Assessing climate model software quality: a defect density analysis of three models Geoscientific Model Development DOI 10.5194/gmd-5-1009-2012 9 August 2012 We found that the climate models all have very low defect densities compared to well-known, similarly sized open-source projects. We discuss the implications of our findings for the assessment of climate model software trustworthiness. Read more
Effects of business-as-usual anthropogenic emissions on air quality Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics DOI 10.5194/acp-12-6915-2012 1 August 2012 The atmospheric chemistry general circulation model EMAC has been used to estimate the impact of anthropogenic emission changes on global and regional air quality in recent and future years (2005, 2010, 2025 and 2050). The emission scenario assumes that population and economic growth largely determine energy and food consumption and consequent pollution sources with the current technologies (“business as usual”). Read more
Aerosol information content analysis of multi-angle high spectral resolution measurements and its benefit for high accuracy greenhouse gas retrievals Atmospheric Measurement Techniques DOI 10.5194/amt-5-1809-2012 27 July 2012 In this paper, we investigate the combined aerosol and greenhouse gas retrieval using multiple satellite viewing angles simultaneously. We find that this method greatly enhances the ability to retrieve aerosol properties by 2–3 degrees of freedom. Read more
Statistical adaptation of ALADIN RCM outputs over the French Alps – application to future climate and snow cover The Cryosphere DOI 10.5194/tc-6-785-2012 24 July 2012 In this study, snowpack scenarios are modelled across the French Alps using dynamically downscaled variables from the ALADIN Regional Climate Model (RCM) for the control period (1961–1990) and three emission scenarios (SRES B1, A1B and A2) for the mid- and late 21st century (2021–2050 and 2071–2100). Read more
Climatic and geologic controls on suspended sediment flux in the Sutlej River Valley, western Himalaya Hydrology and Earth System Sciences DOI 10.5194/hess-16-2193-2012 20 July 2012 Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of the spatiotemporal trends in suspended sediment flux based on daily data during the past decade (2001–2009) from four sites along the Sutlej River and from four of its main tributaries. Read more
Enhancing flood resilience through improved risk communications Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences DOI 10.5194/nhess-12-2271-2012 20 July 2012 A framework of guiding recommendations for effective pre-flood and flood warning communications derived from the URFlood project (2nd ERA-Net CRUE Research Funding Initiative) from extensive quantitative and qualitative research in Finland, Ireland, Italy and Scotland is presented. Read more
Risk perception – issues for flood management in Europe Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences DOI 10.5194/nhess-12-2299-2012 20 July 2012 Public perception of flood risk and flood risk information is often overlooked when developing flood risk management plans. As scientists and the public at large perceive risk in very different ways, flood risk management strategies are known to have failed in the past due to this disconnect between authorities and the public. This paper uses a novel approach in exploring the role of public perception in developing flood risk communication strategies in Europe. Read more
Detecting anthropogenic carbon dioxide uptake and ocean acidification in the North Atlantic Ocean Biogeosciences DOI 10.5194/bg-9-2509-2012 11 July 2012 Fossil fuel use, cement manufacture and land-use changes are the primary sources of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere, with the ocean absorbing approximately 30% (Sabine et al., 2004). Ocean uptake and chemical equilibration of anthropogenic CO2 with seawater results in a gradual reduction in seawater pH and saturation states (Ω) for calcium carbonate (CaCO3) minerals in a process termed ocean acidification. Read more
Comparison of OH concentration measurements by DOAS and LIF during SAPHIR chamber experiments at high OH reactivity and low NO concentration Atmospheric Measurement Techniques DOI 10.5194/amt-5-1611-2012 11 July 2012 During recent field campaigns, hydroxyl radical (OH) concentrations that were measured by laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) were up to a factor of ten larger than predicted by current chemical models for conditions of high OH reactivity and low NO concentration. These discrepancies, which were observed in forests and urban-influenced rural environments, are so far not entirely understood. Read more
Searching for the seafloor signature of the 21 May 2003 Boumerdès earthquake offshore central Algeria Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences DOI 10.5194/nhess-12-2159-2012 10 July 2012 Shaking by moderate to large earthquakes in the Mediterranean Sea has proved in the past to potentially trigger catastrophic sediment collapse and flow. On 21 May 2003, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake located near Boumerdès (central Algerian coast) triggered large turbidity currents responsible for 29 submarine cable breaks at the foot of the continental slope over ~150 km from west to east. Read more