bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micromechanical mechanism of oil-rock interaction and the availability analysis of shale oil
Authors: Cui FengLu , Wang FengChao
Published: March 2024

In low-permeability reservoirs, strong molecular interactions exist at the solid-liquid interface, necessitating the overcoming of the threshold pressure gradient in shale oil extraction. A profound comprehension of molecular interactions between oil and reservoir matrix is crucial to develop a productive strategy for enhanced oil recovery. Molecular dynamics simulation has become an important method for analyzing microscopic mechanisms of some static properties and dynamic processes. In this study, a molecular model of shale oil was built based on the reported experimental results and simulation. Subsequently, the molecular model was utilized to build a flow model within three matrix pores: kerogen, quartz, and portlandite. A comprehensive analysis of the interfacial effects and size effects on the threshold pressure gradient was undertaken. Emphasis was placed on elucidating the influence of the adsorption behaviors (stable adsorption, unstable adsorption, non-adsorption) of polar components at the interface on the flow of shale oil. The utilization of the critical shear stress facilitated the accurate prediction of the threshold pressure gradient of shale oil within large pores. Moreover, within the context of the flow model of shale oil in nanoscale pores, we conducted some explorations into oil displacement by CO2. This work suggests fresh ideas for studying the oil-matrix interactions on the nanoscale and provides theoretical guidance for shale oil exploitation.
Spontaneous formation of OH radical and H2O2 at the liquid-ice interface
Authors: Song Junwei , George Christian
Published: March 2024

Recently, intensive new particle formation (NPF) events have been observed in the upper troposphere/lower stratosphere (UTLS), where ice formation is predominant. Atmospheric oxidants including hydroxyl radical (OH∙) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) play important roles in these NPF events. However, the underlying formation mechanisms of OH∙ and H2O2 remain poorly understood. Here we propose that spontaneous formation of OH∙ and H2O2 is occurring at the liquid-ice interface during ice freezing, acting as so far unconsidered source of oxidants in the UTLS. This production is induced by the Workman-Reynold effect which predicts that a freezing potential appears in a freezing salt solution and thus an electric field is formed at the liquid-ice interface.In this work, solutions containing disodium terephthalate (TA, ~5 x 10-5 M) were frozen either by immersion into an ethanol bath (-20 ºC) or into liquid nitrogen, and then melted. These steps were repeated creating freezing-melting cycles (n = 0-25). The solutions were then analyzed by a fluorescent spectroscopy to monitor the formation of 2-hydroxyterephthalic acid (TAOH), a product of the reaction of TA with OH∙. The production of TAOH was observed to be positively correlated with the number of freezing-melting cycles, demonstrating the formation of OH∙ during the freezing process. A series of salt solutions containing either NaCl, NH4Cl, NaBr, NaI, NaIO3 at different concentrations i.e.,10-6-100 M were also frozen and melted, and analyzed for their content in H2O2. Also here, our results confirmed the H2O2 production at the liquid-ice interface for the freezing salt solutions. In the case of NaCl, the maximum H2O2 production was observed at the concentration of ~10-4 M. Furthermore, the production rate of H2O2 at the NaCl concentration range of 10-4-10-2 M, was in agreement with the known Workman-Reynold freezing potential values. In order to investigate the role of OH∙ recombination in the H2O2 formation, mixed solutions of NaCl (~10-4 M) and TA (~5 x 10-5 M) subjected to different freezing-melting cycles were analyzed. The production rate of H2O2 was higher than that of TAOH by a factor of ~65, suggesting less significant effect of TA as a OH∙ scavenger on H2O2 formation. Overall, our experimental results provide direct evidence that OH∙ and H2O2 are formed spontaneously at the liquid-ice interface due to the Workman-Reynold effect. This study could improve our ability to describe the multiphase oxidation processes of the UTLS regions.
Ice crystal images classification using semi-supervised contrastive learning
Authors: Chu Yunpei , Zhang Huiying , Li Xia , Henneberger Jan
Published: March 2024

Ice crystals play a crucial role in precipitation formation and radiation budget, with their various shapes influencing these processes differently. The shape of ice crystals is related to the environmental conditions (i.e. temperature) under which the ice crystal forms and the microphysical processes that ice crystal experiences. Therefore, ice crystal shape classification is important for understanding conditions and microphysical processes in cloud. However, current methods are mainly supervised learning algorithms like convolutional neural networks (CNNs), heavily relying on extensive manual labelling, which requires substantial labor. Moreover, the limitations in human’s knowledge of ice crystals and the bias of human subjectivity in classification hinder the generalization ability of these networks. In response to these challenges, we propose a semi-supervised algorithm for ice crystal classification. We use data from the 2019 Ny-Ålesund NASCENT campaign, collected by a holographic imager mounted on the balloon-borne platform HoloBalloon, which includes 18,864 ice crystal images. In our algorithm we initially extract key features from ice crystal images using an unsupervised learning network, prioritizing generalization rather than dependence on labelled data, which ensures unbiased feature identification. Subsequently, a small subset of images is manually labelled into nineteen categories based on a multi-label classification scheme that consider both basic habits and microphysical processes. The classification accuracy of our hybrid algorithm on nineteen categories is similar to the performance supervised learning algorithm. This hybrid algorithm not only reduces the labor needed for manual labelling but also incorporates physics-based constraints, which prevents the network from making unfounded assumptions, thus offering a robust and efficient framework for ice crystal classification.
Soil organic carbon quantification for carbon credit generation under the Verified Carbon Standard
Authors: Alcantara-Shivapatham Viridiana
Published: March 2024

Verra, a nonprofit organization, manages the world's leading voluntary carbon markets program, the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program. The VCS Program is the world's most widely used greenhouse gas (GHG) crediting program. The VCS Standard lays out the rules and requirements that projects must follow in order to be certified. In addition, the VCS Program includes three other essential components: independent auditing, accounting methodologies and the publicly accessible registry system.
The Methodology for Improved Agricultural Land Management VM0042 is the most widely used methodology in the agriculture sector within the VCS Program. The VCS registry lists 113 projects in 26 countries being under development, under validation or with registration requested (status 8 Jan 2024). One project has been successfully registered. The major carbon pool affected by the implemented project activities that is expected to increase in the project scenario is the soil organic carbon (SOC) pool. Further CO2, CH4 and N2O sources must be monitored if they are impacted by the implemented land management activities.
SOC is allowed to be quantified via two approaches: 1. Measure and Model, and 2. Measure and Re-Measure. Direct measurements of SOC stocks are required under Quantification Approach 1 as model inputs for baseline setting and at minimum every five years after for model true-up. Direct measurements of SOC stocks are also required under Quantification Approach 2 to determine the baseline (in baseline control sites) and project SOC stocks at the project start date and at each verification event. Soil sampling must be conducted following the stratified random sampling strategy.
This contribution aims to present Verra's latest requirements for soil sampling with specific consideration of:

capturing variability across large project areas of several thousands of hectares
estimating SOC stock increases over short periods of time to enable robust carbon crediting
providing flexibility in the measurement protocols to allow inclusiveness across different geographies
Operational oceanography in ports and coastal areas, applications for the management of pollution events
Authors: Cucco Andrea , Sorgente Roberto , Quattrocchi Giovanni , Simeone Simone , Pes Andrea , Satta Andrea , Sinerchia Matteo , Perilli Angelo , Ribotti Alberto
Published: March 2024

We present the key findings derived from two European projects, SICOMARplus and GEREMIA, which focused on ocean modeling applications to support maritime safety and to safeguard the marine environment in two regions situated in the northern part of Sardinia, Italy. These projects have supported the implementation of two operational numerical prediction systems for pollution risk management at sea, in the Bonifacio Strait and the port of Olbia. The primary beneficiaries of these tools and associated products included fishermen, yachtsmen, seafarers, and individuals working at sea, as well as emergency management entities such as the Coast Guard, port authorities, and the Italian Navy.Both prediction systems are based on advanced coastal ocean numerical models with high spatial resolution and European cutting-edge meteorological and marine data (i.e., ECMWF and Copernicus Marine Service) to establish environmental conditions at open boundaries.Considering the SICOMARplus project, the operational products comprise a 3-day forecast of marine parameters, like sea surface temperature, wave direction and height, current speed and direction. Additionally, the system provides Oil Stranding Time and Risk Rank Maps for the Bonifacio Strait and the entire north-western coast of Sardinia.Regarding the GEREMIA project, the operational products include a 3-day prediction of the speed and direction of surface currents, as well as Water Age within the port of Olbia and the surrounding gulfs system. These insights into water renewal times within the port, under real-time and forecast of the meteorological and marine conditions, serve as a proxy for hazard assessment in the event of a maritime accident. This is particularly crucial when significant volumes of hydrocarbons may disperse in port waters, with implications for the tourism and economic sectors, such as bathing and aquaculture.Both systems are equipped with web-based interactive graphical user interfaces specifically designed to access operational products, allows users to zoom in on specific areas and to setup and execute numerical simulations in on-demand mode. Users are required to provide their credentials for access to the reserved area, where, after inputting basic parameters, they can perform simulations to predict the surface transport of oil or floating pollutants in north-western Sardinia.These prediction systems and related products, specifically designed to support stakeholders, prove invaluable in planning and managing at-sea activities, enhancing safety, and reducing potential hazards arising from unexpected accidents.
Nature-Based Solutions: Evaluating the global carbon sequestration potential of agroforestry and increased tree cover on agricultural land.
Authors: Zomer Robert , Xu Jianchu , Spano Donatella , Trabucco Antonio
Published: March 2024

The recently released IPCC Mitigation report placed agroforestry as one of the top three Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) mitigation pathways, noting that it delivers multiple biophysical and socioeconomic co-benefits such as increased land productivity, diversified livelihoods, reduced soil erosion, improved water quality, and more hospitable regional climates, concluding there is ‘high confidence’ in agroforestry’s mitigation potential at field scale. As such, agroforestry is one of the most cited nature-based solutions in development strategies and in reporting of nationally determined contributions (NDC),  both for its potential mitigation benefits, but not least for the adaptation, resilience and livelihood benefits it can provide, across scales from agro-industrial farming to small farmer holdings. Here we present recent global and regional estimates of above- and below-ground biomass on agricultural land based upon IPCC Tier 1 estimates and compare results with an updated carbon density map based on remote sensing, with results indicating the methodology and initial estimations are robust. Two future scenarios are evaluated to estimate carbon sequestration potential of increasing tree cover on agricultural land: 1.) incremental change and 2.) systematic change to agroforestry. Estimates of above- and below ground biomass carbon were combined with a remote sensing-based tree cover analysis to estimate the increase in biomass. Global increases (4-6 Pg C for incremental change; 12-19 Pg C for systematic change) highlight substantial mitigation potential. Increasing global tree cover on agricultural land by 10% would sequester more than 18 Pg C over a decade. South America has the highest potential, followed by Southeast Asia, West and Central Africa, and North America. Brazil, Indonesia, Philippines, India, the United States and China are among the top countries. Additionally, we provide an overview and analysis of the unique and significant contribution agroforestry can provide in mountainous regions and in reducing pressure on irrecoverable carbon.
Non-intuitive differences in Ninos-driven CO2 flux variability and long-term changes in the tropical Pacific and Atlantic
Authors: Tjiputra Jerry , Koseki Shunya , Vaittinada Ayar Pradeebane
Published: March 2024

Both the tropical Pacific and Atlantic upwelling systems are modulated by their respective Ninos (ENSO and Atlantic Nino), which significantly affect the regional and global climate variability. Coincidentally, two of largest ocean carbon outgassing systems are also located in these domains. As a result, the interannual variability of ocean CO2 fluxes in these regions have predominant imprint on the globally integrated variations (Landschutzer et al., 2016). In contrast to the effect of anomalously cold surface temperature, the upwelling of deep-water rich in dissolved inorganic carbon is understood to be the main driver for the mean CO2 outgassing. In the tropical Pacific, El Nino (La Nina) leads to a suppressed (stronger) upwelling condition and an anomalously weaker (stronger) carbon outgassing. On the other hand, the Atlantic Nino and Nina exert considerable variability in the surface freshwater and temperature, which leads to spatially heterogeneous responses in the contemporary CO2 fluxes. In both systems, we discover a critical role of subsurface alkalinity in regulating the observed variability, primarily through altering the surface buffering capacity (Koseki et al., 2023). We show that bias in CMIP6 Earth system models in simulating the mean contemporary alkalinity state in the tropical Pacific leads to contrasting future impacts (Vaittinada Ayar et al., 2022) and could have ramifications on the climate carbon cycle feedback.  ReferencesKoseki, S., J. Tjiputra, F. Fransner, L. R. Crespo, and N. S. Keenlyside (2023), Disentangling the impact of Atlantic Nino on sea-air CO2 fluxes, Nature Communications, 14, 3649, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-38718-9.Landschützer, P., N. Gruber, and D. C. E. Bakker (2016), Decadal variations and trends of the global ocean carbon sink, Global Bio- geochem. Cycles, 30, 1396–1417, http://doi.org/10.1002/2015GB005359.Vaittinada Ayar, P., L. Bopp, J. R. Christian, T. Ilyina, J. P. Krasting, R. Séférian, H. Tsujino, M. Watanabe, A. Yool, and J. Tjiputra (2022), Contrasting projections of the ENSO-driven CO2 flux variability in the equatorial Pacific under high-warming scenario, Earth Syst. Dynam., 13, 1097–1118, https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-13-1097-2022.
New insight into salt-related structure in the Onshore Zagros foreland basin, a prospect into the deep gas reservoirs
Authors: Shamszadeh Aref , Lotfpour Masoud , Ferrer Oriol , Adhamian Artabaz , Asaadi Ali
Published: March 2024

The Southern area of the Zagros fold-and-thrust belt (ZFTB) well-known as a great hydrocarbon province developed over the Cambrian Hormuz salt basin. However, the existence of Hormuz salt in the west and southwest of the ZFTB was always under debates. Using a multidisciplinary approach based on high quality 3D seismic data, seismic attributes evaluation, well data analyses, 3D mechanical restoration and depth and thickness maps, this study describes the geometry and kinematic of salt bodies in the Mesopotamian Zagros foreland basin (i.e. Abadan Plain), and their possible salt-related traps for the first time.
Deep seismic interpretation reveals that three deep-seated structural trends inherited from the basement including N-S (Pan-African), NW–SE (Zagros), and NE-SW (Neo-Thetyan) trends have affected the basin-infill of the study area. Seismic sections across a N-S trending Azadegan-Burgan Paleo High allow to interpret two buried salt structures that possibly started to develop at the Lower Paleozoic soon after the salt was deposited. It seems that after the huge inflation of both salt structures during Paleozoic times, their growth significantly diminished by the end of the Permian. Therefore, the halokinesis is mainly confined to the Permian strata, and the younger strata are fairly affected by minor salt withdrawal.
The 3D structural restorations illustrating the post-salt evolution in the area allows to recognize two main tectonic events during the Upper Jurassic and the Late Cretaceous times. The Late Cretaceous contractional deformation reactivated the two deep-seated basin-bounded NE-SW faults and rejuvenated the inherited salt structures. Sequential restoration reveals that the N-S elongated anticline has segmented into two northern and southern domal-shaped structures with a mini-basin in between during the Ilam-Sarvak deposition (Late Cretaceous). During the Late Cretaceous, the structural amplification of the inherited salt structures is characterized by a number of crestal extensional faults and high channelization in the carbonate Sarvak-Ilam formations that significantly affected their reservoir quality.
The southern salt dome structure made considerable relief at the deeper horizon which could be considered as potential structural/ pinch-out traps in the Permian to Early Jurassic formations. Seismic indicators (i.e. bright and flat spots) detected gas potential, gas-filled limestone bodies, in the Early Jurassic Neyriz Fm. sourced from the Permo-Triassic gas reservoir leaking up along the crestal extensional faults.
A Simple Approach for Atmospheric Hydrogen Modelling Based on the Seasonal Variability
Authors: Tardito Chaudhri Alexander , Stevenson David
Published: March 2024

Anthropogenic hydrogen emissions to the atmosphere have the potential to increase if there is a proliferation of hydrogen as a fuel in the future (Warwick et al., 2023).  It is well understood that atmospheric hydrogen has a positive indirect global warming potential (Ocko and Hamburg, 2022; Sand et al., 2023).  However, substantial uncertainty remains in evaluating this global warming potential, and how this value depends on the distribution of emissions.  Principally, the most appropriate surface deposition scheme to use in models remains unclear (Paulot et al., 2021).Motivated by the observation that the seasonal variability of station hydrogen measurements (from Petron et al., 2023) can be well described as a function of latitude, we present an idealised latitude-height model for testing prototype deposition schemes.  We show how much of the key features of the seasonal variability can be captured with an illustrative benchmark deposition scheme, and finally how this model can be used to iteratively develop existing deposition schemes (e.g. Bertagni et al., 2021).
Detecting lightning NOx from ship-borne MAX DOAS measurements
Authors: Ziegler Steffen , Reischmann Lucas , Kinne Stefan , Lauster Bianca , Donner Sebastian , Beirle Steffen , Wagner Thomas
Published: March 2024

Transit cruises of German research vessels across the great oceans provide a unique platform for Multi AXis Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) measurements of atmospheric trace gases such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), formaldehyde (HCHO) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) in pristine locations. Here, we present results of the Extra Atmospheric References for Satellites (EARS) campaign which took place from 16th May to 4th June 2023. During that period the research vessel Meteor was in transit from Walvis Bay (Namibia) to Las Palmas (Canary Islands) from 23 °S to 28 °N crossing the equator at around 10 °W.While crossing the Inner Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), the vessel was sailing through a large convective system consisting of multiple cells and spreading over a few hundred kilometres. The combination of a remote location without nearby anthropogenic sources of NO2 and increased lightning activity allowed for the ground-based detection of lightning NOx. An NO2 peak differential slant column density of 1e16 molec/cm2 could be attributed to the lightning activity in the morning of the 26th May. The corresponding light path length was estimated from the simultaneously measured O4 absorption. As lightning NOx is usually investigated using satellite remote sensing or in-situ on air planes, these ground-based measurements provide a new complementary view on the atmospheric NOx chemistry during a thunderstorm.
Revisiting drivers of the enhanced amplitude of atmospheric CO2 in northern terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Fan Naixin , Buermann Wolfgang , Rödenbeck Christian , Thonicke Kirsten , Drüke Markus , Forkel Matthias
Published: March 2024

Airborne and ground-based measurements have consistently shown a rise in the seasonal amplitude of atmospheric CO2 concentration since the 1960s, particularly notable in the high northern latitudes. For instance, Barrow (BRW, 71ºN) witnessed a 50% increase in CO2 amplitude from 1960 to 2011, compared to a 15% increase at Mauna Loa (MLO, 20ºN). This trend suggests significant alterations in biosphere-atmosphere interactions and a changing carbon cycle in northern ecosystems. Previous studies suggest that the enhanced amplitude of atmospheric CO2 is mainly caused by the amplified plant productivity in northern ecosystems. However, the major factors that drive the increasing CO2 amplitude in the northern ecosystems are still subjected to debate, reflecting the fact that the underlying mechanisms or processes that govern the changes still remain unclear. Our study aims to understand these changes from both modelling and observational perspectives by using long-term (1980-2018) monthly CO2 concentration records, incorporating climate data, land cover changes, fire emissions, and ecosystem carbon fluxes (including gross primary production and ecosystem respiration). In parallel, we employed the LPJmL dynamic global vegetation model coupled with the TM3 atmospheric transport model (LPJmL+TM3) to simulate the seasonal CO2 concentration shifts and investigate the cause of the increasing CO2 amplitude. Our results show that the LPJmL+TM3 successfully captures both the interannual variability and the rising trend in CO2 amplitude from 1980 to 2018. Utilizing ensemble regression modeling and Shapley value analysis, we assessed the impact of various factors on CO2 amplitude changes. Different to the prevailing view that attributes the increase primarily to photosynthetic carbon uptake, our results suggest that ecosystem respiration plays an important role in driving both the interannual variability and the rising trend in CO2 amplitude in the northern terrestrial ecosystems.
Ribbed Moraines and Generalised Linear Modelling: Can modelled ice conditions be used to predict the presence of specific landforms?  
Authors: Barnes Thomas James , Lilleøren Karianne Staalesen , Schuler Thomas Vikhamar , Schmidt Louise Steffensen
Published: March 2024

In this study, we investigate the relationship between subglacial conditions and the presence of ribbed moraines in Norway. Ribbed moraines are low-lying subglacially formed ridges, transverse to glacial flow and numerous processes have been proposed to explain their formation. So far there is no agreement about the formation process but most of them are linked to the presence of subglacial water. We therefore hypothesise that there is a relationship between hydrological conditions at the bed of the Fennoscandian Ice Sheet, and the presence of ribbed moraines. To test this, we extract subglacial conditions from a numerical model of the Fennoscandian Ice Sheet and derive further modelled hydrological conditions using a MATLAB-based hydrological toolbox. Our conditions include: (i) subglacial hydrological sinks, (ii) subglacial hydraulic head, (iii) flow accumulation, (iv) ice thickness, (v) ice-flow velocity, and (vi) basal temperature. We use these data in a presence-absence generalised linear modelling approach, to evaluate the coexistence of ribbed moraines and specific conditions. From this we can infer whether they have a consistent series of conditions which determine their presence. We focus on two areas, a training dataset in Vinstre, South-Central Norway, and a validation dataset in Femunden, Central-Eastern Norway. These sites cover known and well mapped areas of ribbed moraines, which are used as ground truth data. Comparison is possible through superimposing presence-absence predictions on the ground truth data in GIS as a pair of gridded, spatially referenced datasets. In comparing the model output to ground truth data, we aim to provide new assessments of the validity of the many ribbed moraine formation theories. For example, if hydrological conditions prove a poor predictor, then we can consider the presence of water as less likely a prerequisite for the formation of ribbed moraines. 
Modelling and Prediction of Unprecedented Heavy Rainfall Event Over North India 
Authors: Saini Rohtash , Attada Raju
Published: March 2024

Widespread and multi-day heavy rainfall events, recorded during 08-09 July 2023 in northwest India, significantly impacted Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and the Chandigarh region. These events resulted in devastating floods and extensive landslides, causing a substantial loss of lives and properties. Understanding such extreme weather phenomena is imperative for enhancing predictive capabilities and mitigating associated impacts. However, due to the complex topography of the Himalayas and limited observational data, poses challenges for investigating precipitation extremes. Against the background, in this study, we employ the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to investigate the atmospheric processes that led to unprecedented extreme precipitation. The innermost domain is configured with a horizontal grid spacing of 3 km, successfully reproduces the observed extreme rainfall. To assess the performance of different microphysics schemes in capturing key characteristics associated with heavy rainfall events, sensitivity experiments were conducted with five distinct schemes. Preliminary findings reveal that the Goddard microphysics scheme demonstrates good agreement with observations, closely followed by the Thompson scheme. Statistical analyses, including skill scores, further suggest that the Goddard microphysics scheme skillfully simulates the observed rainfall, displaying robust reflectivity values exceeding 35 dBZ in the core regions. The strong reflectivity indicates substantial hydrometeor concentrations, suggesting potential locations of deep convective activity associated with heavy rainfall. Detailed results of simulating the rainfall extremes over northwest India, along with feasible mechanisms influencing atmospheric conditions during extreme will be comprehensively discussed.
Monitoring impending rock slope failure in alpine scenarios: impact of high spatial and temporal resolution satellite SAR imagery in the investigation of the June 15, 2023, failure event in Brienz/Brinzauls, Swiss Alps  
Authors: Manconi Andrea , Bühler Yves , Tolpekyn Valentyn , Rankl Melanie , Wollersheim Michael
Published: March 2024

Rock slope failures are the catastrophic expression of long-term geomorphological processes occurring in alpine regions. Their impact is often limited to single slopes; however, rock and debris material can occasionally travel very long distances and affect landscape, infrastructures, as well as endanger human life several kilometers away from the source area. Monitoring the evolution of surface activity is recognized as a suitable method to timely identify changes potentially leading to such failure events. Satellite based remote sensing, and in particular Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), has shown to be an efficient alternative to in-situ sensors to monitor displacements, especially in situations where the area of interest is large and/or barely accessible. Despite the advent of satellite missions like the ESA Copernicus Sentinel-1, operational monitoring and early warning on single slopes exhibiting surface displacement acceleration potentially leading to failure is still not viable from satellite radars. This is mainly because of the current limitations in spatial and temporal resolution, which prevent obtaining the accuracy and the timeliness often needed for such scenarios.Here we demonstrate how high spatial and temporal resolution SAR imagery can improve monitoring and characterization of the evolution of a rock slope instability prior and after catastrophic failure. We benefit from ICEYE imagery (X-Band, SPOT mode, 5x5 km scene size, ~50cm resolution) acquired over the Brienz/Brinzauls slope instability in the Swiss Alps between March and August 2023. Among 100 SAR images, we have identified a subset of 30 datasets (ascending orbit, left looking) providing an optimal viewing of the moving slope and imaging the area of interest with revisit times ranging from 3 days to a few hours. We use digital image correlation to measure surface displacements and change detection analyses to map rockfall activity and the slope failure event on June 15th, 2023. We also applied SAR interferometry on data pairs exhibiting suitable perpendicular baselines and computed topographic models at different times and determine failed volumes. The latter have been validated with local terrain models based on photogrammetric drone flights. We discuss the results obtained with ICEYE imagery versus the possibilities with Sentinel-1 data and focus on advantages and specific problems. Our results provide an important step forward towards the use of satellite SAR imagery for operational landslide monitoring scenarios and in the identification and forecasting of catastrophic slope failure events in alpine areas. 
"Mathematics, Seismology and STEAM Education: The Strategic Alliance in Combating Climate Change"
Authors: Gavrila Simona
Published: March 2024

Introduction:
Climate change has become one of the most complex and pressing issues of our century. This article explores the synergy between mathematics, seismology, STEAM education and their collective impact in addressing and understanding climate change.
Mathematics: Rigorous Analysis of Climate Data
Mathematics becomes an essential tool in decoding the complexity of climate data. Through statistical analysis, the development of mathematical models and the use of algorithms, mathematics allows us to identify trends, forecast future developments and assess the impact of climate change on our planet.
Seismology: A New Perspective in the Study of Climate
Seismology, a discipline often associated with earthquakes, becomes surprisingly relevant in the context of climate change. Seismic events can influence the climate environment through changes in volcanic activity, landslides and gas release, bringing a novel and useful perspective to the study of changes on the planet.
STEAM Education: Forging Future Generations of Experts
STEAM education is the preparation framework for the future. Understanding math and STEAM enables young people to be actively involved in climate change research and management. The skills acquired in STEAM Education are the key to developing innovative and sustainable solutions.
The Integrated Approach: Moving Across Disciplinary Boundaries
The alliance between mathematics, seismology and STEAM education provides an integrated approach, crossing disciplinary boundaries. This synergy allows researchers, educators and professionals to approach climate change with a comprehensive view and a wider range of tools and perspectives.
Practical Impact and Future Directions
By implementing this integrated approach, we hope to develop more effective adaptation and mitigation strategies. In addition, we pave the way for cross-disciplinary innovations and collaborations, building a solid foundation for continuing to address climate challenges.
Conclusion:
Mathematics, seismology and STEAM education are the fundamental pillars of an effective and sustainable approach to climate change. Surrounded by the complexity of this global phenomenon, this strategic alliance becomes an essential catalyst in our joint efforts to ensure a more resilient and balanced future for the planet.
Analysis of dynamic and thermodynamic drivers linked to heavy sub-hourly precipitation events associated with regional low-pressure systems in mainland Portugal
Authors: Cruz José , Belo-Pereira Margarida , Fonseca André , Santos João
Published: March 2024

Sub-hourly heavy precipitation events (SHHPs) associated with regional low-pressure (RegL) systems represent a significant natural hazard, frequently causing significant losses over a wide range of natural systems and socioeconomic sectors in mainland Portugal, such as in agriculture (e.g., viticulture). This study provides a preliminary identification of the main dynamic and thermodynamic drivers of the SHHP events associated with RegL systems, also providing a systematised and comprehensive assessment of the atmospheric conditions that are at their genesis. This study uses observations from operational automated surface weather stations (WSs), maintained by the Portuguese Weather Service (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera, IPMA) for the period 2000–2022 (23 years), with a 10 min temporal resolution, with special emphasis on three weather stations that are representative of the different climatic regions of mainland Portugal. The southern region of Portugal exhibits higher precipitation variability, characterized by a greater occurrence of extreme events on fewer rainy days. The research establishes a connection between SHHPs and low-pressure systems situated to the west of the Iberian Peninsula. These systems display a cold core, especially pronounced at mid-levels, and a positive vorticity anomaly extending from the upper troposphere to lower levels. These conditions induce differential positive vorticity advection in the upper and middle levels (increasing with height), thereby favouring rising motion to the east of the low-pressure systems (over western Iberia). Additionally, these systems facilitate moisture advection over western Iberia at lower levels, highlighted by the positive anomalies of 2-m dew point temperatures and promote instability conditions, diagnosed by different instability indices (Convective available potential energy, Total-Totals index, and K-index). Lastly, the total column cloud ice water revealed higher values for the heavier precipitation events, relative to the values of total column cloud liquid water, suggesting that it may be a useful predictor of such events. The combination of analysed conditions, suggests that some of these SHHPs may be associated with cut-off lows, however, this hypothesis should be validated in a future study.
Analysis of the optimal temperatures for the synthesis of carbohydrates during the productive period of the olive tree in the olive-growing areas of Extremadura, Spain.
Authors: Honorio Guisado Fulgencio , Aguirado Montero Cristina , Paniagüa Simón Luis Lorenzo , García Martín Ablardo , Rebollo Moyano Lourdes , Rebollo Castillo Francisco Javier , Moral García Francisco Jesús
Published: March 2024

Climate is considered one of the most influential factors in vegetative development, formation and quality of fruits. The study based on bioclimatic indices and the orography of a territory makes it possible to evaluate its suitability for a specific crop and find areas with particularities. This study shows the analysis and trend of the Number of Days with Optimal Temperatures for Carbohydrate Synthesis (NDCHS), in the 12 olive-growing areas (270,000 ha) of Extremadura (Southwest of Spain). Based on the average daily temperature of the 75 climatic stations located in the olive-growing areas, the NDCHS was calculated for the period 1990-2021. To determine the trend, the Mann-Kendal test and Sen's slope estimator were used, and the Pearson test was used to obtain the correlation between the climatic variables. The results show an annual average of 111 days for the NDCHS. The minimum value was found in Ibores with 100 days and the maximum in Vegas del Guadiana with 120 days. The Pearson correlation obtained a maximum value of 0.848 with the average temperature. The Mann-Kendall test showed significant increasing trends in 8 of the 12 olive-growing areas with a minimum of 0.34 (Sen's slope) in Logrosán-Guadalupe and a maximum of 0.76 for the regions of Alburquerque and Vegas del Guadiana. A general average increase of 0.54 NDCHS per year was found for the olive-growing regions in the period studied.Keywords: Olive tree, Extremadura, olive-growing areas, carbohydrates
Optical auroral spectra obtained at the Skibotn Observatory
Authors: Lamy Hervé , Cessateur Gaël , Bosse Leo , Bolsée David , Barthélemy Mathieu , Sequies Thierry , Johnsen Magnar Gullikstad
Published: March 2024

In October 2023, a spectrograph has been permanently installed at the Skibotn Observatory (Norway) in order to regularly monitor the auroral spectrum between ~ 400 and 700 nm with a time resolution of 30 seconds. Using a 300 lines/mm grating and a slit of 100 nm width, the wavelength resolution is approximately of 0.3 nm.  The instrument is pointing field-aligned.The characteristics of the instrument will be provided as well as examples of spectra obtained during quiet, moderate and strong geomagnetic conditions.  A relative flux calibration is currently under way and will be discussed as well.  This will allow the computation of line ratios or a comparison with synthetic spectra obtained using kinetic transport codes such as e.g. Transsolo. Both approaches will provide an estimate of the precipitating fluxes (for electrons but also possibly for protons).Later on we aim to provide a database of low resolution auroral spectra accessible to the community, which will nicely complement data obtained with the new EISCAT_3D radar located a few kilometers from the observatory and data from the other optical instruments located at the observatory itself.  We will also consider the possibility to obtain higher resolution spectra using a 1800 lines/mm grating during specific requested campaigns.This project is a joint collaboration between BIRA-IASB (Belgium), IPAG (France) and UiT (Norway).
Assessment and projection of food security related ecosystem services in Nakhon Phanom, northeastern Thailand
Authors: Nguyen Hoang Minh , Ho Huu Loc
Published: March 2024

Food security is a major concern in the Lower Mekong River Basin, especially under the projected climate change conditions. The areas suitable for rice cultivation, the most important agricultural product in the basin, are expected to change drastically, with the most severe reduction in northeast Thailand. This study investigated the variations in the past ten years of three ecosystem services directly related to agricultural production in Nakhon Phanom, a mostly rural province in northeast Thailand. Using the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) program, and historical and projected climate data up to 2050, we discovered significant variations in water yield, and nutrient and sediment delivery to streams that were strongly correlated with changes in local land use. Further variations can be expected in the future with significant differences observed between and rainy seasons. Sustainable adaptation strategies, such as nature-based solutions, are therefore highly recommended to safeguard and enhance food security within this region.
Access for free: How to get free-of-charge access to Dutch Earth scientific research labs through EPOS-NL 
Authors: Wessels Richard , Pijnenburg Ronald
Published: March 2024

Access to top research equipment facilitates top research. However, the research equipment needed may not always be available within individual institutes, while access to external facilities may not in all cases be affordable, or even possible. This restricts the research that any individual can do and hampers scientific breakthroughs, particularly across disciplines. To overcome this limitation, a collaborative infrastructure network was initiated: EPOS-NL (European Plate Observing System- Netherlands). EPOS-NL provides free-of-charge access to geophysical labs at Utrecht University, Delft University of Technology, and the Dutch geological survey of TNO, all in the Netherlands, for research within rock physics, analogue modelling of tectonic processes, X-ray tomography and microscopy. These labs include capabilities for among others: A) Mechanical and transport testing at crustal stress, temperature and chemistry conditions; B) Large-scale experiments, e.g. up to 30 m-scale fluid transport testing and particle tracking, or hydrostatic compression (< 100 MPa) of 6m long samples; C) Analogue tectonic modelling, including dynamic model imaging in 2D and 3D; D) X-ray tomography at sub-µm resolution; E) A correlative workflow for electron microscopy and microchemical mapping, down to nm resolution; and F) Microfluidics: Direct visualization of dynamic, physical and chemical fluid transport processes in the pore networks. As such, these labs can provide you with the means and expertise for your research into the fundamental processes governing the behavior of the Earth’s crust and upper mantle.Access to EPOS-NL can be requested by applying to a bi-annual call, posted on www.EPOS-NL.nl. This involves submitting a short (1-2 page) research proposal. Research proposals are reviewed on the basis of feasibility and excellence, but generally have a high chance of success (~80% in previous rounds). Interested? Have a look on the EPOS-NL website – and apply!
NewLife4Drylands Protocol for dryland restoration in Protected Areas: an innovative tool to support restoration activities.
Authors: D'Ambrogi Serena , Assennato Francesca , Labadessa Rocco , Mazzetti Paolo , Rastelli Valentina , Riitano Nicola , Tarantino Cristina
Published: March 2024

Land degradation processes have experienced a significant increase in recent decades, a trend that is projected to escalate further in the absence of any intervention. The need of adopting practices to contain, mitigate and restore degraded land have been stressed also by the new European Mission 'A Soil Deal for Europe'. To guide and support restoration actions, through a common and effective framework, an efficient monitoring approach and an adaptive ecological restoration process is needed. The NewLife4Drylands LIFE project provides a Protocol for design, implementation, and maintenance of restoration activities based on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) within drylands. The Protocol, developed following the principles and inputs of some international restoration standards (SER, IUCN), is based on the identification and monitoring of degradation processes exploiting remote sensing capabilities, with the aim to integrate data derivation procedures into ecological restoration and maintenance activities. The Protocol is supported by a Decision-Making web-tool guiding trough the degradation processes, NBS along with indices/indicators with the aim to reduce the knowledge effort and helps in prioritizing options. The Newlife4drylands experience highlighted the heterogeneity and complexity of degradation processes, as resulted from a selected set of degraded pilot sites within Mediterranean Protected Areas, together with the issue for harmonization and standardization of ecological/physical indicators, especially those derived from satellite observations, when used as proxies of land degradation. The integrated use of both available field data (for short-term monitoring) and satellite data (for medium and long-term monitoring) have been explored to identify indicators for evaluating the effectiveness of planned restoration actions. This approach is geared, towards fostering adaptive and collaborative management of the ecological restoration process. Therefore, the Protocol acts as support tool for decision-makers, including public administration of Protected Areas, as well as technicians and planners. The proposed approach aims to raise awareness about the needs of drylands and opportunities provided by NBS. It serves as a guide for the identification of specific/local NBS for the restoration of drylands, beginning with the identification of degradation processes.
Projected runoff declines from plant physiological effects on precipitation
Authors: Lesk Corey , Winter Jonathan , Mankin Justin
Published: March 2024

The impact of plants on runoff under high atmospheric CO2 is a major uncertainty for the future of global water resources. An emerging consensus based on theory and Earth System Models (ESMs) suggests that stricter plant stomatal regulation under high CO2 will reduce transpiration, potentially boosting runoff. Yet, across a 12-member ensemble of idealized ESM simulations that isolate plant responses to CO2, we show that lower transpiration robustly enhances runoff over only 5% of global land area. Instead, we find that precipitation changes are five times more important than transpiration changes in driving runoff responses when only plants respond to CO2, and are a significant signal of CO2 physiological forcing over31-57% of land areas across models. Crucially, the models largely disagree on where physiologically forced precipitation changes occur, but agree that plant responses in most locations are as likely to reduce runoff as increase it, absent any effects from radiative warming. These results imply that large model uncertainties in precipitation responses, rather than transpiration responses, explain why ESMs disagree on plant physiologically driven runoff changes over most of the globe. Together, our findings implicate land-atmosphere rather than land-hydrologic responses as the key mechanistic source of uncertainty in runoff responses under CO2 physiological forcing. They further emphasize that any interpretation of plant-driven runoff responses must consider how precipitation itself will respond to CO2 physiological forcing.