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A comprehensive one-dimensional numerical model for solute transport in rivers

In this study a comprehensive model was developed that combines numerical schemes with high-order accuracy for solution of the advection–dispersion equation considering transient storage zones term in rivers. In developing the subjected model (TOASTS), for achieving better accuracy and applicability, irregular-cross sections and unsteady flow regime were considered. For this purpose the QUICK scheme due to its high stability and low approximation error has been used for spatial discretization.

A missing source of aerosols in Antarctica – beyond long-range transport, phytoplankton, and photochemistry

This paper summarizes two field measurements of particles and gases made in coastal Antarctica and represents the first real-time composition measurements of particles in this understudied area of the world. Using the combined data from both field measurements, we find that there is a constant background of particles in coastal Antarctica and that they are mostly sulfate. Seasonal transitions from winter to spring add additional particles, and that from spring to summer adds additional sulfate.

Model sensitivity studies of the decrease in atmospheric carbon tetrachloride

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) is a compound which, when released into the atmosphere, can cause depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer. Its emissions are controlled under the Montreal Protocol, and its atmospheric abundance is slowly decreasing. However, this decrease is not as fast as expected based on estimates of its emissions and its atmospheric lifetime. We have used an atmospheric model to look at the uncertainties in the CCl₄lifetime and to examine the impact on its atmospheric decay.

Slow strain waves in blocky geological media from GPS and seismological observations on the Amurian plate

We have obtained new evidence of the existence of strain waves in the Earth based on a statistical analysis of the dynamics of seismicity along the northern boundary of the Amurian plate and the data derived from in situ GPS experimental observations. Our results (the periodicity of the seismic components, spatial cycles of the seismicity maxima and migration rate of earthquakes) allow us to identify the dynamics of seismicity along the northern boundary of the Amurian plate as a wave process.

Non-destructive evaluation of moisture content in wood using ground-penetrating radar

Geoscientific Instrumentation, Methods and Data Systems
DOI 10.5194/gi-5-575-2016
16 December 2016

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a powerful tool that uses electromagnetic waves to obtain 3-dimensional images of natural or man-made structures and subsoil. It is employed in a large variety of applications in which non-destructive investigations are required. This paper deals with the use of GPR for the evaluation of moisture content in wood. The results of our work are of great interest for the preservation of timber structures, as moisture content is highly relevant to wood deterioration.

Last Interglacial climate and sea-level evolution from a coupled ice sheet–climate model

We simulate the climate, ice sheet, and sea-level evolution during the Last Interglacial (~ 130 to 115 kyr BP), the most recent warm period in Earth’s history. Our Earth system model includes components representing the atmosphere, the ocean and sea ice, the terrestrial biosphere, and the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. Our simulation is in good agreement with available data reconstructions and gives important insights into the dominant mechanisms that caused ice sheet changes in the past.

Graffiti for science – erosion painting reveals spatially variable erosivity of sediment-laden flows

Spatial bedrock erosion data from stream channels are important for engineering issues and landscape evolution model assessment. However, acquiring such data is challenging and only few data sets exist. Detecting changes in repeated photographs of painted bedrock surfaces easily allows for semi-quantitative conclusions on the spatial distribution of sediment transport and its effects: abrasion on surfaces facing the streamflow and shielding of surfaces by abundant sediment.

North American regional climate reconstruction from ground surface temperature histories

Within the framework of the PAGES NAm2k project, we estimated regional trends in the ground surface temperature change for the past 500 years in North America. The mean North American ground surface temperature history suggests a warming of 1.8 °C between preindustrial times and 2000. A regional analysis of mean temperature changes over the last 5 centuries shows that all regions experienced warming, but this warming displays large spatial variability and is more marked in high-latitude regions.

The acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of an α-pinene-derived organic nitrate: kinetics, products, reaction mechanisms, and atmospheric impact

This study provides new insight into the hydrolysis reaction mechanism, which was elucidated for atmospherically relevant organic nitrates using kinetic measurements, product identification, and theoretical calculations. The results help broaden our knowledge of the organic chemistry that impacts the fate of NO_x, ozone production, aerosol phase processing, and aerosol composition.

Use of remote-sensing reflectance to constrain a data assimilating marine biogeochemical model of the Great Barrier Reef

Marine biogeochemical models are often used to understand water quality, nutrient and blue-carbon dynamics at scales that range from estuaries and bays, through to the global ocean. We introduce a new methodology allowing for the assimilation of observed remote sensing reflectances, avoiding the need to use empirically derived chlorophyll-a concentrations. This method opens up the possibility to assimilate of reflectances from a variety of missions and potentially non-satellite platforms.

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