bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ichthyofaunal list of the continental slope of the southern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Ramírez José Martín , Vázquez-Bader Ana Rosa , Gracia Adolfo
Published: May 2019

Four oceanographic cruises were carried out between April 2011 and May 2013 on the continental slope of the southern Gulf of Mexico (GoM) in a depth range of 290 to 1200 m on board the R/V JUSTO SIERRA. A total of 91 trawls covered a total swept area of 170.49 hectares. We recorded 177 fish species belonging to 80 families. Fifteen species extended their distribution into the south of the gulf and 37 increased their depth ranges. Five species could have commercial importance:AphanopuscarboLowe, 1839;Hydrolagusmirabilis(Collett, 1904);Helicolenusdactylopterus(Delaroche, 1809);LophiusgastrophysusMiranda Ribeiro, 1915, andMerlucciusalbidus(Mitchill, 1818). The most abundant species werePolymixialoweiGünther, 1859;Parasudistruculenta(Goode & Bean, 1896);M.albidus,ChlorophthalmusagassiziBonaparte, 1840;DibranchusatlanticusPeters, 1876;Nezumiaaequalis(Günther, 1878);YarrellablackfordiGoode & Bean, 1896; andLaemonemabarbatulumGoode & Bean, 1883. High values of fish species richness, diversity, and evenness were registered throughout the study area. A high percentage of the fish species (97%) collected during this project are distributed in the entire GoM. Most of the species showed a wide depth distribution; however, a vertical zonation of species can be observed.
A new caruncle-bearing fanged frog (Limnonectes, Dicroglossidae) from Laos and Thailand
Authors: Phimmachak Somphouthone , Richards Stephen J. , Sivongxay Niane , Seateun Sengvilay , Chuaynkern Yodchaiy , Makchai Sunchai , Som Hannah E. , Stuart Bryan L.
Published: May 2019

A new species of the dicroglossid frog genusLimnonectesis described from recent and historical museum specimens collected in central and southern Laos and northeastern Thailand.Limnonectessavansp. nov.has males that bear a caruncle on top of the head, and most closely resemblesL.dabanusfrom adjacent southern Vietnam and eastern Cambodia. However, the new species is readily distinguished fromL.dabanus, and all other caruncle-bearing species ofLimnonectesin mainland Southeast Asia, by its adult and larval morphology, mitochondrial DNA, and advertisement call. Its description brings the total number of caruncle-bearing species ofLimnonectesto six.
Online appendix 1:Changing distributions of larger ungulates in the Kruger National Park from ecological aerial survey data
Authors: Chirima George J. , Owen-Smith Norman , Erasmus Barend F.N.
Published: May 2019

Documenting current species distribution patterns and their association with habitat types is important as a basis for assessing future range shifts in response to climate change or other influences. We used the adaptive local convex hull (a-LoCoH) method to map distribution ranges of 12 ungulate species within the Kruger National Park (KNP) based on locations recorded during aerial surveys (1980–1993). We used log-linear models to identify changes in regional distribution patterns and chi-square tests to determine shifts in habitat occupation over this period. We compared observed patterns with earlier, more subjectively derived distribution maps for these species. Zebra, wildebeest and giraffe distributions shifted towards the far northern section of the KNP, whilst buffalo and kudu showed proportional declines in the north. Sable antelope distribution contracted most in the north, whilst tsessebe, eland and roan antelope distributions showed no shifts. Warthog and waterbuck contracted in the central and northern regions, respectively. The distribution of impala did not change. Compared with earlier distributions, impala, zebra, buffalo, warthog and waterbuck had become less strongly concentrated along rivers. Wildebeest, zebra, sable antelope and tsessebe had become less prevalent in localities west of the central region. Concerning habitat occupation, the majority of grazers showed a concentration on basaltic substrates, whilst sable antelope favoured mopane-dominated woodland and sour bushveld on granite. Buffalo showed no strong preference for any habitats and waterbuck were concentrated along rivers. Although widespread, impala were absent from sections of mopane shrubveld and sandveld. Kudu and giraffe were widespread through most habitats, but with a lesser prevalence in northern mopane-dominated habitats. Documented distribution shifts appeared to be related to the completion of the western boundary fence and widened provision of surface water within the park. Conservation implications: The objectively recorded distribution patterns provide a foundation for assessing future changes in distribution that may take place in response to climatic shifts or other influences.
Online appendix 1:Is the present Brackenridgea Nature Reserve large enough to ensure the survival of Brackenridgea zanguebarica Oliv.?
Authors: Tshisikhawe Milingoni P. , Van Rooyen Magaretha W. , Gaugris Jerome Y.
Published: May 2019

The Brackenridgea Nature Reserve is a 110 ha protected area established by the provincial Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism as a way of protecting the population of Brackenridgea zanguebarica, a species classified as critically endangered in South Africa. In the whole of South Africa, the species is found in only one small area around Thengwe–Mafukani in Venda. It is threatened with extirpation due to high demand for its medicinal bark. This study investigated the adequacy of the reserve to conserve the species using a method established in 2001 by Burgman et al. This method involves 12 steps to quantify the risk of the decline or possible extinction of the species and takes current human activities, disturbances and the viability of the population into consideration for setting a conservation target. From the results, it was clear that more area is needed for the current population to survive beyond 50 years. Assuming the status quo, it will require 410 ha to maintain the population, whereas a 50% reduction in human-related activities, such as cultivation, harvesting and livestock grazing, will lower the required potential habitat to 203 ha and a conservation option, which allows for bark harvesting, will require 179 ha. Conservation implications: The results of this study will have conservation implication on management of viable species population within a nature reserve. It will require managers to take into consideration the reserve size in relation to potential habitats for the development of species under their management.
Online appendix 1:Plant nematodes in South Africa. 12. Checklist of plant nematodes of the protected areas of the Eastern Cape Province
Authors: Marais Mariette , Swart Antoinette
Published: May 2019

Soil-inhabiting nematodes, including plant-parasitic nematodes, are considered to be the most abundant multicellular organisms in the soil, and of particular interest since they are an integral part of the interlocking chain of nutrient conversions. Because of their abundance and relative susceptibility to both physical and chemical changes, these organisms are used as indicator organisms. The National Collection of Nematodes (NCN) consists of a core collection, the Meloidogyne Collection and the Juan Heyns Collection, which are housed at the Plant Protection Research Institute of the Agricultural Research Council in Pretoria. Vast amounts of biodiversity data are contained in NCN, and the digitising of the collection from 2007 to 2014 yielded unpublished locality information, especially datasets of plant nematodes reported from protected areas of the Eastern Cape. Two hundred and thirty plant nematode species belonging to 36 genera were reported from the Eastern Cape. Of these, only 80 were from protected areas, whilst 163 were from uncultivated areas (outside protected areas) and 148 from cultivated areas. Ten species were described from protected areas, namely Criconemoides silvicola, Meloinema silvicola, Ogma tuberculatum, Paralongidorus cebensis, Paralongidorus hanliae, Scutellonema tsitsikamense, Trichodorus vandenbergae, Xiphinema erriae, Xiphinema ornatizulu and Xiphinema simplex. Only M. silvicola, O. tuberculatum, P. cebensis and S. tsitsikamense were not reported from other provinces, suggesting endemism.Conservation implications: The diversity of nematode fauna is not adequately protected as most nematode biodiversity in the Eastern Cape lies outside protected areas, with only 80 of the 230 plant-feeding nematode species in the province being reported from protected areas.
Online appendix 2:Plant communities of the uMlalazi Nature Reserve and their contribution to conservation in KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Zungu Nqobile S. , Mostert Theo H.C. , Mostert Rachel E.
Published: May 2019

Vegetation research is an important tool for the simplified and effective identification, management and conservation of the very complex ecosystems underlying them. Plant community descriptions offer scientists a summary and surrogate of all the biotic and abiotic factors shaping and driving ecosystems. The aim of this study was to identify, describe and map the plant communities within the uMlalazi Nature Reserve. A total of 149 vegetation plots were sampled using the Braun-Blanquet technique. Thirteen plant communities were identified using a combination of numeric classification (modified Two-way-Indicator Species Analysis) and ordination (non-metric multidimensional scaling). These communities were described in terms of their structure, floristic composition and distribution. An indirect gradient analysis of the ordination results was conducted to investigate the relationship between plant communities and their potentially important underlying environmental drivers. Based on the results, the floristic conservation importance of each plant community was discussed to provide some means to evaluate the relative contribution of the reserve to regional ecosystem conservation targets.Conservation implications: The uMlalazi Nature Reserve represents numerous ecosystems that are disappearing from a rapidly transforming landscape outside of formally protected areas in Zululand. The descriptions of the plant communities of these relatively pristine ecosystems provide conservation authorities with inventories and benchmarks with which the ecological health of similar ecosystems in the region can be measured.
Online appendix 2:Collection stewardship constrained by resources: The management of religious archives in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal region
Authors: Garaba Francis
Published: May 2019

A survey using questionnaires, observation and interviews was conducted in 2011 to ascertain the collection stewardship strategies of archival repositories with religious archives in Pietermaritzburg. The study concluded that there was a need to establish a religious archives group in order for the voice of ecclesiastical archives to resonate across South Africa. Through this group, it is hoped that there will be greater coordination and networking amongst the archival repositories. The help of associations such as the South African Society of Archivists, the Oral History Association of South Africa and the South African Preservation Group could greatly assist in fostering best practices in archival management. To champion this worthwhile cause, it would be ideal to come up with an Open Day on religious archives to serve as an advocacy platform. These recommendations are made against a backdrop of the poor state of religious archives in Pietermaritzburg, resulting from acute underfunding and which threatens the survival of this record in the long term.
Impact of pharmacist-led home medicines review services on drug-related problems among the elderly population: a systematic review
Authors: Gudi Sai Krishna , Kashyap Ananth , Chhabra Manik , Rashid Muhammed , Tiwari Komal Krishna
Published: May 2019

OBJECTIVES: To address and elucidate the impact of pharmacist-led home medicines review (HMR) services on identifying drug-related problems (DRPs) among the elderly population in home care settings.METHODS: A comprehensive systematic search was performed using electronic scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science for studies published between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2018, pertaining to HMR services by pharmacists for identifying DRPs.RESULTS: In total, 4,292 studies were retrieved from the searches, of which 24 were excluded as duplicates. Titles and abstracts were screened for the remaining 4,268 studies, of which 4,239 were excluded due to the extraneous nature of the titles and/or abstracts. Subsequently, 29 full-text articles were assessed, and 19 were removed for lacking the outcome of interest and/or not satisfying the study’s inclusion criteria. Finally, 10 studies were included in the review; however, publication bias was not assessed, which is a limitation of this study. In all studies, pharmacists identified a highly significant amount of DRPs through HMR services. The most common types of DRPs were potential drug-drug interactions, serious adverse drug reactions, need for an additional drug, inappropriate medication use, non-adherence, untreated indications, excessive doses, and usage of expired medications.CONCLUSIONS: HMR is a novel extended role played by pharmacists. The efficiency of such programs in identifying and resolving DRPs could minimize patients’ health-related costs and burden, thereby enhancing the quality of life and well-being among the elderly.
Inversely modeling homogeneous H2SO4 − H2O nucleation rate in exhaust-related conditions
Authors: Olin Miska , Alanen Jenni , Palmroth Marja R. T. , Rönkkö Topi , Dal Maso Miikka
Published: May 2019

Abstract. The homogeneous sulfuric acid–water nucleation rate in conditions
related to vehicle exhaust was measured and modeled. The measurements were
performed by evaporating sulfuric acid and water liquids and by diluting and
cooling the sample vapor with a sampling system mimicking the dilution
process occurring in a real-world driving situation. The nucleation rate
inside the measurement system was modeled inversely using CFD (computational
fluid dynamics) and the aerosol dynamics code, CFD-TUTMAM (Tampere University
of Technology Modal Aerosol Model for CFD). The nucleation exponents for the
concentrations of sulfuric acid and water and for the saturation vapor
pressure of sulfuric acid were found to be 1.9±0.1, 0.50±0.05,
and 0.75±0.05, respectively. These exponents can be used to examine the
nucleation mechanisms occurring in exhaust from different combustion sources
(internal combustion engines, power plant boilers, etc.) or in the
atmosphere. Additionally, the nucleation rate can be expressed with the exponents
as a function of the concentrations of sulfuric acid and water and of
temperature. The obtained function can be used as a starting point for
inverse modeling studies of more complex nucleation mechanisms involving
extra compounds in addition to sulfuric acid and water. More complex
nucleation mechanisms, such as those involving hydrocarbons, are observed with real
vehicle exhaust and are also supported by the results obtained in this study.
Furthermore, the function can be used to improve air quality models by using
it to model the effect of sulfuric acid-emitting traffic and power generation
on the particle concentration in urban air.
Observations of OH airglow from ground, aircraft, and satellite: investigation of wave-like structures before a minor stratospheric warming
Authors: Wüst Sabine , Schmidt Carsten , Hannawald Patrick , Bittner Michael , Mlynczak Martin G. , Russell III James M.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. In January and February 2016, the OH airglow camera system FAIM (Fast Airglow
Imager) measured during six flights on board the research aircraft FALCON in
northern Scandinavia. Flight 1 (14 January 2016) covering the same ground
track in several flight legs and flight 5 (28 January 2016) along the
shoreline of Norway are discussed in detail in this study. The images of the
OH airglow intensity are analysed with a two-dimensional FFT regarding
horizontal periodic structures between 3 and 26 km horizontal wavelength and
their direction of propagation. Two ground-based spectrometers (GRIPS,
Ground-based Infrared P-branch Spectrometer) provided OH airglow
temperatures. One was placed at ALOMAR, Northern Norway (Arctic Lidar
Observatory for Middle Atmosphere Research; 69.28∘ N,
16.01∘ E) and the other one at Kiruna, northern Sweden
(67.86∘ N, 20.24∘ E). Especially during the last third of
January 2016, the weather conditions at Kiruna were good enough for the
computation of nightly means of gravity wave potential energy density.
Coincident TIMED-SABER (Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics
Dynamics–Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry)
measurements complete the data set. They allow for the derivation of
information about the Brunt–Väisälä frequency and about the
height of the OH airglow layer as well as its thickness. The data are analysed with respect to the temporal and spatial evolution of
mesopause gravity wave activity just before a minor stratospheric warming at
the end of January 2016. Wave events with periods longer (shorter) than
60 min might mainly be generated in the troposphere (at or above the height
of the stratospheric jet). Special emphasis is placed on small-scale
signatures, i.e. on ripples, which may be signatures of local instability
and which may be related to a step in a wave-breaking process. The most
mountainous regions are characterized by the highest occurrence rate of
wave-like structures in both flights.
Multitimescale variations in modeled stratospheric water vapor derived from three modern reanalysis products
Authors: Tao Mengchu , Konopka Paul , Ploeger Felix , Yan Xiaolu , Wright Jonathon S. , Diallo Mohamadou , Fueglistaler Stephan , Riese Martin
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Stratospheric water vapor (SWV) plays important roles in the radiation budget
and ozone chemistry and is a valuable tracer for understanding stratospheric
transport. Meteorological reanalyses provide variables necessary for
simulating this transport; however, even recent reanalyses are subject to
substantial uncertainties, especially in the stratosphere. It is therefore
necessary to evaluate the consistency among SWV distributions simulated using
different input reanalysis products. In this study, we evaluate the
representation of SWV and its variations on multiple timescales using
simulations over the period 1980–2013. Our simulations are based on the
Chemical Lagrangian Model of the Stratosphere (CLaMS) driven by horizontal
winds and diabatic heating rates from three recent reanalyses: ERA-Interim,
JRA-55 and MERRA-2. We present an intercomparison among these model results
and observationally based estimates using a multiple linear regression method
to study the annual cycle (AC), the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO), and
longer-term variability in monthly zonal-mean H2O mixing ratios
forced by variations in the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the
volcanic aerosol burden. We find reasonable consistency among simulations of
the distribution and variability in SWV with respect to the AC and QBO.
However, the amplitudes of both signals are systematically weaker in the
lower and middle stratosphere when CLaMS is driven by MERRA-2 than when it is
driven by ERA-Interim or JRA-55. This difference is primarily attributable to
relatively slow tropical upwelling in the lower stratosphere in simulations
based on MERRA-2. Two possible contributors to the slow tropical upwelling in
the lower stratosphere are suggested to be the large long-wave cloud
radiative effect and the unique assimilation process in MERRA-2. The impacts
of ENSO and volcanic aerosol on H2O entry variability are
qualitatively consistent among the three simulations despite differences of
50 %–100 % in the magnitudes. Trends show larger discrepancies among the
three simulations. CLaMS driven by ERA-Interim produces a neutral to slightly
positive trend in H2O entry values over 1980–2013
(+0.01 ppmv decade−1), while both CLaMS driven by JRA-55 and CLaMS
driven by MERRA-2 produce negative trends but with significantly different
magnitudes (−0.22 and −0.08 ppmv decade−1, respectively).
Machine learning for observation bias correction with application to dust storm data assimilation
Authors: Jianbing Jin , Hai Xiang Lin , Arjo Segers , Yu Xie , Arnold Heemink
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Data assimilation algorithms rely on a basic assumption of an unbiased observation error. However, the presence of inconsistent measurements with nontrivial biases or inseparable baselines is unavoidable in practice. Assimilation analysis might diverge from reality, since the data assimilation itself cannot distinguish whether the differences between model simulations and observations are due to the biased observations or model deficiencies. Unfortunately, modeling of observation biases or baselines which show strong spatiotemporal variability is a challenging task. In this study, we report how data-driven machine learning can be used to perform observation bias correction for data assimilation through a real application, which is the dust emission inversion using PM10 observations. PM10 observations are considered as unbiased, however, a bias correction is necessary if they are used as a proxy for dust during dust storms since they actually represent a sum of dust particles and non-dust aerosols. Two observation bias correction methods have been designed in order to use PM10 measurements as proxy for the dust storm loads under severe dust conditions. The first one is the conventional chemical transport (CTM) model that simulates life cycles of non-dust aerosols. The other one is the machine learning model that describes the relations between the regular PM10 and other air quality measurement. The latter is trained by learning two-year's historical samples. The machine learning based non-dust model is shown to be in better agreements with observations compared to the CTM. The dust emission inversion tests have been performed, either through assimilating the raw measurements, or the bias-corrected dust observations using either the CTM or machine learning model. The emission field, surface dust concentration and forecast skill are evaluated. The worst case is when we directly assimilate the original observations. The forecasts driven by the posterior emission in this case even results in larger errors than the reference prediction. This shows the necessities of bias correction in data assimilation. The best results are obtained when using a machine learning model for bias correction, with the existing measurements used more precisely and the resulting forecasts close to reality.
Gravity waves in the winter stratosphere over the Southern Ocean: high-resolution satellite observations and 3-D spectral analysis
Authors: Hindley Neil P. , Wright Corwin J. , Smith Nathan D. , Hoffmann Lars , Holt Laura A. , Alexander M. Joan , Moffat-Griffin Tracy , Mitchell Nicholas J.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Atmospheric gravity waves play a key role in the transfer of energy and momentum between layers of the Earth's atmosphere. However, nearly all Global Circulation Models (GCMs) seriously under-represent the momentum fluxes of gravity waves at latitudes near 60° S. This can result in modelled winter stratospheres that are unrealistically cold – a significant bias known as the "cold-pole problem". There is thus a need for measurements of gravity-wave fluxes near 60S to test and constrain GCMs. Such measurements are notoriously difficult, because they require 3-D observations of wave properties if the fluxes are to be estimated without using significant limiting assumptions. Here we use 3-D satellite measurements of stratospheric gravity waves from NASA's AIRS/Aqua instrument. We present the first extended application of a 3-D Stockwell transform (3DST) method to determine localised gravity-wave amplitudes, wavelengths and directions of propagation around the entire region of the Southern Ocean near 60° S during austral winter 2010. We first validate our method using a synthetic wave field and two case studies of real gravity waves over the Southern Andes and the island of South Georgia. A new technique to overcome wave amplitude attenuation problems in previous methods is also presented. We then characterise large-scale gravity-wave occurrence frequencies, directional momentum fluxes and short-timescale intermittency over the entire Southern Ocean. Our results show that highest wave-occurrence frequencies, amplitudes and momentum fluxes are observed in the stratosphere over the mountains of the Southern Andes and Antarctic Peninsula. However, we find that around 60–80 % of total zonal-mean momentum flux is located over the open Southern Ocean during June–August, where a large "belt" of increased wave-occurrence frequencies, amplitudes and fluxes is observed. Our results also suggest significant short-timescale variability of fluxes from both orographic and non-orographic sources in the region. A particularly striking result is a widespread convergence of gravity-wave momentum fluxes towards latitudes around 60° S from the north and south. We propose that this convergence, which is observed at nearly all longitudes during winter, accounts for a significant part of the under-represented flux in GCMs at these latitudes.
Varying regional δ18O–temperature relationship in high-resolution stable water isotopes from east Greenland
Authors: Holme Christian , Gkinis Vasileios , Lanzky Mika , Morris Valerie , Olesen Martin , Thayer Abigail , Vaughn Bruce H. , Vinther Bo M.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. This study examines the stable water isotope signal
(δ18O) of three ice cores drilled on the Renland peninsula
(east Greenland coast). While ice core δ18O measurements
qualitatively are a measure of the local temperature history, the
δ18O variability in precipitation actually reflects the
integrated hydrological activity that the deposited ice experienced from the
evaporation source to the condensation site. Thus, as Renland is located next
to fluctuating sea ice cover, the transfer function used to infer past
temperatures from the δ18O variability is potentially
influenced by variations in the local moisture conditions. The objective of
this study is therefore to evaluate the δ18O variability
of ice cores drilled on Renland and examine the amount of the signal that
can be attributed to regional temperature variations. In the analysis, three
ice cores are utilized to create stacked summer, winter and annually averaged
δ18O signals (1801–2014 CE). The imprint of temperature on
δ18O is first examined by correlating the
δ18O stacks with instrumental temperature records from
east Greenland (1895–2014 CE) and Iceland (1830–2014 CE) and with the
regional climate model HIRHAM5 (1980–2014 CE). The results show that the
δ18O variability correlates with regional temperatures on
both a seasonal and an annual scale between 1910 and 2014, while
δ18O is uncorrelated with Iceland temperatures between
1830 and 1909. Our analysis indicates that the unstable regional
δ18O–temperature correlation does not result from changes
in weather patterns through strengthening and weakening of the
North Atlantic Oscillation. Instead, the results imply that the varying
δ18O–temperature relation is connected with the volume
flux of sea ice exported through Fram Strait (and south along the coast of
east Greenland). Notably, the δ18O variability only
reflects the variations in regional temperature when the temperature anomaly
is positive and the sea ice export anomaly is negative. It is hypothesized
that this could be caused by a larger sea ice volume flux during cold years
which suppresses the Iceland temperature signature in the Renland
δ18O signal. However, more isotope-enabled modeling
studies with emphasis on coastal ice caps are needed in order to quantify the
mechanisms behind this observation. As the amount of Renland
δ18O variability that reflects regional temperature varies
with time, the results have implications for studies performing
regression-based δ18O–temperature reconstructions based on
ice cores drilled in the vicinity of a fluctuating sea ice cover.
Grain-size distribution unmixing using the R package EMMAgeo
Authors: Dietze Elisabeth , Dietze Michael
Published: May 2019

Abstract. The analysis of grain-size distributions has a long tradition in
Quaternary Science and disciplines studying Earth surface and subsurface
deposits. The decomposition of multi-modal grain-size distributions into
inherent subpopulations, commonly termed end-member modelling analysis
(EMMA), is increasingly recognised as a tool to infer the underlying
sediment sources, transport and (post-)depositional processes. Most of the
existing deterministic EMMA approaches are only able to deliver one out of
many possible solutions, thereby shortcutting uncertainty in model
parameters. Here, we provide user-friendly computational protocols that
support deterministic as well as robust (i.e. explicitly accounting for
incomplete knowledge about input parameters in a probabilistic approach)
EMMA, in the free and open software framework of R. In addition, and going beyond previous validation tests, we compare the
performance of available grain-size EMMA algorithms using four real-world
sediment types, covering a wide range of grain-size distribution shapes
(alluvial fan, dune, loess and floodplain deposits). These were randomly
mixed in the lab to produce a synthetic data set. Across all algorithms, the
original data set was modelled with mean R2 values of 0.868 to 0.995
and mean absolute deviation (MAD) values of 0.06 % vol to 0.34 % vol. The original
grain-size distribution shapes were modelled as end-member loadings with
mean R2 values of 0.89 to 0.99 and MAD of 0.04 % vol to 0.17 % vol. End-member scores reproduced the original mixing ratios in the
synthetic data set with mean R2 values of 0.68 to 0.93 and MAD
of 0.1 % vol to 1.6 % vol. Depending on the validation criteria, all models
provided reliable estimates of the input data, and each of the models
exhibits individual strengths and weaknesses. Only robust EMMA allowed uncertainties of the end-members to
be objectively estimated and expert knowledge to be included in the end-member definition. Yet, end-member interpretation should
carefully consider the geological and sedimentological meaningfulness in
terms of sediment sources, transport and deposition as well as
post-depositional alteration of grain sizes. EMMA might also be powerful in
other geoscientific contexts where the goal is to unmix sources and
processes from compositional data sets.
A leaf area index data set acquired in Sahelian rangelands of Gourma in Mali over the 2005–2017 period
Authors: Mougin Eric , Diawara Mamadou Oumar , Soumaguel Nogmana , Maïga Ali Amadou , Demarez Valérie , Hiernaux Pierre , Grippa Manuela , Chaffard Véronique , Ba Abdramane
Published: May 2019

Abstract. The leaf area index of Sahelian rangelands and related variables
such as the vegetation cover fraction, the fraction of absorbed
photosynthetically active radiation and the clumping index were measured
between 2005 and 2017 in the Gourma region of northern Mali. These
variables, known as climate essential variables, were derived from the
acquisition and the processing of hemispherical photographs taken along 1 km
linear sampling transects for five contrasted canopies and one millet field.
The same sampling protocol was applied in a seasonally inundated Acacia open
forest, along a 0.5 km transect, by taking photographs of the understorey and
the tree canopy. These observations collected over more than a decade, in a
remote and not very accessible region, provide a relevant and unique data
set that can be used for a better understanding of the Sahelian vegetation
response to the current rainfall changes. The collected data can also be
used for satellite product evaluation and land surface model development and
validation. This paper aims to present the field work that was carried out
during 13 successive rainy seasons, the measured vegetation variables, and
the associated open database. Finally, a few examples of data use are
shown. DOI of the referenced data set: https://doi.org/10.17178/AMMA-CATCH.CE.Veg_Gh.
WAVETRISK-1.0: an adaptive wavelet hydrostatic dynamical core
Authors: Kevlahan Nicholas K.-R. , Dubos Thomas
Published: May 2019

Abstract. This paper presents the new adaptive dynamical core wavetrisk. The fundamental features of the wavelet-based adaptivity were developed for the shallow water equation on the β-plane in Dubos and Kevlahan (2013) and extended to the icosahedral grid on the sphere in Aechtner et al. (2015). The three-dimensional dynamical core solves the compressible hydrostatic multilayer rotating shallow water equations on a multiscale dynamically adapted grid. The equations are discretized using a Lagrangian vertical coordinate version of dynamico introduced in Dubos et al. (2015). The horizontal computational grid is adapted at each time step to ensure a user-specified relative error in either the tendencies or the solution. The Lagrangian vertical grid is remapped using an adaptive Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) algorithm onto the initial hybrid σ pressure-based coordinates as necessary. The resulting grid is adapted horizontally, but uniform over all vertical layers. Thus, the three-dimensional grid is a set of columns of varying sizes. The code is parallelized by domain decomposition using mpi and the variables are stored in a hybrid data structure of dyadic quad trees and patches. A low storage explicit fourth order Runge-Kutta scheme is used for time integration. Validation results are presented for three standard dynamical core test cases: mountain-induced Rossby wave train, baroclinic instability of a jet stream and the Held and Suarez simplified general circulation model. The results confirm good strong parallel scaling and demonstrate that wavetrisk can achieve grid compression ratios of several hundred times compared with an equivalent static grid model.
On the Configuration and Initialization of a Large Scale Hydrological Land Surface
Model to Represent Permafrost
Authors: Elshamy Mohamed E. , Princz Daniel , Sapriza-Azuri Gonzalo , Pietroniro Al , Wheater Howard S. , Razavi Saman
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Permafrost is an important feature of cold regions hydrology, particularly in basins such as the Mackenzie River Basin (MRB), and needs to be properly represented in hydrological and land surface models (H-LSMs) built into existing Earth System models (ESM), especially under the unprecedented climate warming trends that have been observed. Higher rates of warming have been reported in high latitudes compared to the global average resulting in permafrost thaw with wide-ranging implications for hydrology and feedbacks to climate. The current generation of H-LSMs is being improved to simulate permafrost dynamics by allowing deep soil profiles and incorporating organic soils explicitly. Deeper soil profiles have larger hydraulic and thermal memories that require more effort to initialize. This study aims to devise a robust, yet computationally efficient, initialization and parameterization approach applicable to regions where data are scarce and simulations typically require large computational resources. The study further demonstrates an upscaling approach to inform large-scale ESM simulations based on the insights gained by modelling at small scales. We used permafrost observations from three sites along the Mackenzie River Valley spanning different permafrost classes to test the validity of the approach. Results show generally good performance in reproducing present-climate permafrost properties at the three sites. The results also emphasize the sensitivity of the simulations to the soil layering scheme used, the depth to bedrock and the organic soil properties.
ANALYSIS OF HEIGHT MODELS BASED ON KOMPSAT-3 IMAGES
Authors: Büyüksalih G. , Bayburt S. , Jacobsen K.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Height models are basic information required for disaster Management. Not in any case satisfying and actual height models are available, but they can be generated by satellite stereo pairs being more precise as InSAR. The Korean Kompsat-3 has a ground sampling distance of 0.71m. A stereo combination covering the main part of Istanbul has been used for the generation of height models. Kompsat-3 images are available as L1R images, corresponding close to the original image geometry, and as L1G, being projected to the SRTM 3 arcsec height model. For use of Semi Global Matching quasi epipolar images are required. They can be produced by just rotating the L1G-images to the stereo base, while with L1R-images requires at first a projection to a constant height level. The projection of L1G to the SRTM height models leads to height differences against the SRTM heights. The orientation of the L1R images with 71 ground control points (GCP) was possible in X and Y with 0.6 GSD and in Z with 1.1 GSD, while with L1G images only 1.2 GSD respectively 2.9 GSD have been reached. A standard deviation of 0.6 GSD for X and Y and 1.1 GSD for Z is satisfying and a usual accuracy for satellite images. A comparison of the generated height model based on the L1G-images with airborne LiDAR data (ALS) showed clear local systematic height errors of the height model based on L1G-images which could not be seen with L1R-images. The area based least squares matching leads to good results in open areas while in build up areas no accurate building determination is possible. Here SGM has a clear advantage with accurate roof structures corresponding to the 0.71 m GSD. For the relative accuracy, that means the building height and the roof structure, it does not matter if L1G or L1R images are used.
DETECTION OF LANDSLIDES WITH SAR POLARYMETRY: CASE STUDY OF SOUTH-EASTERN COLOMBIA
Authors: Correa-Muñoz N. A. , Murillo-Feo C. A.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. SAR polarimetry (PolSAR) is a method that can be used to investigate landslides. Polarimetric scattering power decomposition allows to separate the total power received by the SAR antenna, which is divided in surface scattering power, double bounce scattering and volume scattering power. Polarimetric indices are expected to serve for landslide recognition, because landslides’ scattering properties are different from those of the surrounding forested areas. The surface scattering mechanism is mainly caused by rough surfaces like bare soil and agricultural fields, so we hope that this will be the predominant dispersion mechanism in landslides. In a study area located in south-western Colombia, we used dual-Pol provided by ESA’s Sentinel-1 satellites and quad-pol from NASA’s UAVSAR aerial platform. Using C-band and L-band radar images, we analysed the interaction between radar signals and landslides. First, with dual-pol we found backscatter calibrate coefficients over four GRD radar images acquired between 2015 and 2017. The analysis gave an average backscatter value of −14.47 dB for VH polarisation and −8.40 dB for VV polarisation. Then, using H-a decomposition for quad-pol data, we validated the high relationship between entropy and alpha parameter, which has the highest contribution to the first axis in a principal component analysis. These results were used to obtain an unsupervised classification of landslides, that separated the Colombian Geological Service landslide inventory in three classes characterized by the mechanism of dispersion. These results will be combined with InSAR parameters, morphometric parameters and optical spectral indexes to obtain a local detection model of landslides.
POST-HURRICANE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT ON GREENHOUSE FIELDS WITH USE OF SAR DATA
Authors: Demir N. , Eryilmaz Y. E. , Oy S.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Hurricanes occur without any control of human-being, and it causes large scale loss of life and properties. They happen in the very short timeline and cannot be stopped by the people after it starts to occur. Therefore, the damage has to be assessed just after the disaster for an effective management. Radar images have advantages since the radar sensor can operate in all weather conditions, not be affected by the clouds, therefore use of SAR imagery is useful to identify the damage and loss of properties. In our study, Antalya-Kumluca region has been selected, because a hurricane has occurred on 13th November 2017 and caused large damages especially in agricultural fields where there are lots of greenhouses. Two Sentinel 1A (S1A) images have been used, one from the pre-disaster period and the other is from the post-disaster period. Backscatter values are analyzed in both images. It is expected that the difference between dB values are expected to be larger than the dB value of the pre-disaster period, in case a large-scale damage happened. The fields which were affected by the disaster were found and compared with the Sentinel 2A (S2A) multispectral images to validate the occurred loss. The results show a high match between the detected damages in SAR image and the identical effected fields on multispectral image from the post-disaster period.
CREATING SUSTAINABLE CITIES THROUGH DISASTER RESILIENCE IN TURKEY
Authors: Alarslan E.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. By 2050, almost 66 per cent of the world’s population will live in urban areas. While the urban settlements provide better living opportunities for people, they are also tremendously exhausting natural resources. Thus, as one of the 17 sustainable development goals, “sustainable cities and communities” is promoted by the United Nations. Over the course of the last 70 years, Turkey has experienced one of the most significant urbanization experiences in the world. Recently, cities accommodate over 75 percent of the country’s population. Furthermore, they are prone to high disaster risks due to their dense population and construction in Turkey. Of note, the two perilous earthquakes in 1999 (Izmit & Duzce), provided Turkey significant experiences. They gave rise to reviewing the entire disaster mitigation system. Nevertheless, the earthquake in the City of Van (24.10.2011) revealed some deficiencies in the process of implementing disaster mitigation measures. To remedy these deficiencies, the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization (MoEU) prepared a new law on “Transformation of Areas under the Disaster Risks” (Law No. 6306). The law sets out principles and standards of disaster mitigation and process and procedures with respect to areas prone to disaster risks as well as buildings at risks in and out of disaster prone areas. In this paper, the aforementioned experience of Turkey will be reviewed in terms of sustainable cities and communities goal. Furthermore, the relevant implementations will be reviewed with a view to creating better solutions as well as decreasing undesired consequences such as compulsory displacement of people and degradation of urban environment.
DIFFERENTIAL SAR INTERFEROMETRY TECHNIQUE FOR CONTROL OF LINEAR INFRASTRUCTURES AFFECTED BY GROUND INSTABILITY PHENOMENA
Authors: Infante D. , Di Martire D. , Confuorto P. , Tessitore S. , Ramondini M. , Calcaterra D.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. The Italian territory is strongly affected by ground instability phenomena and the occurrence of geological events, such as landslides and subsidence, is one of the main causes of damage to linear infrastructures, such as roads, bridges, railways and retaining walls, resulting in important socio-economic and human losses. To this aim, the frequent and accurate monitoring of surface displacements plays a key role in risk prevention and mitigation activities. In the last decade, a considerable interest towards innovative approaches has grown among the scientific community and land management institutions. In particular, Differential Interferometry Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) technique represents a useful tool to provide information on temporal and spatial evolution both of ground instability phenomena and of their interaction with man-made facilities, thanks to its accuracy, high spatial resolution, non-invasiveness and long-term temporal coverage, at reasonable costs. In this work, a GIS-semiautomatic approach, using Synthetic Aperture Radar data acquired by COSMO-SkyMed sensor, has been successfully applied to detect landslide-induced effects in terms of deformations of a linear infrastructure interested by slow-moving landslides in Campania Region (Italy).
REMOTE SENSING TECHNIQUES IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT: AMYNTEON MINE LANDSLIDES, GREECE
Authors: Karagianni A. , Lazos I. , Chatzipetros A.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Natural or man-made disasters are phenomena that can affect large areas and have many environmental, societal and economic impacts. Landslides are among the major disasters of large scale that may affect the natural environment as well as urban areas, often causing massive destruction, loss of property, or even fatalities worldwide. Developing tools that are effective for disaster management is imperative to monitor and mitigate their effect. Satellite data and remote sensing techniques, combined with geological data and studies can provide valuable information regarding monitoring of natural hazards in general and especially of landslides. This paper concerns the ex ante and ex post study of a complex set of landslides that occurred in the lignite mine of Amynteon in north-western Greece (June 2017), where large masses of Neogene lacustrine and Quaternary fluvial sediments were detached and moved. The study area is located at the transfer zone between the overlapping tips of two large NE-SW trending normal fault zones affecting the overlying sediments: the NW-dipping Anargyri fault and the SE-dipping Vegora fault. The fragmentation caused by these fault zones weakened the material cohesion, which was further degraded by mining activities and hydrogeological factors, leading to the catastrophic event. The landslide occurred in along the south faces of the mine, resulting to extended collapses, destruction of mining machinery, evacuation of the adjacent Anargyri village and a big financial impact that has not yet been determined. Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 satellite data acquired before and after the event are being used. Digital image processing techniques are applied for change detection. In addition, geological data are being used to provide information about the geological background of the area and landslides vulnerability. Visual interpretation of the area affected by the landslides is also being done, contributing to the overall study.