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. USA">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. GMMIP (v1.0) contribution to CMIP6: Global Monsoons Model Inter-comparison Project">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. FORLI-HNO3 vertical profiles retrieved from IASI/Metop">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
