of points strategically located for each landslide. The DInSAR technique provides a more opportunistic set of points, usually denser than topographic techniques, providing key information on the area of influence of the movement and its potential impact on the surroundings. The combination of both approaches provides a complementary set of measurements useful to properly understand the landslide mechanics. The area of study is Tazones Lighthouse sector (43º 32’ 54’’N, 5º 23’ 57’’W), located on a coastal cliff in north Asturias (N Spain), where there is an important active mass movement.

The used procedure consisted in the following steps: a) Processing of Envisat ASAR satellite data from 2002 to 2012 to obtain the deformation velocity map of the zone of interest thorough the ESA G-POD service (European Space Agency Grid Processing On Demand); b) Processing of the period 2014-2019 with Sentinel-1 data to obtain the Deformation time series and the deformation velocity map with the PSIG software (developed by the Geomatics Division of the CTTC); c) Integration, combination and comparison by a Geographical Information System (GIS) of the satellite results with topographic data obtained from 2018 to 2019 by means of standard techniques (theodolite, feno survey markers and control points); d) Analysis and interpretation of the results taken into account geological-geomorphological data available.

The results of this study show different velocity ratios in the Area of Interest (AoI), from mm/year to m/year, which are consistent with the ground measurements. Therefore, the work demonstrated the potentials of combining different geodetic techniques to infer information about landslides processes and the usefulness of the DInSAR for the control of the mass movement, whose fast evolution makes it difficult the topographic work due to the changes in the relief and the loss of several feno survey markers.
Atlantic Ocean Influence on Middle East Summer Surface Air Temperature
Authors: Ehsan Muhammad Azhar , Nicolì Dario , Kucharski Fred , Almazroui Mansour , Tippett Michael , Bellucci Alessio , Ruggieri Paolo , Kang In-Sik
Published: March 2020

Middle East surface air temperature (ME−SAT), during boreal summer (June to August: JJA), shows robust multidecadal variations for the period 1948−2016. Here using observational and reanalysis datasets as well as coupled atmosphere−ocean model simulations, we linked the observed summer ME−SAT variability to the multidecadal variability of sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Atlantic Ocean (AMV). This Atlantic−ME connection during summer involves ocean−atmosphere interactions through multiple ocean basins, with an influence from the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. The downstream response to Atlantic SST is a weakening of the subtropical westerly jet stream that impacts summer ME−SAT variability through a wave−like pattern in the upper tropospheric levels. The Atlantic SST response is further characterized by positive geopotential height anomalies in the upper levels over the Eurasian region and dipole−like pressure distribution over the ME lower levels. For positive Atlantic SST anomalies, this pressure gradient initiates anomalous low−level southerly flow, which transports moisture from the neighboring water bodies toward the extremely hot and dry ME landmass. The increase in atmospheric moisture reduces the longwave radiation damping of the SAT anomaly, increasing further ME−SAT. A suite of Atlantic Pacemaker experiments skillfully reproduces the North Atlantic−ME teleconnection. Our findings reveal that in observations and models the Atlantic Ocean acts as a critical pacemaker for summer ME−SAT multidecadal variability and that a positive AMV can lead to enhanced summer warming over the Middle East.
Tectonic relaxation and the development of cross fold in the Singhbhum Proterozoic mobile belt: Insights from physical and numerical model experiments
Authors: Saha Puspendu , Mitra Atin Kumar , Mandal Nibir
Published: March 2020

Mobile belts are generally characterized by deformational structures of multiple generations, indicating complex spatial and temporal evolution of the strain fields. These deformed terrains show interference patterns indicating superposition of structures striking transverse to the orogenic trend which leads to the development of cross folds in mobile belts. Despite significant work on cross-folding, it is still not well understood how horizontal shortening can develop regionally along the trend of an orthogonal convergent belts. Our present work deals with the spectacular cross-folds in the eastern flank of the Singhbhum Proterozoic mobile belt.

This study uses three-dimensional continuum models to address the long-standing question: what is the tectonics of regional scale cross-folds with axial planes transecting the orogenic trend? Physical experiments were conducted with PDMS (Poly dimethyl siloxane), a Newtonian viscous material under lower strain rate of deformation. We propose that the belt underwent orogen-parallel flow during tectonic relaxation, developing orogen-parallel shortening, as observed in analogue models. This gravity-driven flow appears to be potential factor for cross folding in orogenic belts. In order to substantiate the deformation of analogue models, the horizontal shear stress was mapped in FE models. This reveals a distinct zone of shear stress localization in the eastern flank. Model results suggest that the arcuate belt is likely to show deformations by large horizontal shear at the flank of the model. This prediction agrees to the observations from analogue models. In order to study the large scale three-dimensional flow pattern, velocity vectors are plotted in the model. The vector diagram shows that the material flow does not take place orthogonally to the orogenic trend, while at the NE margin the flow direction is parallel to orogenic trend, resulting in the development of cross folds in Singhbhum mobile belts.
Teaching Natural Hazards at University level: Integration of ICT, and advanced and classic techniques in classroom and fieldwork.
Authors: Furdada Glòria , Guinau Marta
Published: March 2020

We present our experience of learning by doing while integrating ICT, advanced and classic techniques in classroom and fieldwork, to teach Natural Hazards at University. The learning activities are structured around a mountain valley affected by floods and landslides. The working groups (4-5 students) focus on a specific stretch along the valley and adjacent slopes. We alternate classroom activities with field work, organized in 3 steps: 1) Information compilation and preparation of the field work; 2) field work (3 days); and 3) GIS analysis considering hazardous and exposed areas, and final synthesis. The students work with dropbox to compile basic hazard information of the area from archives, administration and university databases, etc. To prepare the field work, they use classical stereoscopic photointerpretation to characterize the geoforms and to study the reference flood occurred in 1982 through ancient aerial photographs. In the field, they use cellphone photos, GoogleEarth and PPT to present their preliminary observations. They use these data to collectively construct the indicators and hazard legends, and to generate the indicators and hazard maps (group task). To conclude, the students present an individual report, including a hazard evaluation and a preliminary risk map generated by GIS analysis. The group tasks and the individual report are used for assessment.
Stable carbon isotopic composition of biomass burning emissions – implications for estimating the contribution of C3 and C4 plants
Authors: Dusek Ulrike , Vernooij Roland , Shaikat Anupam , Qiu Chenxi , Popa Elena , Winiger Patrik , Schutgens Nick A. J. , Yao Peng , van der Werf Guido R.
Published: March 2020

Biomass burning on the African continent emits large amounts of CO2, CO, and aerosols. Our aim is to use measurements of the stable carbon isotope 13C in organic carbon, CO and CO2 in biomass burning smoke to estimate the contribution of C3 plants (trees and bushes) and C4 plants (mainly Savannah grass), which have very distinct 13C/12C ratios. This is possible, if 13C/12C ratios are not significantly altered by the combustion process. This assumption is investigated in a series of laboratory experiments, where C3 and C4 plants (corn and willow wood), or C3-C4 plant mixtures are burned. The laboratory results are used to interpret the results of pilot studies of smoke sampled in African savannah fires.

 

First results from the laboratory studies indicate that organic carbon (OC) from combustion of willow or corn shows 13C/12C ratios comparable to the burned plant material. For combustion of willow (C3), the 13C/12C ratios in OC tend to be slightly higher than in the wood fuel, depending on combustion conditions. For combustion of corn 13C/12C ratios of OC tend to be slightly lower than in the fuel. For mixtures of willow and corn the relationship between 13C/12C ratios in the emitted organic carbon and the fuel mixture is slightly non-linear: For a 50-50% oak wood and corn mixture the 13C/12C ratio in OC is closer to that of corn than that of willow. First results from pilot field studies indicate that a larger fraction of OC comes from trees and bushes, although mainly Savannah grass is burned in the investigated fires.
Localized heating of the Martian topside ionosphere through the combined effects of magnetic pumping by large scale magnetosonic waves and pitch angle diffusion by whistler waves
Authors: Fowler Christopher , Agapitov Oleksiy , Xu Shaosui , Mitchell David , Andersson Laila , Artemyev Anton , Espley Jared , Ergun Robert , Mazelle Christian
Published: March 2020

We present Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) observations of periodic (~ 25 s) large scale (100s km) magnetosonic waves propagating into the Martian dayside upper ionosphere. These waves adiabatically modulate the superthermal electron distribution function, and the induced electron temperature anisotropies drive the generation of observed electromagnetic whistler waves. The localized (in altitude) minimum in the ratio fpe / fce provides conditions favorable for the local enhancement of efficient wave-particle interactions, so that the induced whistlers act back on the superthermal electron population to isotropize the plasma through pitch angle scattering. These wave-particle interactions break the adiabaticity of the large scale magnetosonic wave compressions, leading to local heating of the superthermal electrons during compressive wave `troughs'. Further evidence of this heating is observed as the subsequent phase shift between the observed perpendicular-to-parallel superthermal electron temperatures and compressive wave fronts. Such a heating mechanism may be important at other unmagnetized bodies such as Venus and comets.
Satellite monitoring of ammonia: from point sources to long-term trends
Authors: Clarisse Lieven , Van Damme Martin , Franco Bruno , Whitburn Simon , Hadji-Lazaro Juliette , Hurtmans Daniel , Clerbaux Cathy , Coheur Pierre-François
Published: March 2020

IASI satellite ammonia (NH3) measurements are used to identify, categorise and quantify world's NH3 emission hotspots. In particular, applying spatial oversampling and supersampling techniques on more than 10 years of IASI measurements, we are able to track-down more than 500 localized point sources of agricultural, industrial (fertilizer, coking, soda ash, geothermal and explosives industries), urban and natural origin. We present an on-line global NH3 point sources catalogue, consisting of an interactive global map, visualizing the distribution, type and time evolution of the different point sources (http://www.ulb.ac.be/cpm/NH3-IASI.html). Calculated satellite-based emissions of NH3 suggest a drastic underestimation of point sources in bottom-up inventories, especially those of industrial emitters. Temporal analysis revealed rapid shifts in anthropogenic activities, such as the opening or closure of industrial plants. These results demonstrate that using NH3 satellite data will be hugely beneficial for improving bottom-up emission inventories.

A recently obtained homogeneous data record of NH3 total columns from IASI (ANNI-NH3-v3R) is also used to derive trends over the last decade. We apply a bootstrap resampling method to determine the trends and to assess whether the calculated values are significant or not. We obtain the first global distribution (0.5°×0.5°) of atmospheric NH3 trends based on 11 years (2008-2018) of IASI/Metop-A observations. Distinct temporal patterns are extracted and are analysed in light of anthropogenic activities and biomass burning events. National absolute and relative trends are also calculated and discussed.
Warming-level dependent adaptation requirements and consequent limits to adaptation
Authors: Lissner Tabea
Published: March 2020

The level of detail to understand the impacts associated with different levels of global temperature increase across space and time is increasing with and since the publication of the IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C (SR1.5). However, current adaptation assessments are limited in picking up this information to understand what the implications of different impact pathways are for adaptation. Yet, the intensity, frequency and timing of impacts are critical determinants of the feasibility of different adaptation options and their associated costs.

There is increasing awareness that limits to adaptation are likely to be approached or crossed with higher levels of warming, however differential analyses of adaptation needs as a consequence of different warming pathways are so far limited. While case study based assessment of warming- and scenario-depend adaptation responses are emerging, so far an aggregated regional to global assessment is lacking.

Adaptation is often seen as a process that can draw on existing approaches that have been successfully implemented elsewhere, assuming that a linear increase of impacts would allow impacted regions to scale existing approaches to deal with hazards. However, climate impacts are unlikely to increase in a linear fashion across space and time and we are likely to enter new regimes of impacts in terms of intensity and frequency, with implications on recovery times. As a consequence, existing approaches are unlikely to be able to respond to these fundamentally changed conditions and limits to adaptation as we know it are likely to be reached. Understanding adaptation needs and potentials at different levels of global warming is therefore an urgent need in order to understand the full scale of the challenge. Such information is also critical in understanding the full cost of different mitigation pathway choices.

This contribution presents a framework for the systematic assessment of warming-level dependent adaptation needs and potentials across sectors and presents first results of this approach in the context of adaptation in the water sector. Our results highlight the need for differentiated approaches to planning adaptation, drawing a strong link to available impacts and vulnerability science to avoid mal-adaptation and to understand the full scope of the challenge. Where transformational adaptation will be required and current warming trajectories, early action may reduce associated costs of such measures across different dimensions, including financial, social or cultural aspects.
Extension of Pacific summer waters in the Arctic Ocean based on field and model data
Authors: Makhotin Mikhail , Timokhov Leonid A.
Published: March 2020

During the last few decades we observe fast climatic changes. These changes are well expressed in the Polar Region that is more sensitive to all environmental shifts. The temperature and salinity anomalies were observed not only on the surface but also in the Pacific origin halocline layer. Due to hydrostatic imbalance and atmospheric circulation, water from the North Pacific flows through the Bering Strait, transits the upper levels of the Arctic Ocean, and penetrates to the North Atlantic. Pacific Summer Water (PSW) (flows through the Bering Strait in summer) is a main freshwater source in the Canadian Basin and influences thermohaline structure of the whole Arctic Ocean. Based on the field oceanographic data obtained during 1991-2014 we found the high interannual variability of PSW extent and maximum temperatures of PSW core. Since 1991 the area of PSW distribution decreased and the boundary of PSW extension shifted from the Makarov Basin towards the Canada Basin. At the end of the 2000s the PSW boundary extension returned to approximately early 1990s conditions. Rapid changes in the Arctic wind forcing regime occurred in 2007 led to anomaly extension of the PSW boundary towards the Lomonosov Ridge in 2008. For study the distribution of PSW under the conditions of a lack of field data, we used the modeling data of the GLORYS12V1 product of Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (http://marine.copernicus.eu/). The model component is the NEMO platform driven at the surface by ECMWF ERA-Interim reanalysis. Based on the calculated data we revealed the maximum temperatures and extension of PSW core in the Arctic Ocean from 1993 to 2018. As a result of comparing of field and calculated data, we found a good correspondence the values of maximum temperatures and the position of the PSW core in the centre of the Canada Basin. For example, in 2011 observed (1.0 °С) and calculated (0.9 °С) maximum temperature of PSW were very close. Based on model data we calculated the heat content of PSW which reached maximum values in recent years. The research was supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation (project RFMEFI61619X0108).
Source and mobilization mechanism of arsenic contamination in Manipur, Northeast India
Authors: Kashyap Chandra Shekhar Azad , Singh Swati
Published: March 2020

India is one of the fastest economic growing and second-largest country by population. More than 75% people are living in rural areas and engage with agricultural activities for livelihood. A significant portion of the revenue comes from agriculture which cause ignorance in follow the guideline to get more yield. The supply of good quality food and drinking water are the necessity for economic and social health welfare of urban and rural population. In this study, we have observed that the groundwater quality is being degrading due to improper implementation of the rules and regulation. Twenty three groundwater sample were analyze for arsenic and trace elements contamination. The arsenic content in groundwater ranging from 10 to 780 µg/L, which is far above the levels for drinking water standards prescribed by World Health Organization (WHO). For identify the provable source of the contamination, four soil sample were analyzed and observed arsenic content ranging from 110 to 190 mg/kg. Rice is the staple food and ultimately cultivating the paddy crop on more over 80% of the agricultural land. The Paddy crop requires a large amount of water, ultimately maintain the waterlogging condition in the agricultural field. This waterlogging condition is providing a long time to get dissolution of the arsenic bearing minerals present in the soil. This study concluded that the traditional practicing of continuous growing paddy crop in the same field leading to groundwater contamination. The crops cycling could be a better option for reducing the contamination at a local scale.
You Are Where You Live: Using the size of conodont dental tools to shed light on environmental conditions and community complexity
Authors: Mulvey Laura , Shirley Bryan , Pye Fiona , B. Raja Nussaïbah , Jarochowska Emilia
Published: March 2020

One of the most versatile tools in a palaeontologists’ “tool-kit” is body size analysis, which can be used to characterise and quantify a wide range of ecological and physiological traits.  Utilisation of these data allows insight into predator prey relationships, respiration rates, mortality rates, and even population dynamics. Body size analysis becomes essential when studying extinct organisms where few other clues to their ecology are available. An extreme example of such organisms are conodonts, which are hypothesised to be among the first predators.  Here, changes are tracked  through the Silurian Period using coniform conodont elements as a proxy for body size. Previous research focuses primarily on species turnover, however the data collected in this study is independent of species identification, relying purely on body size changes to reflect the ecology of the community. The size of coniform elements are measured across a number of bathymetries spanning approximately 10 million years. This allows a comparison of body size change not only across differing environments, but also through time. The morphometric measurements were determined using FossilJ, a plugin for ImageJ which facilitates semi-automated measurement of two-dimensional images. Firstly, our results show a clear correlation between body size change and onshore offshore gradients with smaller organisms residing at shallower water depths, unlike what is seen in today’s oceans. Secondly, specimens span across two of the three recorded isotopic excursions during the Silurian Period, the Mulde and Lau events. The impact of these events on conodont communities is represented by a reduction in body size directly after each. Furthermore, the results suggest the Mulde event may have had a stronger effect on these communities and could potentially reflect a time of stress and/or extinction for coniform conodonts.
Site Specific Nitrogen Management in Citrus Orchard to Minimize Nitrogen Pollution
Authors: Paz-Kagan Tarin , Termin Dolev , Linker Raphael , Raveh Eran , Ohana Noa , Baram Shahar
Published: March 2020

Site-specific agricultural management relies on identifying within-field spatial variability and is being used for variable rate input of resources. Precision agricultural management commonly attempts to integrate multiple datasets to determine management zones (MZs), homogenous units within the field, based on spatial characteristics of environmental and crop properties (i.e., terrain, soil, vegetation conditions). This study aims to develop a novel statistical multivariate spatial clustering approach to determine MZs for precision nitrogen fertilization in a citrus orchard along the growing season. Five variables were used to characterize spatial variability (i.e., N spectral index, crop water stress index (CWSI), tree height, elevation, and slope) within four plots based on a monthly thermal and multispectral high-resolution imagery acquired from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV data was tested against leaf N samplings based on samples taken from 48 trees within the four craters plots, which were selected based on a stratified random design (SRD) model. A Support Vector Machines-Regression (SVM-R) model was applied to develop a prediction N spectral index for canopy N levels. The clustering model included the following components — spatial representation of the data based on Getis Ord Gi*. Then variable weights were assigned based on their relative contribution to principal component analysis. Fuzzy C-means algorithm was applied to the weighted spatial representation and was found to generate spatially continuous and homogeneous MZs with similar numbers of trees. In addition, we analyzed the temporal dynamics in the MZs and clustering patterns throughout the year, using information based on the monthly UAV imagery. Management of the sub-units, or plots, using spatial representation rather than the measured values, is suggested as a more suitable platform for agricultural practices. Future development of fertilization applications for individual trees will require adjusting the statistical approach to support tree-specific management. The proposed model composite is flexible and may be composed of different models and/or variables for developing optimal MZ delineation for specific plots.
Diachronism of river terrace formation? – Lessons to learn from luminescence dating results
Authors: Kolb Thomas , Fuchs Markus , Zöller Ludwig
Published: March 2020

Revealing an amazing diversity of forms, river systems have always to be interpreted as products of their specific landscapes. Extremely sensitive to external and internal forcing, they reflect the particular characteristics of climatological and geological conditions as well as the changes of these conditions. These changes are regularly preserved in depositional series whose varying sedimentary characteristics can be attributed either to palaeoclimatic variations or to tectonic activities and their corresponding changes in fluvial discharge and sediment load. What applies to fluvial sediments in general, is particularly true for river terraces. Regularly, they are regarded as valuable palaeoenvironmental and archaeological archives and their particular importance is well documented by a huge and still growing number of studies spanning a wide range of climatic and regional settings.

However, the information gained from fluvial terraces and their significance for palaeoenvironmental and present-day fluvial research strongly depend on an accurate and precise dating of the terrace formation. Numerical ages are of fundamental importance for the interpretation of sedimentological, morphological and stratigraphical findings. They are essential for assessing the influence of various driving forces and for providing insights into the mechanisms and dynamics of river adjustments over variable temporal scales.

In this contribution, we present luminescence ages of fluvial deposits originating from an Upper Pleistocene river terrace in a small valley located in the headwater of the Main River, Germany. For this study, several samples from various locations throughout the river longitudinal course have been analysed. Surprisingly, the determined luminescence ages for material from the lowermost part of the valley are significantly older than those from the middle section, which in turn are older than those from the valley’s upper reaches. Based on the evaluation of a high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) and on intensive fieldwork, we can be sure that all samples originate from the very same morphological unit, a well-preserved late Pleistocene fluvial terrace.

Our results suggest a diachronic alignment of sedimentation ages for fluvial deposits, starting with old ages close to the mouth of a river and getting progressively younger for locations approaching the upper reaches. If these findings are confirmed in other fluvial systems and are not only the result of very specific local conditions, they will be of great relevance for geomorphological research in fluvial landscapes. As a result, the widespread approach of deriving age estimates for fluvial terraces from numerical results merely determined for a single location appears to be inadequate and should be subjected to a critical review.
Substrate temperature as a primary control on meiofaunal populations in the intertidal zone of the Arabian Gulf: a persistent kill zone linked to elevated temperature
Authors: Kaminski Michael , Amao Abduljamiu , Babalola Lamidi , Garrison Thomas , Frontalini Fabrizio , Tawabini Bassam
Published: March 2020

In recent years the popular press has asked the question whether the sea surface temperatures in the Arabian Gulf are becoming too hot to sustain animal life. According to a climate modal published by Pal and Eltahir (2016), the hottest temperatures in the Arabian Gulf are likely to be seen in the area between Doha (Qatar) and Dhahran (Saudi Arabia). In order address this question, we are gathering baseline annual temperature data at several nearshore locations in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. We measured seawater temperatures and substrate temperatures in the intertidal zone during the hottest time of the year at a lagoon in Askar, Bahrain. For the purpose of this study, we concentrated our attention on an exposed tidal flat that has a southward-facing slope. We additionally observed the distribution and behavior of marine benthic organisms in the intertidal zone. We repeated our observations every two weeks during the 2019 summer-autumn season.

The intertidal mudflat in Murray’s Pool south of Askar (Bahrain) experiences summer temperatures in excess of 52°C at low tide on a hot summer afternoon. A “kill zone” with regard to meiofauna is observed on the mudflat where sediment temperature rises above ca. 40°C. In summer, a community of living foraminifera, gastropods, ostracods and diverse worms is only present in the tidal channels that contain water at low tide. Living foraminifera in the tidal channel mainly consist of the genera Ammonia, Peneroplis, and smaller miliolids. In the summer-autumn season of 2019, “summer” conditions persisted until the end of October. Temperatures below 40° were finally observed on the mudflat the first week of November. At this time, living juvenile Peneroplis specimens were observed on the surface of the mudflat. The site is currently being monitored on a bi-weekly basis to determine the length of the growing season.

We conclude that the intertidal faunas in Murray’s Pool are thermally stressed, and the higher intertidal areas are already too hot to sustain benthic marine life during the summer-autumn season. This finding is in line with predictions of climate models, which foresee that portions of the Arabian Gulf will become too hot to sustain animal life in the next decades.
GIS based morphostratigraphic evaluation of glaciofluvial terraces in the foreland of the European Alps
Authors: Pollhammer Thomas , Salcher Bernhard , Kober Florian , Deplazes Gaudenz
Published: March 2020

Glacial and glaciofluvial sediments of the North Alpine Foreland have been subject to extensive quaternary research for more than a century. Nevertheless, a regional scale stratigraphic model has not been proposed since Penk & Brückner (1909). Since then, geological evidence were fit into local stratigraphic classifications, leading to severe inconsistencies across different countries/regions. The following study aims to solve inconsistencies by a morphostratigraphical approach, applying innovative methods utilizing new high-resolution digital elevation models, existing geodata and information from literature.

First, the abundant information from literature was reviewed to create a synopsis of commonly used terrace stratigraphic classifications. Second, geologic maps and (high-resolution) digital elevation models were compiled in a GIS database. To process this data, a new toolset was developed (using software R), fitting the requirements of morphostratigraphic analyses. These mainly involve the processing and statistic evaluation of terrace-top surfaces. Based on these analyses, we discussed fluvial, glacial and geodynamic factors, controlling the observed hypsometric parameters (concavity, slope, relative heights). To stratigraphically compare results across catchments and regions, the modern Danube and Rhine River were used as “fixed” base-levels to which tributary terrace tops were extrapolated. Terrace elevations above these base-levels were used as proxy to evaluate the rare absolute and otherwise inferred terrace ages from literature. Derived morphostratigraphic evidence provides an objective basis to discuss and harmonise the highly complex and diverging stratigraphic classification schemes across North Alpine Foreland regions.

Penck, A., & Brückner, E. (1909). Die Alpen im Eiszeitalter. Leipzig: Tauchnitz.
Estimation of Wheat Yield using Remotely Sensed and Modeled Data over Turkey
Authors: Bulut Burak , Yilmaz M. Tugrul , H. Afshar Mehdi
Published: March 2020

Monitoring agricultural crop conditions during the growing season and estimating potential crop yields are important for evaluating seasonal production. The accurate and timely assessment of the losses in crop yields caused by a natural disaster, such as drought, may be critical for countries where their economies are reliant on their agricultural productivity. Early assessment of the reduction in crop yields can prevent a catastrophic situation and help meet the demands of strategic planning.

In this study, the Multiple Linear Regression model was used to estimate the wheat yields in Turkey. Remotely sensed-, model-, and in-situ-based measurements of affecting variables of crop productivity (i.e., precipitation, land surface temperature, soil moisture, wind, and Normalized Vegetation Difference Index) were extracted over selected areas in which yield data were available on them. The datasets are collected using different time scales (e.g., before/during sowing period, growing season, one/two months before harvest, etc.).

The cross-validation of more than 700 different model combinations over more than total 700 different administrative divisions (i.e., districts, provinces, and regions) showed that by using the best model selected for each district, on average, a correlation value of 0.65 and a mean absolute error of 35 kg/da can be obtained between estimated and observed yield values. While, this consistency is more pronounced over the districts located in the Central Anatolia region where the average production of the wheat in them is more than the rest of districts in the country. Overall, regional differences of the selected predictors of observed yield data, suggest that the land surface temperature can provide a useful exploratory and predictive tool for wheat yield estimation across the country.
Heavy Alpine snowfall in January 2019 connected to atmospheric blocking
Authors: Yessimbet Kamilya , Steiner Andrea
Published: March 2020

Winter weather and extreme events at mid-latitudes are determined by the atmospheric circulation variability, which is closely related to jet stream configuration and atmospheric blocking. In January 2019, record-breaking snowfall in the Northern Alps affected Austria and Germany. The event is linked to a typical weather regime of blocking over the North Atlantic and southward meridional moisture transport from the high latitudes to the Alps. This study investigates the synoptic conditions prior and during the event addressing possible forcing mechanisms for the extreme snowfall occurrence.

We analyzed the atmospheric conditions using the ERA-5 reanalysis dataset investigating geopotential height (GPH), pressure, temperature, and wind fields. For blocking detection, we applied a classical algorithm based on the reversal of mid-latitude 500 hPa GPH gradients. Evolution of surface conditions and snowfall impacts was studied based on the European daily high-resolution gridded dataset (E-OBS) and snow data provided by the Austrian weather service.

Tropospheric analysis revealed that a persistent blocking high over the North Atlantic played a major role in the meridional elongation of upper-level streams. A low-pressure system, embedded in the strongly meandering jet stream’s trough, modulated the moisture flow directly towards the Alpine mountains leading to record-breaking snowfall.

Prior to the event, a major sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) took place at Northern high latitudes. We discuss the initial atmospheric conditions including SSW, blocking, and impacts on surface weather in Europe, and particularly in the Alpine region.
Solar Wind Measurements from the Planetary Magnetometer Onboard the BepiColombo Spacecraft
Authors: Heyner Daniel , Richter Ingo , Plaschke Ferdinand , Fischer David , Mieth Johannes , Auster Hans-Ulrich , Glassmeier Karl-Heinz
Published: March 2020

BepiColombo is en-route to Mercury. The boom carrying the planetary magnetometers (MPO-MAG instrument) was deployed in space on 25th of October in 2018. After the deployment, the magnetic disturbances arising from the spacecraft have been greatly decreased. Since the deployment, the fluxgate sensors have been monitoring the magnetic field continuously except for the solar electric propulsion phase. Extensive calibration and data processing activities have since enabled us to greatly decrease spacecraft-generated
disturbances in the magnetic field observations; these activities constitute a key step towards making the data
suitable for scientific analysis. We present a few cases of identified magnetic disturbances, discuss the challenges
they pose, and compare methods to clean the data. We also compare MPO-MAG measurements to observations by the
Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) solar wind monitor, thereby highlighting the small-scale nature and rapid
evolution of interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) variations. We conclude with an overview of the scientific
goals of the instrument team for the in-orbit mission phase.
Deep convective influence on the UTLS composition in the Asian Monsoon Anticyclone region: 2017 StratoClim campaign results
Authors: Bucci Silvia , Legras Bernard , Sellitto Pasquale , D'Amato Francesco , Viciani Silvia , Montori Alessio , Chiarugi Alessio , Ravegnani Fabrizio , Ulanovsky Alexey , Cairo Francesco , Stroh Fred
Published: March 2020

The StratoClim stratospheric aircraft campaign, taking place in summer over the Nepalese region, provided a wide dataset of observations of air composition inside the Asian Monsoon Anticyclone (AMA). To improve the understanding of the role of penetrating overshoot in the AMA region, we exploit the TRACZILLA Lagrangian simulations, computed on meteorological fields from ECMWF (ERA-Interim and ERA5) at 3h and 1h resolution and using both kinematic and diabatic vertical velocity approaches. The synergy with high-resolution observations of convective cloud top from the MSG1 and Himawari geostationary satellites is used to individuate the convective sources.

To evaluate the capability of the trajectory system to reproduce the transport in the UTLS we compare the simulations with the observed trace gases concentration. The ERA5 simulations appear to provide a higher consistency with observed data than ERA-Interim and show a better agreement between the diabatic and kinematic results. The best performance is given by the ERA5 with diabatic transport and, adopting this setting, we analyze the transport condition during the 8 flights of the campaign.

The aircraft sampled different convective plumes, often carrying pollutant compounds up to the UTLS level. The highest observed concentration of trace gases had been linked to fresh convective air (younger than a few days) coming from China, Pakistan and the North Indian region.

A vertical stratification is observed in the age of air: up to 15 km, the age of air is less than 3 days and these fresh air masses make up nearly the entire totality of the air composition. Above, a transition layer is identified between 15 km and 17 km (close to the tropopause), where the convective influence is still dominant and the ages range from one week to two. Finally, above this layer, the convective influence rapidly decreases toward zero and the mean air age increase to 20 days and more.

This study quantifies the contribution of direct injection of deep convection on the UTLS composition based on the aircraft measurements. Preliminary results of the upscale analysis based on the trajectories-satellites system will also be presented.