Machine learning and soil sciences: a review aided by machine learning tools SOIL DOI 10.5194/soil-6-35-2020 13 February 2020 The application of machine learning (ML) has shown an accelerated adoption in soil sciences. It is a difficult task to manually review all papers on the application of ML. This paper aims to provide a review of the application of ML aided by topic modelling in order to find patterns in a large collection of publications. The objective is to gain insight into the applications and to discuss research gaps. We found 12 main topics and that ML methods usually perform better than traditional ones. Read more
Global catchment modelling using World-Wide HYPE (WWH), open data, andstepwise parameter estimation Hydrology and Earth System Sciences DOI 10.5194/hess-24-535-2020 11 February 2020 How far can we reach in predicting river flow globally, using integrated catchment modelling and open global data? For the first time, a catchment model was applied world-wide, covering the entire globe with a relatively high resolution. The results show that stepwise calibration provided better performance than traditional modelling of the globe. The study highlights that open data and models are crucial to advance hydrological sciences by sharing knowledge and enabling transparent evaluation. Read more
Mapping the drivers of uncertainty in atmospheric selenium deposition with global sensitivity analysis Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics DOI 10.5194/acp-20-1363-2020 11 February 2020 The amount of the micronutrient selenium in food largely depends on the amount and form of selenium in soil. The atmosphere acts as a source of selenium to soils through deposition, yet little information is available about atmospheric selenium cycling. Therefore, we built the first global atmospheric selenium model. Through sensitivity and uncertainty analysis we determine that selenium can be transported thousands of kilometers and that measurements of selenium emissions should be prioritized. Read more
An urban ecohydrological model to quantify the effect of vegetation on urban climate and hydrology (UT&C v1.0) Geoscientific Model Development DOI 10.5194/gmd-13-335-2020 6 February 2020 We developed a novel urban ecohydrological model (UT&C v1.0) that is able to account for the effects of different plant types on the urban climate and hydrology, as well as the effects of the urban environment on plant well-being and performance. UT&C performs well when compared against energy flux measurements in three cities in different climates (Singapore, Melbourne, Phoenix) and can be used to assess urban climate mitigation strategies that aim at increasing or changing urban green cover. Read more
Identification of new microbial functional standards for soil quality assessment SOIL DOI 10.5194/soil-6-17-2020 6 February 2020 Soil quality depends on the functioning of soil microbiota. Only a few standardized methods are available to assess this as well as adverse effects of human activities. So we need to identify promising additional methods that target soil microbial function. Discussed are (i) molecular methods using qPCR for new endpoints, e.g. in N and P cycling and greenhouse gas emissions, (ii) techniques for fungal enzyme activities, and (iii) field methods on carbon turnover such as the litter bag test. Read more
A decade of variability on Jakobshavn Isbræ: ocean temperatures pace speedthrough influence on mélange rigidity The Cryosphere DOI 10.5194/tc-14-211-2020 27 January 2020 Jakobshavn Isbræ, considered to be Greenland’s fastest glacier, has varied its speed and thinned dramatically since the 1990s. Here we examine the glacier’s behaviour over the last decade to better understand this behaviour. We find that when the floating ice (mélange) in front of the glacier freezes in place during the winter, it can control the glacier’s speed and thinning rate. A recently colder ocean has strengthened this mélange, allowing the glacier to recoup some of its previous losses. Read more
Electron spin resonance (ESR) thermochronometry of the Hida range of the Japanese Alps: validation and future potential Geochronology DOI 10.5194/gchron-2-1-2020 27 January 2020 Rates of landscape evolution over the past million years are difficult to quantify. This study develops a technique which is able to measure changes in rock cooling rates (related to landscape evolution) over this timescale. The technique is based on the electron spin resonance dating of quartz minerals. Measurement protocols and new numerical models are proposed that describe these data, allowing for their translation into rock cooling rates. Read more
Altitude profiles of cloud condensation nuclei characteristics across the Indo-Gangetic Plainprior to the onset of the Indian summer monsoon Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics DOI 10.5194/acp-20-561-2020 27 January 2020 Concurrent measurements of the altitude profiles of the concentration of cloud condensation nuclei (CCNs), as a function of supersaturation (ranging from 0.2 % to 1.0 %), and aerosol optical properties were carried out aboard an instrumented aircraft across the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) just prior to the onset of the 2016 Indian summer monsoon (ISM). A high CCN concentration is observed up to 2.5 km across the IGP, indicating the significant possibility of aerosol indirect effects. Read more
Why did deep convection persist over four consecutive winters (2015–2018) southeast of Cape Farewell? Ocean Science DOI 10.5194/os-16-99-2020 27 January 2020 The region south of Cape Farewell (SCF) is recognized as a deep convection site. Convection deeper than 1300 m occurred SCF in 2015 and persisted during three additional winters. Extreme air–sea buoyancy fluxes caused the 2015 event. For the following winters, air–sea fluxes were close to the climatological average, but local cooling above 800 m and the advection below 1200 m of a fresh anomaly from the Labrador Sea decreased stratification and allowed for the persistence of deep convection. Read more
ESD Ideas: Why are glaciations slower than deglaciations? Earth System Dynamics DOI 10.5194/esd-11-13-2020 23 January 2020 Here we explore ancient climate transitions from warm periods to ice ages and from ice ages to warm periods of the last 400 000 years. The changeovers from warm to ice age conditions are slower than those from ice age to warm conditions. We propose the presence of strong negative sea–ice feedbacks may be responsible for slowing the transition from warm to full ice age conditions. By improving understanding of past abrupt changes, we may have improved knowledge of future system behavior. Read more
First data set of H2O/HDO columns from the Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) Atmospheric Measurement Techniques DOI 10.5194/amt-13-85-2020 23 January 2020 This paper presents a new H 2 O/HDO data set from TROPOMI short-wave infrared measurements. It is validated against recent ground-based FTIR measurements from the TCCON network. A bias in TCCON HDO (which is not verified) is corrected by fitting a correction factor for the HDO column to match MUSICA δD for common observations. The use of the new TROPOMI data set is demonstrated using a case study of a blocking anticyclone over Europe in July 2018. Read more
Can subduction initiation at a transform fault be spontaneous? Solid Earth DOI 10.5194/se-11-37-2020 17 January 2020 We propose a new exploration of the concept of “spontaneous” lithospheric collapse at a transform fault (TF) by performing a large study of conditions allowing instability of the thicker plate using 2-D thermomechanical simulations. Spontaneous subduction is modelled only if extreme mechanical conditions are assumed. We conclude that spontaneous collapse of the thick older plate at a TF evolving into mature subduction is an unlikely process of subduction initiation at modern Earth conditions. Read more
Terrestrial ion escape and relevant circulation in space Annales Geophysicae DOI 10.5194/angeo-37-1197-2019 17 January 2020 Terrestrial ion transport and total escape are synthesized, with stress on the high-latitude polar region and the inner magnetosphere where Custer significantly improved knowledge. After estimating the outflow flux and destinations, complicated ion dynamics in the inner magnetosphere was classified and summarized, through which more than half the O+ is finally lost to space. Together with direct escapes, total O+ escape is high enough to influence the evolution of the biosphere. Read more
Seasonal partitioning of precipitation between streamflow and evapotranspiration, inferred from end-member splitting analysis Hydrology and Earth System Sciences DOI 10.5194/hess-24-17-2020 17 January 2020 Perhaps the oldest question in hydrology is “Where does water go when it rains?”. Here we present a new way to measure how the terrestrial water cycle partitions precipitation into its two ultimate fates: “green water” that is evaporated or transpired back to the atmosphere and “blue water” that is discharged to stream channels. Our analysis may help in gauging the vulnerability of both water resources and terrestrial ecosystems to changes in rainfall patterns. Read more
Two types of North American droughts related to different atmospheric circulation patterns Climate of the Past DOI 10.5194/cp-15-2053-2019 17 January 2020 The western USA is frequently affected by multiannual summer droughts. They can be separated into two groups with distinct spatial patterns. This study analyzes the atmospheric circulation during multiannual droughts in a new 3-D climate reconstruction. We confirm two distinct drought types differing with respect to atmospheric circulation as well as sea surface temperatures. Our results suggest that both the Pacific and the extratropical North Atlantic region affect North American droughts. Read more
Effectiveness of landscape decontamination following the Fukushima nuclear accident: a review SOIL DOI 10.5194/soil-5-333-2019 30 December 2019 The Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident in March 2011 resulted in the contamination of Japanese landscapes with radioactive fallout. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the decontamination strategies and their potential effectiveness in Japan. Overall, we believe it is important to synthesise the remediation lessons learnt following the FDNPP nuclear accident, which could be fundamental if radioactive fallout occurred somewhere on Earth in the future. Read more
Generation of Rossby waves off the Cape Verde Peninsula: the role of the coastline Ocean Science DOI 10.5194/os-15-1667-2019 30 December 2019 In December 2002 and January 2003 satellite observations of chlorophyll showed a wavelike pattern with a wavelength of about 750 km south-west of the Cape Verde Peninsula. Such a pattern suggests the existence of a locally generated Rossby wave which slowly propagated westward. To verify this hypothesis a numerical study based on a simple model has been conducted. The numerical results are completed by an analytical study which evaluates the potential impact of the coastline shape. Read more
Ice-nucleating particle versus ice crystal number concentrationin altocumulus and cirrus layers embedded in Saharan dust:a closure study Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics DOI 10.5194/acp-19-15087-2019 30 December 2019 For the first time, a closure study of the relationship between the ice-nucleating particle concentration (INPC) and ice crystal number concentration (ICNC) in altocumulus and cirrus layers, solely based on ground-based active remote sensing, is presented. The closure studies were conducted in Cyprus. A focus was on altocumulus and cirrus layers which developed in pronounced Saharan dust layers. The closure studies show that heterogeneous ice nucleation can play a dominant role in ice formation. Read more
Understanding snow bedform formation by adding sintering to a cellular automata model The Cryosphere DOI 10.5194/tc-13-3239-2019 17 December 2019 Snow surfaces, under the action of wind, form beautiful shapes such as waves and dunes. This study is the first ever study to simulate these shapes using a state-of-the-art numerical modelling tool. While these beautiful and ephemeral shapes on snow surfaces are fascinating from a purely aesthetic point of view, they are also critical in regulating the transfer of heat and mass between the atmosphere and snowpacks, thus being of huge importance to the Earth system. Read more
A comparative assessment of the uncertainties of global surface ocean CO2 estimates using a machine-learning ensemble (CSIR-ML6 version 2019a) – have we hit the wall? Geoscientific Model Development DOI 10.5194/gmd-12-5113-2019 17 December 2019 The ocean plays a vital role in mitigating climate change by taking up atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Historically sparse ship-based measurements of surface ocean CO2make direct estimates of CO2exchange changes unreliable. We introduce a machine-learning ensemble approach to fill these observational gaps. Our method performs incrementally better relative to past methods, leading to our hypothesis that we are perhaps reaching the limitation of machine-learning algorithms’ capability. Read more