bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cluster analysis of InSAR data for the investigation of groundwater production effects
Authors: Eid Celine , Garcia Navarro Alberto Manuel , Benetatos Christoforos , Rocca Vera
Published: March 2024

InSAR time series analysis is a powerful tool used in remote sensing to monitor ground deformation over time. In recent years, advanced techniques and algorithms have been developed for the application of InSAR in a more accurate manner along with the continuous availability of new satellite data. In this research, we propose the use of a developed clustering algorithm for analyzing InSAR time-series data and face the superposition of effects inducing ground movements. The investigated area is in the Po Plain in northern Italy and it is characterized by massive groundwater production for various purposes and it also hosts an underground gas storage system. The focus of the research is the identification and the quantification of the seasonal and trend behavior related to aquifer exploitation. We selected the additive approach for decomposing the time-series obtained from InSAR and applied the k-means clustering algorithm (Morissette and Chartier, 2013) over the seasonal and trend components. The results showed different seasonal behaviors attributed to areas with varying water production, rainfall precipitation and structural geology. The trend was analyzed and compared to the existing literature proving the reliability of this method.The quantification of ground deformation due to each main source is of paramount importance for a reliable prevision of each phenomenon via the calibration of dedicated numerical models. The results of the research will be used to discriminate and quantify the effects of water production from the effects of gas storage operations and they will allow the calibration of dedicated 3D numerical fluid-flow and stress-strains models.Reference:Morissette, L. & Chartier, S. (2013). The k-means clustering technique: General considerations and implementation in Mathematica. Tutorials in Quantitative Methods for Psychology, 9, 15-24. https://doi.org/10.20982/tqmp.09.1.p015.
New approaches for the definition of rockfall hazard though innovative survey, analysis and data visualization techniques
Authors: Francioni Mirko , Ahmed Mahnoor , Ottaviani Francesco
Published: March 2024

Rockfalls are among the most dangerous natural hazards. The study of these phenomena may be complex in relation to the geology and the rock mass characteristics. Recent advances on the use of remote sensing techniques made the survey of rock slopes easier and faster, increasing the amount and quality of data. At the same time, the improved availability of software for analyzing rock slopes and simulating rockfalls permit a more detailed and precise definition of rockfall hazard areas.In this context, this research highlights the importance of using remote sensing techniques in the study of these phenomena and, in particular, in the development of accurate ad reliable geological and structural models.The study areas have been investigated through conventional geological/structural surveys, UAV photogrammetry and iPad based LiDAR. A new approach for defining different geological/structural domains will be showed based on geological data and airborne LiDAR extracted Slope Units. The data gathered from surveys have been used to perform rockfall simulations and point out the importance of model validation and input parameters. Finally, new innovative visualization techniques based on the use of Virtual/Augmented Reality will be introduced for an improved interpretation of geological and structural data and simulation results.
Estimates of the number of fatalities within minutes for the three great earthquake disasters in 2023
Authors: Wyss Max
Published: March 2024

Three major earthquake disasters occurred during 2023: Turkey M7.8, February 6, Morocco M6.8 August 9, Afghanistan M6.5 November 10. The final cost in lives reported were 59500, 2946 and 1482 fatalities, respectively. QLARM (Quake Loss Alerts for Recovery and Mitigation) is a computer tool used to estimate damage, fatalities and injured for potentially fatal earthquakes worldwide. Using QLARM (e. g. Wyss 2014, 2023), my estimates were the only red alerts for these earthquakes issued within minutes. Red alerts are the highest level of urgency that can be given. The fatality estimates were 2000-6000 for Turkey, 100 to 1000 for Morocco, and a total of 500 to 2000 for the Afghanistan earthquake swarm (three messages within 4 days). These alerts were distributed by SMS to anyone who signed up to receive the QLARM alerts (signup link given below) free of charge. These three red alerts were received by subscribers within 30, 31, and 18 minutes, respectively. The USGS hypocenter and magnitude estimates arrived within 29, 24 and 30 minutes, respectively. The QLARM fatality estimates were based on the first information on source parameters for these three earthquakes available worldwide, which came from GFZ (Geophysicalisches ForschungsZentrum, Potsdam) after 7, 8 and 7 minutes, respectively.The purpose of the QLARM alerts is to activate first responders and government in case of earthquake disasters, and also to furnish quantitative information for the many large magnitude earthquakes that were not likely to have killed many and therefore for which an international response was not needed. During the year 2023, QLARM issued a total of 60 alerts with a median delay of 22 minutes.The chief reason for the initial fatality underestimates for the Turkey and Morocco disasters was that the source was assumed to be a point, which was appropriate only for the Afghanistan sequence, where the fatality estimate was correct. The information on the lengths, direction and endpoints of the rupture became available only later for the Turkey and Morocco cases. Using line sources for the Turkey and Morocco earthquakes brings the fatality estimates closer to the reported ones, but they are still lower than what was reported, most likely due to the construction of buildings in these two regions, which are apparently weaker than assumed in the QLARM data set. The most important means of improving near-real-time estimates of earthquake losses is to implement rapid estimates of rupture lengths and azimuths.References:International Centre for Earth Simulation (ICES). QLARM sign-up. https://www.icesfoundation.org/Pages/CustomPage.aspx?ID=122, Retrieved January 09, 2024.Wyss, M. (2014). Ten years of real-time earthquake loss alerts. In Earthquake hazard, risk and disasters (pp. 143-165). Academic Press.Wyss, M. (2023). Quantitative Earthquake Loss Estimates the New Frontier. Seismological Research Letters, 94(6), 2569-2574.
The tree-ring d18O network from southernmost Patagonia: A recorder of large-scale climate modes and their spatial-temporal variability
Authors: Meier Wolfgang Jens-Henrik , Grießinger Jussi , Aravena Juan Carlos , Soto-Rogel Pamela
Published: March 2024

The Southern Patagonian Andes are located within the core zone of the Southern Hemispheric Westerlies (SHW). The North-South orientated Andean Cordillera is perpendicular to the main flow of moist airmasses triggered by different large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns like the Antarctic Oscillation (AAO). In recent decades, especially southernmost South America (50–56◦ S) has experienced a profound climate change resulting in rising temperatures, an increase in the variation of precipitation, and increased severe droughts (e.g. the recent Chilean Megadrought) that can be related to variations in atmospheric circulation over varied timescales. Up to now, a quantification of these changes in a context pre-1950´s stays difficult, due to scarce and fragmentated available climate station data. In combination with a complex regional topography and resulting scetchy ecoclimatic zones the impacts of the current environmental change are yet not well assessed. Within this study we present the up to date most dense network of d18Otree-ring series for southern South America based on two Nothofagus tree species. We can demonstrate, that the inherent climate signals in our proxy series is a highly suitable annual resolved archive to capture variations in the AAO and therefore can capture the long-term and short-term geographical migration (North-South) of the SHW. In addition, combined analyses of large-scale synoptic weather patterns (mean weather types; Grosswetterlagen, GWL) and backward trajectory modeling clearly reveal a highly significant influence of the moisture origin on the variations of the d18Otree-ring series.
A vision for country-wide soil moisture monitoring by train-based cosmic-ray neutron sensors
Authors: Altdorff Daniel , Oswald Sascha , Landmark Solveig , Zacharias Steffen , Dietrich Peter , Attinger Sabine , Schrön Martin
Published: March 2024

Soil water content (SWC) is a key variable in various environmental processes, such as atmospheric interaction, infiltration, groundwater recharge, and stream water fluxes. An assessment and the prediction of these highly relevant processes demand quantification about SWC on the field scale (100 m to kilometers). To date, large-scale SWC has been either measured remotely by satellite systems or computed numerically by hydrological models. Both approaches contain a range of disadvantages, extensively discussed in the recent literature, such as the lack of the desired resolution, of detailed soil information, or the very shallow integral depth from satellite products. Cosmic-ray neutron sensing (CRNS) has become a popular method for noninvasive SWC measurements within the last decade. Particularly the hectare-scale lateral footprint and its integral depth of several decimeter bridged the instrumentation gap between point-scale SWC measurements and the remote-sensing products. CRNS could provide more representative SWC measurements than satellite products and thus has the potential to support model calibration. However, to reach a quantity of CRNS-based SWC measurements that cover large-scale areas as needed to match the dimensions of satellite and modeled SWC products, stationary and conventional car-bourne CRNS roving are not sufficient. In this study, we introduce the concept of large-scale SWC measurements by multiple mobile Rail-CRNS systems installed on cargo trains as a vision for the calibration of existing SWC products and to support model development. Up to five Rail-CRNS systems run almost daily along several hundreds of kilometers across Germany, recording near real-time SWC values along the tracks. However, as the CRNS signal is not solely affected by SWC, other hydrogen pools (e.g. biomass, vegetation, surface water), topography and anthropogenic constructions along the railway can influence the recordings. To convert the CRNS signal into reliable SWC values, signal corrections and interpretations are still part of ongoing investigations. Moreover, while the amount of measured SWC data increases, also the complexity of data processing and quality control rises and demand further consideration. Finally, the question of data accessibility and formatting needs to be addressed in the future to serve the needs of end users, such as the remote sensing and hydrological modelling communities or land use managers and local authorities. 
Amplifying Impact: The Role of Professional Societies in Community-Led Environmental Science
Authors: Lang David , Shimamoto Mark
Published: March 2024

Professional societies can play important roles in society's climate change response. Sitting at the junction of scientific innovation, policy advocacy, and community engagement, professional societies are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between principal investigators (PIs), governments, and local communities. As non-governmental actors, these groups streamline the transfer of research into actionable strategies by facilitating knowledge exchange, standardizing methodologies, and fostering multi-stakeholder collaborations.This presentation will outline how professional societies can amplify the reach and relevance of scientific endeavors and help ensure that community priorities are at the forefront of environmental policies and practices. It will argue for their enhanced involvement in driving interdisciplinary approaches, advocating for inclusive and informed policy-making, and empowering communities through accessible, science-based solutions. The session aims to inspire a cohesive dialogue among community leaders, scientists, and policymakers, highlighting the necessity of a united front to effectively address the pressing environmental challenges of our times. Lastly, the talk will highlight the joint Optica-AGU Global Environmental Measurement and Monitoring Initiative.
Trilemma, complexity, administration and exceptional events
Authors: Giani Loredana Nada Elvira , Casagrande Gianluca
Published: March 2024

The aim of the paper is to identify a key to understanding that allows us to overcome the regulatory trilemma that has emerged, seeking to offer a perspective according to which the exceptional event, an expression of the (ineliminable) complexity of reality, is included (in the competent political and institutional fora) in a broader case, encompassing contingencies. And this is not to foresee them, often asking science to do the impossible, nor to block activities considered dangerous through an exaggeration of the principles of prevention and precaution, but simply to allow the legal system to assume a broader vision, inclusive of the unusual case in point, to provide a toolbox of possible reactions to be triggered in the event (even remote) of the occurrence of an exceptional event.
Managing different eruptive scenarios at Phlegraean Fields and Vesuvius
Authors: Principe Claudia
Published: March 2024

The two "hottest" areas of Italy from the point of view of forecasting and mitigating volcanic hazard at the moment are the Phlegraean Fields and Vesuvius. At the Phlegraean Fields the bradyseismic crisis continues with noticeable changes in the fumarole regime and bradyseismic movements in the Solfatara area. Depending on the various conceptual models created by the various groups of scientists working in this area, it is possible to foresee different possible future scenarios, also assuming the persistence of magmatic degassing and conductive heat transfer from the magma to the overlying rocks and the absence of external, such as the occurrence of one or more regional earthquakes and the release of fresh magma into the reservoir located 8 km deep.At Vesuvius, different scenarios are possible for the reactivation of the most famous volcano in the world. The first scenario involves the emplacement, maturation and eruption of magma from a sub-surface magma chamber, following the pattern of the last large explosive eruption which occurred in 1631 with the occurrence of a small-scale Plinian eruption. A disastrous scenario but one that requires fairly long warning times. A further scenario, proposed more recently, involves the ascent of magma along fractures linked to regional tectonic trends and its emplacement through rapidly moving flows with probable opening at the base of the volcanic edifice and much shorter warning times.How can we manage these different situations in terms of Civil Protection and resilience?
Novel provenance approaches for tracing Cedrela timber in Bolivia
Authors: Paredes Villanueva Kathelyn , Kagawa Akira , Abe Hisashi , Kojima Miho , Zhang Chunhua , Ohashi Shinta , Akita Akiko , Takahashi Kanae , Uriarte Maria , Andreu-Hayles Laia
Published: March 2024

Illegal logging and its related timber trade is one of the major drivers of forest loss, species diversity and economic and social conflicts. Over the last decades, several international and national regulations have been implemented as an attempt to flight this practice. At the same time, different scientific approaches such as genetics, mass spectrometry, and wood anatomy show great potential for timber identification. Our objective was to assess the potential of Near Infrared Spectrometry (NIRS), chemical elements and stable isotopes as tools to increase accuracy of site of origin identification for Cedrela fissilis. Between 3 to 4 tree cores were collected at breast height from Cedrela trees from three sites in Southeastern Bolivia. For the isotopic analysis, annual tree rings were identified and dated. Cellulose extraction was extracted from the cores following the standard methodology of Jayme-Wise. Wood flakes without previous treatment were complementarily analyzed using a MATRIX-F spectrometer (Bruker Optics) for the NIR measurement and a Niton XL3t XRF Analyzer for the elemental analyses. We then used Principal Component Analyses (PCA) and Random Forest to assess the potential of these methods to discriminate among sampling sites. Random Forest on elemental raw data had a site discrimination accuracy about 84%, with strontium (Sr), copper (Cu) and Cadmium (Cd) as potential tracers. For NIRS spectra, PC1 explained 99% of the variance with mean site discrimination accuracy about 78%. Preliminary results of stable oxygen (δ18O) and carbon (δ13C) isotopes showed distinct patterns across the sites but accuracy is still under evaluation through the analyses of annual measurements. Although discrimination accuracies were similar among timber identification methods, each method has the potential to identify a different site. Our preliminary results suggest that site discrimination performance may be specific to each method and site.
Sensivity of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to 2° Celsius of Warming. The SWAIS2C project.
Authors: Ulfers Arne , van de Flierdt Tina , Levy Richard , Dunbar Gavin , Horgan Huw , Kulhanek Denise , Patterson Molly ,   SWAIS2C Science Team
Published: March 2024

The West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) is currently experiencing accelerated mass loss and contains enough ice to raise global sea levels by up to five meters if it were to melt completely. The objective of the international and interdisciplinary SWAIS2C project (Sensivity of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to 2 Degrees Celsius of Warming) is to understand past and present factors influencing WAIS dynamics and to reconstruct WAIS response to warmer temperatures, including those exceeding the +2°C target outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement. The project will drill two deep boreholes beneath the Ross Ice Shelf to obtain sediment sequences from a site close to the grounding line of the Kamb Ice Stream site (KIS-3) and the Crary Ice Rise (CIR). The geological data will be used to improve model-based projections of future sea level contributions from Antarctica and to answer  the overarching question under what climatic conditions the WAIS collapsed in the past.Here we present an overview of the SWAIS2C project, its’a aims and current progress. In the first season 2023/24, hot water drilling was successfully completed at KIS-3 to penetrate the ~580 m thick Ross Ice Shelf. Oceanographic measurements were taken in the ~55 m ocean cavity beneath the ice shelf, together with videos of the seafloor and ice shelf, and installation of permanent moorings. Gravity and hammer coring yielded 7.6 m of sediment, which have been subsampled for microbiology and geochemistry, and described using field-based x-ray images. The sediments recovered include the longest sediment core from the Siple Cost, measuring 1.92 m.The sedimentological and drilling experience gained will be of great value for the 2024/25 season, when a team of drillers and scientists will return to KIS-3 for deep drilling with the Antarctic Intermediate Depth Drill (AIDD). A combination of hydraulic piston coring and rotary coring will be used to retrieve a sediment core of up to 200 m below sea floor. Drilling operations will be complemented by geophysical downhole logging with wireline tools from the Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics (LIAG) and a logging while tripping system provided by the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). The inclusion of different methods will allow downhole logging of several parameters over the entire sediment sequence and minimizes the influence of unstable borehole walls on the measurements.
Improvement of irrigation water productivity through water deficit and biostimulation in pepper under greenhouse conditions
Authors: Zapata García Susana , Temnani Abdelmalek , Berrios Pablo , Pérez-López Raúl D. , Monllor Claudia , Pérez-Pastor Alejandro
Published: March 2024

The south-east of Spain faces a complex water scarcity scenario. Even though those regions have a high agricultural activity due to the advanced production system that has been developed. As it is important to optimize the use of water, from an economy, environmental and social point of view in these regions, it is needed to combine all available tools, including the technological and agnomical ones. Regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) techniques have been proved to be an efficient method of saving water in woody crops. Our hypothesis is that, as these RDI would cause a higher water stress in horticultural crops, that could be faced by biostimulation, as one of biostimulants claims is to improve the plant tolerance to abiotic stress, leading them to obtain a higher yield. This study aims to evaluate the effect of different strategies that combine the application of seaweed and microbials biostimulants with deficit irrigation programmes on the production parameters and soil quality in pepper (Capsicum annum sp.) under commercial greenhouse conditions.With this aim two trials were carried out in commercial greenhouses (U & V), each one with two treatments:  i) irrigation according to Farmer criteria and ii) a combined treatment of RDI and the same biostimulation programme, that consisted of two application of Bacillus paralicheniformis after transplant via fertigation and four biweekly applications of Ascophillum nodosum extracts via fertigation and foliar spray. In each greenhouse, RDI was applied in different phenological stages,  from the onset of blooming to harvest in U trial or during the harvest in V trial.The irrigation was reduced approximately 600 m3 ha-1, implying a 12% savings respect to the Farmer irrigation schedule. The pepper yield had not been negatively affected, increasing the water productivity when RDI is combined with biostimulation. It is worth noting that when a water stress was applied, flowering and fruit setting seems to be promoted in biostimulated treatment, leading to a higher yield that non-biostimulated. Globally, the yield improvement has been due to a higher harvest of 1st quality fruits.This combined treatment has also improved the soil enzymatic activity in both greenhouses, suggesting that nutrients in the soil will become more available to plants when those are biostimulated.Thus, the combined action of biostimulation under different strategies of irrigation reduction have been proved to be a useful strategy to improve agricultural sustainability, as it has increased the water productivity of the crop and the microbiological activity in the soil.
Is winter cloud-to-sea-surface lightning activity over the Mediterranean Sea during 2009-2019 strongly influenced by solar activity?
Authors: Asfur Mustafa , Price Colin , Silverman Jacob
Published: March 2024

Lightning is an essential climate variable that could be influenced by climate change processes. In this study, wintertime lightning data over the Mediterranean Sea (MS) during the period 2009-2019 from the World-Wide Lightning Location Network were analyzed together with corresponding observational and modeled data of solar activity, atmospheric dynamics and seawater chemistry. The results of this analysis demonstrate that solar activity is the dominant parameter that influences lightning activity over the MS. Where, wintertime lightning intensity and frequency for lightning with energy >0.5 MJ over the MS is 237 and 517 times greater during the solar maximum compared to the minimum, respectively. In contrast, lightning activity parameters have a significantly smaller dependence on climate change parameters, including convective available potential energy, seawater salinity, pH and total alkalinity. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that trends in lightning activity over the MS due to climate change will be detectable in the near future.
ARISGAN: Extreme Super-Resolution of Arctic Surface Imagery using Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Tsamados Michel , Au-Boehm christian , Manescu Petru , Takao So
Published: March 2024

This research explores the application of generative artificial intelligence, specifically the novel ARISGAN framework, for generating high-resolution synthetic satellite imagery in the challenging arctic environment. The study addresses the crucial need for realistic and high-resolution surface imagery in the Arctic, vital for applications ranging from satellite retrieval systems to the well-being and safety of Inuit populations relying on detailed surface observations. The ARISGAN framework combines dense block, multireceptive field, and Pix2Pix architecture, showcasing promising results that surpass existing state-of-the-art models across diverse tasks and metrics. Land-based imagery super-resolution exhibits superior metrics in comparison to sea-based imagery across multiple models. This research contributes to the advancement of Earth Observation in polar regions by introducing a framework that combines advanced image processing techniques and a well-designed architecture. The ARISGAN framework's effectiveness in outperforming existing models underscores its potential for generating perceptually valid high-resolution arctic surface imagery. The study concludes with a discussion on identified limitations and proposes avenues for future research, emphasizing the importance of addressing challenges in temporal synchronicity, multi-spectral image analysis, pre-processing, and quality metrics. The findings encourage further refinement of the ARISGAN framework, ultimately advancing the quality and availability of high-resolution satellite imagery in the Arctic.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Enhancing Satellite Validation in Antarctica: A Novel K2W Methodology for Comparing Ground-Based Measurements at K-band with Spaceborne Radar Observations Collected at W band
Authors: Bracci Alessandro , Sato Kaori , Baldini Luca , Porcú Federico , Paranunzio Roberta , Okamoto Hajime
Published: March 2024

Validating satellite measurements and geophysical retrievals is crucial for Earth observation missions, particularly in remote regions like Antarctica. This task faces challenges due to the harsh environment, logistical complexities, equipment maintenance, and operational costs. In Antarctica, where satellite observations play a pivotal role in estimating precipitation, validating satellite products through ground-based measurements is imperative but limited.Cloud Profiling Radar (CPR) on NASA's CloudSat satellite provides reflectivity profiles at W-band (94 GHz), while the upcoming ESA/JAXA EarthCARE satellite will offer Doppler profiles in addition to reflectivity profiles. Despite efforts to enhance instrumentation for ice particle profiling at some Antarctic research stations, widely-used instruments include the Micro Rain Radar (MRR) and laser disdrometers.This work introduces a novel validation methodology, K2W, which combines ground-based reflectivity profiles at K-band (24 GHz) from MRR and laser disdrometer observations. K2W enables the simulation of reflectivity and Doppler profiles at W-band, facilitating the validation of satellite-borne radar measurements at 94 GHz.A comparison between CloudSat reflectivity profiles and K2W profiles during a satellite overpass at the Italian Antarctic station “Mario Zucchelli” revealed a mean difference of 0.2 dB at the lowest satellite radar range bin, with a time lag within ±12.5 min and distance within 25 km around the CloudSat overpass. Additionally, K2W simulated the 94 GHz Doppler velocity below 1 km altitude expected by EarthCARE, yielding a standard deviation of the simulated Doppler velocity less than 0.2 m s-1.The use of simulated K2W profiles significantly enhances precipitation quantification over Antarctica and validates satellite measurements with reduced attenuation compared to ground-based W-band radar. K2W, utilizing MRR and disdrometer available at most Antarctic stations, broadens the scope for validation sites. The proposed methodology extends its applicability to assessing EarthCARE CPR Doppler velocity products and Level 2 standard precipitation products at various ground observation sites.
Velocity profile and depth-averaged to surface velocity in natural streams: a review over a large sample of rivers using current meters and ADCP measurements.
Authors: Perriaud Tristan , Morlot Thomas , Hauet Alexandre
Published: March 2024

EDF (Électricité De France) is the world's largest electricity generator, with an installed capacity of about 130 GW. In order to safely operate the plants, optimize natural resources and fulfill ecological requirement, EDF has installed, since 1946, a sensor network dedicated to the monitoring of hydro-climatologic parameters. In the context of non-intrusive methods for measuring flood discharge (LSPIV, SVR[1]), understanding the depth-averaged to surface velocity ratio is crucial. The depth-averaged to surface velocity ratio is here called α. This study analyzes a substantial sample of gaugings data (current meters and ADCP methods), totaling around 6,500 observations collected at various EDF sites. For current meters measurements, three methods are employed to compute α : fitting of a log- and a power-law and using the measured surface velocity. For ADCP measurements, three methods are applied to approach α : fitting of power-power, constant-no slip and 3-point-no slip law by using the Qrame[2] application. This study aims at creating an alpha coefficient database (classified by riverbed, hydraulic radius, etc.) directly usable for non-intrusive streamflow measurements. 
[1] LSPIV (Large-Scale Particle Image Velocimetry), SVR (Surface Velocity Radar).

[2] QRame (QRevint Adcp Massive Exctraction), INRAE, 2023.
3D location estimation of lightning charges using electrostatic field changes
Authors: Yui Sho , Takahashi Yukihiro , Sato Mitsutero
Published: March 2024

Floods caused by the development of cumulonimbus clouds cause significant damage, especially in tropical areas, such as the Southeast Asian region. Lightning strikes in cumulonimbus clouds have been shown to correlate with a time lag of several tens of minutes preceding heavy rainfall. Therefore, it is expected that lightning observations will help us to forecast heavy rainfall. Especially, if we could know the 3-dimensional distribution of lightning charges, this information might be a good proxy way of knowing thunderstorm development.  Here, we improved 3D estimation of lightning charges using electrostatic field measurement. In this method the electrostatic field changes caused by lightning stroke are observed with a network consisting  of sensors installed at multiple locations at about 5 km interval. Based on those data, three-dimensional location and amount of charges removed by lightning stroke can be estimated. A previous study using same kind of data conducted a brute force calculation, which is not practical because it takes about 2 minutes longer than the typical interval of lightning stroke in the active thunderstorm. In this study, we propose a new method using interpolation analysis by kriging, which results in significant reduction of the estimation time to about 8 seconds. This improving will allow us to analyse more data we took so far and make the new model of thunderstorms.This research is supported by Science and Technology Research, Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) / Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
A Coastal European Dataset of Critical Infrastructure:  Leveraging Deep Learning to Enhance Power Infrastructure Exposure Information for Disaster Risk Assessment.
Authors: De Plaen Joel , Koks Elco , Ward Philip
Published: March 2024

Detailed information on the exposure of critical infrastructure (CI), such as power assets, is a necessity to establish accurate risk assessment from natural and human-made hazards. Currently, large-scale risk assessment mostly relies on Volunteered Geographic Information to establish the exposure of CI causing limited reliability due to inherent information gaps. Deep Learning offers the possibility to fill such gaps through the extraction of CI from remote sensing imagery.Here we present a comprehensive high-resolution geospatial database encompassing key elements of the power grid, namely power towers, electrical substations, and power plants. The dataset is derived from a workflow using Worldview-2 0.4-meter resolution satellite imagery for the most populated urban areas along the European coastlines.The method extracts infrastructure location from OpenStreetMap to create annotations. Subsequently, the satellite imagery raster and annotations undergo processing to constitute training data. Data augmentation is employed on the raster tiles to enhance the training dataset. The method then trains a Mask R-CNN model to automate the detection of CI. Additionally, saliency maps are generated to validate the proper functioning of the model.Performance metrics, specifically mean Average Precision and F-scores of the tile classification, are presented to evaluate the model's ability to correctly identify and classify power infrastructure. Furthermore, to assess the completeness of the geospatial database, a comparative analysis is conducted with OpenStreetMap on “unseen” locations. This comparative study sheds light on potential gaps and discrepancies, offering insights into the overall reliability and comprehensiveness of the dataset.
Mercury in the coastal pelagic food web: phytoplankton, zooplankton and jellyfish
Authors: Faganeli Jadran , Tjasa Kogovsek , Darja Mazej , Alenka Malej , Ingrid Falnoga
Published: March 2024

Four jellyfish species, ctenophoran Mnemiopsis leidyi and scyphozoan Cotylorhiza tuberculata, Chrysoara hysoscella and Rhizostoma pulmo were collected in summer of 2017 in the Gulf of Trieste (northern Adriatic Sea) and analysed for Hg and other metal(loid)s to assess their bioaccumulation and biomonitoring potential. No significant differences in Hg levels (0.06-0.22 µg/g dry mass) were observed between the studied species but all significantly concentrated Hg well above the dissolved Hg seawater levels (5 ng/L) of the gulf. The studied species have diverse diets consisting primarily of various plankton groups. C. hysoscella feeds mainly on mesozooplankton (>200 µm) R. pulmo and C. tuberculata mostly consume microzooplankton (50-200 µm) while M. leidyi preys on various organism (and particles) in the water column. In addition, C. tuberculata harbours autotrophic endosymbionts (microalgae). Considering their feeding behaviour, it appears that studied jellyfish species do not bioaccumulate Hg, nor other metal(loid)s, along the pelagic food web. Hence, the Hg levels in jellyfish are probably the consequence of the dissolved metal (passive and active) uptake. Moreover, the methodological approach analysing the jellyfish freeze-dried samples containing salt can distort the real picture and the Hg/Corg. ratio could better describe the metal level in the gelatinous organism. However, considering the high Hg bioconcentration factor (log BCF >5), jellyfish can be used aa a useful bioindicator for Hg, and other metal(loid)s, dissolved in seawater.     Keywords: Jellyfish, coastal waters, mercury, bioconcentration, contamination, bioindicator
The US global and regional observing and analysis systems strategies for monitoring and delivering GHG natural and anthropogenic emissions estimates
Authors: Sweeney Colm , Grubisic Vanda , Andrews Alryn , Miller John , Ott Lesley , Wanninkhof Rik , Karion Anna , Basu Sourish
Published: March 2024

Direct and remote observations of ocean and atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs) provide a critical constraint on global atmospheric burden of GHGs as well as the key natural and anthropogenic processes that transfer GHGs between atmosphere and land and ocean reservoirs. The United States (US) has played a large role in providing observations that span global to local scale in both the ocean and the atmosphere relying on both direct measurements of the atmosphere and ocean from ground, tower, ship, balloon and aircraft-based platforms and remote measurements from satellite, upward looking spectrometers, floats and ocean profilers. While these networks have been instrumental in providing a basic understanding of the carbon cycle there are many gaps that need to be filled over the next decade to assess interannual variability in both natural and anthropogenic sources and sinks of GHGs. With no planned US satellite missions for carbon dioxide in this time period there is an urgent need to take advantage of other gap filling opportunities. For methane, the focus on large point sources for satellites also represents a gap that many assumed would be filled in the next decade. These gaps in planned remote sensing satellite missions reinforce the need to focus development of new planforms, networks and tracers for observing atmospheric and ocean GHGs gradients and processes driving these gradients. These processes include climate/carbon feedbacks as well as changes in anthropogenic emissions across multiple scales that allow stakeholders in pursuit of GHG mitigation and carbon capture efforts to be informed and act with the most up-to-date understanding of critical processes in the global and local carbon budgets. We provide an overview of the observing, analysis and information systems that build on "bottom up" systems that currently inform the Global Stocktake. We also will report on efforts to make this information more actionable for emissions mitigation.
Quantification of CH4 Emissions from the EMIT and AVIRIS-3 Imaging Spectrometers
Authors: Coleman Red Willow , Brodrick Philip , Chadwick K. Dana , Chlus Adam , Eastwood Michael , Elder Clayton , Fahlen Jay , Gomezbeltran Sergio , Hopkins Francesca , Thompson David , Thorpe Andrew , Green Robert
Published: March 2024

Spaceborne and airborne imaging spectrometers can identify methane (CH4) plumes and enable emission quantification and direct sectoral attribution necessary to better constrain methane emissions and inform mitigation strategies. We will show CH4 emission quantification results and accompanying uncertainty products for CH4 plume observations from NASA’s Earth surface Mineral dust source InvesTigation (EMIT) imaging spectrometer onboard the International Space Station, as well as the recently developed Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer 3 (AVIRIS-3). The differing spatial resolution and instrument sensitivity of the EMIT and AVIRIS-3 sensors are highly complementary for tiered CH4 plume detection and quantification. The large spatial coverage from EMIT allows us to identify and quantify previously unknown emissions from CH4 point sources across large regions of the Earth’s surface, while AVIRIS-3 has higher sensitivity and increased spatial resolution for characterizing CH4 emissions below EMIT’s detection limit.Building on a legacy of greenhouse gas retrievals first developed for airborne imaging spectrometers (e.g., AVIRIS, AVIRIS-NG), we use a matched filter approach to retrieve CH4 enhancements and the per-plume integrated mass enhancement (IME) method with windspeed data to estimate hourly CH4 emission rates. We take a two-pronged approach to validating our CH4 emission detection and quantification method: (1) an AVIRIS-3 CH4 controlled release experiment with multiple flow rates, and (2) evaluation of a simultaneous collection of AVIRIS-3 and EMIT in West Texas’ Permian Basin oil-and-gas producing region. This validation work will help provide confidence in EMIT’s plume quantification approach, which is important as imaging spectrometers are necessary for more comprehensive understanding of global CH4 point source emissions and greenhouse gas budgets, particularly in areas with limited reporting requirements. Lastly, the EMIT greenhouse gas portal (https://earth.jpl.nasa.gov/emit/data/data-portal/Greenhouse-Gases/) is actively distributing methane data products in support of NASA’s Open Source Science Initiative and AVIRIS-3 data will soon be publicly available for interested decision-makers and users (e.g., U.S. Greenhouse Gas Center).
Phenological plasticity: shifting growth and developmental phases of North American tree species in response to environmental stressors
Authors: Baumgarten Frederik , Wolkovich Elizabeth
Published: March 2024

Trees inhabiting seasonal climates organize their life cycle activities following an internal program termed phenology. The rising temperature through global warming has substantially influenced the timing of these phenological events, most prominently studied through the advancement of leaf emergence. Moreover, changes in precipitation patterns have led to severe drought events that have increased in both intensity and frequency worldwide. Both trends necessitate trees to adjust and synchronize their annual cycle within the ‘window of opportunity’ presenting itself based on favourable temperature and available soil moisture. Depending on when critical water limitations occur, tree species are affected at different developmental stages throughout their seasonal cycle. Thus, the severity of impact at a given stage and/or the flexibility to shift developmental and growth activities determine whether the same stressor results in mortality or minor growth reductions.We used over 1000 saplings of six North American tree species (Sequoia sempervirens, Pinus contorta, Quercus garryana, Betula papyrifera, Prunus virginiata, and Acer macrophyllum) to investigate how flexibly (or conservatively) trees re-arrange (or stick to) their phenological sequence and growth activities when impacted by a) drought or b) defoliation events. Both treatments were applied separately at three different times (after leaf emergence, at the summer solstice, and in August) on different batches of saplings. The saplings were grown in a Polytunnel in Vancouver, BC, Canada without water limitations (except for the periodic drought treatments) and were equipped with magnetic dendrometers to monitor radial growth along with observations of bud development and shoot elongation. After harvest, we assessed total root and shoot biomass. In addition, through an image analysis of micro stem slices (utilizing a microtome), we were able to review the xylem properties (e.g., the number of cells produced, vessel size) of treated and control saplings.Our findings reveal how artificial downregulation of source and sink activities at different points in the growing season impacts the performance of radial and apical meristems. Furthermore, we identify the potential of temperate tree species to cope with environmental stressors by optimally utilizing the available ‘time window of opportunity’—for instance, by shifting or splitting their phenological development and growth activity around a drought period. Finally, we discuss how these characteristics correlate with a species’ strategy and the level of bud determinism, i.e., whether shoots continue to grow later in the season (neo-growth atop pre-formed tissue).
Evaluating Methane Emissions From Decommissioned Unconventional Petroleum Wells in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Cahill Aaron
Published: March 2024

Hundreds of thousands of unconventional natural gas wells recently constructed across North America have transformed the global energy landscape and generated widespread concern relating to fugitive methane leakage. To date, no studies have evaluated the integrity of unconventional wells post-abandonment. Here, we evaluated emissions at nine decommissioned unconventional wells within the Montney region of British Columbia, Canada and found two exhibited co-emission of CH4 and CO2 from surrounding soils indicating integrity failure, releasing up to ~2000 kg of CO2-eq/yr into the atmosphere. A further three wells exhibited statistically significant anomalous CO2 fluxes of ~500 kg/year from surficial soils around the well, likely associated with minor integrity failure and derived from near total soil-based aerobic oxidation of fugitive CH4. These findings suggest that more than half of decommissioned unconventional wells may generate emissions, however only relatively small contributions to GHG emissions result that are significantly mitigated through natural soils-based CH4 oxidation. 
Quantifying snow water storage from aerial LiDAR surveys in eight Pacific coastal watersheds, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Bisset Rosie , Floyd Bill , Menounos Brian , Bishop Alison , Marchenko Sergey , Marshall Peter , Geospatial Hakai
Published: March 2024

While airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) surveys are routinely used to measure snow volume in many types of mountain watersheds, those that are heavily forested and lie within maritime environments have been largely ignored to date. Here, we summarise our findings from a four-year study (2020-2023) of eight watersheds within the coastal rainforests of southwest British Columbia, which collectively represent an area of >330 km2. Aerial LiDAR surveys were conducted 3 to 5 times per year between March and June in order to measure snow depth across each watershed. Spatiotemporally-distributed snow density was estimated using a random forest model incorporating weather station data, LiDAR-derived metrics and in-situ snow density observations. At peak snow volume, we find typical mean catchment-wide snow water equivalent values of ~600-1200 mm, verified by a widespread field campaign consisting of > 25,000 in-situ measurements of snow depth and density. We show that, typically, ~60-90 % of the snow water volume is stored at mid-elevations of between 800 and 1500 m, where air temperatures are close to melting point and forest cover is prevalent, leaving the snowpack vulnerable to early seasonal melt onset and impacts due to forest management. We find that while peak measured snow volume typically represents ~20-40 % of surface runoff, providing an important buffer towards droughts within the region, snowmelt volumes can be insufficient to safeguard downstream water supply during extreme seasonal drought events. Overall, the results of this work provide valuable insights into the vulnerability of the snowpack in coastal maritime regions and the potential knock-on effects of a changing snowpack on regional water security.
Dansgaard-Oeschger events in climate models - criteria for model assessment
Authors: Goswami Sudipta , Malmierca-Vallet Irene
Published: March 2024

Greenland ice core records feature Dansgaard–Oeschger (D-O) events; abrupt warming episodes followed by a gradual cooling phase during mid-glacial periods. Here, we analyse spontaneous self-sustained D-O type oscillations reproduced in four climate models: COSMOS, CCSM4, MPI-ESM and HadCM3. We assess model performance against several metrics: rate of Antarctic warming during D-O stadials, timing of change point in Antarctic temperature with respect to the mid-point of the Greenland transition, duration of the D-O event and Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITC) position. The four models suggest consistently that the amplitude and spatial expression of D-O event temperature anomalies are dominated by coupled changes in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and North Atlantic sea ice extent.