Central Plateau Research Articles

Quantification of the meteorological and hydrological droughts links over various regions of Iran using gridded datasets.

Drought is a gradual phenomenon that occurs slowly and directly impacts human life and agricultural products. Due to its significant damage, comprehensive studies must be conducted on drought events. This research employs precipitation and temperature from a satellite-based gridded dataset (i.e., NASA-POWER) and runoff from an observation-based gridded dataset (i.e., GRUN) to calculate hydrological and meteorological gical droughts in Iran during 1981-2014 based on the Standardised Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and Hydrological Drought Index (SSI) indices, respectively. In addition, the relationship between the meteorological and hydrological droughts is assessed over various regions of Iran. Afterward, this study employed the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) method to predict the hydrological drought based on the meteorological drought over the northwest region of Iran. Results show that hydrological droughts are less dependent on precipitation in the northern regions and the coastal strip of the Caspian Sea. These regions also have a poor correlation between meteorological and hydrological droughts. The correlation between hydrological and meteorological drought in this region is 0.44, the lowest value among the studied regions. Also, on the margins of the Persian Gulf and southwestern Iran, meteorological droughts affect hydrological droughts for 4months. Besides, except the central plateau, most regions experienced meteorological and hydrological droughts in the spring. The correlation between droughts in the center of the Iranian plateau, which has a hot climate, is less than 0.2. The correlation between these two droughts in the spring is stronger than in other seasons (CC = 0.6). Also, this season is more prone to drought than other seasons. In general, hydrological droughts occurred one to two months after the meteorological drought in most regions of Iran. LSTM model for northwest Iran showed that the predicted values had a high correlation with the observed values, and their RMSE was less than 1 in this region. CC, RMSE, NSE, and R-square of the LSTM model are 0.7, 0.55, 0.44, and 0.6, respectively. Overall, these results can be used to manage water resources and allocate water downstream to deal with hydrological droughts.

High stress related to COVID-19 among health workers in the Plateau Central healthcare region (BURKINA FASO): a cross-sectional study.

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged the mental wellbeing of health workers. The objective of this study was to assess health workers' perceived stress during the response to COVID-19 in the Central Plateau region (Burkina Faso). We conducted a cross-sectional study of health workers in the Central Plateau health region from September 20 to October 20, 2021. Agents' perceived stress was assessed by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Factors associated with high stress (PSS-10 score ≥ 27) were identified by logistic regression. A total of 272 officers participated in the survey. The mean PSS-10 score was 29.3 points (standard deviation: 6.2). Three out of ten agents (68%) had a high level of stress. The main sources of stress were the risk of being exposed to contamination (70%) and being the source of contamination (78%). Working at the referral health center [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.29; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.19-4.41], the hospital as the main source of COVID-19 information (aOR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.01-3.04), fear of COVID-19 patients being managed at one's center (aOR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.06-3.07) were factors associated with high health worker stress levels during the first wave of COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic caused high stress among health care workers in Burkina Faso. Psychological support for health center workers in responding to future epidemics would improve their mental health.

Species limits and diversification of the Dendropsophus rubicundulus subgroup (Anura, Hylidae) in Neotropical savannas

Understanding the processes that generate and maintain biodiversity at and below the species level is a central goal of evolutionary biology. Here we explore the spatial and temporal drivers of diversification of the treefrog subgroup Dendropsophus rubicundulus, a subgroup of the D. microcephalus species group, over periods of pronounced geological and climatic changes in the Neotropical savannas that they inhabit. This subgroup currently comprises 11 recognized species distributed across the Brazilian and Bolivian savannas, but the taxonomy has been in a state of flux, necessitating reexamination. Using newly generated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data from restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) and mitochondrial 16S sequence data for ∼150 specimens, we inferred phylogenetic relationships, tested species limits using a model-based approach, and estimated divergence times to gain insights into the geographic and climatic events that affected the diversification of this subgroup. Our results recognized at least nine species: D. anataliasiasi, D. araguaya, D. cerradensis, D. elianeae, D. jimi, D. rubicundulus, D. tritaeniatus, D. rozenmani, and D. sanborni. Although we did not collect SNP data for the latter two species, they are likely distinct based on mitochondrial data. In addition, we found genetic structure within the widespread species D. rubicundulus, which comprises three allopatric lineages connected by gene flow upon secondary contact. We also found evidence of population structure and perhaps undescribed diversity in D. elianeae, which warrants further study. The D. rubicundulus subgroup is estimated to have originated in the Late Miocene (∼5.45 million years ago), with diversification continuing through the Pliocene and Early Pleistocene, followed by the most recent divergence of D. rubicundulus lineages in the Middle Pleistocene. The epeirogenic uplift followed by erosion and denudation of the central Brazilian plateau throughout the Pliocene and Pleistocene, in combination with the increasing frequency and amplitude of climatic fluctuations during the Pleistocene, was important for generating and structuring diversity at or below the species level in the D. rubicundulus subgroup.

Sedimentary records of persistent organic pollutants (OCPs and PCBs) in Ngoring Lake, the central Tibetan Plateau, China: Impacts of westerly atmospheric transport and cryospheric melting

Lake sediments in remote alpine regions are used to infer information on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) delivery via long-range atmospheric transport (LRAT) with limited influences from local sources. When studying the deposition history of POPs on the Tibetan Plateau, regions influenced by westerly air mass flow have received insufficient attention compared with regions governed by the monsoon. Herein, we collected and dated two sediment cores from Ngoring Lake to reconstruct the depositional time trends of 24 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and 40 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and assess the response to emission reductions and climate change. DDTs, HCHs, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and PCBs were all detected in the sediment core at low concentrations of 110–600, 4.3–400, 8.1–60, and 3.3–71 pg/g, respectively. The composition of PCBs, DDTs, and HCHs was dominated by congeners with 3 and 4 chlorines (avg. 70 %), p,p’-DDT (avg. 90 %), and β-HCH (avg. 70 %), respectively, indicating the influence of LRAT and the contribution of technical DDT and technical HCH from potential source regions. Temporal trends of PCB concentrations normalized by total organic carbon echoed the peak of global emissions of PCBs around 1970. The rising trend of concentrations of β-HCH and DDTs after the 1960s in sediments was mainly explained by the input of contaminants with melting ice and snow from a cryosphere shrinking under global warming. This study verifies that westerly air mass flow brings fewer contaminants to the lacustrine environment on the Tibetan Plateau than the monsoon and demonstrates the impacts of climate change on the secondary emission of POPs from the cryosphere to the sediments.

A special drop: Characterising yeast isolates associated with fermented beverages produced by Australia's indigenous peoples.

Way-a-linah, an alcoholic beverage produced from the fermented sap of Eucalyptus gunnii, and tuba, a fermented drink made from the syrup of Cocos nucifera fructifying bud, are two of several fermented beverages produced by Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait people. Here we describe the characterisation of yeast isolates from samples associated with the fermentation of way-a-linah and tuba. Microbial isolates were obtained from two different geographical locations in Australia - the Central Plateau in Tasmania, and Erub Island in the Torres Strait. While Hanseniaspora species and Lachancea cidri were the most abundant species in Tasmania, Candida species were the most abundant in Erub Island. Isolates were screened for tolerance to stress conditions found during the production of fermented beverages and for enzyme activities relevant to the appearance, aroma and flavour of these beverages. Based on screening results, eight isolates were evaluated for their volatile profile during the fermentation of wort, apple juice and grape juice. Diverse volatile profiles were observed for beers, ciders and wines fermented with different isolates. These findings reveal the potential of these isolates to produce fermented beverages with unique aroma and flavour profiles and highlight the vast microbial diversity associated with fermented beverages produced by Australia's Indigenous peoples.

Crustal thickening and uplift of the northwestern Lhasa Terrane, central Tibetan Plateau: Insights from Mid-Eocene volcanic rocks in the Gerze Region

Crustal thickening and uplift of the northwestern Lhasa Terrane, central Tibetan Plateau: Insights from Mid-Eocene volcanic rocks in the Gerze Region

Precipitation and local adaptation drive spatiotemporal variations of aboveground biomass and species richness in Tibetan alpine grasslands.

The Tibetan Plateau contains the highest and largest alpine pasture in the world, which is adapted to the cold and arid climate. It is challenging to understand how the vast alpine grasslands respond to climate change. We aim to test the hypothesis that there is local adaptation in elevational populations of major plant species in Tibetan alpine grasslands, and that the spatiotemporal variations of aboveground biomass (AGB) and species richness (S) can be mainly explained by climate change only when the effect of local adaptation is removed. A 7-year reciprocal transplant experiment was conducted among the distribution center (4950m), upper (5200m) and lower (4650m) limits of alpine Kobresia meadow in central Tibetan Plateau. We observed interannual variations in S and AGB of 5 functional groups and 4 major species, and meteorological factors in each of the three elevations during 2012-2018. Relationships between interannual changes of AGB and climatic factors varied greatly with elevational populations within a species. Elevation of population origin generally had a greater or an equal contribution to interannual variation in AGB of the 4 major species, compared to temperature and precipitation effects. While the effect of local adaptation was removed by calculating differences in AGB and S between elevations of migration and origin, relative changes in AGB and S were mainly explained by precipitation change rather than by temperature change. Our data support the hypothesis, and further provide evidence that the monsoon-adapted alpine grasslands are more sensitive to precipitation change than to warming.

Active Deformation Pattern in the Western Flank of the Central Taurides, Southern Margin of the Central Anatolian Plateau: Inferences From Geomorphic Markers and Kinematic Indicators

AbstractThe southwestern margin of the Central Anatolian Plateau corresponds to the upper crust of the subduction between African and Anatolian plates, with a high relief of up to 2 km. This mountainous region has distinctive geomorphological features and presents a unique setting to investigate the mechanism of orogenic plateau margin development related to subduction and topographic evolution around the Eastern Mediterranean. We present new kinematic data from exposed fault planes and tectonic landforms from high‐resolution digital elevation models to elucidate the deformation pattern and its relation with the crustal deformation. We evaluate the deformation pattern based on the spatial distribution of kinematic analyses and geomorphic markers like low relief upland surfaces, disrupted karst basins, knickpoints, and deep bedrock incisions from watershed to shoreline. Our geomorphic analysis reveals a post‐orogenic transient actively deforming topography. The geomorphic markers constrain long‐term surface uplift pattern with a mean cumulative surface uplift of 1,710 ± 50 m and shows an increasing trend from west to east, from 1,600 ± 50 to 1,800 ± 50 m. Our results suggest a dome‐like uplift pattern in the west‐east direction across the southern margin that reaches up to maximum cumulative uplift values in the quadrangle of Alanya‐Başyayla‐Ermenek‐Gazipaşa. Our kinematic measurements along the youngest generation of faults revealed an active NE‐SW extensional deformation across a broad 200 km zone in the north of the subduction. Our findings have significant implications for understanding the morphotectonic evolution and post‐orogenic deformation in the plateau margins and geodynamic evolution of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Organo-mineral composition of grains of quinoa grown in the Cerrado of the Brazilian central plateau

This study aimed to evaluate the proximate composition of quinoa grown in the central plateau of the Brazilian Cerrado during the summer and winter periods. Grains of the Kancolla, BRS Piabiru, and BRS Syetetuba varieties were evaluated for parameters such as moisture, dry matter, ash, protein, lipids, carbohydrates, crude fiber, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, and potassium. It was observed that the proximate composition of quinoa grains varies depending on the cultivation period, with higher averages in the summer. However, in both periods, the Brazilian averages were higher than those reported in the worldwide literature for quinoa grains. Regarding the mineral components, grains grown in the summer period had higher levels than in the winter, when compared to the worldwide standards for quinoa. The BRS Syetetuba variety showed superiority in the levels of the evaluated parameters compared to the other varieties.

Effects of Natural Succession and Forest Landscape Restoration on Soil C and Aggregate-Associated C in the Central Loess Plateau, China

Vegetation restoration is an effective measure for increasing the soil organic carbon (SOC) stock and mitigating the impacts of global warming. Grouping soil C according to aggregate particle size can help with more thoroughly understanding the dynamics of soil C during vegetation restoration. However, the dynamics of soil-aggregate-associated C after the restoration of different vegetation types remain unclear. As such, in this study, soil samples from the 0- to 10- and 10- to 20-cm soil layers in natural grasslands and plantations, which are the two most commonly used vegetation restoration types, were used to explore the dynamics of soil-aggregate-associated C for these different vegetation types. These grasslands and forestlands were converted from cropland since 1999. The results showed that soil and aggregate-associated C content were significantly affected by vegetation restoration types and soil depth. Vegetation restoration significantly increased the proportion of macroaggregates (> 0.25 mm) and soil C stocks; however, the improvements in soil aggregates and soil C stocks were similar for the two vegetation types. Vegetation restoration significantly increased the C content of aggregates of different particle sizes but only significantly increased the C stocks of soil macroaggregates, which had the highest C content among all the considered particle sizes. In addition, the contribution of macroaggregate C in the 0- to 10- and 10- to 20-cm soil layers to the soil C in the bulk soil also increased after vegetation restoration, reaching 57−64%. The results of random forest regression showed that the macroaggregate C content was the primary factor affecting the soil C stocks. This study demonstrated that natural succession and plantations have similar abilities to improve soil aggregates and soil C content in the central Loess Plateau and that the dynamics of macroaggregate C content dominate the dynamics of soil C stocks.

The interactive effect of grazing and fertilizer application on soil properties and bacterial community structures in a typical grassland in the central Inner Mongolia Plateau

Appropriate grazing pressure and fertilizer application of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are effective measures to increase grassland productivity. In this study, we report on the interactive effects of grazing intensity and fertilizer application on soil properties, enzyme characteristics, and soil bacterial community compositions. The experiment was set up in a typical grassland in Xilingol, Inner Mongolia, and had 12 treatments (CC, CN, CP, CNP, LC, LN, LP, LNP, HC, HN, HP, and HNP). These consisted of three grazing intensity levels crossed with four fertilizer application treatments: no fertilizer, N fertilizer, P fertilizer addition alone, and both N and P fertilizers addition, subjected to field sampling and laboratory analysis. The results showed that soil alkaline hydrolysis nitrogen was increased by 15 and 13.6% in LN over LC in the 0–10 and 10–20 cm soil depth layers, respectively. Soil available P was 135.6% higher in LP than in LC at 0–10 cm but similar between LP and LC at 10–20 cm. Soil urease activity rose by 46.8 and 39.3% in 0–10 cm soil and was augmented by 63.1 and 60.3% in 10–20 cm soil of LN and LP relative to LC, respectively. Soil catalase (CAT) activity was decreased in response to LNP by 29.4, 23.5, and 26.5% vis-à-vis LC, LN, and LP in the 0–10 cm layer. Soil CAT activity also decreased in 0–20 cm layer for HN and HNP in comparison with HP. The relative abundance of Actinobacteria increased by 38.1 and 45.0% in HC over that in CC and LC, respectively, in 0–10 cm soil; compared with LC, it increased by 35.8 and 21.7% in LN and LNP, respectively. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria was increased in LNP versus LC in 0–10 cm soil. Overall, fertilizer application coupled with a light grazing intensity promoted key soil properties and the relative abundance of a dominant bacterial phylum.

Analyzing nonlinear contributions from climate change and anthropogenic activity to the normalized difference vegetation index across China using a locally weighted regression approach

Nonlinear contributions from climate change and anthropogenic activity to the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) are analyzed to better understand the mechanisms underlying the nonlinear response of vegetation growth. In this study, it was hypothesized that NDVI dynamics on a nonlinear trajectory could track fluctuations of climate change and anthropogenic activity. Contributions from climate change and anthropogenic activity to NDVI were quantified using a locally weighted regression approach based on monthly timescale datasets. The findings showed that: 1) Vegetation cover fluctuated and increased in 81% of regions in China from 2000 to 2019. 2) The average predicted nonlinear contribution (APNC) of anthropogenic activity to NDVI was positive in China. The temperature APNC was positive in most of China but negative in Yunnan, where high temperatures and asynchronous temporal changes in temperature and NDVI were observed. The precipitation APNC was positive in the north of the Yangtze River, where precipitation is insufficient; but negative in South China, where precipitation is plentiful. Anthropogenic activity had the highest magnitude among the three nonlinear contributions, followed by temperature and precipitation. 3) The regions with contribution rates of anthropogenic activity greater than 80% were mainly distributed in the central Loess Plateau, North China Plain, and South China, while the areas with contribution rates of climate change greater than 80% were mainly concentrated in the northeastern QTP, Yunnan, and Northeast China. 4) The high temperature, drought, and asynchronous temporal changes in temperature, precipitation, and NDVI caused the negative average of changing trends in the predicted nonlinear contribution (PNC) of climate change to NDVI. Deforestation, land cover change, and grazing/fencing led to the negative average of changing trends in PNC from anthropogenic activity. These findings deepen our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the nonlinear responses of vegetation growth to climate change and anthropogenic activity.

Groundwater Level Variation Analysis Using Hydrogeophysical Methods in an Area of Campo Sujo in Cerrado, Chapada dos Veadeiros Region, Goiás

Cerrado’s campo sujo areas have been one of the main focuses of anthropic occupation in the Chapada dos Veadeiros region, Brazil’s Central Plateau, as they are easily accessible flattened areas with less dense vegetation. They are usually associated with wetlands representing excellent water reservoirs and groundwater recharge zones. The environmental characterization and analysis of water level variation are essential to investigate the impacts of human occupation. Hydrogeophysics represents one of the main subsurface research tools due to its easy application and efficiency in identifying the water level, with emphasis on Ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). An analysis of GPR sections with 200, 400, and 900 MHz frequency antennas associated with the resistivity model was carried out to identify structures, and map the groundwater level. The overlapping data compose a hydrogeophysical model with good correlation to direct measurements of water level in a monitoring well, and soil horizons mapped in a trench. The GPR proved to be efficient in mapping the water level, mainly about to the survey with a 400 MHz antenna, shown as a horizontal reflector associated with attenuation portions of the reflection signal, registering in profile the lowering of the water level from 1.68 m in May to 3.35 m in August. The resistivity model showed a good correlation with the variations between the mapped soil horizons. The analysis shows that constructing a hydrogeophysical model is an excellent alternative for identifying the water level, and characterizing the shallow subsurface by applying non-invasive techniques. The study area represents a preserved area of campo sujo, and the research data can be used for comparison with future surveys, in addition to representing a base hydrogeophysics methodology that showed promising results for the physiographic characteristics of the area, which can be replicated in regions of similar geoenvironmental aspects.

Crustal structure and the seismogenic environment in Yunnan imaged by double-difference tomography

The large-scale faulting and earthquake activities that developed extensively in the Yunnan area are associated with the collision of India and Eurasia. The fine crustal structure can provide a better understanding of the crustal deformation, seismogenic environment, and rupture processes. We performed a new 3-dimensional (3D) P wave velocity structure and seismic relocation using double-difference tomography based on seismic observations. The tomography images show that large-scale low-velocity anomalies spread around the margin of the south Chuan–Dian Block, Xiaojiang fault (XJF), and the Lijiang–Xiaojinhe fault (LJ-XJHF) in the middle and lower crust. There is an obvious high-speed anomaly in the Emeishan large igneous province (ELIP). We infer that the low-velocity anomaly under the LJ-XJHF zone may be derived from the lower crustal flow extruded from the central Tibetan plateau and obstructed by the ELIP, while the velocity anomalies around the XJF might be caused by shear heating, which is associated with the large-deep strike–slip fault and the transmission of stress in the southeast direction. The inversion results also show that the Yangbi earthquake occurred at the NW–SE boundary of high and low velocity from the upper crust to the lower crust, which coincides well with the location of the Yangbi earthquake sequence and the Weixi–Qiaohou fault. Meanwhile, the earthquake relocations show that the aftershocks are mainly distributed at low velocities. All the aforementioned research results indicate that the Yangbi earthquake might be attributed to the intrusion of the soft material flow along the Weixi–Qiaohou fault in the NW–SE direction. These low-viscosity crustal materials would cause brittle fractures and result in NW–SE sinistral strike–slip faults.

The Mosquitoes of Querétaro, Mexico: Distribution, Ecology, and Discovery of Shannoniana huasteca n. sp. (Diptera: Culicidae)

In order to document the diversity and distribution of mosquitoes inhabiting the Querétaro State of México, collection trips were conducted in all physiographic regions and sub-regions of the state (Sierra Madre Oriental, Central Plateau, and Neo-Volcanic Axis). In addition, mosquito specimens collected in Querétaro and deposited in the Collection of Arthropods of Medical Importance (CAIM) were re-examined. A total of 2718 specimens (570 larvae, 384 larval exuviae, 537 pupal exuviae, 30 pupae, 807 females, 368 males, and 22 male genitalia) were analyzed. In total, 2 subfamilies, namely Anophelinae and Culicinae, 5 tribes, 12 genera, 20 subgenera, and 50 species were found. Of these, 3 tribes, 8 genera, 11 subgenera, and 33 species are new records for the mosquito fauna of Querétaro. Two undescribed species were found, and one of them, Shannoniana huasteca Ortega n. sp., is described here using morphology and Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) DNA barcoding. Taxonomic notes, new distribution limits, comments about the medical importance of species, and a key to identify adult females of Shannoniana species are provided.

Formation of the V-shaped conjugate strike-slip faults revealed by crustal anisotropy in the central Tibetan Plateau

The dynamic processes responsible for the formation of the conjugate strike-slip faults in the central Tibet remain poorly understood. The crustal anisotropy can provide important constraints on the crustal deformation history and current state. Using data from a recently deployed seismic array (SANDWICH), we obtained crustal anisotropy results that reveal the deformation of the crust in the central Tibet with high resolution. The results show that most stations exhibit strong crustal anisotropy and nearly E-W fast orientations. Our results, when combined with previously revealed upper crustal anisotropy, indicates that the deformation in the upper and mid-lower crust is decoupled. The most prominent feature in our results is a weak crustal anisotropy belt along the BNS, suggesting the mid-lower crust has not undergone strong deformation. We propose that the combination of stable BNS and strong deformation on both sides of BNS in the mid-lower crust caused the formation of conjugate strike-slip faults.

Uncertainty Quantification of Satellite Soil Moisture Retrieved Precipitation in the Central Tibetan Plateau

SM2RAIN is a well-established methodology for estimating precipitation from satellite or observed soil moisture and it has been applied as a complementary approach to conventional precipitation monitoring methods. However, satellite soil moisture retrievals are usually subject to various biases and limited number of retrievals (and therefore large intervals) in remote areas, such as the Tibetan Plateau (TP), and little is known about their potential impacts on precipitation estimation. This study seeks to quantify the uncertainties in Soil Moisture Active and Passive (SMAP) soil moisture estimated precipitation through the commonly used SM2RAIN by referring to in situ soil moisture observations from the central Tibetan Plateau soil moisture network. The estimated precipitation is evaluated against rain gauge observations. Additional attention is paid to different orbits of the SMAP retrievals. Results show that the original SM2RAIN algorithm tends to underestimate the precipitation amount in the central TP when using SMAP soil moisture retrievals as input. The retrieval accuracy and sampling interval of SMAP soil moisture from ascending (descending) orbits each count for 1.04 mm/5 d (−0.18 mm/5 d) and 1.67 mm/5 d (0.72 mm/5 d) of estimated precipitation uncertainties as represented by root mean square error. Besides, the descending product of SMAP with a relatively less sampling interval and higher retrieval accuracy outperforms the ascending one in estimating precipitation, and the combination of both two orbits does add value to the overall SM2RAIN estimation. This study is expected to provide guidance for future applications of SM2RAIN-derived precipitation. Meanwhile, more reliable SM2RAIN precipitation estimations are desired when using higher quality satellite soil moisture products with better retrieval accuracy and smaller intervals.

Informal camping on the margin of wild country: Early indicators of degradation and potential for some positive nature conservation outcomes

AbstractWild areas provide a wide array of recreational opportunities in nature, including informal camping. We examined the potential for land degradation associated with informal campsites accessible by vehicle on the margins of the wild country on the Central Plateau of Tasmania, where alpine and sub‐alpine ecosystems with numerous glacial and periglacial wetlands sit within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. There were no integrated analyses of the biotic and abiotic effects of informal camping on the distinctive ecosystems of Tasmania's high mountains and no work looking specifically at flyfishers campsites from anywhere in the world. We hypothesised that the impacts of informal camping on the vegetation communities, soil properties and native animals would be deleterious. We assessed impacts by comparing trampled areas and fire pits in ten campsites with geomorphologically similar adjacent controls. We found that informal camping resulted in colonisation by different plant species, greater soil compaction, more acid soils and decreased volumetric water content than control areas. Soils in 16 illegal firepits had higher pH, electrical conductivity and lower water content than the adjacent unburned ground. Visual amenity was also reduced by litter. More positively, campsite vegetation had a higher coverage of native herbs and grasses than the controls and attracted native animals, including a threatened iconic carnivore, the Tasmania devil (Sarcophilus harrisii). Informal camping may offset soil damage by helping endangered animals and plants at the current visitor rate. However, more informal campers may degrade world heritage values.

Land cover degradation in the reference and monitoring periods of the SDG Land Degradation Neutrality Indicator for Switzerland

Land degradation impacts most terrestrial biomes across all world regions. To address global change challenges emanating from degrading natural resources, many countries voluntarily set themselves the goal of achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN). Baseline conditions are to be established over a reference period (2000 – 2015). With seven more years to monitor this Sustainable Development Goal 15 indicator — SDG15.3.1 until the year 2030, the scientific basis for operationalizing LDN is still evolving. The non-availability of annual land use-land cover maps of sufficient resolution in various countries, among them Switzerland, is a major factor hampering the assessment at national and local levels. Land cover change is assessed for seven land categories (that is, Tree-covered area, Grassland, Cropland, Wetland, Artificial Surfaces, Otherland, and Waterbody). Land cover change is a major LDN sub-indicator required to assess the proportion of degraded land to total land area (SDG15.3.1). Annual land cover datasets from 2015 to 2020 were produced at 10 m from Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 images using a Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System-based workflow. An evaluation of degradation in land cover is presented in support of the operationalization of LDN in Switzerland. Drawing upon the understanding that changes made to land use-land cover may act as precursors to land degradation processes, transitions relating to the loss of natural cover were identified based on the land cover change criteria during the reference and the monitored periods. The criteria were developed for relating land cover transitions to degrading and non-degrading processes. Such transitions were grasslands to tree-covered areas and croplands to artificial surfaces due to settlement development. For example, the amount of cropland converted to artificial surface areas was greater in absolute terms during the monitored period than during the reference period. Also, the regeneration of natural cover involving transitions from otherland to grassland and from grasslands to tree-covered areas was found. Overall trends between 2000 and 2020 in Switzerland are the increasing settlement areas in the Central Plateau, the Alpine valleys of Valais and Ticino, largely at the expense of croplands and the bush encroachment of pastures such as in the Jura. This study’s contributions include an enhanced workflow for annual land cover mapping for the entire Switzerland and the adaptation of the land cover change criteria to fit the Swiss context. The proposed mapping method has the potential to fill the gap between the production cycles of the Swiss Corine and Arealstatistik land use data.

Afterslip on Conjugate Faults of the 2020 Mw 6.3 Nima Earthquake in the Central Tibetan Plateau: Evidence from InSAR Measurements

ABSTRACT Afterslip could help to reveal seismogenic fault structure. The 2020 Mw 6.3 Nima earthquake happened in a pull-apart basin within the Qiangtang block, central Tibetan plateau. Previous studies have explained the coseismic and early (<6 mo) postseismic deformation by rupture and afterslip on a normal fault bounding the western side of the basin. Here, we resolved the 19-month Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar-measured sequences of postseismic displacements that revealed a second postseismic displacement center ~12 km to the east of the main fault. Fitting the postseismic displacement requires afterslip on both the main fault and an antithetic fault that probably forms a y-shaped pair of conjugate faults in a negative flower structure. Stress-driven afterslip models suggest that the required afterslip on the antithetic fault could be triggered by coseismic rupture of the main fault or by a simultaneous rupture on the antithetic fault. The afterslip on both faults occurred mainly up-dip to the coseismic slip and has released moment ~15%–19% of that by the coseismic rupture. These results provide insights into active extension in the central Tibetan plateau and highlight the complex nature of fault rupture and afterslip.