Vertical segregation among pathways mediating nitrogen loss (N2 and N2O production) across the oxygen gradient in a coastal upwelling ecosystem Biogeosciences DOI 10.5194/bg-14-4795-2017 26 October 2017 This investigation characterizes the variability of pathways involved in N loss in the water column over the continental shelf off central Chile during the development of the upwelling season. Our results highlight the links between several pathways involved in N removal, and considering the extreme variation in oxygen observed could help to understand the ecological and biogeochemical implications due to global warming when intensification and/or expansion of the oceanic OMZs are projected. Read more
Expansion of oil palm and other cash crops causes an increase of the land surface temperature in the Jambi province in Indonesia Biogeosciences DOI 10.5194/bg-14-4619-2017 25 October 2017 From the analysis of MODIS and Landsat satellite data of the Jambi province in Indonesia, this first study on the effects of oil palm expansion on the surface temperature in Indonesia shows shows a local and regional warming effect caused by the expansion of oil palm plantations and other cash or tree crops between 2000 and 2015. The observed warming effects may affect ecosystem services, reduce water availabilty in the dry period and increase the vulnerability to fires in the province. Read more
The CAMELS data set: catchment attributes and meteorology for large-sample studies Hydrology and Earth System Sciences DOI 10.5194/hess-21-5293-2017 20 October 2017 We introduce a data set describing the landscape of 671 catchments in the contiguous USA: we synthesized various data sources to characterize the topography, climate, streamflow, land cover, soil, and geology of each catchment. This extends the daily time series of meteorological forcing and discharge provided by an earlier study. The diversity of these catchments will help to improve our understanding and modeling of how the interplay between catchment attributes shapes hydrological processes. CAMELS data set: catchment attributes and meteorology for large-sample studies">Read more
Revisiting the synoptic-scale predictability of severe European winter storms using ECMWF ensemble reforecasts Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences DOI 10.5194/nhess-17-1795-2017 19 October 2017 The predictability of 25 historical winter storms over Europe is revisited by taking advantage of a homogeneous dataset of retrospective forecasts for the 1995–2015 period. The forecasts well predict the storms up to 2–4 days ahead only but also show clear potential for the early warning of storms up to 10 days ahead. However, the predictability of individual storms exhibits large variability and physical characteristics are identified for outliers with a poor predictability. ECMWF ensemble reforecasts">Read more
Automated mineralogy based on micro-energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence microscopy (µ-EDXRF) applied to plutonic rock thin sections in comparison to a mineral liberation analyzer Geoscientific Instrumentation, Methods and Data Systems DOI 10.5194/gi-6-429-2017 18 October 2017 This work describes a new approach to use fast X-ray fluorescence mapping as a tool for automated mineralogy applied on thin sections of plutonic rocks. Using a supervised classification of the spectral information, mineral maps are obtained for modal mineralogy and image analysis. The results are compared to a conventional method for automated mineralogy, which is scanning electron microscopy with mineral liberation analyzer, showing a good overall accuracy of 76 %. EDXRF) applied to plutonic rock thin sections in comparison to a mineral liberation analyzer">Read more
Seismic monitoring of small alpine rockfalls – validity, precision and limitations Earth Surface Dynamics DOI 10.5194/esurf-5-653-2017 16 October 2017 We use a seismometer network to detect and locate rockfalls, a key process shaping steep mountain landscapes. When tested against laser scan surveys, all seismically detected events could be located with an average deviation of 81 m. Seismic monitoring provides insight to the dynamics of individual rockfalls, which can be as small as 0.0053 m3. Thus, seismic methods provide unprecedented temporal, spatial and kinematic details about this important process. Read more
A growing threat to the ozone layer from short-lived anthropogenic chlorocarbons Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics DOI 10.5194/acp-17-11929-2017 12 October 2017 We have observed large amounts of man-made chlorine compounds in E and SE Asia and in the upper tropical troposphere. These relatively short-lived compounds are not controlled by the Montreal Protocol, but if significant quantities were able to reach the stratosphere, the long-term recovery of stratospheric ozone would be delayed. We have also identified an important atmospheric transport mechanism that can rapidly transport these chemicals from E Asia to the upper troposphere via the tropics. Read more
Balanced source terms for wave generation within the Hasselmann equation Nonlinear Processes in Geophysics DOI 10.5194/npg-24-581-2017 9 October 2017 The Hasselmann equation (HE) is the basis of modern surface ocean wave prediction models. Currently, they operate in theblack box with the tuning knobsmodes, since there is no consensus on universal wind input and wave-breaking dissipation source terms, and require re-tuning for different boundary and external conditions. We offer a physically justified framework able to reproduce theoretical properties of the HE and experimental field data without re-tuning of the model. Read more
Improving calibration and validation of cosmic-ray neutron sensors in the light of spatial sensitivity Hydrology and Earth System Sciences DOI 10.5194/hess-21-5009-2017 6 October 2017 A field-scale average of near-surface water content can be sensed by cosmic-ray neutron detectors. To interpret, calibrate, and validate the integral signal, it is important to account for its sensitivity to heterogeneous patterns like dry or wet spots. We show how point samples contribute to the neutron signal based on their depth and distance from the detector. This approach robustly improves the sensor performance and data consistency, and even reveals otherwise hidden hydrological features. Read more
Boundary layer models for calving marine outlet glaciers The Cryosphere DOI 10.5194/tc-11-2283-2017 5 October 2017 We show mathematically and computationally how discharge of ice from ocean-terminating glaciers is controlled by a combination of different forces acting on ice near the grounding line of a glacier and how that combination of forces is affected by the process of iceberg formation, which limits the length of floating ice tongues extending in front of the glacier. We show that a deeper fjord may lead to a longer ice tongue providing greater drag on the glacier, slowing the rate of ice discharge. Read more
