bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The AAU Calibration and Data Assimilation (CDA) approach for improving large-scale hydrological models in a changing climate
Authors: Schumacher Maike , Retegui Schiettekatte Leire , Yang Fan , Forootan Ehsan
Published: March 2024

Extreme events such as floods and droughts are expected to become more frequent and intense due to the changing climate. However, it is still a challenge to monitor, understand, simulate, and anticipate the underlying hydrological processes. Large scale hydrological models and remote sensing observations (such as surface soil moisture from SMOS, SMAP and Sentinel, as well as total water storage changes (TWSC) from the GRACE and GRACE-FO gravity missions) provide a unique large-scale to global view on the changing hydrology. Sequential Calibration and Data Assimilation (CDA) provides opportunities to combine benefits from both, modelling and observing, and thus helps to improve our understanding of the impact of the climate change on water resources.In this study, we present how the careful and consistent processing of GRACE/-FO data including a consistent estimation of the full error covariance matrix to represent the typical spatially correlated error structure supports the assimilation of satellite data into large-scale hydrological models. The first case study will tackle the question of selecting an appropriate multi-sensor data assimilation approach to combat the temporal and spatial resolution mismatch between data and model for high-dynamic frequencies. For this, daily GRACE data are assimilated for the Brahmaputra Basin that was subject to major floods, e.g., in 2004, 2007 and 2012. A reconstruction of these flood events allows a better understanding of the benefits and limitations of large-scale hydrological CDA in a changing climate. The second case study focuses on quantifying human-induced impacts on surface and groundwater storages under prolonged and intense droughts. Here, we assimilate two decades of monthly GRACE/-FO data for the Murray-Darling Basin, Australia, to better understand the impact of dry climatological conditions on our water resources.
Revisiting depositional models for the Ediacara Member of the Rawnsley Quartzite in South Australia
Authors: Faehnrich Karol , García-Bellido Diego C. , Droser Mary L. , Gaines Robert R.
Published: March 2024

The Ediacara Member of the Rawnsley Quartzite hosts one of the best preserved and most diverse assemblages of the Ediacara Biota. In it, soft-bodied organisms are preserved across various depositional environments, with a proposed connection between sedimentary facies and fossil assemblages. Recent studies have questioned previously-established facies models, undermining links between paleoenvironment, paleoecology, and taphonomy. Here, we revisit these models using field observations from across the central Flinders Ranges, supplemented by two new cores drilled through the Ediacara Member at the Nilpena fossil site. The two drill sites are 2 km apart and span strata from the top of the underlying Chace Member through the overlying fossiliferous facies of the Ediacara Member. These two cores are easily correlated to surface outcrops and provide the most complete record of the deposition of the Ediacara Member thus far. The core drilled at “One Tree Hill” (OTH-1) reaches a depth of 65 m and records characteristic “petee laminations” below the erosional contact with the Ediacara Member, which is marked by a breccia horizon. The basal breccia of the Ediacara Member gradationally passes into thinly laminated planar to slightly wavy siltstone that then transitions into alternating thin beds of siltstone and thick beds of massive sandstone often affected by soft-sediment deformation. These beds grade into wavy-laminated siltstone interbedded with thin beds of arenite. Forming the top of the core are thick beds of massive arenite. The second drill core (MR-1) spanning 75.8 m records analogous facies with changing thickness and siltstone/sandstone ratio but lacks a breccia horizon at the base of the Ediacara Member. Both cores highlight repeated cycles of alternating deposition of sandstone and siltstone often obscured in the surface exposure. We investigate an array of sedimentary structures observed in the cores and surface exposures in thin sections, exploring the role of microbial matgrounds and silica cementation in sediment binding and transport. Both are critical for any depositional model developed for the Ediacara Member across the Nilpena site and central Flinders Ranges, its accumulation rate, sediment sources and potential triggers for repeated channelized flows observed throughout the unit. A unified depositional model built across this basin will be critical to further untangle the complex interplay between time, changing taxonomic diversity, water depth, and paleoenvironment at the dawn of animal life.
Arctic sea-ice loss: Is the Last Interglacial (127 ka BP) a good analog of our future?
Authors: Sicard Marie , de Boer Agatha M. , Coxall Helen K. , Koenigk Torben , Karami Mehdi Pasha , Jakobsson Martin , O'Regan Matt
Published: March 2024

Variations in sea-ice cover result from a combination of changes in external forcing, internal variability, and feedbacks. Because of the complex interconnections between the mechanisms involved, the long-term evolution of Arctic sea ice and its interaction with the ocean and atmosphere are not yet completely understood, leading to large uncertainties in climate projections.In this study, we focus on patterns of sea-ice loss in the context of past and future Arctic warming. Using a 7-member global circulation model ensemble from CMIP6/PMIP4, we compare the spatial distribution of the Arctic sea ice in a time-slice simulation representing the climate of the Last Interglacial 127,000 years ago and an idealized CO2-forced experiment with a similar annual sea-ice volume.The major differences between the two periods occur close to the sea-ice margins, due to variations in both oceanic and atmospheric circulation regimes. In particular, a positive sea level pressure anomaly forms over Greenland under CO2 forcing, enhancing the anticyclonic circulation around the island. Consequently, surface winds push more ice along the east coast of Greenland towards the Irminger Sea, where models generally simulate a higher sea-ice concentration in the CO2-forced experiment than in the Last Interglacial simulation. Analogously, on the western side, a weaker export of ice to the south leads to more ice accumulation in northern Baffin Bay. In the Bering and Barents Seas, the increased inflow of warm Pacific and Atlantic waters causes more ice to melt in the CO2-forced simulation. In this context, we explore the implication that Atlantification may be more pronounced in the future than during the Last Interglacial period. Finally, the oceanic region north of Greenland is most resilient to sea-ice loss under both the Last Interglacial solar forcing and future CO2 forcing. This would imply that this region, often referred to as the “Last Ice area,” could also have been the last to lose ice during the Last Interglacial period.
UTCSA: A 0.5-meter resolution urban tree canopy dataset for 888 cities in South America and its pilot applications
Authors: Guo Jianhua , Zhu Xiaoxiang
Published: March 2024

Urban development in South America has undergone substantial growth and transformation in recent decades. The development of South American cities is intricately connected with its tree cover, and the presence of trees within urban areas plays a crucial role in shaping sustainable and resilient urban landscapes. Despite this, a comprehensive Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) dataset covering the entire South American continent is currently unavailable. In this study, we used high-resolution remote sensing images and a semi-supervised deep learning method to create UTC data for 888 South American cities. The proposed semi-supervised method can leverage both labeled and unlabeled data during training. By incorporating labeled data for guidance and utilizing unlabeled data to explore underlying patterns, the algorithm enhances model robustness and generalization for urban tree canopy detection across South America, with an average Kappa coefficient of 77.51% and an average overall accuracy of 95% for the tested cities. Based on the created UTC dataset, we conducted several pilot applications, including tree coverage estimation, driving factor exploration, tree-covered space provision assessment, and relationship analysis between UTC coverage and precipitation and urban heat islands. Evidence shows that 1) cities in South America have spatially heterogeneous UTC coverage and inequality in urban tree-covered space provision across South America; 2) natural factors (climatic and geographical) play a very important role in determining UTC coverage, followed by human activity factors; 3) precipitation and seasonal variations in rainfall have a strong impact on tree cover; and 4) tree coverage has the potential to mitigate the effects of urban heat islands. We expect that the created UTC dataset and the findings of this study will help formulate policies and strategies to promote sustainable urban forestry, thus further improving the quality of life of residents in South America.
The role of convection-permitting RegCM5 simulations in representing synoptic-scale cyclones over Southeastern South America
Authors: da Silva Maria Leidinice , Coppola Erika , Reboita Michelle Simões , da Rocha Rosmeri Porfírio , Raffaele Francesca
Published: March 2024

Southeastern South America (SESA) stands out as a hotspot on the planet where weather and climate extremes occur with notable frequency, exerting negative impacts on various socio-economic activities. One cause of these extremes are the synoptic-scale cyclones. In this sense, the objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of a convection-permitting scale simulation (CP) with Regional Climate Model version 5 (RegCM5) in simulating the cyclone features (frequency, intensity, lifetime, preferential regions, precipitation, etc.) in the SESA region from January 2018 to December 2021. The CP simulation was driven by ERA5 reanalysis with 3.0 km of horizontal grid spacing in a domain covering from ~ 11°S to 35°S. Cyclones are identified with a tracking algorithm based on relative vorticity at 925 hPa. The cyclone features in the CP simulation are compared with that from ERA5. The mesoscale structure of the simulated precipitation associated with cyclones is compared with satellite estimates. Overall, CP simulation captured the main observed features associated with cyclones.
Comparing the efficiency of forest mitigation policies: Is sequestering more efficient than using wood?
Authors: Cosofret Cosmin , Bouriaud Olivier , Bouriaud Laura
Published: March 2024

Reducing the net CO2 emissions is a key target worldwide, as shown, for instance, by the commitment of the Paris Agreement, and in this context, forests are being scrutinized for their capacity to act as carbon sinks and store large amounts of carbon over long periods. Quantifying the substitution effect of wood remains very difficult as it depends on many factors difficult to measure, such as the distribution of wood products into types of products having different lifetimes and which can substitute for different materials.In Romania, forests have a large overall biomass stock, even in managed forests, since the management is operating at an intensity much lower than in many other European countries. Increased regionality in the global change effects requires a more local investigation. Therefore, we used a dynamic forest landscape model (LandClim model) to compare the three opposed mitigation strategies of forests and quantify their potential for sequestration of carbon and substitution of carbon in the context of global changes.Under the mild climate RCP26 the carbon stocks were kept at levels roughly similar to the current stocks. The Set Aside 100% (SA100) managed stands stored the highest quantity of carbon, showing a capping of growth at the end of the 200 simulated years. Under the extreme climate RCP85, stocks increased for three decades but then plummeted. The highest stocks were obtained by the Set Aside 0% (SA0) management.The cumulative harvest showed two surges under the climate scenario RCP26, first at the beginning of the simulation (2020-2060) and then during the 2170-2210 period. Under mild climate change RCP26, the effect of substitution from wood procurement clearly exceeds the increase in storage that can be expected. Under the RCP85 climate, harvest occurred exclusively during 2020-2070, then practically stopped when all stocks and fluxes became a lot more similar among management scenarios, given the catastrophic drop of stocks past 2080.Wind-related disturbances had relatively constant consequences under RCP26, albeit with more fluctuations and a much higher intensity in SA100. SA0 and SA30 had similar magnitudes until 2120, and then wind-induced losses increased more strongly for Set Aside 30% (SA30). By 2210 the amounts of wind-induced carbon losses were 50% larger for SA100 than for SA30. Under scenario RCP85, the management strategy did not influence these losses which were near zero after 2080, as a result of the very small stocks.The literature suggests no management strategies for carbon storage in mild climates, but in extreme climates cannot be a solution. Therefore, under the cloud of increased disturbance and pressure of climate change, the substitution strategy is more effective and safer than sequestration. 
The Analysis of Changes in Particulate Matter Concentrations in East Asia before and after COVID-19
Authors: Son Eun-Seong , Kim HyeunSoo , Jeong Peel-Soo , Wang Kyung-Hui , Han Seung-Hee , Yun Hui-young
Published: March 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic commenced at the end of 2019, inducing a substantial decline in human activities across various sectors, encompassing industry, economy, tourism, and daily life globally. This resulted in a reduction in anthropogenic pollutant emissions.The concentration of fine particulate matter in the atmosphere incorporates influences from both artificial and natural emission sources. East Asia is also notable for experiencing frequent occurrences of yellow dust.Nonetheless, studies conducted by Bae et al. (2023) and Zhang et al. (2020) reported that PM10 concentrations in Korea and China decreased by more than 30% following the emergence of COVID-19. This phenomenon has been commonly observed worldwide.This study delves into whether air quality is deteriorating again now that the pandemic has subsided. It examines long-term changes in air quality in East Asia, covering the Pre-COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 periods, utilizing measurement data. To enhance reliability, the data were obtained from a nationally operated atmospheric measurement station. In addition to PM10, changes in the concentration of gaseous pollutants such as NO2 and SO2 were also analyzed.In instances where changes in air quality occurred, an analysis was conducted to determine whether these changes correlated with human activities. The study explored whether yearly and seasonal weather changes acted as variables and whether air quality fluctuations in urban and rural areas exhibited disparities. Statistical methods such as regression analysis were employed.This study analyzes the impact of human activities on the concentration of fine particulate matter in East Asia and offers implications for the direction of national policies aimed at improving air quality.Reference:Minah Bae, Yoon-Hee Kang, Eunhye Kim, Segi Kim, Soontae Kim (2023), A multifaceted approach to explain short- and long-term PM2.5 concentration changes in Northeast Asia in the month of January during 2016–2021, Science of the Total Environment, Volume 880, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163309Zhang, J., Cu i, K., Wang, Y.F., Wu , J.L., Hu ang, W.S., Wan, S., and Xu, K. (2020), Temporal variations in the air quality index and the impact of the COVID-19 event on air quality in western China, erosol and Air Quality Research, Vol. 20, No. 7, pp. 1552-1568. https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.2020.06.0297Acknowledgments:This research was supported by Particulate Matter Management Specialized Graduate Program through the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute (KEITI) funded by the Ministry of Environment (MOE)
Belianske Tatry Mts: a story of burial and tectonic strain
Authors: Staneczek Dorota , Szaniawski Rafał , Marynowski Leszek
Published: March 2024

The geological evolution of the Tatra Mts (Carpathian range) is very complex. It involves many different episodes/steps: Late Cretaceous thrusting of nappes, Paleocene uplift, Oligocene burial, and final Miocene exhumation of the metamorphic crystalline basement coupled with tilt of the whole massif. Although Tatra Mts are a relatively small mountain range, the intensity of processes affecting them is not uniform throughout the range’s extent. The main goal of our study is to investigate the petromagnetic properties, magnetic fabrics, and paleotemperatures that affected Cretaceous marly limestones, a member of the Mesozoic thrust nappe, and post-thrusting Oligocene black shales in the easternmost part of the Tatra massif: the Belianskie Tatry Mts. In-phase magnetic susceptibility (ipMS) is rather consistent in the black shales and points to a significant contribution of paramagnetic minerals. The most common ferromagnetic mineral, as derived from Isothermal Remanent Magnetization analyses, is magnetite with a minor contribution of hematite and goethite. The marly limestones are characterized by high ferromagnetics to paramagnetics ratio and the presence of superparamagnetic magnetite which can be linked with thermal alteration. Their ipMS is strongly site-dependent. Magnetic fabrics documented in the Belianske Tatry show a complex, multifaceted evolution that was affected by the elevated burial temperatures. In-phase Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (ipAMS) lineation in Oligocene shales records the uplift-related Early Miocene shortening. Ferromagnetic fabrics as out-of-phase AMS (opAMS) and Anisotropy of Anhysteretic Remanent Magnetization show mixed sedimentary-tectonic features which may be linked with the Oligocene extension of the sedimentary basin. In Cretaceous marly limestones, magnetic fabrics documented by different methods (ipAMS, opAMS, AARM) for each site are consistent which suggests that the orientation of ferromagnetic minerals controls each anisotropy. The origin of magnetic lineation in these rocks is ambiguous and may be linked either with nappe emplacement or later compressional uplift.
A thermo-mechanical model of the thermal evolution and incorporation of the metamorphic sole in the Oman ophiolite
Authors: Ibragimov Iskander , Moulas Evangelos
Published: March 2024

Ophiolites are remnants of oceanic crust and mantle, now typically found within continental mountain ranges. Particularly in areas once part of the Tethys Ocean, ophiolites are often accompanied by narrow strips of metamorphic rocks, commonly referred to as metamorphic soles. These rocks exhibit peak metamorphic conditions characteristic of either granulite or amphibolite facies. Geochronological studies of Tethyan ophiolites indicate that the development of these metamorphic soles occurred almost simultaneously with the crystallization of the ophiolite's crustal sequence. Geological evidence also suggests that the metamorphism of the sole rocks took place concurrently with deformation, likely at the same time as the ophiolite's obduction. In our research, we explore the metamorphic effects of shearing in an ophiolite sequence overlying a crustal sequence. Our findings reveal that a strong crustal lithology can produce additional heat through the dissipation of mechanical energy, which can explain the high temperatures found in metamorphic-sole rocks. In addition, heating of the footwall rocks eventually leads to the migration of the active shear zone from the mantle sequence into the upper crustal domain. This migration is responsible for the metamorphic sole incorporation at the base of the ophiolite. Finally, we demonstrate that stopping the shearing process rapidly cools these rocks, corresponding with the findings from thermochronological studies from Oman ophiolite.
Exploring Mayotte’s magmatic plumbing system using the variety and geometry of its seismicity
Authors: Retailleau Lise , Saurel Jean-Marie , McBrearty Ian W. , Beroza Gregory C. , Farge Gaspard , Lomax Anthony , Crawford Wayne C.
Published: March 2024

The seismic sequence off the coast of Mayotte island, in the Comoros archipelago, preceded and accompanied the large submarine volcanic eruption and birth of the volcano Fani Maoré. While this sequence has slowed down and the eruption has stopped, it is still active and captures the deep complex system of this new volcano and its evolution. The seismicity is separated in two clusters. The distal cluster is located about 25 km South-East of Mayotte and has been associated with the magma propagation towards the surface. The proximal cluster, about 10 km East of Mayotte, suggests the presence of several magmatic reservoirs and conduits. We built a new catalog using deep learning methods from land and ocean bottom seismometers data from 2019 to 2023. We locate this seismicity using NonLinLoc and a 1D velocity model developed in 2020 specifically for this seismic sequence. We analyze the volcano-tectonic and long period earthquakes spatio-temporal patterns as well as their mechanism to understand the volcanic system. We compare this analysis with recent modeling studies that suggest interactions between reservoirs.
Tracing the path of ice in northern Namibia: mapping the remnants of long-gone glaciers with photogrammetry in unprecedented resolution
Authors: Wohlschlägl Ricarda , Kettler Christoph , Le Heron Daniel , Mejías Osorio Paulina , Nduutepo Andreas
Published: March 2024

The glacial features of the Late Palaeozoic Ice Age (LPIA) in northern Namibia have been disproportionately understudied compared to the southern part of the country. Although some initial insights were gained from mid-20th century expeditions, there has been a significant lack of detailed scientific investigations in the area since then (e.g. Martin & Schalk, 1959). Recent studies have begun to address this gap and aim to reinvigorate research in the region (Dietrich et al., 2021; Fedorchuk et al., 2023, Rosa et al., 2023). By utilizing large-scale aerial and close-range photogrammetry, we have been able to meticulously map the beds of vanished glaciers at an unprecedented resolution. Quantitative analyses of macroscale ice flow features, including over 16 000 measurements of striae and crescentic fractures in a single area, enable us to determine the directions of ice movement and allow us to correlate them with the suggested local flow direction of a large-scale paleo-fjord network (Dietrich et al., 2021). Analysing selected areas of potential subglacial bedrock failure on high-resolution outcrop photos and detailed 3D models allows us to determine the influence of meltwater and the overlying glacier on erosional features such as crescentic fractures and joint-bounded scars.Our findings raise important questions regarding the conditions beneath the glacier, including the phases of glaciation evident in the exposed bedrock, subglacial bedrock failure, and the extent and influence of meltwater activity.Recent efforts to focus scientific attention on the relatively underexplored northern regions of Namibia present a promising opportunity to enhance the existing understanding of glaciations during the LPIA on Gondwana and to utilize these findings to gain better insights into the development of subsequent glaciations.
Estimating anthropogenic subsoil compaction in Germany using data-driven reciprocal modelling
Authors: Harbo Laura Sofie , Schneider Florian
Published: March 2024

Aim: Anthropogenic compaction is typically assumed to be major threat to soil health in agriculture. Compaction of the subsoil is considered irreversible and therefore more severe than topsoil compaction. To-date, quantitative estimates about the extent and severity of soil compaction are hardly available. This study aims to quantify anthropogenic subsoil compaction in German croplands by reanalyzing data from the German Agricultural Soil Inventory (BZE-LW). Grassland sites, which are assumed to exhibit negligible traffic-induced compaction below 30 cm depth, serve as a reference for the prediction of bulk density in cropland sites before anthropogenic compaction.Methods: A data-driven reciprocal modelling approach is employed to estimate human-induced increases in bulk density at 1477 cropland sites scattered in a regular 8 x 8 km grid across Germany. The model is trained on data from ~400 grassland sites using information about soil texture, organic C content, soil pH, climate, and geological parent material. The model is then applied to the cropland sites to predict the bulk density of the upper subsoil in 30-50 cm depth prior to anthropogenic compaction. The disparity between modelled and observed bulk density represents the trafficking induced changes in soil compactness. To explain the drivers of this change, another data-driven model, incorporating soil and climate information as well as cropland management data, is trained and interpreted.Results: Traffic-induced compaction has significantly increased the median bulk density of subsoils under cropland by 0.055 g cm⁻³, corresponding to a 4% increase. The modelled effects ranges from -0.07 g cm-3 to 0.180 g cm⁻³ (10th and 90th quantile), with the largest increases in subsoil compaction observed in eastern Germany. For the 20% most severely affected sites in Germany, the median increase in bulk density was 0.180 g cm⁻³ (0.142 g cm⁻³ – 0.267 g cm⁻³, 10th and 90th quantile), which corresponds to a 12% increase in subsoil bulk density. The anthropogenic increase in soil bulk density was most pronounced in loamy soils with relatively low soil organic carbon content.Conclusion: This study represents a significant advancement in our ability to quantitatively assess the extent and severity of anthropogenic subsoil compaction at a national scale. The data-driven reciprocal modelling approach employed is promising for broad application in relation to soil health monitoring initiatives across Europe. 
Natural and restoration peatland pools contain mainly contemporary carbon
Authors: Dean Joshua , Billett Michael , Turner Edward , Garnett Mark , Andersen Roxane , McKenzie Rebecca , Dinsmore Kerry , Baird Andy , Chapman Pippa , Holden Joseph
Published: March 2024

Peatlands accumulate soil carbon (C) over millennia and are a globally important long-term terrestrial C store. This C store is at risk of destabilisation by climate and human disturbance. Many peatlands have pools or ponds at the surface which often contain very high C concentrations in organic (dissolved and particulate organic C) and gaseous (CO2 and CH4) forms. The radiocarbon composition (14C) of this C can tell is where these high C concentrations are primarily generated; i.e., from contemporary primary production or C released from deeper, old peat layers due to destabilisation. We present novel 14C and stable C (δ13C) isotope data from six peatland pool locations in the United Kingdom. Our data are from two distinct pool types: natural peatland pools and those formed by ditch blocking efforts to rewet peatlands (restoration pools). We focus on dissolved and particulate organic C and dissolved CO2, with additional sediment, CH4 and ebullition (bubble) observations (total n = 97). The majority of pools contained mainly contemporary C, with the most C (~50-75%) in all forms being younger than 300 years old. Both natural and restoration pools were found to transform and decompose organic C in the water column and emit CO2 to the atmosphere. Mixing with ambient atmosphere and subsequent greenhouse gas emissions were more evident in the generally larger natural pools. Little evidence of deep, old C was found either in natural or restoration pools, even though there is substantial old C in the surrounding peat matrix. We did observe some potential evidence for old C emission via CH4 ebullition, however. Our results suggest that some millennial-aged C can be emitted by peatland pools. But the overwhelming age of C in our sampled pools was contemporary. Our results suggest that restoration pools formed by management interventions such as ditch blocking can be effective at preventing the release of old C via the aquatic pathway.
Predicting Mining activities dynamics in Ghana: A Fusion of Social beliefs and Remote Sensing
Authors: Metsa WOWO Glorie , Sibiry  Traore Pierre C. , Joshi Vijaya , Cohen Paul , Mumo Mutuku Janet , Surdeanu Mihai , Alexeeva  Zupon Maria , Alcock Keith
Published: March 2024

Forests and arable land in Ghana face a significant threat due to the mechanisation and increase of illegal gold mining (galamsey). These directly affect local’s diets and nutrition, impacting communities that rely on forest resources and small-scale farming for sustenance. In regional systems, accurately predicting future outcomes is a crucial task, with applications ranging from environmental management to agriculture. Recent advances in participatory science and modelling have highlighted the potential of building collective models based on the knowledge and beliefs of local populations who interact with the system. Such approaches have provided more accurate estimations of future outcomes compared to traditional expert-driven methods. Under the HEURISTICS project, we are exploring the causal efficacy of local knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes in local communities' decisions on transition to agriculture, forest and Galamsey. Using unsupervised and supervised classification, different land uses and land covers (LULC) are classified from 2017 - 2023, including: Forest, Croplands, Settlements, Water, and Galamsey/Mining Sites. In addition to EO data, open-source data from OpenStreetMap are extracted, providing valuable information on roads, rivers, water streams, and administrative boundaries. To further enrich the data, machine reading models are employed to extract beliefs from articles, ranking them based on relevance to topics such as Galamsey, mining, cities, and settlements. Additionally, we leverage text data to map public sentiment towards mining activities. By analysing the origin and sentiment of sentences, we gain insights into how people perceive different areas and how these perceptions are connected to land use. Further analysis examines the factors influencing sentiment scores, including mining proximity, boundary effects, and authority influence. Grid-level sentiment maps reveal nuanced spatial patterns and highlight areas potentially impacted by mining. We also predict future mining trajectories by using machine learning models trained on historical  2017-2022 text and mining data that allows us to make a prediction for the 2023 year, and to identify key  factors correlated with the mining activities. An R-squared value of 0.94 was obtained, indicating that our approach explains 94% of the variance in mining proportion. Keywords: Land use prediction, mining activity, Galamsey, sentiment analysis, remote sensing, Ghana.
Scanning the Ocean’s sedimentary barcode: optimising digital archives towards a deeper understanding of Earth Climate
Authors: Drury Anna Joy , Rohlfs Nina , Wilkens Roy , Christensen Beth , Lyle Mitchell , Pälike Heiko , Westerhold Thomas
Published: March 2024

Scientific ocean drilling (SOD) has played an important role in revealing much about Earth’s climate history through 50+ years of international programmes such as the International Ocean Discovery Programme (IODP) and its predecessors. The sedimentary records retrieved from below the ocean floor captures the evolution of Earth’s oceans and climate system, documenting both rapid climate change and long-term trends spanning at least the last 145 million years to the emergence of our modern world. All this was accomplished with a relatively traditional set of ocean drilling tools and approaches. Now with technological advances and the advent of data science, SOD is in a unique position to make similarly fundamental advances at a time when decision-makers are grappling with the effects of unprecedented rapid climate change.Given the present need to understand the processes and capture the consequences of our changing climate, we need to employ all possible tools to achieve this. Here we present what ocean drilling material is available through geological time, summarised in easily accessible databases utilising Code for Ocean Drilling Data (CODD; www.CODD-home.net; Wilkens et al., 2017). We also highlight approaches to optimise the use of legacy SOD material and data by targeting locations with  stratigraphic continuity (e.g., locations with composite splices) combined with advances in digital capabilities, such as CODD. This includes presenting an archive of CODD core image tracks for all sites with continuous sedimentary sections based on composite splices. Together, we aim to highlight how this information can be used to develop a multifaceted approach further utilising digital archives derived from scientific ocean drilling material to read the subsurface barcode of past climate change stored in our deep-sea sediments.
Prediction of Subsurface Physical Properties Through Machine Learning: The case of the Riotinto Mine.
Authors: Balaguera Abraham , Sánchez-Pastor Pilar , Du Sen , Torné Montserrat , Schimmel Martin , Fernández José , Díaz Jordi , Vergés Jaume , Carbonell Ramon , Rodríguez Susana , Davoise Diego
Published: March 2024

Recently, under the umbrella of a public-private collaboration project (CPP2021-009072), Atalaya Riotinto Minera S-L. and the CSIC through its institutes IGEO-Madrid and Geo3BCN-Barcelona, have undertaken an ambitious and innovative initiative to validate the applicability of state-of-the-art monitoring and prospecting systems for better tracking of deformations that may occur in the mine’s environment and to study the petrophysical properties and 3D structure of the mine subsurface. In this work, we present the results of machine learning (ML) models developed to predict various physical properties of rock (PPR) for classifying main lithologies. This analysis is based on over a thousand surface rock samples and nine wells with lithology descriptions and density logs. These data sets have allowed us to characterize the main geological units and formations comprising the subsurface of the Riotinto (RT) mine. A quality control process was applied to the PPR database through lithology and intervals to identify and correct outlier values. Multi-Layer Perceptron neural networks were employed to predict these outliers. Various mathematical and supervised machine learning models were developed to understand and predict PPR associated with different geological units. The models were compared to identify the most efficient and stable one. Additionally, new machine learning models were implemented to predict lithofacies based on PPR. These models were then used to predict PPR and classify lithofacies in wells within a mining site. The results suggest that machine learning-based PPR prediction reduces uncertainty, providing a clearer understanding of the anisotropic characteristics of geological units. Apparent density, total porosity, and P-wave velocity properties were found to predict lithofacies with an accuracy of approximately 80%. In conclusion, this advancement not only redefines the precision with which lithofacies can be identified in the Riotinto mine but also establishes a new methodology for the lithological characterization of the subsurface, leveraging both well logs and direct measurements on surface samples. This study demonstrates the potential of using new ML techniques in mining and geology, as well as opening the door to the use of these models for 3D characterization of lithological units by integrating geophysical data at the exploratory level.This work, financed with reference CPP2021 009072, has been funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities/State Innovation Agency) with funds from the European Union Next Generation/PRTR (Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan).Keywords: Machine Learning, Mining, Petrophysical Properties and Geological Characterization.
Effect of adaptive rootzone development in quantitative land evaluation studies
Authors: Mulder Martin , Heinen Marius , Hack-ten Broeke Mirjam
Published: March 2024

For quantitative land evaluation studies often simulation models are used to determine differences between soil types in terms of water availability (actual transpiration) or crop productivity. In the Netherlands we developed a land evaluation system specifically for water authorities, provinces and drinking water companies. The system allows answering questions on how water management influences crop development due to too dry or too wet conditions in the unsaturated zone. This system is based on the linked simulation model SWAP (Soil-Water-Atmosphere-Plant) and WOFOST (WOrld FOod STudies). The impact of changes in climate or hydrology can then be studied in terms of effects on crop growth and farm income.Although SWAP and WOFOST are process based models, the rootzone development is simulated in a straightforward way: the development of the root extension is specified by the user in advance and the root length density distribution is assumed static in time. Roots play a key role in the interaction between soil water and crop growth and crop yield simulation. Although plant roots are highly adaptable, their adaptability is often neglected in simulation models that are used for predicting impacts on yield. For a more realistic approach we implemented a simple and innovative root growth model which will react on the hydrological conditions within the rootzone. This means that newly formed roots will be assigned to regions where there is no or the least stress, and less or no new roots to regions where water stress was experienced. As a result the drought and oxygen stress will be less dependent on the initial root distribution as specified by the user.The model performance of the adaptive root growth model is compared with a rhizobox experiment where the root growth of maize was tracked while influencing soil moisture conditions at the same time (Maan et al., 2023). An example for a regional study will be provided to show the relevance of adaptive rootzone development for assessing land qualities in space and time.
Inference of a plume conduit in and around the LaRéunion Island from 3D Migration of Ps conversionsfrom the Mantle Transition Zone
Authors: Bommoju Dr. Padma Rao
Published: March 2024

The La Réunion hotspot is one of the best examples of a primary plume, manifested as intraplate volcanism, a linear chain of volcanos with age progression, a large igneous province and geochemical anomaly. In this study, we investigate the mantle transition zone structure in and around the La Réunion Island using 3D migration of P-Receiver functions to decipher the eﬀect of the plume on the Mantle Transition Zone(MTZ) and its architecture. Results indicate a thin MTZ beneath Madagascar, its western side, the eastern and south-eastern side of La Réunion sampling the oceanic region, in terms of a depressed 410 km and elevated 660 km discontinuity. A thin MTZ suggests high-temperature anomalies within, caused by the plume. Interestingly, we detect a depressed 410 km discontinuity exactly beneath the La Réunion hotspot and a broader depression of the 660 km discontinuity in and around it. These maiden results shed light on the high-temperature anomalies in the mid mantle, probably sourced from the La Réunion plume and provide evidence for Majorite-garnet (Mj) to Perovskite (Pv) phase transformation at the 660 km discontinuity. We postulate that the conduit of the La Réunion plume has initially hit the 660 km discontinuity and got horizontally spread at this depth and further progressed to the 410 km discontinuity as a columnar structure.
The unique geomorphology of submarine venting features as revealed by dropping lake levels in the Dead Sea 
Authors: Lazar Michael , Ionescu Danny , Siebert Christian
Published: March 2024

The presence of submarine springs and seepages within the hypersaline Dead Sea appears to be a common feature. Hydrothermal fluid escape was first proposed in the mid-1980s based on temperature anomalies measured in the lake, and acoustic blanking observed on high-resolution seismic reflection data. However, the actual existence of such springs was not verified until recently, since the phenomenon only became the focus of dedicated scientific studies during the last decade. As a result of combined anthropogenic intervention and climate change, lake levels have been dropping since the 1960s by over 1 m per year. This has led to large expanses of the lake floor becoming dry land and for submarine springs and other venting features that were previously in deeper water to become shallower. As a consequence, such features are now accessible for direct study either by skilled scuba divers or even along the coast where some have become exposed. Underwater observations include pockmark-like structures, fast and slow-flowing springs, and even salt chimneys formed when brines with different ionic composition than Dead Sea water escape from these vents and come in contact with chlorine-saturated hypersaline background brine leading to the precipitation of halite and other minerals. Diverse microbial communities seem to thrive at these venting locations. Here we will discuss the different types of features, their connection to regional tectonics, and their evolution and development from water to land.
Whence the demise and fall of the RNA World?
Authors: Medvegy Anna , Mojzsis Stephen
Published: March 2024

A widely promulgated concept for the fundamental ancestor-descendent relationship at life’s origin, and thus the onset of Darwinian evolution, is the RNA World hypothesis. If Darwinian evolution on Earth began with a simple RNA molecule which had the ability to replicate itself, in the long run this must have given way to DNA perhaps via an intermediate RNA(±Peptide) World. This could happen once DNA appeared and became the preferred informational molecule for all extant biology. Yet, making sense of this transition is confounded both by the intervening 4 billion years of biological evolution, and a scarce ancient (pre-3.2 Gyr) geologic record. Here, we explore whether the relative instability of RNA to thermal stresses, salt content, pH, variable UV sensitivity and an overall narrow available suite of metabolic styles, strictly limited the range of suitable habitats for RNA World organisms; they were susceptible to marginalization, assimilation and effective extinction. We propose that main factors responsible for the transition from the RNA±Peptide to DNA+Peptide World included (i) overall changes in the geosphere (e.g. heat flow, crustal type, nutrient availability); (ii) transient global heating of the hydrosphere by late accretion bombardment viz. “thermal bottlenecks”; and, (iii) competition from, and perhaps predation by, metabolically diverse and genomically nimble emergent DNA+Peptide organisms. 
Identifying and Mapping Alteration Minerals Using HySpex Airborne Hyperspectral Data in the Yudai Porphyry Cu (Au, Mo) Mineralization, Kalatag District, NW China
Authors: Shanshan Wang
Published: March 2024

Airborne hyperspectral remote sensing data provide a wide range of rapid, non-destructive and near laboratory quality reflectance spectra for mineral mapping and lithological discrimination, thereby ushering an innovative era of remote sensing. In this study, NEO HySpex cameras, which comprise 504 spectral channels in the spectral ranges of 0.4–1.0 μm and 1.0–2.5 μm, were mounted on a delta wing XT-912 aircraft. The designed flexibility and modular nature of the HySpex aircraft hyperspectral imaging system made it relatively easy to test, transport, install, and remove the system multiple times before the acquisition flights. According to the design fight plan, including the route distance, length, height, and flight speed, we acquired high spectral and spatial resolutions airborne hyperspectral images of Yudai porphyry Cu (Au, Mo) mineralization in Kalatag District, Eastern Tianshan terrane, Northwest China.Using hyperspectral images on our own HySpex airborne flight, we extracted and identified alteration mineral assemblages of the Yudai porphyry Cu (Au, Mo) mineralization (Kalatag District, northwest China). The main objectives of this study were to (1) acquire HySpex airborne hyperspectral images of the Yudai Porphyry Cu (Au, Mo) mineralization, (2) determine a workflow for processing HySpex images, and (3) identify alteration minerals using a random forest (RF) algorithm and a comprehensive field survey.By comparing the features of the HySpex hyperspectral data and standard spectra data from the United States Geological Survey database, endmember pixels of spectral signatures for most alteration mineral assemblages (goethite, hematite, jarosite, kaolinite, calcite, epidote, and chlorite) were extracted. After a HySpex data processing workflow, the distribution of alteration mineral assemblages (iron oxide/hydroxide, clay, and propylitic alterations) was mapped using the random forest (RF) algorithm. The experiments demonstrated that the workflow for processing data and RF algorithm is feasible and active, and show a good performance in classification accuracy. The overall classification accuracy and Kappa classification of alteration mineral identification were 73.08 and 65.73%, respectively. The main alteration mineral assemblages were primarily distributed around pits and grooves, consistent with field-measured data. Our results confirm that HySpex airborne hyperspectral data have potential application in basic geology survey and mineral exploration, which provide a viable alternative for mineral mapping and identifying lithological units at a high spatial resolution for large areas and inaccessible terrains.
Enhancing Snow Ablation Modeling in the Generation of Gridded Snow Water Equivalent Data
Authors: Yu Michelle , Paciorek Christopher , Rhoades Alan , Risser Mark , Perez Fernando
Published: March 2024

Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) is a critical parameter for understanding water availability in regions with seasonal snow cover. Ensuring an accurate representation of SWE across regular spatial and temporal intervals is essential and plays a pivotal role in hydrological and climatological studies. This work critically examines the ablation modeling strategy employed by the University of Arizona daily 4km SWE dataset (UA SWE), a widely adopted SWE gridded product in the United States, highlighting limitations inherent in methodologies that rely solely on temperature data.Recognizing the utility of a more nuanced perspective to capture the complexities of snowmelt dynamics, we propose a novel method that incorporates a diverse set of meteorological and terrain characteristics as input variables in the predictive modeling of snow ablation. Our approach is further extended to directly model SWE, eliminating the need for intermediate ablation estimation and providing a more intuitive solution for empirical SWE prediction.Our versatile methodology can be easily applied to produce high-resolution gridded SWE data. By addressing deficiencies in a leading empirical approach, our technique aims to enhance the accuracy of SWE representation at both the point and grid levels.