Evaluation of forecasts by a global data-driven weather model with and without probabilistic post-processing at Norwegian stations Nonlinear Processes in Geophysics DOI 10.5194/npg-31-247-2024 3 July 2024 During the last 2 years, tremendous progress has been made in global data-driven weather models trained on reanalysis data. In this study, the Pangu-Weather model is compared to several numerical weather prediction models with and without probabilistic post-processing for temperature and wind speed forecasting. The results confirm that global data-driven models are promising for operational weather forecasting and that post-processing can improve these forecasts considerably. Read more
Opinion: Optimizing climate models with process knowledge, resolution, and artificial intelligence Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics DOI 10.5194/acp-24-7041-2024 1 July 2024 Climate models are crucial for predicting climate change in detail. This paper proposes a balanced approach to improving their accuracy by combining traditional process-based methods with modern artificial intelligence (AI) techniques while maximizing the resolution to allow for ensemble simulations. The authors propose using AI to learn from both observational and simulated data while incorporating existing physical knowledge to reduce data demands and improve climate prediction reliability. Read more
600 years of wine must quality and April to August temperatures in western Europe 1420–2019 Climate of the Past DOI 10.5194/cp-20-1387-2024 28 June 2024 This bottle of Riesling from the traditional Bassermann Jordan winery in Deidesheim (Germany) is a relic of the premium wine harvested in 1811. It was named “Comet Wine” after the bright comet that year. The study shows that wine quality can be used to infer summer weather conditions over the past 600 years. After rainy summers with cold winds, wines turned sour, while long periods of high pressure led to excellent qualities. Since 1990, only good wines have been produced due to rapid warming. Read more
Impact of Hurricane Irma on coral reef sediment redistribution at Looe Key Reef, Florida, USA Ocean Science DOI 10.5194/os-20-661-2024 26 June 2024 Global understanding of storm-driven sediment transport along coral reefs and its impact on species and habitats is limited. Measurement of seafloor elevation and volume change due to a category 4 hurricane showed rapid burial of coral reef habitats and migration of large seafloor features due to the storm. Post-storm erosion rates were 2 orders of magnitude greater than historical rates, indicating areas of seafloor instability that could be less suitable for restoration of benthic species. Read more
A perspective on the next generation of Earth system model scenarios: towards representative emission pathways (REPs) Geoscientific Model Development DOI 10.5194/gmd-17-4533-2024 24 June 2024 The scientific community is considering new scenarios to succeed RCPs and SSPs for the next generation of Earth system model runs to project future climate change. To contribute to that effort, we reflect on relevant policy and scientific research questions and suggest categories for representative emission pathways. These categories are tailored to the Paris Agreement long-term temperature goal, high-risk outcomes in the absence of further climate policy and worlds “that could have been”. Read more
Opinion: Strengthening research in the Global South – atmospheric science opportunities in South America and Africa Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics DOI 10.5194/acp-24-5757-2024 21 June 2024 To tackle the current pressing atmospheric science issues, as well as those in the future, a robust scientific community is necessary in all regions across the globe. Unfortunately, this does not yet exist. There are many geographical areas that are still underrepresented in the atmospheric science community, many of which are in the Global South. There are also larger gaps in the understanding of atmospheric composition, processes, and impacts in these regions. In this opinion, we focus on two geographical areas in the Global South to discuss some common challenges and constraints, with a focus on our strengths in atmospheric science research. It is these strengths, we believe, that highlight the critical role of Global South researchers in the future of atmospheric science research. Read more
Applying global warming levels of emergence to highlight the increasing population exposure to temperature and precipitation extremes Earth System Dynamics DOI 10.5194/esd-15-589-2024 19 June 2024 Using a special suite of climate simulations, we determine if and when climate change is detectable and translate this to the global warming prevalent in the corresponding year. Our results show that, at 1.5°C warming, >85 % of the global population (>95 % at 2.0° warming) is already exposed to nighttime temperatures altered by climate change beyond natural variability. Furthermore, even incremental changes in global warming levels result in increased human exposure to emerged climate signals. Read more
Synergistic approach of frozen hydrometeor retrievals: considerations on radiative transfer and model uncertainties in a simulated framework Atmospheric Measurement Techniques DOI 10.5194/amt-17-3567-2024 17 June 2024 In cloudy situations, infrared and microwave observations are complementary, with infrared being sensitive to cloud tops and microwave sensitive to precipitation. However, infrared satellite observations are underused. This study aims to quantify if the inconsistencies in the modelling of clouds prevent the use of cloudy infrared observations in the process of weather forecasting. It shows that the synergistic use of infrared and microwave observations is beneficial, despite inconsistencies. Read more
On the importance of middle-atmosphere observations on ionospheric dynamics using WACCM-X and SAMI3 Annales Geophysicae DOI 10.5194/angeo-42-255-2024 14 June 2024 This study shows how middle-atmospheric data (starting at 40 km) affect day-to-day ionospheric variability. We do this by using lower atmospheric measurements that include and exclude the middle atmosphere in a coupled ionosphere–thermosphere model. Comparing the two simulations reveals differences in two thermosphere–ionosphere coupling mechanisms. Additionally, comparison against observations showed that including the middle-atmospheric data improved the resulting ionosphere. Read more
The effect of temperature on photosystem II efficiency across plant functional types and climate Biogeosciences DOI 10.5194/bg-21-2731-2024 12 June 2024 A first-of-its-kind global-scale model of temperature resilience and tolerance of photosystem II maximum quantum yield informs how plants maintain their efficiency of converting light energy to chemical energy for photosynthesis under temperature changes. Our finding explores this variation across plant functional types and habitat climatology, highlighting diverse temperature response strategies and a method to improve global-scale photosynthesis modeling under climate change. Read more
Geomorphic risk maps for river migration using probabilistic modeling – a framework Earth Surface Dynamics DOI 10.5194/esurf-12-691-2024 10 June 2024 In this paper, we propose a framework for generating risk maps that provide the probabilities of erosion due to river migration. This framework uses concepts from probability theory to learn the river migration model’s parameter values from satellite data while taking into account parameter uncertainty. Our analysis shows that such geomorphic risk estimation is more reliable than models that do not explicitly consider various sources of variability and uncertainty. Read more
Opinion: A research roadmap for exploring atmospheric methane removal via iron salt aerosol Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics DOI 10.5194/acp-24-5659-2024 7 June 2024 Rapid reduction in atmospheric methane is needed to slow the rate of global warming. Reducing anthropogenic methane emissions is a top priority. However, atmospheric methane is also impacted by rising natural emissions and changing sinks. Studies of possible atmospheric methane removal approaches, such as iron salt aerosols to increase the chlorine radical sink, benefit from a roadmapped approach to understand if there may be viable and socially acceptable ways to decrease future risk. Read more
Does high-latitude ionospheric electrodynamics exhibit hemispheric mirror symmetry? Annales Geophysicae DOI 10.5194/angeo-42-229-2024 5 June 2024 In studies of the Earth’s ionosphere, a hot topic is how to estimate ionospheric conductivity. This is hard to do for a variety of reasons that mostly amount to a lack of measurements. In this study we use satellite measurements to estimate electromagnetic work and ionospheric conductances in both hemispheres. We identify where our model estimates are inconsistent with laws of physics, which partially solves a previous problem with unrealistic predictions of ionospheric conductances. Read more
Extensive coverage of ultrathin tropical tropopause layer cirrus clouds revealed by balloon-borne lidar observations Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics DOI 10.5194/acp-24-5935-2024 3 June 2024 Upper tropical clouds have a strong impact on Earth’s climate but are challenging to observe. We report the first long-duration observations of tropical clouds from lidars flying on board stratospheric balloons. Comparisons with spaceborne observations reveal the enhanced sensitivity of balloon-borne lidar to optically thin cirrus. These clouds, which have a significant coverage and lie in the uppermost troposphere, are linked with the dehydration of air masses on their way to the stratosphere. Read more
A major midlatitude hurricane in the Little Ice Age Climate of the Past DOI 10.5194/cp-20-1141-2024 31 May 2024 A Little Ice Age (LIA) hurricane was characterized using key storm intensity metrics from historical naval records. Its unusual intensity was driven by a higher temperature gradient between continental and coastal atmospheric circulation that drove intense midlatitude extratropical transition. Quantitative attributes embedded in historical records allow multidisciplinary research to extend our understanding of climate processes through the historical period. Read more
Does a convection-permitting regional climate model bring new perspectives on the projection of Mediterranean floods? Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences DOI 10.5194/nhess-24-1163-2024 20 May 2024 High-resolution convection-permitting climate models (CPMs) are now available to better simulate rainstorm events leading to flash floods. In this study, two hydrological models are compared to simulate floods in a Mediterranean basin, showing a better ability of the CPM to reproduce flood peaks compared to coarser-resolution climate models. Future projections are also different, with a projected increase for the most severe floods and a potential decrease for the most frequent events. Read more
A network approach for multiscale catchment classification using traits Hydrology and Earth System Sciences DOI 10.5194/hess-28-1617-2024 17 May 2024 We present a new method based on network science for unsupervised classification of large datasets and apply it to classify 9067 US catchments and 274 biophysical traits at multiple scales. We find that our trait-based approach produces catchment classes with distinct streamflow behavior and that spatial patterns emerge amongst pristine and human-impacted catchments. This method can be widely used beyond hydrology to identify patterns, reduce trait redundancy, and select representative sites. Read more
Unraveling biogeographical patterns and environmental drivers of soil fungal diversity at the French national scale SOIL DOI 10.5194/soil-10-251-2024 15 May 2024 The fungal kingdom has been diversifying for more than 800 million years by colonizing a large number of habitats on Earth. Based on a unique dataset (18S rDNA meta-barcoding), we described the spatial distribution of fungal diversity at the scale of France and the environmental drivers by tackling biogeographical patterns. We also explored the fungal network interactions across land uses and climate types. Read more
NEWTS1.0: Numerical model of coastal Erosion by Waves and Transgressive Scarps Geoscientific Model Development DOI 10.5194/gmd-17-3433-2024 13 May 2024 Models of rocky coastal erosion help us understand the controls on coastal morphology and evolution. In this paper, we present a simplified model of coastline erosion driven by either uniform erosion where coastline erosion is constant or wave-driven erosion where coastline erosion is a function of the wave power. This model can be used to evaluate how coastline changes reflect climate, sea-level history, material properties, and the relative influence of different erosional processes. Read more
The perfect storm? Co-occurring climate extremes in East Africa Earth System Dynamics DOI 10.5194/esd-15-429-2024 10 May 2024 Climate change affects the interaction, dependence, and joint occurrence of climate extremes. Here we investigate the joint occurrence of pairs of river floods, droughts, heatwaves, crop failures, wildfires, and tropical cyclones in East Africa under past and future climate conditions. Our results show that, across all future warming scenarios, the frequency and spatial extent of these co-occurring extremes will increase in this region, particularly in areas close to the Nile and Congo rivers. Read more
Resemblance of the global depth distribution of internal-tide generation and cold-water coral occurrences Ocean Science DOI 10.5194/os-20-569-2024 8 May 2024 Cold-water corals (CWCs) and tidal waves in the interior of the ocean have been connected in case studies. We demonstrate this connection globally using hydrodynamic simulations and a CWC database. Internal-tide generation shows a similar depth pattern with slope steepness and latitude as CWCs. Our results suggest that internal-tide generation can be a useful predictor of CWC habitat and that current CWC habitats might change following climate-change-related shoaling of internal-tide generation. Read more
Evaluating the impact of climate communication activities by scientists: what is known and necessary? Geoscience Communication DOI 10.5194/gc-7-91-2024 6 May 2024 Climate scientists are urged to communicate climate science; there is very little evidence about what types of communication work well for which audiences. We have performed a systematic literature review to analyze what is known about the efficacy of climate communication by scientists. While we have found more than 60 articles in the last 10 years about climate communication activities by scientists, only 7 of these included some form of evaluation of the impact of the activity. Read more
Dependency of the impacts of geoengineering on the stratospheric sulfur injection strategy – Part 2: How changes in the hydrological cycle depend on the injection rate and model used Earth System Dynamics DOI 10.5194/esd-15-405-2024 3 May 2024 This study is the second in a two-part series in which we explore the dependency of the impacts of stratospheric sulfur injections on both the model employed and the strategy of injection utilized. The study uncovers uncertainties associated with these techniques to cool climate, highlighting how the simulated climate impacts are dependent on both the selected model and the magnitude of the injections. We also show that estimating precipitation impacts of aerosol injection is a complex task. Read more
The six rights of how and when to test for soil C saturation SOIL DOI 10.5194/soil-10-275-2024 29 April 2024 Soil C saturation has been tested in several recent studies and led to a debate about its existence. We argue that, to test C saturation, one should pay attention to six fundamental principles: the right measures, the right units, the right dispersive energy and application, the right soil type, the right clay type, and the right saturation level. Once we take care of those six rights across studies, we find support for a maximum of C stabilized by minerals and thus soil C saturation. Read more
Interpretability of negative latent heat fluxes from eddy covariance measurements in dry conditions Biogeosciences DOI 10.5194/bg-21-2051-2024 26 April 2024 Porous materials are known to reversibly trap water from the air, even at low humidity. However, this behavior is poorly understood for soils. In this analysis, we test whether eddy covariance is able to measure the so-called adsorption of atmospheric water vapor by soils. We find that this flux occurs frequently during dry nights in a Mediterranean ecosystem, while EC detects downwardly directed vapor fluxes. These results can help to map moisture uptake globally. Read more
Carbon budget concept and its deviation through the pulse response lens Earth System Dynamics DOI 10.5194/esd-15-387-2024 22 April 2024 The carbon budget approach is based on a close linear relationship between the global temperature and cumulative emissions. This article reinterprets the carbon budget approach through the lens of the temperature response to an emission pulse in the role of a Green’s function, or as a generalization of TCRE. It shows that inspecting the simple model’s pulse response allows for a prediction of deviations for any possible emission scenario and derivation of a nonlinear carbon budget equation. Read more
Quantitative imaging of carbon dioxide plumes using a ground-based shortwave infrared spectral camera Atmospheric Measurement Techniques DOI 10.5194/amt-17-2257-2024 19 April 2024 Imaging carbon dioxide (CO2) plumes of anthropogenic sources from planes and satellites has proven valuable for detecting emitters and monitoring climate mitigation efforts. We present the first images of CO2 plumes taken with a ground-based spectral camera, observing a coal-fired power plant as a validation target. We develop a technique to find the source emission strength with an hourly resolution, which reasonably agrees with the expected emissions under favorable conditions. Read more
HydroFATE (v1): a high-resolution contaminant fate model for the global river system Geoscientific Model Development DOI 10.5194/gmd-17-2877-2024 16 April 2024 Treated and untreated wastewaters are sources of contaminants of emerging concern. HydroFATE, a new global model, estimates their concentrations in surface waters, identifying streams that are most at risk and guiding monitoring/mitigation efforts to safeguard aquatic ecosystems and human health. Model predictions were validated against field measurements of the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole, with predicted concentrations exceeding ecological thresholds in more than 400 000 km of rivers worldwide. Read more
Rates of palaeoecological change can inform ecosystem restoration Biogeosciences DOI 10.5194/bg-21-1629-2024 12 April 2024 Rate-of-change records based on compositional data are ambiguous as they may rise irrespective of the underlying trajectory of ecosystems. We emphasize the importance of characterizing both the direction and the rate of palaeoecological changes in terms of key features of ecosystems rather than solely on community composition. Past accelerations of community transformation may document the potential of ecosystems to rapidly recover important ecological attributes and functions. Read more
Subglacial valleys preserved in the highlands of south and east Greenland record restricted ice extent during past warmer climates The Cryosphere DOI 10.5194/tc-18-1467-2024 10 April 2024 This study uses airborne radar data and satellite imagery to map mountainous topography hidden beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet. We find that the landscape records the former extent and configuration of ice masses that were restricted to areas of high topography. Computer models of ice flow indicate that valley glaciers eroded this landscape millions of years ago when local air temperatures were at least 4 °C higher than today and Greenland’s ice volume was < 10 % of that of the modern ice sheet. Read more
Minimizing the effects of Pb loss in detrital and igneous U–Pb zircon geochronology by CA-LA-ICP-MS Geochronology DOI 10.5194/gchron-6-89-2024 8 April 2024 Chemical abrasion (CA) is a technique that reduces or eliminates the effects of Pb loss in zircon U–Pb geochronology. However, CA has yet to be applied to large-n detrital zircon (DZ) analyses. We show that CA does not negatively impact or systematically bias U–Pb dates, improves the resolution of age populations defined by 206Pb/238U dates, and increases the percentage of concordant analyses in age populations defined by 207Pb/206Pb dates. Read more
Extreme melting at Greenland’s largest floating ice tongue The Cryosphere DOI 10.5194/tc-18-1333-2024 5 April 2024 The 79° North Glacier in Greenland has experienced significant changes over the last decades. Due to extreme melt rates, the ice has thinned significantly in the vicinity of the grounding line, where a large subglacial channel has formed since 2010. We attribute these changes to warm ocean currents and increased subglacial discharge from surface melt. However, basal melting has decreased since 2018, indicating colder water inflow into the cavity below the glacier. Read more
Solar radiation modification challenges decarbonization with renewable solar energy Earth System Dynamics DOI 10.5194/esd-15-307-2024 3 April 2024 Most solar radiation modification (SRM) simulations assume no physical coupling between mitigation and SRM. We analyze the impact of SRM on photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP) and find that almost all regions have reduced PV and CSP potential compared to a mitigated or unmitigated scenario, especially in the middle and high latitudes. This suggests that SRM could pose challenges for meeting energy demands with solar renewable resources. Read more
Possible role of anthropogenic climate change in the record-breaking 2020 Lake Victoria levels and floods Earth System Dynamics DOI 10.5194/esd-15-225-2024 27 March 2024 Heavy rainfall in eastern Africa between late 2019 and mid 2020 caused devastating floods and landslides and drove the levels of Lake Victoria to a record-breaking maximum in May 2020. In this study, we characterize the spatial extent and impacts of the floods in the Lake Victoria basin and investigate how human-induced climate change influenced the probability and intensity of the record-breaking lake levels and flooding by applying a multi-model extreme event attribution methodology. Read more
A past and present perspective on the European summer vapor pressure deficit Climate of the Past DOI 10.5194/cp-20-573-2024 25 March 2024 The main aim of this paper is to present the summer vapor pressure deficit (VPD) reconstruction dataset for the last 400 years over Europe based on δ18O records by using a random forest approach. We provide both a spatial and a temporal long-term perspective on the past summer VPD and new insights into the relationship between summer VPD and large-scale atmospheric circulation. This is the first gridded reconstruction of the European summer VPD over the past 400 years. Read more
Distinct oxygenation modes of the Gulf of Oman over the past 43 000 years – a multi-proxy approach Biogeosciences DOI 10.5194/bg-21-1477-2024 22 March 2024 We analyse benthic foraminifera, nitrogen isotopes and lipids in a sediment core from the Gulf of Oman to investigate how the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) and bottom water (BW) oxygenation have reacted to climatic changes since 43 ka. The OMZ and BW deoxygenation was strong during the Holocene, but the OMZ was well ventilated during the LGM period. We found an unstable mode of oscillating oxygenation states, from moderately oxygenated in cold stadials to deoxygenated in warm interstadials in MIS 3. Read more
Observations of cyanogen bromide (BrCN) in the global troposphere and their relation to polar surface O3 destruction Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics DOI 10.5194/acp-24-3421-2024 20 March 2024 We measured cyanogen bromide (BrCN) in the troposphere for the first time. BrCN is a product of the same active bromine chemistry that destroys ozone and removes mercury in polar surface environments and is a previously unrecognized sink for active Br compounds. BrCN has an apparent lifetime against heterogeneous loss in the range 1–10 d, so it serves as a cumulative marker of Br-radical chemistry. Accounting for BrCN chemistry is an important part of understanding polar Br cycling. Read more
First validation of high-resolution satellite-derived methane emissions from an active gas leak in the UK Atmospheric Measurement Techniques DOI 10.5194/amt-17-1599-2024 18 March 2024 We provide the first validation of the satellite-derived emission estimates using surface-based mobile greenhouse gas surveys of an active gas leak detected near Cheltenham, UK. GHGSat’s emission estimates broadly agree with the surface-based mobile survey and steps were taken to fix the leak, highlighting the importance of satellite data in identifying emissions and helping to reduce our human impact on climate change. Read more
Minimum-variance-based outlier detection method using forward-search model error in geodetic networks Geoscientific Model Development DOI 10.5194/gmd-17-2187-2024 15 March 2024 This study introduces a novel approach to outlier detection in geodetic networks, challenging conventional and robust methods. By treating outliers as unknown parameters within the Gauss–Markov model and exploring numerous outlier combinations, this approach prioritizes minimal variance and eliminates iteration dependencies. The mean success rate (MSR) comparisons highlight its effectiveness, improving the MSR by 40–45 % for multiple outliers. Read more
Ideas and perspectives: Sensing energy and matter fluxes in a biota-dominated Patagonian landscape through environmental seismology – introducing the Pumalín Critical Zone Observatory Biogeosciences DOI 10.5194/bg-21-1583-2024 15 March 2024 Coastal temperate rainforests, among Earth’s carbon richest biomes, are systematically underrepresented in the global network of critical zone observatories (CZOs). Introducing here a first CZO in the heart of the Patagonian rainforest, Chile, we investigate carbon sink functioning, biota-driven landscape evolution, fluxes of matter and energy, and disturbance regimes. We invite the community to join us in cross-disciplinary collaboration to advance science in this particular environment. Read more
Hemispherically symmetric strategies for stratospheric aerosol injection Earth System Dynamics DOI 10.5194/esd-15-191-2024 13 March 2024 Injecting SO2 into the lower stratosphere can temporarily reduce global mean temperature and mitigate some risks associated with climate change, but injecting it at different latitudes and seasons would have different impacts. This study introduces new stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) strategies and explores the importance of the choice of SAI strategy, demonstrating that it notably affects the distribution of aerosol cloud, injection efficiency, and various surface climate impacts. Read more
Regime shifts in Arctic terrestrial hydrology manifested from impacts of climate warming The Cryosphere DOI 10.5194/tc-18-1033-2024 6 March 2024 Flows of water, carbon, and materials by Arctic rivers are being altered by climate warming. We used simulations from a permafrost hydrology model to investigate future changes in quantities influencing river exports. By 2100 Arctic rivers will receive more runoff from the far north where abundant soil carbon can leach in. More water will enter them via subsurface pathways particularly in summer and autumn. An enhanced water cycle and permafrost thaw are changing river flows to coastal areas. Read more
A global compilation of diatom silica oxygen isotope records from lake sediment – trends and implications for climate reconstruction Climate of the Past DOI 10.5194/cp-20-363-2024 26 February 2024 This paper presents the first comprehensive compilation of diatom oxygen isotope records in lake sediments (δ18OBSi), supported by lake basin parameters. We infer the spatial and temporal coverage of δ18OBSi records and discuss common hemispheric trends on centennial and millennial timescales. Key results are common patterns for hydrologically open lakes in Northern Hemisphere extratropical regions during the Holocene corresponding to known climatic epochs, i.e. the Holocene Thermal Maximum. Read more
Explaining the green volcanic sunsets after the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics DOI 10.5194/acp-24-2415-2024 23 February 2024 It is well known that volcanic eruptions strongly affect the colours of the twilight sky. Typically, volcanic eruptions lead to enhanced reddish and violet twilight colours. In rare cases, however, volcanic eruptions can also lead to green sunsets. This study provides an explanation for the occurrence of these unusual green sunsets based on simulations with a radiative transfer model. Green volcanic sunsets require a sufficient stratospheric aerosol optical depth and specific aerosol sizes. Read more
Bayesian multi-proxy reconstruction of early Eocene latitudinal temperature gradients Climate of the Past DOI 10.5194/cp-20-349-2024 21 February 2024 Large-scale palaeoclimate reconstructions are often based on sparse and unevenly sampled records, inviting potential biases. Here, we present a Bayesian hierarchical model that combines geochemical with ecological proxy data to model the latitudinal sea surface temperature gradient. Applying this model to the early Eocene climatic optimum highlights how our integrated approach can improve palaeoclimate reconstructions from datasets with limited sampling. Read more
Opinion: Aerosol remote sensing over the next 20 years Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics DOI 10.5194/acp-24-2113-2024 19 February 2024 Aerosols are small liquid or solid particles suspended in the atmosphere, including smoke, particulate pollution, dust, and sea salt. Today, we rely on satellites viewing Earth’s atmosphere to learn about these particles. Here, we speculate on the future to imagine how satellite viewing of aerosols will change. We expect more public and private satellites with greater capabilities, better ways to infer information from satellites, and merging of data with models. Read more
Detecting the human fingerprint in the summer 2022 western–central European soil drought Earth System Dynamics DOI 10.5194/esd-15-131-2024 16 February 2024 The 2022 summer was accompanied by widespread soil moisture deficits, including an unprecedented drought in Europe. Combining several observation-based estimates and models, we find that such an event has become at least 5 and 20 times more likely due to human-induced climate change in western Europe and the northern extratropics, respectively. Strong regional warming fuels soil desiccation; hence, projections indicate even more potent future droughts as we progress towards a 2 °C warmer world. Read more
Airborne lidar measurements of atmospheric CO2 column concentrations to cloud tops made during the 2017 ASCENDS/ABoVE campaign Atmospheric Measurement Techniques DOI 10.5194/amt-17-1061-2024 14 February 2024 NASA Goddard Space Flight Center has developed an integrated-path, differential absorption lidar approach to measure column-averaged atmospheric CO2 (XCO2). We demonstrated the lidar’s capability to measure XCO2 to cloud tops ,as well as to the ground, with the data from the summer 2017 airborne campaign in the US and Canada. This active remote sensing technique can provide all-sky data coverage and high-quality XCO2 measurements for future airborne science campaigns and space missions. Read more
Brief communication: Rapid acceleration of the Brunt Ice Shelf after calving of iceberg A-81 The Cryosphere DOI 10.5194/tc-18-705-2024 12 February 2024 The Brunt Ice Shelf has accelerated rapidly after calving an iceberg in January 2023. A decade of GPS data show that the rate of acceleration in August 2023 was 30 times higher than before calving, and velocity has doubled in 6 months. Satellite velocity maps show the extent of the change. The acceleration is due to loss of contact between the ice shelf and a pinning point known as the McDonald Ice Rumples. The observations highlight how iceberg calving can directly impact ice shelves. Read more
Design and rocket deployment of a trackable pseudo-Lagrangian drifter-based meteorological probe into the Lawrence/Linwood EF4 tornado and mesocyclone on 28 May 2019 Atmospheric Measurement Techniques DOI 10.5194/amt-17-943-2024 9 February 2024 A custom lightweight, miniaturized, and trackable meteorological probe was launched by a model rocket into the inflow region of an EF4, long-tracked tornado south of Lawrence, Kansas, on 28 May 2019 and sampled tornado core flow. The rocket reached apogee at 439 m a.g.l., releasing the “pseudo-Lagrangian drifter” by parachute directly into the tornado vortex. The probe reached a three-dimensional (3D) speed of 85.1 m s−1 in the first revolution around the tornado, measured an altitude-corrected pressure deficit of −113.5 hPa at 475 m a.s.l., and sampled a tornadic updraft speed of 65.0 m s−1. The probe then transitioned to an environment exhibiting a more tilted ascent above an altitude of 4300 m a.s.l. at speeds up to 84.0 m s−1 to a maximum altitude of 11 914 m a.s.l. 1 Hz pressure, temperature, relative humidity, GPS, acceleration, gyroscope, and magnetometer data for the flight were transmitted in real time to a ground station until 10 680 m a.s.l. and the probe landed 51 km northeast of the launch position. The probe was recovered without damage, which is attributed to the pseudo-Lagrangian drifter design, and then higher-resolution and complete 10 Hz data were downloaded for the flight. This novel deployment method and design facilitate data collection in real time from within tornadoes, the mesocyclone, and downdraft without requiring the probes to be recovered or for researchers to enter the circulation to deploy equipment. Read more