bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What contradictory signals in flood trends can tell us about drivers of hydrological change
Authors: Laaha Gregor , Laimighofer Johannes , Özcelik Nur Banu , Parajka Juray
Published: March 2024

Flood trends are commonly assessed based on instantaneous peak flows on an hourly timescale, as these are most relevant for flood management. However, when hourly data are missing, it has been suggested to perform flood statistics on daily flood values instead, assuming a scaling relationship that depends on the shape of the flood hydrograph and applies over the entire observation period (e.g. Bartens & Haberlandt, 2021).In an Austria-wide assessment, recent flood trends show diverging spatial patterns that contradict such a stationarity assumption. Interestingly, an aggravation of the flood situation is mainly observed for the peak flow (IPF), while the high values of the mean daily discharge (MDF) show much smaller and, importantly, less significant trends.Rather than applying flood statistics corrections (e.g. Beylich et al. 2021), the aim of this contribution is to use flood divergence at different timescales as a mean of inferring likely drivers of flood trends. To this end, we combine several established and innovative indicators, such as a trend divergence index (peak versus daily flood scale), a seasonal trend index (to infer information about flood generation processes), and a seasonal shift index (to infer changes in the relevance of these processes). We show the extent to which these indices can inform us about likely drivers of change, i.e. climate-related vs. anthropogenic changes in the catchment. We discuss how these indicators perform in the light of existing flood scale indices, such as the flood timescale (Gaál et al., 2012) and the peak-volume ratio (Bartens & Haberlandt, 2021). The results suggest that the conflicting space-time patterns contain a wealth of information that is highly informative about changes in flood controls under global change.References:Bartens, A. and Haberlandt, U.: Flood frequency analysis using mean daily flows vs. instantaneous peak flows, HESS Discussions, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2021-466, 2021.Beylich, M., Haberlandt, U., and Reinstorf, F.: Daily vs. hourly simulation for estimating future flood peaks in mesoscale catchments, Hydrology Research, 52, 821–833, https://doi.org/10.2166/nh.2021.152, 2021.Gaál, L., Szolgay, J., Kohnová, S., Parajka, J., Merz, R., Viglione, A., and Blöschl, G.: Flood timescales: Understanding the interplay of climate and catchment processes through comparative hydrology, Water Resources Research, 48, W04511, https://doi.org/doi:10.1029/2011WR011509, 2012.
Weathering and creep in rocks modelled at the microscale
Authors: Rattez Hadrien , Sac-Morane Alexandre , Veveakis Manolis
Published: March 2024

Many natural processes and energy-related project in the subsurface involve the interactions between the porous rock and the fluids inside the pores. In particular, the fluid can interact with the solid matter by various dissolution-precipitation reactions that can modify the microstructure geometry and thus change the mechanical behavior of the rock and its failure potential or directly induce a creep of the rock. These chemo-mechanical couplings can have important implications for storage applications and induced seismicity. In this contribution, we will show discrete element simulations performed at the microstructural scale of porous matter. First, we will show that the dissolution of the cement in sedimentary rocks strongly influence the lateral earth pressure coefficient. The value of this coefficient tends to an attractor by increasing the degree of dissolution, which can lead to stress redistribution at the reservoir scale and promote faulting or induced seismicity. Secondly, we will show a numerical framework coupling discrete element with a phase field model allowing to capture grains shape changes due to local precipitation or dissolution. This model is applied to study the phenomenon of intergranular pressure-solution and allows to reproduce the creep behavior of the material in compaction. It enables also to study the competition between grain rearrangement and pressure solution in fault gouges to induce a rate dependency of the fault mechanical behavior.
Anthropogenic and environmental controls on particulateorganic carbon fluxes and sources in the Kasai Basin, DRCongo
Authors: de Groot Lissie , Barthel Matti , Hemingway Jordon D. , Van Oost Kristof , de Clippele Antoine , Haghipour Negar , Nlandu Wabakhangazi José , Engelhardt Michelle , Six Johan , Drake Travis W.
Published: March 2024

Erosion of upland soils represents a potentially large but relatively unconstrained flux of sediment and organic carbon (OC) to river systems. This flux is particularly important in the African tropics, where population growth, accelerating agricultural land use, and climate change lead to substantial erosion rates. However, few studies to date have investigated how climatic or anthropogenic factors impact sediment yields and OC signatures in tropical Africa. The Kasai Basin, DR Congo, is the largest source of sediment to the Congo River and exhibits a clear gradient in climatic (biomes, and rainfall) and anthropogenic (agricultural land-use change) parameters; it is therefore an ideal study area to explore how these factors influence sediment yields, POC yields and sources of POC. To provide new insight, we quantified total suspended sediment (TSS) yields, particulate OC (POC) yields, and stable and radiocarbon isotopic signatures of POC from 32 rivers within the Kasai Basin that span a range of both climate and land-use gradients. These sampled during the wet and dry season. From initial results, we observe that rivers draining predominantly forested ecosystems yielded 3.0±0.2 kg TSS km -2 y -1 while the savannah regions yielded an average of 26.7 ± 41.2 kg TSS km -2 y -1 . Preliminary POC data showed that rivers draining the woodland mosaics ecosystems yielded an average of 0.7±0.5 kg POC km -2 y -1 with an average fraction modern of 0.9274±0.04. In contrast, the average fraction modern of POC in rivers draining savannah ecosystems was 0.889±0.09. From this preliminary data, we show that the yield of TSS and the age of POC is lower in tropical rainforest-draining rivers) compared to savannah draining rivers, indicating the slower erosion of topsoil compared to faster erosion of deeper mineral soils. Older POC was found in rivers draining areas with high anthropogenic activity carbon likely due to soil disturbance and erosion of subsoil. We conclude that the type of biome and the extent of anthropogenic impact influences the quantity and composition of POC. With this preliminary data, this study provides better understanding of how climate and land-use influences C export to tropical rivers.
CryoSat Mission: CalVal, Science and International Cooperation Activities
Authors: Di Bella Alessandro , Parrinello Tommaso
Published: March 2024

Launched in 2010, the European Space Agency’s (ESA) CryoSat mission was the first polar-orbiting satellite flying a SAR Interferometric altimeter dedicated to the cryosphere, with the objectives to monitor precise changes in the thickness of polar ice sheets and floating sea ice. After 14 years in orbit, CryoSat remains one of the most innovative radar altimeters in space and continues to deliver high-quality data, providing unique contributions to several Earth Science and application domains. The mission has been extended until the end of 2025 with the scope to achieve important scientific objectives and to extend the synergy with other missions by further strengthening international cooperation.Routine CalVal activities are fundamental to evaluate the accuracy of CryoSat measurements, to monitor the long-term stability of the altimeter, and to characterise uncertainties on the final geophysical retrievals. In this talk, we present the CryoSat mission status and show results from some of the several CalVal activities currently in place, e.g., acquisition over transponders, comparison of sea level at tide gauges and exploitation of data collected during polar field campaigns. We also highlight the importance of international cooperation in CalVal and Science activities from the perspective of the ESA-NASA CRYO2ICE campaign, aligning CryoSat orbit to the one of ICESat-2, and the Sea Ice Thickness Intercomparison Exercise (SIN’XS) project, aiming to provide reconciled sea ice thickness estimates in both hemispheres. Finally, we discuss how current and future CryoSat activities are crucial to prepare for the upcoming Copernicus CRISTAL mission which will provide coincident measurements at Ka and Ku bands.
Measuring size distribution of air bubbles and oil droplets under breaking waves
Authors: Steinvik Andreas , Nordam Tor , Davies Emlyn , Leirvik Frode , Mostaani Arsalan
Published: March 2024

When studying the entrainment of oil under breaking waves, accurately measuring the size distribution of oil droplets is crucial as it determines their rise velocity, which in turn controls vertical distribution and resurfacing, and impacts horizontal transport due to current shear. Droplet size is also important for dissolution of soluble oil components, as well as biodegradation. In climate models, air-sea exchange is an important parameter, which is also related to bubble size distributions, concentrations and depth distribution of air bubbles under breaking waves in the ocean.
 
Traditional image processing techniques for measuring droplet and bubble sizes rely on classifying and measuring the size of each droplet in an image separately, which can lead to an artificially large size distribution due to overlapping bubbles. To address this issue, we employed Mask-R-CNN for image segmentation, allowing us to classify all instances in an image simultaneously. This approach enables us to more accurately predict the size distribution of bubbles and droplets, as overlapping bubbles are more easily classified as separate entities. Additionally, this method allows us to work with more chaotic images near the surface of breaking waves without sacrificing precision. We present our results from this approach, which provide a more accurate understanding of the size distribution of air bubbles and oil droplets under breaking waves.
CARIOQA-PMP: developing quantum sensors for earth observation
Authors: Schubert Christian
Published: March 2024

For the CARIOQA-PMP ConsortiumDue to their performance especially at low frequencies, quantum sensors based on atom interferometry are expected to enhance the capabilities of future missions for earth observation. Atom interferometers, e.g. in a configuration as an accelerometer / gravimeter are routinely operated in laboratories and commercial versions exist. Additionally, payloads with demonstration experiments on cold atoms and atom interferometry were implemented on microgravity platforms including parabola flights, a drop tower, and sounding rockets, significant steps towards a future deployment on a satellite, but each limited in microgravity time.Both the specific environment of a satellite and the desired performance of a future, space-borne quantum accelerometer imply strict requirements and consequently the need for further technology developments in comparison to the current state of the art. This context sets the scope for the project CARIOQA-PMP (Cold Atom Rubidium Interferometer in Orbit for Quantum Accelerometry – Pathfinder Mission Preparation). Supported by scientists, the main task is the development of an engineering model of a quantum accelerometer for a dedicated pathfinder mission in space. Additionally, the project considers the scientific background, especially in the context of a possible future space mission.This contribution will present the motivation and the approach of CARIOQA-PMP for enabling future quantum-sensor-enhanced missions for earth observation.CARIOQA-PMP is a joint European project, including experts in satellite instrument development (Airbus, Exail SAS, TELETEL, LEONARDO), quantum sensing (LUH, SYRTE, LP2N, LCAR, ONERA, FORTH), space geodesy, Earth sciences and users of gravity field data (LUH, TUM, POLIMI, DTU), as well as in impact maximisation and assessment (PRAXI Network/FORTH, G.A.C. Group), coordinated by the French and German space agencies CNES and DLR under CNES lead. Funded by the European Union.
Helicopter borne measurements during melt onset in the Fram strait as part of ARTofMELT23
Authors: Pätzold Falk , Bretschneider Lutz , Asmussen Magnus , Altstädter Barbara , Jäkel Evelyn , Stapel Hendrik , Sperzel Tim , Wendisch Manfred , Wehner Birgit , Käthner Ralf , Lampert Astrid
Published: March 2024

In the Arctic climate system, the onset of melting is a crucial point, and timing is still difficult to predict. Therefore, the expedition ARTofMELT was dedicated to exploring atmospheric conditions and processes that are involved in triggering the onset of melting.The helicopter borne sensor system HELIPOD was deployed in this expedition to measure the spatial variability of atmospheric dynamics, radiation, aerosols, trace gases and surface properties on a horizontal scale up to 40 km around the icebreaker ODEN. During the ARTofMELT23 expedition, the HELIPOD conducted 12 measurement flights in the FRAM strait around 80° North and the prime meridian between 9 May and 9 June 2023 with 26.5 hours in the air. The flights covered an area of about 20 NM around the location of the icebreaker ODEN and a vertical range from 50 m to 2700 m above sea level. The flight patterns were aligned parallel and perpendicular to dominating directions as the sea ice edge and the wind direction. In one case a cloud layer edge apparently structured the atmospheric situation. The flights covered pre-melt onset conditions, refreezing situations and the melt onset. Synoptic air mass changes were probed as well.    The presentation gives an overview of the temporal changes of the ambient conditions during the research flights, and a first assessment of the flights during transient weather situations.
Interactions between pre-existing fabrics and fault patterns during oblique rifting revealed by enhanced-gravity analog modeling
Authors: Zou Yaoyao , Maestrelli Daniele , Corti Giacomo , Del Ventisette Chiara , Wang Liang , Wan Xiaofan , Gao Yanjie , Shen Chuanbo
Published: March 2024

 Multiple fault populations with different orientations and complex fault patterns can be observed during oblique rifting, conditions which result from a complex rift kinematics which combines dip-slip and strike-slip motion. Although analysis of different natural cases and analog or numerical modeling have shed light on the relations between rift obliquity and the related fault architecture, many aspects of the process remain poorly understood. One of these aspects is related to the existence of pre-existing fabrics in the upper crust, which may further complicate the fault pattern by forcing the development of faults with atypical geometries and orientation.Here, we performed enhanced-gravity analog models of oblique narrow rifting to characterize the evolution and architecture of rift-related faults developing in a brittle upper crust characterized by inherited fabrics. The models reproduce a rift obliquity of 30° (angle between the rift trend and the orthogonal to the direction of extension), kept constant in all the experiments, and pre-existing vertical fabrics with variable orientation (from 0°, i.e. orthogonal to extension, to 90°, i.e. extension-parallel). Modeling results suggest that inherited fabrics have an important influence on rift-related faulting, with a significant correlation between the intensity of reactivation and their trend with respect to the extension direction. When the pre-existing fabrics trend perpendicular to the extension direction (obliquity 0°), they are strongly reactivated, localizing deformation and promoting the rapid development of faults and grabens perpendicular to the extensional direction. When the pre-existing fabrics trend at moderate obliquity (15°-45°), they are still reactivated and localize deformation causing the development of atypical fault trends and patterns. The degree of reactivation tends to gradually decrease with increasing obliquity; similarly, the influence of pre-existing structures decreases with progressive extension, and the fault pattern and evolution are progressively dominated by extension kinematics and crustal thinning. When the pre-existing fabrics trend at high obliquity (≥ 60°), they have almost no influence on the fault geometry and architecture.This study has significant implications for explaining the fault geometry and evolution of some natural rift basins worldwide, such as basins of the East African Rift system, the North Sea Rift, and some offshore rift basins in eastern China.
Drought vulnerability assessment and mapping using Multi-Criteria decision making (MCDM) and application of Analytic Hierarchy process (AHP) for watershed area of Lake Bolsena of Central Italy
Authors: Mazumdar Tapash , Di Francesco Silvia , Giannone Francesca , Santini Monia
Published: March 2024

Draught is one of the major climate related disaster that Italy has been fighting in the recent years .It is a complex multidimensional phenomenon that is dependent upon on a wide variety of parameters ranging from climatic to socioeconomic ones. In this study we are considering watershed area of lake Bolsena, which is one of the most important water resources in central Italy, to asses in drought vulnerability using Geographical Information System (GIS)  in combination with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). GIS is used for the spatial analysis of drought for Lake Bolsena watershed area for the year 2022 which was one of the worst draught affected year in the history for the country. Parameters such as Monthly rainfall, Land use/Landcover (LULC), elevation , soil type, Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), Normalized Difference turbidity Index (NDTI),Normalized differentiate chlorophyl index(NDCI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI),Storm power index (SPI)  were chosen and considered for the study. AHP is used to calculate weightage factors of each criterion based on the pairwise comparison matrices. The thematic maps of all the parameters were analyzed and Drought Vulnerability Assessment (DVA) map was generated using GIS. The output DVA map will provide valuable information on drought severity in the area and vulnerability related to water availability.
What if the deforestation stops: impact on water budget components in West Africa
Authors: Oussou Francis E. , Sy Souleymane , Bliefernicht Jan , Kunstmann Harald , Rummler Thomas , Yalo Nicaise , Asiwaju-Bello Yinusa Ayodele
Published: March 2024

The land cover degradation in the Anthropocene under a changing climate threat remains one of the significant concern for water resources preservation and planning. The reciprocal effects of land degradation and climate change is reported as a complex scenario with direct and indirect impact on land surface processes (IPCC, 2023). The purpose of this work is to simulate the water fluxes and states under the anthopogenic influence (control - CTRL) and natural evergreen (EBF) conditions using the hydrological model WRF-Hydro with NoahMP as the Land Surface Model (LSM). The change in the temporal and spatial patterns is evaluated in terms of the potential impact associated with preserving the natural land cover in WA. To achieve this, the offline mode of WRF-Hydro is forced with meteorological dataset from ERA5-land for the two land cover scenarios at ~11km spatial resolution between 2011 and 2023. The water budget outputs are post-processed with the R package “rwrfhydro” which computes the total precipitation partitioning into surface runoff, evaporation, and water storage in the surface and subsurface components. The water budget terms are analysed with Man-Kendall’s statistics and the difference between the two scenarios evaluated using multivariate techniques (Principal component analysis - PCA and Canonical correlation analysis - CCA), and Wavelet analysis.The results show that whatever the land cover scenario the leading temporal variations of the total precipitation (PC1) have a strong relationship with the water storage (groundwater, total soil moisture, and canopy water) while lags in the signals are more likely to have higher correlation with the surface and subsurface runoff. Further, the canonical loadings of the CCA modes of the water storage terms, evaporation terms and total precipitation indicate a shift towards the dry northern part (Sahel) of the study area. Compared to the CTRL simulation, the EBF scenario decreases the runoff fraction while increases the evaporation and storage change fractions. The natural land cover scenario simulated in this study provide considerable insight into the potential benefits of land reforestation actions in West Africa and offers opportunities for better decision making.
Testing machine learning models for rapid building damage assessment at regional scale.
Authors: Ghimire Subash , Guéguen Philippe
Published: March 2024

Assessing or forecasting seismic damage to buildings is crucial for earthquake disaster management. Several classical damage assessment methods are available for seismic damage assessment by combining hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. However, during emergencies, collecting all the necessary data for seismic damage assessment may not be feasible due to time and resource constraints, as this information may not be readily available.In this context, machine learning methods can offer a paradigm shift by reasonably assessing damage by relying on readily available data cost-effectively. In this study, we aim to study the damage prediction efficacy of machine learning models for regional scale damage assessment. Machine learning models were trained and tested on the post-earthquake building damage database.Results show that the readily available building features such as the number of stories, age, floor area, and height can result in a reasonable assessment of damage at a large scale, mainly when using a traffic-light-based (green, yellow, and red) damage classification framework.The machine learning models trained on past earthquake building damage portfolios can reasonably estimate damage during the future earthquake for a different region with similar building portfolios.
The application of UAV Digital Photogrammetry for the investigation and mapping of slow-moving landslides
Authors: Devoto Stefano
Published: March 2024

Research on lateral spreads and block slides requires long-term investigations due to their extremely slow speeds. Their investigation and mapping need extensive field surveys, which are time consuming and expensive tasks. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the advantages of using commercial UAVs weighting less than 1 kg as support for mapping landforms produced by lateral spreads and block slides, which are abundant along the North sector of Malta. In particular, attention was given to the inventory and analysis of persistent joints and megaclast deposits at four sites due to the presence of spectacular examples of lateral spreads that evolve into block slides. Lateral spreads produce persistent joints that partially isolate large blocks along the edge of limestone plateau. Thousands of these blocks are detached and moved downslope from block slides producing peculiar landscapes named Rdum by Maltese. The research was performed by means of Google Earth (GE) image interpretation and UAV-Digital Photogrammetry technique. UAV-DP outputs permitted the identification of tens of persistent joints that populate the external portions of karst plateau, and the size categorization of blocks detached and moved from block slides. With reference to gravity-induced joints, a favorable agreement was found between existing datasets (results of field surveys combined with GE anlysis) and UAV-DP outputs in terms of the identification of joints and their persistence values. Regarding the extensive megaclast deposits, UAV-DP enabled the identification of 8943 individuals which, compared with the 5059 individuals identified by GE analysis, showed an increase in the total population of 76%. This is related to the high accuracy of DP-derived orthomosaics and 3D models, which are particulary useful for identification of detached blocks. The inexpensive technique (approximately 2k USD for drones plus 3k USD for software) used in his study shows the potential for being extended to other rocky coastal sites affected by these types of slow-moving landslides.
45 years of global satellite soil moisture for hydrological and climate applications
Authors: Dorigo Wouter , Stradiotti Pietro , Preimesberger Wolfgang , Gruber Alexander , Formanek Maud , Frederikse Thomas , Van der Schalie Robin , Rodriguez-Fernandez Nemesio , Hirschi Martin
Published: March 2024

ESA CCI Soil Moisture (SM) is a long-term global Climate Data Record of water content stored in the surface soil layer, derived from satellite observations in the microwave domain. To make it suitable for long-term analyses in climate and hydrological applications, ESA CCI SM merges observations from a total of 19 satellite microwave radiometers and scatterometers into harmonized records covering a 45 year period (from 1978 onwards). Within the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), the soil moisture data records are extended every ten days to provide input data for time-critical applications like monitoring or data assimilation.  

The data sets have been widely used to study the water, energy, and carbon cycles over land, understand land surface-atmosphere hydrological feedbacks, assess the impact of climate change on the occurrence of climatic extremes, and for the evaluation and improvement of model simulations. ESA CCI SM has been the main input for assessing global soil moisture conditions as presented in the BAMS “State of the Climate” reports for more than 10 years, while C3S has been used in the yearly “European State of the Climate” reports for several years now 

In this presentation we give an overview of the methodology and characteristics of the ESA CCI SM and C3S products with a focus on recent scientific developments, intended to make the data analysis-ready for climate and hydrological studies, such as filling spatial and temporal gaps, providing estimates of root-zone soil moisture, and making the dataset entirely independent of any model data. We show how both ESA CCI and C3S have been used in recent years to monitor dry and wet spells, and to gain deeper understanding of the Earth system. 

The development of ESA CCI and C3S SM has been supported by ESA’s Climate Change Initiative for Soil Moisture (Contract No. 4000104814/11/I-NB & 4000112226/14/I-NB) and the Copernicus Climate Change Service implemented by ECMWF through C3S 312a Lot 7 & C3S2 312a Lot 4 Soil Moisture. 
New stable isotope geochemical approach documents grain production and manuring in the High Middle Ages
Authors: Janovský Martin , Ferenczi Laszlo , Trubač Jakub
Published: March 2024

Isotope analysis, particularly for the determination of δ13C and δ15N in archaeobotanical remains, is a recognized method within the field of archaeology. Until now, the primary focus of these analyses has been on archaeobotanical remains directly related to dietary practices. The significant impact of the Cistercian Order on the European agricultural landscape, and its far-reaching ecological consequences, has been well documented. However, the use of isotopic analysis for determining land-use based on present-day soils remains unexplored. The study at hand focuses on a Cistercian court, utilized from the 13th to the 15th century. The lands of this court, along with its surrounding regions, have been extensively surveyed. The isotopic analysis of the anthropogenically influenced soils is compared to approximately 400 archaeobotanical, soil, and sediment samples collected globally. The comparative analysis reveals the potential to ascertain through the presence of the C3 cycle and evidence of medieval fertilization, that the area was used for cereal cultivation and fertilization. The results of our study indicate that the medieval Cistercians employed the landscape primarily for grain production rather than pastoralism.
Developing and teaching a postgraduate module to research students: lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: de Melo Viríssimo Francisco , Ambrizzi Tercio , Mosso Dutra Lívia
Published: March 2024

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 represented a major break from the education world as we knew it. This was particularly true for the higher education sector, with lecturers around the world having to move their traditionally in-person activities to a virtual setting - in general without any previous experience or training. While many of the experiences have been widely reported at college- and undergraduate-level, not much has been said about teaching at postgraduate level, particularly at research-level degrees such as doctorates.In this presentation, we will share our practitioner experience in designing a postgraduate research module in one of our areas of expertise, which is marine biogeochemistry modelling, and subsequently re-developing and delivering it under the constraints of the pandemic. We will discuss the challenges we faced, as well as the many of the opportunities that emerged from them, some of which led to innovative approaches that created a more authentic research experience to the students.
Beyond Look-Up Tables: Unveiling the Potential of Bayesian Theory in Strontium Isotope Stratigraphy for Dating Early Angiosperm Appearance in Portugal
Authors: Krencker Francois-Nicolas , Gravendyck Julia , Coimbra Rute , Heimhofer Ulrich
Published: March 2024

Strontium isotope stratigraphy (SIS) relies on comparing the 87Sr/86Sr isotopic ratios of well-preserved samples to a reference curve that depicts the relationship between the 87Sr/86Sr isotopic ratios and geological age. The prevalent approach among stratigraphers utilizing SIS involves employing Look-up tables to compare their measurements with available reference curves. This approach is interesting because it is straightforward, easy to use, and widely accepted within the scientific community. However, Look-up tables exhibit limitations in incorporating geological knowledge, such as biostratigraphy, from the studied horizon. Also, they provide only discrete age ranges, neglecting the full probability distributions describing the age of the samples.In this study, we present a distinctive method based on Bayesian theory to compare measured isotopic ratios and reference isotopic ratios, aiming to address these shortcomings. We subsequently applied this approach to twelve diagenetically screened bivalve shell samples using petrographic thin sections, cathodoluminescence, micro-X-ray fluorescence, and trace elemental analyses. The samples were collected from three sections located in pre-Aptian coastal marine strata from the Lusitanian Basin of Portugal. These sections are of particular significance due to their richness of unique fossil assemblages and excellent preservation of early angiosperm pollen, the timing of whose origin is still controversial. Our study offers an alternative approach for conducting SIS analyses and suggests an Early Barremian age (124.63–126.24 Ma, GTS2020) for pollen showing unequivocal eudicot angiosperm features collected in Portugal.
Unveiling the Past: A Comprehensive Study of Büyükçekmece Lake's Evolution through High-Resolution Pollen and Multi-proxy Analysis during the Late Holocene
Authors: Suleyman Berk Gazanfer , Biltekin Demet
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Büyükçekmece Lake is located 35 kilometers west of the Bosporus in Istanbul and connected to the Marmara Sea, stands as an intriguing site for archaeological and geological exploration. Despite its proximity to significant historical sites, the lake's evolutionary history remains largely uncharted due to a dearth of limnological and geological investigations. Büyükçekmece Lake, with an average depth of approximately 8.6 meters, has witnessed fluctuations in water levels shaped by the dynamic interplay of warm and cool climatic factors. This investigation aims to unravel the specific timing of these changes and their correlation with regional climate, shedding light on the lake's geological conditions. The aim is to fill a gap in knowledge by conducting a high-resolution pollen analysis, never conducted for Lake based on the sediment core taken from Lake Büyükçekmece. Additionally, the research is supported by multi-proxy techniques such as the MSCL core logger for measuring magnetic susceptibility and density, as well as XRF elemental analysis.  Between 37.8-7 cm in the core, high XRF counts of in K, Fe, Si, Mn, and Ti are linked to a high abundance of detrital input. Ca values also increase in these depths and lower part of the core, suggesting that high Ca values can be related to abundance in bivalve shells. To achieve this goal, this study analyzed two sediment cores collected from Lake Büyükçekmece. The analysis involved multiple parameters, primarily focusing on sedimentology, alongside physical and geochemical characteristics. This study was granted by Istanbul Technical University, Scientific Research Projects (BAP) Unit with Project number: MYLB-2023-45169.
Keywords: Pollen analysis, Paleoclimate, Lake Büyükçekmece, Türkiye, Late Holocene
Dynamics and spatial distribution of air pollution over Minsk, Belarus as revealed by mesoscale and high-resolution urban WRF-Chem modelling
Authors: Barodka Siarhei , Bruchkouski Ilya , Kasushkin Nikita , Schlender Tsimafei , Silkov Piotr , Tabalchuk Tatiana
Published: March 2024

This study is devoted to simulation of the Urban Pollution Island (UPI) phenomena over the urban territory of Minsk, Belarus and its surrounding area. We aim at recreating the common features of the air pollution spatial distribution and its time evolution on diurnal, week-long and seasonal scales. For that purpose we utilize WRF-Chem modelling system in nested runs using BEP/BEM urban parametrization schemes for the innermost high-resolution domains (500 m, 300 m, 100 m grid step). We employ two different approaches to urban morphology representation in the model (the Local Climate Zones methodology and direct representation of some of the urban parameters on the given model grid) and use ML-processed Open Street Maps (OSM) vector data and available remote sensing data to represent land use / land cover, buildings and streets parameters for Minsk urban territory and the surrounding area. A series of model runs is performed for time periods with various cases of meteorological conditions in different seasons of recent years. Anthropogenic emissions are specified for the Minsk area as several point sources (representing industrial emissions) and distributed sources over a network of main street and roads (representing vehicle emissions). By proceeding from national statistical data with estimates of main sources of atmospheric pollution in Belarus over the recent years, we formulate hypothetical distributions of emissions intensity over the specified sources and its temporal dynamics with diurnal and weekly cycles. Simulation results obtained with different configurations of the model, different weather conditions and different emission scenarios are compared to available observations: satellite remote sensing data, ground-based observations of air quality and meteorological parameters, vertical profiles of atmospheric pollution and meteorological parameters retrieved from MAX-DOAS and sodar observations.
Soil property, carbon stock and peat extent mapping at 10m resolution in Scotland using digital soil mapping techniques
Authors: Robb Ciaran , Aitkenhead Matt , MacFaralane Fraser , Matthews Keith
Published: March 2024

The estimation of soil carbon stocks is an important component in environmental planning, policy and land management, particularly in the context of climate change mitigation. The following work presents national-scale soil property mapping at 10 metre resolution, a level of detail not previously attempted in Scotland. The ultimate aim of this work is to facilitate carbon stock estimation from the soil properties to help inform planning and policy. Scottish organisations possess extensive field-based soil property records obtained through various initiatives, but coverage is inevitably constrained by cost and labour. A modelling-based approach informed by both field measurement, remote sensing imagery and other spatial covariates has the potential to fill the gaps in field-based accounts, providing contiguous estimates of soil carbon content, bulk density, profile depth, organic layer thickness and peat extent. Carbon content, bulk density and profile depth were predicted using machine learning techniques, yielding r2 scores of 0.78, 0.65 and 0.7 respectively. Presence of peat was determined by the thickness of the organic layer for every pixel profile (30% carbon content) that was greater or equal to 50 cm. National carbon stock was calculated by integrating the predicted soil properties down the full profile depth. This work demonstrates that soil properties can be mapped effectively using digital soil mapping techniques at high resolution, on a national scale, providing estimates of carbon stock and peat extent to aid policy makers in decision making.
Transparent Horizons: IMEO's Methane Data Empowering Global Climate Action 
Authors: Zavala-Araiza Daniel , Hamburg Steven P. , Calcan Andreea , Schwietzke Stefan , France James Lawrence , Randles Cynthia , Baranski Marci Rose , Demeter Meghan , Kupers Roland , Field Robert , Caltagirone Manfredi
Published: March 2024

Ambition on methane emissions reduction is growing, and open, reliable, measurement-based and actionable data is essential to track changes in emissions over time. The ability of countries and companies to meet their goals requires a thorough understanding of the magnitude and location of methane emissions, as well as being able to demonstrate progress towards these goals.  As a core implementing partner of the Global Methane Pledge, the UN Environment Programme’s International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) has been tasked with creating a sound scientific basis for methane emissions estimates and is providing reliable, public, policy-relevant data to facilitate actions to reduce methane emissions. IMEO is collecting and integrating diverse methane emissions data streams, including satellite remote sensing data, science studies, national inventories, and measurement-based industry reporting to establish a global, centralized public record of empirically verified methane emissions. Here, we will show the progress of IMEO towards developing its global, public dataset of policy-relevant methane data, highlighting successful mitigation case studies for the oil and gas industry from the pilot phase of IMEO’s Methane Alert and Response System (MARS), and from IMEO’s Methane Science Studies. We demonstrate how empirical data can drive real, tangible mitigation action in countries around the world.  
Impact Of Ocean Layer Thickness on The Simulation Of African Easterly Waves in High-Resolution Coupled General Circulation Model Simulations
Authors: Raj Jerry , Mohino Harris Elsa , Rodriguez de Fonseca Maria Belen , Losada Doval Teresa
Published: March 2024

African easterly waves (AEWs) play a crucial role in the high-frequency variability of West African Monsoon (WAM) precipitation. AEWs are linked to more than 40% of the total Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCSs) in the region and these MCSs contribute approximately 80% of the total annual rainfall over the Sahel. Moreover, around 60% of all Atlantic hurricanes, including 80% of major hurricanes, have their genesis associated with AEWs. The simulation of AEWs poses challenges for General Circulation Models (GCMs), for instance, coarse-resolution models in CMIP5 cannot simulate distinct northern and southern AEW tracks. Additionally, accurately simulating rainfall over West Africa proves to be a challenge for these models due to the involvement of multiscale processes and the influence of complex topography and coastlines. The present study investigates the impact of ocean layer thickness on the simulation of African easterly waves (AEWs) using a high-resolution coupled General Circulation Model (GCM). The study employs high-resolution global simulations conducted using the climate model ICON as part of the next Generation Earth System Modeling Systems (nextGEMS) project. Two experiments, each spanning 30 years with a horizontal resolution of 10 km, are conducted. These experiments vary in terms of the thickness of the layers in the upper 20m of the ocean. In one experiment, the upper 20m ocean layers have a thickness of 2m, whereas in the other, it is 10m. The representation of two types of AEWs with periods of 3-5 days and 6-9 days are analyzed in the simulations. There is a notable disparity in the representation of African easterly waves (AEWs) between these two experiments. The simulation with thicker ocean layers exhibits less intense wave activity over the Sahel and equatorial Atlantic for 3-5 day AEWs which is evident in the eddy kinetic energy field. This corresponds to diminished convection and negative precipitation anomalies for 3-5 day AEWs compared to the 2m upper ocean layer thickness simulation. In the case of 6-9 day AEWs, the simulation with thicker ocean layers exhibits intensification of wave activity over northern West Africa.
Soil erosion as driven by rainfall-cell patterns using weather-radar at regional-scale
Authors: Ciampalini Rossano , Antonini Andrea , Mazza Alessandro , Melani Samantha , Ortolani Alberto , Rosi Ascanio , Segoni Samuele , Moretti Sandro
Published: March 2024

Water erosion is one of the most widespread forms of soil degradation and it is expected to increase as an effect of global change, especially due to the amplified frequency of extreme and localised rainfall events. Focusing on the Mediterranean region, where these phenomena persist producing the most catastrophic erosion, this research aims to model soil erosion focusing on patterns and spatial distribution using rainfall data as detected by weather ground-radar upon an analysis of rainfall-cell patterns at regional scale (Tuscany, Italy).Precipitations were elaborated by adopting a kriging method processing CAPPI (Constant Altitude Plan Position Indicator) reflectivity and rain gauges rainfall with an External Drift Kriging (KED) over a 30' time-step frames. Soil erosion was modelled using the platform based on the soil erosion/landscape evolution model LandSoil under Python coding simulating runoff combining a cinematic wave using St.Venant equations on a simplified “bucket” conceptual model for soil infiltration, and a two-level sediment redistribution process for rill and inter-rill erosion.Soil erosion was simulated over a selection of rainfall events over the last ten years and results illustrated through a combined representation of factors that considers: 1. The sediment yield produced over the erosive event, 2. The land surface affected by the storm (i.e., rainfall-cell patterns of the event and subjected to runoff), 3. The involved rainfall energy and erosion rate of the processes. Such approach, applied to seasonal analysis, opens-up to a methodology better analysing spatial extent and effects on the ground. Drifts in erosion could be also detected by the use of long-terms rainfall series and return-time of the erosive events, useful to inspect evolution of the processes due to climate change.
Skills gap analysis in the space sector: Bridging the gap between curricula and job requirements for the future space workforce.
Authors: Steinbacher Eva-Maria , Streifeneder Vanessa , Lang Stefan
Published: March 2024

Within the project STARS*EU (Studies, methodologies and support services for the programming cycle of EU-funded research to foster the competitiveness of the EU-space industry), we assessed the skills gap between European curricula related to space and the employers needs in the space sector. Nowadays, the space sector is an important and strategic segment of the European Union, which currently undergoes transformation and industrialization. The space sector provides technological support, data and services to analyse, mitigate and adapted to challenges such as climate change, fulfilling the SDGs, supporting humanitarian help etc. Many start-ups have been founded in this sector in the recent years and European wide universities offer space curricula. However, there is still a growing need for skilled employees to support a competitive EU space sector.  Therefore, it is important to understand the sectors needs for  graduates to be successfully employed as well as the workforce shortage in the space sector.The Stars*EU project partners conducted two skill analysis, one for the curricula landscape and one for the demands regarding jobs in the Research& Innovation sector, the space industry and universities. Therefore, we defined a schema describing the different hard skills gained in the curricula including STEAM&T categories (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Transversal), knowledge domains (space science, space technology, aerospace engineering, computer science, management etc.) and knowledge areas (planetology, aerospace structures, artificial intelligence, project management etc.). This made it possible to compare different curricula as well as job requirements. To provide a better description (and comparison) of the taught and required skills, we applied an adapted Blooms Taxonomy. Soft skills were analysed based on interviews with employers and universities as well as workshops conducted within the project. A skill matrix was created to analyse the skill gap between offered (taught) skills and demanded skills from the space sector. We found that soft skills like teamwork and project management were only taught as a by-product in most curricula and are strongly required on the job market. Further, specific hard skills regarding new space technologies or software were often not include in the curricula. In general, more professional experience was requested, as well as programs to train employees from other sectors to switch to the space sector. On the other side, young graduates often choose not to go into the space sector due to the job insecurity and low wages compared to other sectors. Moreover, there are only a few examples for programs, which provide already working insight and experience during the studies to offer the students already working experience and additional skills during the studies.
Supporting the validation of low water models with crowdsourced data from citizen science projects
Authors: Deharde Maximilian , Fuchs-Kittowski Frank , Seegert Tim , Müller Ruben , Pfützner Bernd
Published: March 2024

Low water levels and drought are problems that have increasingly been at the centre of public debate in recent years due to more frequent drought events. Authorities, but also private individuals, base their decisions regarding water consumption on modelling systems such as ArcEGMO-PSCN, which was developed by the "Büro für Angewandte Hydrologie Berlin" (BAH) and provides short-term forecasts and medium-term scenario calculations on the development of the water balance in Brandenburg, Germany. To ensure data quality via validation, model outputs are compared with real measured phenological data from within the modelled area. However, this validation is time-consuming and the data basis is inadequate in parts.
For this purpose, a validation system was designed and implemented as part of this work, which both simplifies the model validation itself and expands the necessary data basis. As such a data basis data from existing citizen science projects (e.g. web services for the German Weather Service DWD or iNaturalist portal) and data from our own crowdsourcing app are integrated. The system components include a mobile application for crowdsourcing data by volunteers, a web application for data processing and visualisation for model holders and a backend that collects, homogenises and makes available suitable data from various sources.