bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An adaptive optimal interpolation based on analog forecasting: application to SSH in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Zhen Yicun , Tandeo Pierre , Leroux Stephanie , Metref Sammy , Penduff Thierry , Le Sommer Julien
Published: March 2020

Because of the irregular sampling pattern of raw altimeter data, many oceanographic applications rely on information from sea surface height (SSH) products gridded on regular grids where gaps have been filled with interpolation. Today, the operational SSH products are created using the simple, but robust, optimal interpolation (OI) method. If well tuned, the OI becomes computationally cheap and provides accurate results at low resolution. However, OI is not adapted to produce high resolution and high frequency maps of SSH. To improve the interpolation of SSH satellite observations, a data-driven approach was recently proposed: analog data assimilation (AnDA). AnDA adaptively chooses analog situations from a catalog of SSH scenes -- originating from numerical simulations or a large database of observations -- which allow the temporal propagation of physical features at different scales, while each observation is assimilated. In this article, we review the AnDA and OI algorithms and compare their skills in numerical experiments. The experiments are observing system simulation experiments (OSSE) on the Lorenz-63 system and on an SSH reconstruction problem in the Gulf of Mexico. The results show that AnDA, with no necessary tuning, produces comparable reconstructions as does OI with tuned parameters. Moreover, AnDA manages to reconstruct the signals at higher frequencies than OI. Finally, an important additional feature for any interpolation method is to be able to assess the quality of its reconstruction. This study shows that the standard deviation estimated by AnDA is flow-dependent, hence more informative on the reconstruction quality, than the one estimated by OI.
Potential impact of climate change on solar resource in Africa for photovoltaic energy: analyses from CORDEX-AFRICA climate experiments
Authors: Bichet Adeline , Hingray Benoit , Evin Guillaume , Diedhiou Arona , Kebe Fadel , Anquetin Sandrine
Published: March 2020

The development of renewable electricity in Africa could be massive in coming decades, as a response to the rapid rising electricity demand while complying with the Paris Agreements. This study shows that in the high-resolution climate experiments of CORDEX-AFRICA, the annual mean solar potential is expected to decrease on average by 4% over most of the continent by the end of the century, reaching up to 6% over the Horn of Africa, as a direct result of decrease in solar radiation and increase in air surface temperature. These projections are associated with large uncertainties, in particular over the Sahel and the elevated terrains of eastern Africa. While the expected decrease may affect the sizing of the numerous solar projects planned in Africa for the next decades, this study suggests that it does not endanger their viability. At last, this study indicates that the design of such projects also needs to account for the non-negligible uncertainties associated with the resource.
Nitrogen concentrations in flow separated river water
Authors: Windolf Jørgen , Thodsen Hans , Tornbjerg Henrik , Kronvang Brian , B. Sørensen Peter
Published: March 2020

Nitrogen (N) loads and concentrations have been successfully reduced in most Danish streams during the last 30 years. Thereby also reducing the impact of the main driver of marine eutrophication in Danish coastal waters. However, the trend in N-loads and concentrations vary substantially among the monitored streams. The understanding of this variation are of great importance and interest for the evaluation of measures implemented to combat N eutrophication and for forecasting of effects of further measures.

River hydrographs can be split into base flow and quick flow components and the N concentrations in these two components can, thereafter, be calculated. The N concentration in the two components varies over time showing both longer term and seasonal variation. The quick flow component typically having a high variation reflecting present days leaching of N from fields and this strata has been significantly reduced during the last 3 decades due to a more sustainable farming practices.

During base flow conditions, stream water typically holds less nitrogen due to N removal in groundwater. Reductions in agricultural nitrogen leaching over the past three decades has reduced concentrations in the quick flow component and reduced the load to ground water aquifers. As groundwater aquifers are often large with a capacity of several years of recharge, the response in base flow N-concentrations is expected to be slow compared to the response in quick flow. The low response of the N-concentrations in base flow have implications on the rate of change of the river concentrations and consequently riverine N-loads to coastal waters. In some cases, the base flow N-concentration might still be influenced by the larger N-leaching of the past (1960-1990).

We have analyzed a national data set for developments in N-concentrations during base flow and quick flow. The data set covers the in country range in catchment size, land use and geology. The data set spans 29 years covering the period 1990 – 2018. In addition, measurements from a few streams monitored for a longer period have been included in the analyses
The making of sedimentary DNA: Insights from distribution patterns of DNA in sediments
Authors: Epp Laura S. , Ibrahim Anan , Wang Yi , Gutbrod Lisa , Bartolin Patrick , Chucholl Franziska , Kuehner Rebecca , Schleheck David , Seeber Peter Andreas
Published: March 2020

Sedimentary ancient DNA has by now become a recognized source of information on past biodiversity change, but our understanding of its dynamics and taphonomy is still limited. While for environmental DNA in water, dedicated investigations on its provenance and degradation are being increasingly carried out, we know very little about sedimentary DNA, in particular with respect to aquatic organisms. We are therefore conducting investigations on the distribution of DNA in surface sediments and a short sediment core, with a focus on aquatic communities in the large and heterogeneous Lake Constance. Targeted organisms range from phyto- and zooplankton to fish and waterbirds. Initial results and comparison with sightings of rare species indicate that the DNA is not distributed uniformly or widely across the lake, especially for multicellular animals, but rather linked to the local presence of the organisms. This has implications for our understanding of how DNA enters the sediment and for paleoecological inferences derived from these records.
High speed granular flows down inclines
Authors: Yajuan Zhu , Delannay Renaud , Valance Alexandre
Published: March 2020

We investigate numerically high speed granular flows down inclines. Recent numerical works have
highlighted that the presence of lateral frictional walls allows to produce novel Steady and Fully
Developed (SFD) flow regimes at high angle of inclination where accelerated regimes are usually
expected (Brodu et al., 2015). These SFD regimes present non-trivial features, including secondary flows
with longitudinal vortices and “supported“ flows characterized by a central and dense core supported by
a very agitated dilute layer.
We present a review of these new regimes and provide their domain of existence in the parameter space
including the mass hold-up M, the inclination angle θ and the gap width between the lateral walls. We
also investigate the sensitivity of these states to the mechanical parameters of particles such as the
restitution coefficient e for binary collisions.
We emphasize two salient outcomes. (I) First, our simulations reveal that the emergence of the
supported flows is favored by low restitution coefficient (i.e., high dissipation). Surprisingly, increasing
the dissipation leads to faster flows. This is explained by a contraction of the flow, resulting in a lower
contribution of the side-wall friction. (ii) Second, despite the diversity of the supported flow regimes, the
simulations bring to the light that the mass flow rate Q obeys a simple scaling law with the mass hold-up
and the gap width: Q~M3/4W1/4.
Bibliography
Brodu et al., 2015, Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 2015, 769, 218-228
Modelling of detailed transformations of PCB 153 and PCB 28 in coastal regions
Authors: Mikheeva Elena , Bieser Johannes , Schrum Corinna
Published: March 2020

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that have a long residence time in the marine environment. Due to processes of biomagnification in food chains, their presence in aquatic matrices is especially harmful for living organisms (incl. humans). The process of photolysis in the upper layers of the water column leads to a decreasing concentrations of higher chlorinated congeners (HCC) and increases the concentration of lower chlorinated congeners via the process of HCC declorination. This impacts the environmental fate of pollutants (e.g. sedimentation, accumulation, air-sea exchange), especially in coastal areas. Additionally, depending on the pollutant, degradation products can be even more harmful than the originally emitted species.

To estimate the environmental fate of the chosen contaminants in the marine ecosystems, a Framework for Aquatic Biogeochemical Models (FABM) has been implemented into a high-resolution numerical model. The first results of modeling PCBs concentrations will be presented for 1d simulations including factors such as light penetration, mixing, remineralisation and resuspension and the biological pump. This study aims to compare results for different regions and regimes with different conditions.
On SENTINEL-3A and -3B DORIS, GPS and SLR precise orbit determination
Authors: Neumayer Karl-Hans , Schreiner Patrick , König Rolf , Michalak Anna
Published: March 2020

The Copernicus satellite pair Sentinel-3A / -3B is equipped with a DORIS and a GPS receiver, as well as with a SLR retroreflector. With our Precise Orbit Determination (POD) software EPOS-OC we are able to generate orbits based on each of the three space-geodetic techniques. In this investigation we compare orbits based on one, on two or on all the three techniques, and external orbits. Therefore we generate DORIS, GPS (dynamic and kinematic) and SLR technique-specific as well as combined orbits for a period of six months. We evaluate the systematic orbit differences and set them in relation to informations from satellite manufacturers and external users.
Constraining Source Properties of the 1894 Istanbul Earthquake
Authors: Yenihayat Nesrin , Çakti Eser , Şeşetyan Karin
Published: March 2020

The Marmara region is one of the most active tectonic regions with its high population and rapid but irregularly growing cities in Turkey. Located in this active zone, Istanbul has always been under the danger of being hit by destructive earthquakes, which in the past have caused serious damage in the city more than once. Major earthquakes to affect Istanbul during the Ottoman period took place in 1509, 1766 and 1894. As the latest one, we have relatively rich knowledge about the 10 July 1894 earthquake. The 1894 earthquake resulted in 474 losses of life and 482 injuries.  Around 21,000 dwellings were damaged, which is a number that corresponds to 1/7 of the total dwellings of the city at that time. Without any doubt the exact loss of life was higher. Because of the censorship the exact loss numbers remained unknown. Researchers have been split in opinion about the intensity, epicenter, magnitude, and rupture length of this event. The main target of this study is to have a better insight on the possible location of the 1894 earthquake with the help of damage analysis and ground motion modeling. Ottoman Empire archive records, scientific reports and papers, newspapers, government correspondence, letters, notes of voyagers and diaries are the major sources to make an evaluation on the type and extent of damage. An intensity map associated with the 1894 earthquake is prepared based on macro-seismic information, and damage analysis and classification. Various information types contained in the old city maps, municipal boundaries, and the population information have contributed to this assessment. Obtained damage information is presented, evaluated and interpreted.  For earthquake modelling the ELER (Earthquake Loss Assessment Routine) software is used. Using the ground motion module of ELER, several scenarios are modeled having different source, path, and site parameters. The resulting ground motion distributions are compared with the damage and intensity maps to provide a first-order assessment of the earthquake source parameters of the 1894 earthquake.
Critical role of the structure of the mineral-water interface in the zeta potential measured by streaming potential method
Authors: Li Shuai , Jackson Matthew
Published: March 2020

In this study, zeta potential has been measured by using the streaming potential method for the intact sandstone in contact with CaCl2 electrolytes. The experimental results show that a positive zeta potential has been observed for the first time for the intact Fontainebleau sandstone under high salinity of CaCl2, and its magnitude increases with increasing ionic strength. It cannot be explained by the Gouy-Chapman theory anticipating a constant potential for high salinities due to the collapse of the electrical double layer. Meanwhile, the brine effluents after the completion of the streaming potential measurements were collected and then pH and brine composition were analysed suggesting that those variations of pH and chemical composition are negligible and cannot explain the polarity change at high salinity. The anomalous positive potential of the intact Fontainebleau sandstone is due to that overcharge of calcium ions sorbed into the mineral surface, which is consistence with previous literature data.
Conjunction between diachronic volcanic processes and transform margin leads to the unusual structure of the Demerara transform marginal plateau and its three different margins.
Authors: Museur Thomas , Graindorge David , Klingelhoefer Frauke , Roest Walter , Basile Christophe , Loncke Lies , Sapin François
Published: March 2020

The Demerara plateau (offshore Suriname and French Guiana) is an original transform marginal plateau located at the junction between the central and the equatorial Atlantic domains. New results combining the interpretation of several datasets of high-penetration industrial MCS, academic MCS and wide-angle seismic data image a 30 km thick crust in the plateau, evolving towards three different margins to the two adjacent oceanic domains.

This work shows that this oceanic relief is a Jurassic volcanic margin located at the southern termination of the Central Atlantic rifting, and forming the divergent western margin of the Demerara plateau. New result from dredges also show the influence of a hotspot in this rifting phase. The resulting transitional domain is unusual, characterized by a progressive thinning of the margin toward the west and the presence of SDRs outer bodies on a reworked unit probably of continental origin. Unambiguous oceanic crust is identified at about 100 km from the slope break of the shelf. Toward the plateau, the outer SDR body let place to several thick superimposed inner SDR.

Then, this Jurassic domain was remarkably reworked during the Cretaceous rifting phase linked to the opening of the Equatorial Atlantic. This second event restructured this volcanic object, forming a transform northern margin and a divergent eastern margin, each with a specific transitional domain.

The presence of a volcanic margin which subsequently undergoes a non-coaxial opening with transform constraints is relatively unusual. Our data help to better constrain the transitional domains and the TOC of the Equatorial Atlantic Cretaceous margins.

The characterization of the northern and eastern extension limit of the SDRs formations and of the high velocity lower crust observed in the plateau is an important regional issue. This knowledge is necessary in particular to characterize the volumes and structures associated with the Jurassic volcanic episode, which control the thermo-structural Cretaceous evolution of the plateau and the adjacent domains.
Comparison of topographic corrections for land‐cover classification in mountainous terrain
Authors: Karimi Hadi , Shahabi Ghahfarokhi Sina , Arfania Ramin
Published: March 2020

To overcome the food and water shortages and optimize the land use, remote sensing techniques and satellite image processing have utilized our demands. However, with limitations in image processes, the use of such techniques will need further development to overcome related constraints. Shadows, occurred on the opposite side of objects, result from topography and different angles of the emitting light source is one of these limitations. Several topographic correction methods are proposed based on the properties of ground coverage. To suggest and compare methods for imagery topography, this study uses Cosine Correction, C-Correction, Statistical Empirical Correction, and finally the Minnaert Correction. The study area used to compare the introduced methods is located in North West of Isfahan (Ardestan), Iran. The current report has used OLI sensors (LANDSAT 8) combined with ASTER global digital elevation data. After implementing topographic corrections, by optimal index OIF, images are processed. Based on the unsupervised method and the study region, results based on optimal arrangement bands are introduced as a suitable classification. In conclusion, based on imagery and statistical data from the topography corrections, Minnaret shows the most exceptional topographical correction classification for the chosen studied region.

 

Keywords: aster, c-correction, cosine correction, Isfahan, Landsat-8, land management, Minnaert, oli, topographic correction, unsupervised classification.
Recreating the Carrington Event Magnetic Field Measurements using Extremely High Pressure Solar Wind Scenarios and the Space Weather Modelling Framework
Authors: Blake Seán , Pulkkinen Antti , Schuck Pete , Glocer Alex
Published: March 2020

An intriguing aspect of the 2 September 1859 geomagnetic disturbance (or Carrington event) is the horizontal magnetic dataset measured in Colaba, India (magnetic latitude approximately 20 degrees N). This dataset exhibits a sharp decrease of over 1600 nT and a quick recovery of about 1300 nT, all within a few hours during the solar daytime. The mechanism behind this has previously been attributed to magnetospheric processes, ionospheric processes or a combination of both. In this talk, we outline our efforts to recreate this low-latitude magnetic dataset using the Space Weather Modelling Framework (SWMF). By simulating an array of extremely high pressure solar wind scenarios, we can recreate the low-latitude surface magnetic signal at Colaba. We find that the position of the magnetopause is an important factor for such quick deviations and recoveries in dayside surface magnetic measurements. In addition, we find that scenarios which accurately recreated surface magnetic field observations during the Carrington event had minimum Dst values of only -610 nT.
A new approach to modelling differentiation (with particular focus on granitic magmatism): Equilibrated Major Element Assimilation with Fractional Crystallisation (EME-AFC)
Authors: Burton-Johnson Alex , Macpherson Colin , Ottley Christopher , Nowell Geoff , Boyce Adrian
Published: March 2020

We present the new approach to AFC modelling published as Editor’s Choice in the July 2019 issue of Journal of Petrology [1].

Our new, Equilibrated Major Element – Assimilation with Fractional Crystallisation (EME-AFC) approach simultaneously models the major element, trace element, and radiogenic and oxygen isotope compositions during such magmatic differentiation (including a new approach to oxygen modelling); addressing the lack of current AFC modelling approaches for felsic, amphibole- or biotite-bearing systems. We discuss the application of this model to granitic magmatism in SE Asia and Antarctica, with particular focus on the Mt Kinabalu granitic intrusion of Borneo. We discuss the background to the model, and explain how it can be freely accessed via GitHub [2], and applied to other scenarios of magmatic differentiation; not just granitic magmatism.

We present new geochemical data for the composite units of the Mount Kinabalu, and use this to explore the discrimination between crustal- and mantle-derived granitic magmas. The isotopic data (oxygen, Hf, Sr, Nd, and Pb) indicate that the magma cannot be the result only from fractional crystallisation of a mantle-derived magma. Alkali metal compositions show that crustal anatexis is also an unsuitable processes for genesis of the intrusion. Using the new EME-AFC modelling approach, we show that the high-K pluton was generated by fractional crystallisation of a primary, mafic magma followed by assimilation of the partially melted sedimentary overburden. We propose that Mt Kinabalu was generated through low degree melting of upwelling fertile metasomatised mantle driven by regional crustal extension in the Late Miocene.

[1] Burton-Johnson, A., Macpherson, C.G., Ottley, C.J., Nowell, G.M., Boyce, A.J., 2019. Generation of the Mt Kinabalu granite by crustal contamination of intraplate magma modelled by Equilibrated Major Element Assimilation with Fractional Crystallisation (EME-AFC). J. Petrol. 60, 1461–1487.

[2] https://github.com/Alex-Burton-Johnson/EME-AFC-Modelling
SEISMOLOGICAL AND ENGINEERING PARAMETERS OF 24 and 26 SEPTEMBER, 2019 MARMARA SEA EARTHQUAKES
Authors: Çakti Eser , Malcioğlu Fatma Sevil , Süleyman Hakan
Published: March 2020

On 24th and 26th  September 2019, two earthquakes of Mw=4.5 and Mw=5.6 respectively took place in the Marmara Sea. They were associated with the Central Marmara segment of the North Anatolian Fault Zone, which is pinpointed by several investigators as the most likely segment to rupture in the near future giving way to an earthquake larger than M7.0. Both events were felt widely in the region. The Mw=5.6 event, in particular, led to a number of building damages in Istanbul, which were larger than expected in number and severity. There are several strong motion networks in operation in and around Istanbul. We have compiled a data set of recordings obtained at the stations of the Istanbul Earthquake Rapid Response and Early Warning operated by the Department of Earthquake Engineering of Bogazici University and of the National Strong Motion Network operated by AFAD. It consists of 148 three component recordings, in total.  444 records in the data set, after correction, were analyzed to estimate the source parameters of these events, such as corner frequency, source duration, radius and rupture area, average source dislocation and stress drop. Duration characteristics of two earthquakes were analyzed first by considering P-wave and S-wave onsets and then, focusing on S-wave and significant durations. PGAs, PGVs and SAs were calculated and compared with three commonly used ground motion prediction models (i.e  Boore et al., 2014; Akkar et al., 2014 and Kale et al., 2015). Finally frequency-dependent Q models were estimated using the data set and their validity was dicussed by comparing with previously developed models.
Analisys of recent snow volumic mass and elevation of the threshold of natural skiability (lan) in the frioulan alps
Authors: Fazzini Massimiliano , Cecili Alessandro , Miccadei Enrico , Moro Daniele , Bisci Carlo
Published: March 2020

The Friulian Alps show peculiar meteorologica and climatic features, deriving also from their geographic position between the northern Adriatic Sea to the South, the main Alpine watershed to the North (Tauern Alps) and the Carpathian belt to the East. Furthermore, there are many topoclimatic situations in relation to the geographic setting of the valleys carved between the main reliefs. This makes the Frioulian territory among the wettest in the entire Alpine region, with very abundant snowfall in relation to the moderate average altitude. Thanks to the availability of continuous and fairly homogeneously distributed historical series, a nivological characterization was carried out at the regional scale, with particular attention to the trend of the density of fresh snow, of the number of days with snow thickness higher than 30 cm and the consequent average elevation of the threshold of 100 skiable days (LAN). The ten snow fields under examination are located at elevations between 603 m. (Claut, Carnic Prealps) and 1843 m. (Rifugio Gilberti, Julian Alps); the analysed timespan goes from the winter season 1990-91 to the 2018-19. Surprising data resulted from this analysis. First of all, we noted that the volume mass (Kg /m3), which cannot be correlated with altitude, tends to a very light decrease (about 1.3 km/mc for year) in all the recording stations: this seems to be in contrast with the strong thermal increase that is occurring also on the Frioulian Alps (about 1.1°C in the same time span). Therefore, it’s very probable that in the last few years the thermal characteristics have changed, maybe together with the main origin of the air masses bringing snow in the study area. We also noted for all the stations an increase in the number of days with Hs> 30 cm: consequently, the average elevation of the limit of 100 days with natural ski possible is at about 1780 m a.s.l. and tends to decrease by about 7 meters per year (14 m in the nearby Slovenian Alps), even though it cannot be correlated with the aforementioned positive variation in temperatures and is in disagreement with the corresponding signals calculated for the northern side of the Alps.
What paleofire records can say about the present and future of fire on Earth
Authors: Marlon Jennifer , Daniau Anne-Laure , Bartlein Patrick , Rajaoberison Andry
Published: March 2020

Sedimentary charcoal records typically provide information about variations in wildfire activity over thousands of years, and a few even span millions of years. Such long, continuous measurements of combustion products offer a rare opportunity to understand the response of fire to both rapid and gradual climate forcings, whether from human-caused global warming, volcanic activity, atmosphere-ocean circulation changes, or Milankovitch cycles. Here we use paleofire records from the Global Charcoal Database to demonstrate the dynamic nature of wildfire activity in response to varied forcings, particularly the role that relatively small temperature and precipitation shifts have on patterns of burning across space and time. Paleodata from areas currently experiencing severe wildfires are also examined in order to provide context for events that appear unprecedented in modern times.
Student-led investigation of TROPOMI data for the US
Authors: Hammerling Dorit , Blake Lewis , Daniels William , Dykstal Aidan , Crowell Sean
Published: March 2020

The TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) is the satellite instrument on board the Copernicus Sentinel-5 Precursor satellite launched on 13 October 2017.  Data products include column estimates of ozone, nitrogen dioxide, methane, carbon monoxide, among others, and feature unprecedent high spatial resolution. These new data products provide opportunities to gain detailed insights into emissions and their sources on scales previously not feasible. We present results from five student teams investigating TROPOMI observations in a semester-long statistical and machine learning analysis practicum under the joint guidance of an atmospheric scientist and statistician. The analysis follows agile practices, where initial results inform the next analysis step. The focus is on the United States, specifically the investigation of methane emissions from natural gas production in key geological basins.
Water Content, Deformation and Seismic Properties of the Lower Crust Beneath the Siberian Craton: Evidence from Granulite Xenoliths
Authors: Wang Qin , Jin Tianlong , Shatsky Vladislav
Published: March 2020

Although the continental lower crust is often assumed to be dry and strong, water in nominally anhydrous minerals can significantly decrease viscosity of granulites and affect the mechanical coupling between the crust and upper mantle. Here we measured water content and fabrics of 16 granulite xenoliths from the Udachnaya and Komsomolskaya kimberlites in the central Siberian craton, which were erupted in the Late Silurian. The equilibrium pressure and temperature of the granulite samples are in the range of 0.9–1.3 GPa and 683–822 ºC. The mean water contents in clinopyroxene, garnet and plagioclase are 744±272 ppm, 100±64 ppm, 423±245 ppm, respectively, suggesting the water-rich lower crust. The bulk water contents in granulites are independent on pressure and composition, but show a negative correlation with temperature. Compared with previous studies on granulite xenoliths and terrane granulites, our granulite samples have much higher bulk water contents. The lattice-preferred orientation of clinopyroxene is characterized by activation of the dominant slip system (100)[001], whereas garnet is randomly orientated. Plagioclase developed two dominant slip systems (001)[010] and (001)[100]. Calculated seismic anisotropy indicates that the weak fabric strength of these granulite samples will result in weak seismic anisotropy of the lower crust beneath the Siberian craton. We propose that during eruption of the kimberlite pipes in the Late Silurian, the lower crust of the Siberian craton, at least beneath the kimberlite fields, had high water contents, relatively low strength, weak seismic anisotropy, and high electrical conductivity. Such status may be representative for the lower crust beneath a stable craton. The following Siberian Traps in the end of Permian was associated with the magma underplating, which probably dehydrated and strengthened the lower crust of the Siberian carton.
Perspectives for Planning Approaches in Promoting Underground Built Heritage - COST Action Underground4value
Authors: Smaniotto Costa Carlos , Ruchinskaya Tatiana , Lalenis Konstantinos
Published: March 2020

The COST Action 18110 Underground4value (http://underground4value.eu) aims to advance knowledge on how to guarantee continuity of use and significance of underground historic fabric. It is collecting information, experiences and knowhow to base the development of research and training. The Action focusses on underground regeneration, revitalisation of the public realm and skills development for people concerned with underground heritage.

This contribution centres the attention of the Working Group on Planning Approaches. It also looks at the role of local authorities, as enablers and facilitators, in coordination, use  and management of underground built heritage. In this framework underground built heritage is considered as a social resource with integrated programmes of physical, economic and social measures, backed by strategic stakeholder dialogue.

On the one hand, this contribution discusses the structure and goals of the WG, as it pays attention to the necessary complementarities between functional approaches – at the level of regions and city – and social and cultural approaches involving citizens’ engagement and empowerment – at the local level. This WG aims to provide a reflection on sustainable approaches to preserve the underground built heritage and, at the same time, to unfold the case by case approach for potential use of underground space. On the other hand, to achieve its objectives the WG on Planning Approaches is setting together potentials and constraints in the efforts to make better use of underground heritage. This contribution, therefore, sheds lights on the preliminary results of the WG. It is centred on the learned lessons, challenges and barriers - from a planning science perspective - that experts met in their efforts to tackle Underground Built Heritage. Achieving this goal makes the call for an educational paradigm shift - as the Action is not only interested in compiling the results, rather on experiences that can be analysed and learned. This requires a dynamic understanding of knowledge, abilities and skills, towards creating more effective coalitions of ‘actors’ within localities, by developing structures, which encourage long term collaborative relationships. Enabled by the gained knowledge, the WG will define the best tailored ways to forward this knowledge for planners and decision-makers.
The SWx TREC Integrative Space Weather Data Portal and Model/Algorithm Testbed Environment
Authors: Pankratz Chris , Baltzer Thomas , Lucas Greg , Craft James , Berger Thomas , Baker Daniel , Knuth Jennifer , Jaynes Allison
Published: March 2020

The Space Weather Technology, Research and Education Center (SWx TREC) is a center of excellence in cross-disciplinary research, technology, innovation, and education, intended to facilitate evolving space weather research and forecasting needs.  SWx TREC facilitates research advances, innovative missions, and data and computing technologies that directly support the needs of the SWx community to advance understanding and support closure of the Research to Operations (R2O) and Operations to Research (O2R) loop. Improving our understanding and prediction of space weather requires coupled Research and Operations. SWx-TREC is working to provide new research models, applications and data for use in operational environments, improving the Research-to-Operations (R2O) pipeline.  Advancement in the fundamental scientific understanding of space weather processes is also vital, requiring that researchers have convenient and effective access to a wide variety of data sets and models from multiple sources. The space weather research community, as with many scientific communities, must access data from dispersed and often uncoordinated data repositories to acquire the data necessary for the analysis and modeling efforts that advance our understanding of solar influences and space physics in the Earth’s environment. The University of Colorado (CU) is a leading institution in both producing data products and advancing the state of scientific understanding of space weather processes, and we are now hosting both an interoperable data portal providing streamlined, centralized, and event-based access to a wide variety of disparate data sets and also a community-accessible, Cloud-based testbed environment to support development, testing, transition, and use of new models, visualizations, algorithms, and forecast products.  In this presentation, we will describe our community-accessible testbed environment and demonstrate the Space Weather Data Portal.
SIT4ME: seismic imaging of mineral-hosting structures in Sotiel-Coronada (Spain)
Authors: Martínez Yesenia , Alcalde Juan , Martí David , Ayarza Puy , Ruiz Mario , Marzán Ignacio , Tornos Fernando , Malehmir Alireza , Gil Alba , Buske Stefan , Orlowsky Dirk , Palomeras Imma , Pons Juan Manuel , Videira Juan Carlos , De Felipe Irene , Carbonell Ramon
Published: March 2020

In order to tackle the ever-increasing demand of raw materials, the European Institute of Technology (EIT) promotes research and innovation solutions for safe and sustainable mineral exploration through its Raw Materials Programme. The SIT4ME project (“Seismic Imaging Techniques for Mineral Exploration”) has been funded as part of this program to develop efficient techniques in seismic acquisition and imaging methods for mineral exploration in crystalline environments. Within SIT4ME, a multidisciplinary data acquisition experiment (i.e. 3D-3C active and passive source seismic datasets) took place in November 2009 in Sotiel-Coronada (Iberian Pyrite Belt, SW Spain). The aim of this experiment was to image a 300-500 m depth pyrite-rich massive sulfide orebody interbedded with felsic volcanic rocks and shales. The seismic dataset involves the recording of 875 vibration points in 653 seismic receivers, distributed in a 3D mesh around the target and six 2D crooked lines. Conventional processing workflow (such as static corrections, surface-consistent deconvolution, amplitude equalization, frequency filtering, and velocity analysis) was combined with more advance methods (e.g. ground roll attenuation or post-stack coherency filtering) to obtain robust images of the subsurface of the target area. The processing workflow has been applied to four 2D seismic sections, one in the North-South and three in the East-West directions, distributed across the study area. The preliminary imaging results show coherent reflective packages down to two seconds two-way traveltime (TWT). The North-South line contains a north-dipping ~400 m long highly reflective zone in the center at 130 ms TWT. The east-west profiles show a slightly folded structure (antiform and synform) which is evident down to 0.25 s TWT. Towards the north, the seismic lines become parallel to subsurface structures and therefore the track of these structures is lost. Current work involves the incorporation of well-log data to improve the quality and resolution of the interpretations. The next processing steps will involve pre-stack depth migration, P-wave travel-time tomography and a combined analysis of controlled source imaging and ambient noise interferometry data.

The SIT4ME project has been funded by EIT Raw Materials (17024).
A Summary and Update on NASA’s Planetary Defense Program.
Authors: Daou Doris , Johnson Lindley
Published: March 2020

NASA and its partners maintain a watch for near-Earth objects (NEOs), asteroids and comets that pass within Earth’s vicinity, as part of an ongoing effort to discover, catalog, and characterize these bodies and to determine if any pose an impact threat. NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) is responsible for:

Ensuring the early detection of potentially hazardous objects (PHOs) – asteroids and comets whose orbits are predicted to bring them within 0.05 astronomical units of Earth's orbit; and of a size large enough to reach Earth’s surface – that is, greater than perhaps 30 to 50 meters;

Tracking and characterizing PHOs and issuing warnings about potential impacts;

Providing timely and accurate communications about PHOs; and

Performing as a lead coordination node in U.S. Government planning for response to an actual impact threat.

 

NASA’s current congressionally-mandated objective is to detect, track, and catalogue at least 90 percent of NEOs equal to or greater than 140 meters in size by 2020, and characterize the physical properties of a subset representative of the entire population. This mandate will likely not be met given current resources dedicated to the task; however significant progress is being made.

In this paper, we will report on the status of our program and the missions working to support our planetary defense coordination office. In addition, we will provide the latest detections and characterizations results. Our office continues to work diligently with our international partners to achieve our goals and continue to safeguard Earth with the latest technologies available.
Spontaneous whistler-cyclotron fluctuations of thermal and non-thermal electron distributions.
Authors: Moya Pablo S , Hermosilla Daniel , López Rodrigo , Lazar Marian , Poedts Stefaan
Published: March 2020

Observed particle distributions in space plasmas usually exhibit a variety of non-equilibrium features in the form of temperature anisotropies, suprathermal tails, field aligned beams, etc. The departure from thermal equilibrium provides a source for spontaneous emissions of electromagnetic fluctuations, such as whistler fluctuations at the electron scales. Analysis of these fluctuations provides relevant information about the plasma state and its macroscopic properties. Here we present a comparative analysis of spontaneous fluctuations in plasmas composed by thermal and non-thermal electron distributions. We compare 1.5D PIC simulations of a finite temperature isotropic magnetized electron–proton plasma modeled with Maxwellian and different kappa velocity distributions. Our results suggest a strong dependence between the shape of the velocity distribution function and the spontaneous magnetic fluctuations wave spectrum. This feature may be used as a proxy to identify the nature of electron populations in space plasmas  at locations where direct in-situ measurements of particle fluxes are not available.
Geoarchaeological non-invasive techniques (pMS, pXRF, Schmidt Hammer) to study quarrying activity of the Corsican granites and the related monuments during the Roman period
Authors: Mattielli Nadine , Triantafyllou Antoine , Clerbois Sébastien , Brkojewitsch Gaël , Nonne Letizia , Paridaens Nicolas , Authom Nicolas
Published: March 2020

Although several authors have previously reported the limited Roman quarrying activity in Corsica, recent research programs revealed a real basin of granitoid quarries in the archipelago of Lavezzi (Strait of Bonifacio, southern Corsica). A series of fundamental archaeological questions have arisen for which a geological expertise could provide new answers: (i) what was the quarrying strategy during Roman times in the Strait of Bonifacio area, (ii) is it possible to characterize and catalogue the quarried granitic rock materials and establish ‘quarry-to-monument’ relationships (i.e. comparisons with building stones and quarries), and (iii) how to identify and constrain the timing of major phases of quarrying activity (discrimination of Roman activities relative to modern footprints in the quarries)?

To achieve these goals, our geoarchaeological study proposes a pluri-disciplinary, innovative, non-destructive methodological strategy, coupling techniques of digital photogrammetry, field petrography, mineralogical and chemical analyses by portable magnetic susceptibilimeter (pMS) and portable X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometer (pXRF) respectively, and physical rock properties using a Schmidt Hammer. The field geochemical measurements were calibrated by laboratory major and trace element analyses on ICP-OES and HR-ICP-MS, respectively. Here, we present preliminary results of two field campaigns. These results indicate that a statistically significant number of measurements by pMS and pXRF from the same representative area of the studied rocks – natural rocks or building stones, can be used to discriminate different quarried sites and identifying distinct rock sources. Several profiles of rebound measurements at the rock surface using the Schmidt Hammer (indicative of the degree to which a rock surface has been weathered and by extension, exposed) might help revealing the initial volume of natural rock massifs before their initial extraction. Our study provides original and reproducible techniques contributing to significantly improve geoarchaeometric investigations and brings key information on the quarrying activity in southern Corsica during Roman times along with its implications on the Mediterranean commercial exchange trades.
The 2019Durrës, Albania earthquake sequence – preliminary results from a post-seismic campaign
Authors: Dushi Edmond , Schurr Bernd , Kosari Ehsan , Soto Hugo , Gjuzi Olgert , Rohnacher Alicia , Haberland Christian , Rietbrock Andreas , Tilmann Frederik , Handy Mark , Koci Rexhep , Ustaszewski Kamil , Dahm Torsten , Meier Thomas , Duni Llambro
Published: March 2020

On 26th of November 2019 an Mw 6.4 earthquake ruptured near the port town of Durrës, only 25 km from Tirana, the capital of Albania. It caused major damage and killed 51 people, making it the deadliest earthquake in 2019 worldwide.

The earthquake occurred on the eastern Adriatic margin, where the Adriatic micro-plate collides with Eurasia causing widespread distributed deformation and crustal shortening that built the peri-Adriatic orogenic belts. Convergence is accommodated in the external Dinarides/Albanides by thrust faulting, mostlyalong E-dipping low-angle detachments with subordinate W-dipping back-thrusts in the most external thrust belt segment. The deformation front, particularly along the southeastern Adriatic coast, is seismically highly active, manifested not only by this most recent event, but also, e.g., by one of the largest instrumentally recorded earthquakes in Europe, the 1979 M7.1 Montenegro event slightly further north and a number of disastrous historic earthquakes.

The 2019 Durrës mainshock was apparently relatively deep (~25 km) and of thrust type. It was preceded by significant foreshock activity starting in September 2019 with two Mw 5.6 and 5.1 earthquakes a few kilometres south of the mainshock that also had a thrust mechanism, however with nodal planes differing from the mainshock, indicating that these occurred on a different fault.

Approximately two weeks after the mainshock, we installed a 30-station short-period seismic network to densely cover the epicentral area. We will present a preliminary analysis of the mainshock and its aftershock sequencehopefully elucidating the fault network responsible for the earthquake sequence.
Old lime kilns buried in Val Chavagl (Swiss National Parc)
Authors: Hajdas Irka , Schlüchter Christian , Haller Ruedi , Nicolussi Kurt
Published: March 2020

Mass movements in the mountains can result in some unexpected discoveries. On September 10, 2017, strikingly white components were found in the western slope of the Val Chavagl, Swiss national Parc. The first inspection identified this as residual material of a lime kiln. Strikingly, the remains of the lime kiln were stuck in the slope, i.e., they were part of the material that built up the scarp and were not merely attached or transported from above. The rest of an old, former lime kiln is part of the terrace. Vast amounts of sediment covered this lime kiln following a storm around the Munt Chavagl - Munt la Schera.

Of interest to the studies of past and most recent mass movements and catastrophic flooding is the timing of the operation and destruction. The age of the lime kiln can be estimated based on historical documents and inventory of lime kilns in the region, where the oldest known so far dates to 1560 CE (Parolini 2012). No charcoal was found in the remains of the newly discovered lime kiln; therefore, another approach was proposed i.e., dating organic remains embedded in deposits of catastrophic flooding. Larch trees, which were discovered at 1840 -1860 m asl, allowed for dendrochronology and radiocarbon analysis. The results obtained indicate that the trees died in the mid 17th century, at the latest. Moreover, our chronology sets Terminus ante quem TAQ for the construction and operation of the lime kiln. Our results are relevant for understanding natural hazards as well as reconstruction and protection of cultural heritage in the region of the Swiss National Parc.

 

Parolini, J.D., 2012. Vom Kahlschlag zum Naturreservat: Geschichte der Waldnutzung im Gebiet des Schweizerischen Nationalparks. Haupt.