Increasing the accuracy and temporal resolution of two-filter radon–222 measurements by correcting for the instrument response Atmospheric Measurement Techniques DOI 10.5194/amt-9-2689-2016 28 June 2016 Surface-based two-filter radon detectors monitor the ambient concentration of atmospheric radon-222, a natural tracer of mixing and transport. They are sensitive, but respond slowly to ambient changes in radon concentration. In this paper, a deconvolution method is used to successfully correct observations for the instrument response. Case studies demonstrate that it is beneficial, sometimes necessary, to account for the detector response, especially when studying near-surface mixing. Read more
Which are the highest peaks in the US Arctic? Fodar settles the debate The Cryosphere DOI 10.5194/tc-10-1245-2016 23 June 2016 We measured the heights of the five tallest peaks in the US Arctic using fodar, a new airborne photogrammetric technique using structure-from-motion software. The highest peaks are Mt Isto (2735.6 m), Mt. Hubley (2717.6 m), Mt. Chamberlin (2712.3 m), Mt. Michelson (2698.1 m), and an unnamed peak (2694.9 m). We found fodar suitable for topographic change detection on the centimeter scale in steep mountain terrain, such as for measuring snow depths. Read more
Growth of nucleation mode particles in the summertime Arctic: a case study Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics DOI 10.5194/acp-16-7663-2016 23 June 2016 We present a case study focused on an aerosol growth event observed in the Canadian High Arctic during summer. Using measurements of aerosol chemical and physical properties we find evidence for aerosol growth into cloud condensation nuclei-active sizes, through marine-influenced secondary organic aerosol formation. Understanding the mechanisms that control the formation and growth of aerosol is crucial for our ability to predict cloud properties, and therefore radiative balance and climate. Read more
Greenland Ice Sheet seasonal and spatial mass variability from model simulations and GRACE (2003–2012) The Cryosphere DOI 10.5194/tc-10-1259-2016 20 June 2016 We compared satellite-derived estimates of spatial and seasonal variations in Greenland Ice Sheet mass with a set of model simulations, revealing an agreement between models and satellite estimates for the ice-sheet-wide seasonal fluctuations in mass, but disagreement at finer spatial scales. The model simulations underestimate low-elevation mass loss. Improving the ability of models to capture variations and trends in Greenland Ice Sheet mass is important for estimating future sea level rise. GRACE (2003–2012)">Read more
A 7-year dataset for driving and evaluating snow models at an Arctic site (Sodankylä, Finland) Geoscientific Instrumentation, Methods and Data Systems DOI 10.5194/gi-5-219-2016 16 June 2016 Physically based models that predict the properties of snow on the ground are used in many applications, but meteorological input data required by these models are hard to obtain in cold regions. Monitoring at the Sodankyla research station allows construction of model input and evaluation datasets covering several years for the first time in the Arctic. The data are used to show that a sophisticated snow model developed for warmer and wetter sites can perform well in very different conditions. Read more
Spring bloom onset in the Nordic Seas Biogeosciences DOI 10.5194/bg-13-3485-2016 15 June 2016 We investigated the bloom onset in the Nordic Seas using 6 bio-optical floats. We found that the float data are consistent with two possible scenarios for the onset of blooms in the Nordic Seas. The Nordic Seas blooms could have started either when the light became sufficiently abundant that the division rates exceeded the loss rates, or when the photoperiod, the number of daily light hours experienced by phytoplankton, exceeded a critical value. Read more
Estimate of changes in agricultural terrestrial nitrogen pathways and ammonia emissions from 1850 to present in the Community Earth System Model Biogeosciences DOI 10.5194/bg-13-3397-2016 13 June 2016 Future increases are predicted in the amount of nitrogen produced as manure or used as synthetic fertilizer in agriculture. However, the impact of climate on the subsequent fate of this nitrogen has not been evaluated. Here we describe, analyze and evaluate the FAN (flows of agricultural nitrogen) process model that simulates the the climate-dependent flows of nitrogen from agriculture. The FAN model is suitable for use within a global terrestrial climate model. Read more
Modeling 25 years of spatio-temporal surface water and inundation dynamics on large river basin scale using time series of Earth observation data Hydrology and Earth System Sciences DOI 10.5194/hess-20-2227-2016 10 June 2016 We statistically modeled surface water extent (SWE) and inundation dynamics from a unique Landsat-based time series (1986–2011) for Australia’s Murray–Darling Basin as a function of river flow and spatially explicit time series of rainfall, evapotranspiration and soil moisture. We present a data-driven and transferable approach that allowed us to model SWE through periods of flooding and drying for 363 floodplain units and to identify local combinations of variables that drive SWE dynamics. Read more
Return glider radiosonde for in situ upper-air research measurements Atmospheric Measurement Techniques DOI 10.5194/amt-9-2535-2016 9 June 2016 New radiosonde instruments for humidity-, radiation- and gas-profile measurements were introduced in recent years for atmospheric research and climate monitoring. Such instruments are intended to be reused on multiple flights. Here we introduce the return glider radiosonde (RGR), which enables flying and retrieving valuable in situ upper-air instruments. The RGR is lifted with weather balloons to a preset altitude, and a built-in autopilot flies the glider autonomously back to the launch site. Read more
Causes and systematics of inundations of the Krasnodar territory on the Russian Black Sea coast Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences DOI 10.5194/nhess-16-1289-2016 8 June 2016 Inundations on the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar territory of the Russian Federation were analysed for 1945 to 2013. Risks, hazards and damage from inundations here are some of the highest in the country. The large quantity and the extremeness of rainfall, and the intense flood regimes of the rivers are the main contributors. Additionally, anthropogenic impact such as badly planned economic activities in channels, floodplains and on river watersheds strongly enhance the effects. Read more
