Leaf waxes in litter and topsoils along a European transect SOIL DOI 10.5194/soil-2-551-2016 25 October 2016 For this study we systematically investigated the molecular pattern of leaf waxes in litter and topsoils along a European transect to assess their potential for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction. Our results show that leaf wax patterns depend on the type of vegetation. The vegetation signal is not only found in the litter; it can also be preserved to some degree in the topsoil. Read more
Influence of groundwater on distribution of dwarf wedgemussels (Alasmidonta heterodon) in the upper reaches of the Delaware River, northeastern USA Hydrology and Earth System Sciences DOI 10.5194/hess-20-4323-2016 25 October 2016 The remaining populations of the endangered dwarf wedgemussel (DWM) (Alasmidonta heterodon) in the upper Delaware River, northeastern USA, were thought to be located in areas of substantial groundwater discharge to the river. Physical, thermal, and geophysical methods applied at several spatial scales indicate that DWM are located within or directly downstream of areas of substantial groundwater discharge to the river. DWM may depend on groundwater discharge for their survival. Read more
Glacier change and glacial lake outburst flood risk in the Bolivian Andes The Cryosphere DOI 10.5194/tc-10-2399-2016 20 October 2016 This is the first study of recent glacier change for the whole of the Bolivian Cordillera Oriental from 1986 to 2014. These glaciers have shrunk by ~ 43 %, which is a concern for regional water resources. We provide the first quantification of meltwater lake development across the Bolivian Andes as glaciers have receded. These lakes have increased markedly in number and area. We identify 25 lakes as potential outburst flood risks to downstream communities. These lakes require further monitoring. Read more
Optical properties and aging of light-absorbing secondary organic aerosol Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics DOI 10.5194/acp-16-12815-2016 14 October 2016 Light absorbing organic aerosols (BrC) absorb sunlight thereby influencing climate; however, understanding of the link between their optical properties and environmental variables remains limited. Our chamber experiment results suggest that variables including NOxconcentration, RH level, and photolysis time have considerable influence on secondary BrC optical properties. The results contribute to a more accurate characterization of the impacts of aerosols on climate, especially in urban areas. Read more
GMMIP (v1.0) contribution to CMIP6: Global Monsoons Model Inter-comparison Project Geoscientific Model Development DOI 10.5194/gmd-9-3589-2016 10 October 2016 This paper tells why to launch the Global Monsoons Model Inter-comparison Project (GMMIP) and how to achieve its scientific goals on monsoon variability. It addresses the scientific questions to be answered, describes three tiered experiments comprehensively and proposes a basic analysis framework to guide future research. It will help the monsoon research communities to understand the objectives of the GMMIP and the modelling groups involved in the GMMIP conduct the experiments successfully. Read more
Brief communication: Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction – success or warning sign for Paris? Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences DOI 10.5194/nhess-16-2189-2016 30 September 2016 In March 2015, a new international blueprint for disaster risk reduction (DRR) has been adopted in Sendai, Japan, at the end of the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR, March 14–18, 2015). We review and discuss the agreed commitments and targets, as well as the negotiation leading the Sendai Framework for DRR (SFDRR), and discuss briefly its implication for the later UN-led negotiations on sustainable development goals and climate change. Read more
Screening of cloud microorganisms isolated at the Puy de Dôme (France) station for the production of biosurfactants Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics DOI 10.5194/acp-16-12347-2016 29 September 2016 A total of 480 microorganisms collected from 39 clouds sampled in France were isolated and identified. This unique collection was screened for biosurfactant production by measuring the surface tension. 41 % of the tested strains were active producers.Pseudomonas, the most frequently detected genus in clouds, was the dominant group for the production of biosurfactants. Further, the potential impact of the production of biosurfactants by cloud microorganisms on atmospheric processes is discussed. Read more
First characterization and validation of FORLI-HNO3 vertical profiles retrieved from IASI/Metop Atmospheric Measurement Techniques DOI 10.5194/amt-9-4783-2016 27 September 2016 HNO3 concentrations are obtained from the IASI instrument and the data set is characterized for the first time in terms of vertical profiles, averaging kernels and error profiles. A validation is also conducted through a comparison with ground-based FTIR measurements, with good results. The data set is then used to analyse HNO3 spatial and temporal variability for the year 2011. The latitudinal gradient and the large seasonal variability in polar regions are well represented with IASI data. Read more
Quantifying ice loss in the eastern Himalayas since 1974 using declassified spy satellite imagery The Cryosphere DOI 10.5194/tc-10-2203-2016 23 September 2016 Here we utilize declassified spy satellite imagery to quantify ice volume loss of glaciers in the eastern Himalayas over approximately the last three decades. Clean-ice and debris-covered glaciers show similar magnitudes of ice loss, while calving glaciers are contributing a disproportionately large amount to total ice loss. Results highlight important physical processes affecting the ice mass budget and associated water resources in the Himalayas. Read more
Oxidation of sulfides and rapid weathering in recent landslides Earth Surface Dynamics DOI 10.5194/esurf-4-727-2016 22 September 2016 Rapid dissolution of bedrock and regolith mobilised by landslides can be an important control on rates of overall chemical weathering in mountain ranges. In this study we analysed a number of landslides and rivers in Taiwan to better understand why this occurs. We find that sulfuric acid resulting from rapid oxidation of highly reactive sulfides in landslide deposits drives the intense weathering and can set catchment-scale solute budgets. This could be a CO2source in fast-eroding mountains. Read more
Muographic data analysis method for medium-sized rock overburden inspections Geoscientific Instrumentation, Methods and Data Systems DOI 10.5194/gi-5-427-2016 21 September 2016 A paper focusing on the application of elementary particle physics to the measurements of rock overburden density structures that might be directly applicable to natural resources and undiscovered cave explorations, and even to searching for hidden chambers in historic architectural structures. Read more
A geological model for the management of subsurface data in the urban environment of Barcelona and surrounding area Solid Earth DOI 10.5194/se-7-1317-2016 16 September 2016 This study shows the need for a symbiotic relationship between government and research groups for efficient management of geologic data in urban environments. Through its implementation, both the city administration and private companies benefit from the feedback of geologic knowledge acquired during this process, thereby substantially reducing the cost of construction projects and facilitating the development of aquifer management plans. Read more
Dispersion in deep polar firn driven by synoptic-scale surface pressure variability The Cryosphere DOI 10.5194/tc-10-2099-2016 15 September 2016 The upper 50–100 m of the world’s ice sheets consists of the firn layer, a porous layer of snow that is slowly compacted by overlying snow. Understanding air movement inside the firn is critical for ice core climate reconstructions. Buizert and Severinghaus identify and describe a new mechanism of firn air movement. High- and low-pressure systems force air movement in the firn that drives strong mixing, called dispersion. Dispersion is the main mechanism for air mixing in the deep firn. Read more
Sea-ice indicators of polar bear habitat The Cryosphere DOI 10.5194/tc-10-2027-2016 14 September 2016 Polar bears, found in 19 distinct regions of the Arctic, depend on sea ice as a platform for hunting. Using satellite data of sea ice for the period 1979–2014, we found that the date of sea-ice retreat in spring is arriving weeks earlier, and the date of sea-ice advance in fall is arriving weeks later, in all 19 regions. We calculated several other measures of sea ice, which all show declines. These measures were designed to be useful for management agencies to assess polar bear habitat. Read more
Using present-day observations to detect when anthropogenic change forces surface ocean carbonate chemistry outside preindustrial bounds Biogeosciences DOI 10.5194/bg-13-5065-2016 13 September 2016 Ocean carbonate observations from surface buoys reveal that marine life is currently exposed to conditions outside preindustrial bounds at 12 study locations around the world. Seasonal conditions in the California Current Ecosystem and Gulf of Maine also exceed thresholds that may impact shellfish larvae. High-resolution observations place long-term change in the context of large natural variability: a necessary step to understand ocean acidification impacts under real-world conditions. Read more
Long-term visibility variation in Athens (1931–2013): a proxy for local and regional atmospheric aerosol loads Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics DOI 10.5194/acp-16-11219-2016 12 September 2016 Historical time series are unique sources of information for past climate and atmospheric composition change. The 82-year time series of visibility data collected at the National Observatory of Athens (NOA) was an excellent proxy for the long-term evolution of particulate pollution in the eastern Mediterranean, at times when direct aerosol measurements were missing. Evolution of particulate pollution of both local and regional origin is nicely reflected on visibility records of NOA. Read more
Interactions between climate change and human activities during the early to mid-Holocene in the eastern Mediterranean basins Climate of the Past DOI 10.5194/cp-12-1847-2016 12 September 2016 This paper focuses on early Holocene rapid climate changes in the Mediterranean zone, which are under-represented in continental archives, and on their impact on prehistoric societies from the eastern to central Mediterranean (central Anatolia, Cyprus, NE and NW Greece). Our study demonstrates the reality of hydrogeomorphological responses to early Holocene RCCs in valleys and alluvial fans and lake–marsh systems. We finally question their socio-economic and geographical adaptation capacities. Read more
Modified ion-Weibel instability as a possible source of wave activity at Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko Annales Geophysicae DOI 10.5194/angeo-34-691-2016 31 August 2016 A new type of wave has been detected by the magnetometer of the Rosetta spacecraft close to comet P67/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. We provide the analytical model of this wave excitation from linear perturbation theory. A modified ion-Weibel instability is identified as source of this wave excited by a cometary current. The waves predominantly grow perpendicular to this current. A fan-like phase structure results from superposing the strongest growing waves in a cometary rest frame. Read more
New data on geology of the Southern Urals: a concise summary of research after the period of EUROPROBE activity Solid Earth DOI 10.5194/se-7-1269-2016 31 August 2016 The period between 1991 and 2005 was a time when many western geologists came to the Urals to get a closer look at this famous and extraordinarily rich region. The main reason was an openness policy of the USSR government, when foreigners were admitted to this area that was formerly almost closed. The co-operation of the western geologists with local specialists was very fruitful. The author aimed to describe the most interesting findings in Uralian geology after the learned guests left. Read more
Coherence among the Northern Hemisphere land, cryosphere, and ocean responses to natural variability and anthropogenic forcing during the satellite era Earth System Dynamics DOI 10.5194/esd-7-717-2016 30 August 2016 Using 3 decades of observational satellite and field data, we find that long-term changes in sea ice and sea level, plant phenology, and surface temperature are coherent with increases in atmospheric CO2 concentration and other global greenhouse gases. During the same period, natural causes of climate change should only have a net cooling long-term effect, suggesting the observed coherent pattern of changes across Earth’s biological and physical systems could only be due to human activities. Read more