Quantifying methane emissions from the global scale down to point sources using satellite observations of atmospheric methane Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics DOI 10.5194/acp-22-9617-2022 2 November 2022 We review the capability of satellite observations of atmospheric methane to quantify methane emissions on all scales. We cover retrieval methods, precision requirements, inverse methods for inferring emissions, source detection thresholds, and observations of system completeness. We show that current instruments already enable quantification of regional and national emissions including contributions from large point sources. Coverage and resolution will increase significantly in coming years. Read more
MOLISENS: MObile LIdar SENsor System to exploit the potential of small industrial lidar devices for geoscientific applications Geoscientific Instrumentation, Methods and Data Systems DOI 10.5194/gi-11-247-2022 31 October 2022 We propose a newly developed modular MObile LIdar SENsor System (MOLISENS) to enable new applications for small industrial light detection and ranging (lidar) sensors. MOLISENS supports both monitoring of dynamic processes and mobile mapping applications. The mobile mapping application of MOLISENS has been tested under various conditions, and results are shown from two surveys in the Lurgrotte cave system in Austria and a glacier cave in Longyearbreen on Svalbard. Read more
Trends in the tropospheric general circulation from 1979 to 2022 Weather and Climate Dynamics DOI 10.5194/wcd-3-777-2022 28 October 2022 This study of changes in temperature and wind since 1979 met its twin aims of (i) increasing confidence in some findings of the latest IPCC assessment and (ii) identifying changes that had received little or no previous attention. It reports a small overall intensification and shift in position of the North Atlantic jet stream and associated storms, and a strengthening of tropical upper-level easterlies. Increases in low-level winds over tropical and southern hemispheric oceans are confirmed. Read more
Soil carbon loss in warmed subarctic grasslands is rapid and restricted to topsoil Biogeosciences DOI 10.5194/bg-19-3381-2022 26 October 2022 In subarctic grassland on a geothermal warming gradient, we found large reductions in topsoil carbon stocks, with carbon stocks linearly declining with warming intensity. Most importantly, however, we observed that soil carbon stocks stabilised within 5 years of warming and remained unaffected by warming thereafter, even after > 50 years of warming. Moreover, in contrast to the large topsoil carbon losses, subsoil carbon stocks remained unaffected after > 50 years of soil warming. Read more
Root-mean-square error (RMSE) or mean absolute error (MAE): when to use them or not Geoscientific Model Development DOI 10.5194/gmd-15-5481-2022 24 October 2022 The task of evaluating competing models is fundamental to science. Models are evaluated based on an objective function, the choice of which ultimately influences what scientists learn from their observations. The mean absolute error (MAE) and root-mean-squared error (RMSE) are two such functions. Both are widely used, yet there remains enduring confusion over their use. This article reviews the theoretical justification behind their usage, as well as alternatives for when they are not suitable. Read more
The eWaterCycle platform for open and FAIR hydrological collaboration Geoscientific Model Development DOI 10.5194/gmd-15-5371-2022 21 October 2022 With the eWaterCycle platform, we are providing the hydrological community with a platform to conduct their research that is fully compatible with the principles of both open science and FAIR science. The eWatercyle platform gives easy access to well-known hydrological models, big datasets and example experiments. Using eWaterCycle hydrologists can easily compare the results from different models, couple models and do more complex hydrological computational research. Read more
Towards a self-sufficient mobile broadband seismological recording system for year-round operation in Antarctica Geoscientific Instrumentation, Methods and Data Systems DOI 10.5194/gi-11-235-2022 19 October 2022 We present a mobile and self-sufficient seismometer station concept for operation in polar regions. The energy supply can be adapted as required using the modular cascading of battery boxes, wind generators, solar cells, or backup batteries, which enables optimum use of limited resources. Our system concept is not limited to the applications using seismological stations. It is a suitable system for managing the power supply of all types of self-sufficient measuring systems in polar regions. Read more
A probabilistic framework for quantifying the role of anthropogenic climate change in marine-terminating glacier retreats The Cryosphere DOI 10.5194/tc-16-2725-2022 17 October 2022 Marine-terminating glaciers have recently retreated dramatically, but the role of anthropogenic forcing remains uncertain. We use idealized model simulations to develop a framework for assessing the probability of rapid retreat in the context of natural climate variability. Our analyses show that century-scale anthropogenic trends can substantially increase the probability of retreats. This provides a roadmap for future work to formally assess the role of human activity in recent glacier change. Read more
Stable water isotope signals in tropical ice clouds in the West African monsoon simulated with a regional convection-permitting model Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics DOI 10.5194/acp-22-8863-2022 14 October 2022 The Earth’s water cycle contains the common H2O molecule but also the less abundant, heavier HDO. We use their different physical properties to study tropical ice clouds in model simulations of the West African monsoon. Isotope signals reveal different processes through which ice clouds form and decay in deep-convective and widespread cirrus. Previously observed variations in upper-tropospheric vapour isotopes are explained by microphysical processes in convective updraughts and downdraughts. Read more
Technical note: Conservative storage of water vapour – practical in situ sampling of stable isotopes in tree stems Hydrology and Earth System Sciences DOI 10.5194/hess-26-3573-2022 12 October 2022 We developed a method of sampling and storing water vapour for isotope analysis, allowing us to infer plant water uptake depth. Measurements can be made at high temporal and spatial resolution even in remote areas. We ensured that all necessary components are easily available, making this method cost efficient and simple to implement. We found our method to perform well in the lab and in the field, enabling it to become a tool for everyone aiming to resolve questions regarding the water cycle. Read more
