Changes In Meteorological Parameters Research Articles

Assessing the effect of coastal upwelling on the air temperature at the south-eastern coast of the Baltic Sea

Coastal upwelling along the SE Baltic Sea coast is a common feature, especially during the warm season. It significantly lowers sea surface temperature (SST) in the coastal areas, and, therefore, may be responsible for modifying meteorological conditions in those coastal areas, where upwelling is most frequently observed. This study aims to assess the effect of coastal upwelling on the air temperature at the south-eastern coast of the Baltic Sea based on long-term period observations (2002–2021) from coastal hydrometeorological stations and satellite data. Overall, our study revealed that due to its high frequency and spatial extent, upwelling is responsible for lowering the mean summer season SST of the SE Baltic Sea coast by about 1 °C. And even though upwelling is a short-term event, upwelling-induced SST drop results in cooling air temperatures in the coastal areas, i.e., the mean air temperatures during upwelling are typically 2−4 °C lower than before. It was also observed that upwelling is favouring the development of advective fog. Thus, sudden changes in meteorological parameters during upwelling can have versatile effects on various socio-economic activities. The results of this study contribute to the understanding of upwelling feedback onto the lower atmosphere and, therefore, are important for advancing the accuracy of weather forecasts that are needed for coastal communities, including marine and coastal industries.

Reliability of pile foundations in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (Tomsk)

One of the main problems associated with the operation of building structures in permafrost conditions, is the deformation of support systems due to changes in soil geometric parameters. The methods used today for assessing the health of buildings and support systems are not universal. One of the important indicators during the buildings operation, which allows us to determine the health of the permafrost soil–pile foundation–structure system, is the vibrational amplitude of the supporting structure.Purpose: The aim of this work is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the pile foundation reliability in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation.Methodology/approach: Modern monitoring and remote sensing technologies are used to collect the real-time data. Numerical modeling was carried out to assess long-term trends in changes in meteorological parameters and their impact on pile foundations. New methods and technologies are developed to improve the stability of pile structures in permafrost conditions and permanently frozen soil.Practical implications: The obtained results can be used in design and operation of buildings in permafrost conditions. Moreover, these results can be used to develop new technologies and equipment for improving the performance in the oil and gas and other industries relating to engineering structures in the Arctic zone of Russia.

Role of Quasi-Biennial oscillation on the link between sudden stratospheric warming and tropical weather events

This paper illustrates the modulation of meteorological parameters over the tropics in the east and west phases of the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) during the sudden stratospheric warming (SSW). Twenty years composite of SSW episodes have been analysed, and the results show a teleconnection between northern polar SSW and changes in meteorological parameters throughout tropical troposphere to stratosphere during both the phases of QBO. The tropical troposphere shows different temperature pattern in the two opposite phases of QBO during polar SSW. The lower tropospheric temperature decreases about five days prior to the onset day, persisting as such as for about five days post-onset day, and increases rapidly during the east phase whereas a sudden dip in temperature is observed in the west phase. The easterly wind at the upper tropospheric region is observed to be coupled to the easterly wind in the QBO core region of stratosphere during the easterly phase of QBO whereas they are decoupled in the westerly phase. Prior to the peak polar warming, a strong convective cell develops over the southern hemispheric tropics, and a convective cell develops over northern hemisphere during the peak warming period. This study indicates that during the easterly QBO-SSW period, increasing tropopause easterly wind causes tropopause cooling due to easterly wind's coupling with the QBO core region around the onset day of SSW. As a result, the changes in the tropopause strengthen the Hadley cell circulation thus enhancing the convective activity over the tropical region associated with northern polar SSW. Contrary to the prior knowledge of convection being centred mostly along 5°S–10°S, it is found that other convection band located at around 10°N also produces rainfall in the tropical region.

Application of statistical models in the detection of grapevine phenology changes

In recent decades, there have been significant changes in temperature and precipitation, as well as in the occurrence of phenological stages of the grapevine in most wine-growing regions around the world. These changes are not the same for each variety, nor in all locations. Due to the vulnerability of the viticulture sector, including the possible losses in production in the current winegrowing areas, as well as the planting of vineyards in new areas, it is of great importance to examine the trends in the occurrence of individual stages and to link them as successfully as possible with changes in meteorological parameters. The simplest approach to this is using agrometeorological indices (e.g., Growing degree day, GDD) which can determine the possibility of growing a certain variety. There is also the possibility of developing and testing simple statistical phenological models that serve to predict the occurrence of phenological stages. Four such models were tested for the prediction of four phenological stages (budburst, flowering, veraison, and harvest) for four grape varieties ('Graševina', 'Chardonnay', 'Merlot', and 'Plavac mali') in Croatia. The first two models are commonly used GDD models with a temperature base of 10 °C or 5 °C, and thresholds necessary for phenological stage to start depending on variety or variety and location. The other two models are based on the determination of the best multi-linear regression using as predictors monthly and multi-month averages of minimum temperature, maximum temperature, mean temperature, and total precipitation. The increase in temperature index values from the 1990s to today is particularly significant. Statistical phenological models also proved to be a good indicator of the occurrence of individual phenological stages. GDD models proved to be somewhat better in prediction, GDD models that use a temperature of 5 °C as a base proved to be better for predicting budburst, those that use a base of 10 °C proved to be better for the other stages and particularly for flowering (with agreement index d up to 0.8 and root mean square error of prediction RMSE from 5 to 10 days). Linear regression that uses temperature as a predictor and the same equation regardless of location proved to be very good in predicting the harvest of autochthonous varieties ('Graševina' and 'Plavac mali') with low RMSE (up to 10 days). The presented results indicate that these models could be applied to future scenarios and with that help to make decisions in the wine sector in Croatia and worldwide.

Assessment of urban physical features on summer thermal perceptions using the local climate zone classification

Urbanisation has changed local meteorological conditions worldwide. The physical features of outdoor spaces are critical in determining outdoor thermal comfort through changes in meteorological parameters. Past studies comparing subjective thermal perception between local climate zones (LCZ) were mainly conducted in humid subtropical regions. This study aims to investigate this relationship using outdoor thermal comfort survey data collected in three research projects in Melbourne, Australia (temperate oceanic climate) (n = 4717). The physical features investigated included the sky view factor (SVF) and LCZ classification. During Melbourne's summer, people preferred a higher PET value than neutral PET across all LCZs. People in urban green spaces (LCZs B and C) were more likely to feel ‘neutral’ when Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) was 15.5 °C–24.5 °C and less likely to feel ‘slightly warm to hot’ when PET was 24.6 °C–55.6 °C. Furthermore, LCZ 6 (LCZ C) reported the highest (lowest) percentage of unacceptable votes. Cluster analysis identified two thermal comfort patterns (neutral and warm groups) representing various thermal sensations and preferences. The thermal comfort patterns proportion differed between built LCZs (5, 6) and land cover LCZs (B, C). Logistic regression revealed that PET values and urban morphology (i.e., LCZ) contributed significantly to people's thermal sensations and acceptability for neutral and warm groups. SVF significantly predicted the thermal sensation and acceptability for the warm group but not the neutral group. Our study approach informs further research to understand the implications of urban design in outdoor spaces using thermal comfort patterns as a benchmark.

АНАЛИЗ СОВРЕМЕННЫХ ПРОСТРАНСТВЕННО-ВРЕМЕННЫХ ИЗМЕНЕНИЙ ТЕМПЕРАТУРЫ ВОЗДУХА В ЗАБАЙКАЛЬСКОМ КРАЕ

The article presents a spatio-temporal assessment of the changes in meteorological parameters characterizing the temperature regime of the Trans-Baikal Territory during the period of modern warming, which began in the mid-1970s. We analyzed both the average annual and average seasonal air temperatures as well as important indicators of heat supply such as stable periods with different air temperatures, a period without frosts, their beginning and end, the sum of air temperatures above 5 and 10°C. The distribution of the considered characteristics and their changes by geo-administrative districts of the region is shown. For the study period, along with an increase in the average annual air temperature, mainly associated with intensive growth in the spring months, there is also noted an increase in the duration of stable periods above certain air temperatures and a period without frosts. The dates of their onset began to be noted earlier in the spring and later in the autumn. The sums of temperatures above 5 and 10°C have also increased. The last decade has been characterized by the most intensive rise in air temperatures, especially in the winter months. As a result, the growth rate of most of the other parameters considered in the paper, which mainly characterize the heat supply of the warm period, has been declining in recent years. The results obtained can be used as a scientific basis for planning sectoral and regional strategies for adaptation to modern climate change.

IMPACTS OF RAINFALL AND TEMPERATURE VARIABILITY ON WHEAT PRODUCTION IN DISTRICT BAHAWALNAGAR, PAKISTAN FROM 1983-2016

In Pakistan, wheat is the principal food crop contributing 2.8 GDP in country’s economy. For wheat production different factors are responsible, one of them is climate. This study has been carried out in Bahawalnagar, lying in arid zone of Punjab, to investigate the impact of year to year changes in meteorological parameters like rainfall and temperature on wheat production during the wheat cropping season i.e. November-April. This study focused to find out the impact of variation in temperature and rainfall on wheat production. Multiple linear regression model was applied to check out the relationship between the dependent (production) and independent (rainfall, temperature, area) variables. A significant regression equation was found with R2 of .946, thus explaining 94% variance in the response variable. The model was also tested through ANOVA and the significance of p-value was .000. Results concluded a strong denial of relationship of temperature and rainfall variability with wheat production in Bahawalnagar, however a strong relationship between area under cultivation and wheat production nwas identified.

Changes in meteorological parameters during the total solar eclipse of 2 July 2019 in La Serena, Chile

The first report on the changes in meteorological parameters during the total solar eclipse of July 2, 2019, in La Serena (Chile), is presented. The event could be observed from morning time on the east of New Zealand, in the South Pacific Ocean, to sunset time in Chile. Several meteorological properties such as global radiation Rg, net radiation Rn, reflected radiation Rr (in Wm–2/min), air temperature (TA in °C), relative humidity (RH in %), wind speed amplitude (WS in ms–1), and wind speed direction (WD in degrees), were recorded with La Serena weather station SER (29.827°S, 71.261°W, 28 masl) at 1‑minute time resolution. Importantly, SER was located at 40 km from the axis of the umbra that covered 201 km of width, where it reached 100% darkness at a magnitude of 1.009 during a clear-sky day. Under these auspicious conditions, we observed a rate of changes in the drop of the radiation components of 3.1, 2.4, and 0.5 (Wm–2/min) for Rg, Rn, and Rr, respectively, with a 100% reduction in the components of surface solar radiation (0 Wm–2) during totality. In addition, all components showed a ~34% energy loss during the eclipse in comparison with the day before the event. Also, the rate of changes of –3.3 °C in TA, +11% in RH, –1.11 ms–1 in WS, and 180° to 340° for WD in total synchrony with the passing of the moon in front of the sun, reaching respective peaks at ~5 min lag with respect to totality. Thus, our results show a progressive change in all meteorological parameters in total synchrony with the eclipse’s phases caused by the passing of the moon in front of the sun.

Climate change impact on water balance of quasi-closed lagoons in the North-Western Black Sea coast

The paper studies the impact of regional climate changes that occurred in the past and are expected to occur in the near future on the components of the annual fresh water balance of quasi-closed lagoons in the North-Western Black Sea coast. Currently these lagoons have no permanent connection with the sea. However, there are some episodic connections via artificially created channels, ducts and other waterworks. The value of insufficiency of the studied lagoons' annual fresh water balance is used as an indicator of their ecosystems' sensitivity to climate change. Action plans must be created and implemented for the lagoons that are the most sensitive to changes in regional climatic conditions in order to achieve and maintain their "good" environmental quality status.
 The climate-induced changes of meteorological parameters in the North-Western Black Sea coast that determine the components of the lagoons' water balance are estimated for two periods: the current one from 2000 to 2018 (based on the observations made at coastal meteorological stations) and the near-future one of 2021-2050 which is compared to the 1961-1990 period (based on the data of the Climate Cadastre of Ukraine). The expected climatic conditions in the near future (2021-2050) were determined by the RCM simulations of the Euro-CORDEX project for the RCP4.5 climate change scenario.
 The research evaluates the components of the lagoons' fresh water balance (precipitation reaching the lagoons' water surface, fresh water inflow from the catchments, evaporation from the lagoons' water surface) and identifies the residuals (shortages) of annual balance. It uses the "climate-runoff" hydrological model for the above climatic periods to determine the fresh water inflow into the lagoons through the watercourses of their catchment areas. The annual evaporation layer from the lagoons' water surface was evaluated using the long-term average monthly values of temperature and relative humidity for each of the periods.
 It was established that the climatic changes that occurred earlier and those expected in the current century caused and will cause the increasing insufficiency of the annual fresh water balance of quasi-closed lagoons in the North-Western Black Sea coast. This can threaten salinization, shallowing or even disappearance of some lagoons. Thus new strategies for water and environmental management of such lagoons must be developed. In terms of vulnerability to climate changes leading to significant annual insufficiency of fresh water balance (if there are no other water sources, e.g. water from the sea), lagoons are ranked in the following order: Kuialnytskyi Lagoon, Dofinivskyi Lagoon, Budatskyi Lagoon (if there is no water inflow from the Dnistrovskyi Lagoon), the Tuzla group of lagoons, Sasyk Lagoon, Tyligulskyi Lagoon, Hadzhybeisky Lagoon (if there is no anthropogenic runoff).

Assessing the impact of climate change in the wheat–maize cropping system across the Huang–Huai–Hai Plain under future climate scenarios

Abstract General circulation models suggest that changes in climatic parameters will have an effect on food production globally. Therefore, this study assessed the impact of climate change on wheat–maize rotation areas in the Huang–Huai–Hai Plain (3H Plain). The projections generated suggest an increase in precipitation during the wheat growth period (WGP) by 1.33–4.16% (2.6–8.3 mm) and 3.13–8.16% (6.2–18.0 mm) under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively, relative to the base period (1981–2016). Across the 3H Plain, the mean temperature during the WGP is projected to increase between 1.17–1.21 and 1.17–1.28 °C under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively. The projections during the maize growth period (MGP) indicate an increase in the temperature between 1.29–1.92 and 1.84–2.08 °C under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively. During the MGP, precipitation is also projected to increase by 7.41–9.73% (33.6–45.1 mm) and 6.63–14.78% (29.8–72.7 mm) under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively. For each 1% change in climatic factors, the comprehensive effect on yield was projected to be 0.65 and 0.58% for wheat and −1.08 and −1.11% for maize, under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively, when other factors were kept constant. The change in water resources will be insignificant during the WGP and more pronounced during the MGP. The study provides an overview of changes in meteorological parameters and scientific evidence for climate change adaptation in the wheat–maize cropping system.

Impacts on Meteorological Parameters and Pollutants by Aerosol Direct Radiative Effect Over Tianjin, China

The direct radiative effect (DRE) of anthropogenic aerosols on meteorological elements and pollutants over Tianjin, China, was investigated using a fully coupled meteorology-chemistry model [Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem)] for the entire year of 2021. The results showed that the ground solar radiation decreased from 208.84 W m−2 to 194.52 W m−2 due to DRE in Tianjin, and the percentage of the reduction was 6.86%. The reduction of ground solar radiation resulted in a 0.90% decrease in temperature, 1.13% decrease in boundary layer height, and 6.01% decrease in visibility, respectively, and a 0.80% increase in relative humidity. Changes in meteorological parameters changed the diffuse conditions of pollutants, leading to an increase of PM2.5. Higher concentration of pollutants leads to stronger DRE, and the percentages of changes caused by DRE on polluted days are higher than those on clean days. The DRE influence on pollutants can be summarized as a weather → aerosol → weather → air quality circulation mechanism. The DRE had more severe influence on meteorological elements and pollutants on foggy days. With the emission reduction of pollutants, the influence of the DRE has declined.

Surface PM2.5 mass concentrations during the dry season over northern Thailand: Sensitivity to model aerosol chemical schemes and the effects on regional meteorology

Biomass burning emissions (agriculture and forest) are one of the major contributors to air pollution over Thailand during the hot-dry season (March–April) and aerosols from biomass burning can adversely affect the weather and produce health effects (respiratory disease, heart disease etc.). The present study investigated the sensitivity of aerosol chemistry schemes (Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport, GOCART; Model for Simulating Aerosol Interactions and Chemistry, MOSAIC) on spatio-temporal distributions of simulated PM2.5 (particle sizes <2.5 μm) mass concentrations. Also, the study looked into the impact of PM2.5 on meteorology during an intense biomass burning period (15 March – 15 April 2019) using an online regional chemical transport model, Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem). PM2.5 mass concentrations were observed over the northern regions of Thailand varying from 40 to 240 μg m−3. The simulations using GOCART and MOSAIC aerosol scheme were able to capture the spatio-temporal variations of PM2.5 mass concentrations in general. However, it underestimated the observation magnitudes by about 24% and 27%, respectively. In addition, the sensitivy of EDGAR-HTAP (Emission Database for Global Atmospheric Research collaboratively with the task force for Hemispheric Transport of Air Pollution) and CAMS-GLOB-ANT (Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service Global) anthropogenic emission inventories on PM2.5 mass were investigated using the model. The simulated aerosol mass concentrations from EDGAR-HTAP found more realistic emissions when compared to CAMS-GLOB-ANT in most of the regions. The discrepancy in the simulation of aerosol mass concentrations could be attributed to uncertainties in the emission inventories, weak representation of secondary aerosol compositions, as well as the overestimation of wind speed and wet scavenging in the model. The study also investigated the influence of aerosols on meteorology by comparing a simulation with aerosol-radiation-interaction to a simulation without aerosol-radiation-interaction in the atmosphere during the time period. Significant changes in meteorological parameters were observed over regions having higher aerosol mass concentrations with a reduction of about 26% in solar insolation, 3.9% in near surface temperature, 21% in planetary boundary layer height and an increase of 13% in relative humidity.

Trend analysis of lakes and sinkholes in the Konya Closed Basin, in Turkey

This study aims to investigate the trend of water-level changes in lakes (Lake Tuz and Lake Beyşehir) and sinkholes (Timraş and Kızören) in the Konya Closed Basin located in Turkey. Water-level changes in these lakes and sinkholes were investigated along with changes in meteorological parameters (precipitation, temperature, and evaporation) and groundwater trends that indicate the climate in the region. Several statistical tests can be used to determine the significance of hydrological trends over time. These tests are divided into two categories: parametric and nonparametric. In this study, the nonparametric Innovate Sen trend test, the Modified Mann–Kendall trend test, and the parametric Linear trend test were used. According to the trend analysis, the water levels of Kızören and Timraş sinkholes decreased over time, while the water levels of lakes Tuz and Beyşehir increased. These results are supported by the trends in the meteorological data and groundwater level data of the stations determined with the Thiessen polygons and sub-basin boundaries.

Effects of meteorological parameters and fuel composition on the air pollution production from motor vehicles.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of changes in meteorological parameters and fuel composition on the emission rate of air pollutants in the vehicle fleet of the Tehran Metropolis. The results of this study can be used in management decisions to reduce the emission of air pollutants. In this paper, based on the international vehicle emission model and using mathematical equations, the effects of changing meteorological parameters and fuel composition on the emission of pollutants were modeled. The emission rates of CO, VOCs, and NOx pollutants were the most sensitive to the changes in meteorological parameters, respectively. Among all parameters studied in this research, the changes in sulfur level had the greatest effect on the emission of pollutants from the vehicle fleet of Tehran Metropolis. If the fuel was replaced with Euro 5 standard instead of Euro 3, the emission rates of CO, VOCs, NOx, PM, and SOx pollutants from the vehicle fleet of Tehran Metropolis would be reduced by 9%, 6%, 5%, 14%, and 90%, respectively. Managing and reducing the sources of production and emission of air pollution is one of the best ways to reduce the air pollution. In general, since the emission of pollutants from the fleet of Tehran Metropolis in the cold seasons of the year is greater than during hot seasons and the problem of air pollution is exacerbated by air stability, using Euro 5 fuel in cold seasons is one of the efficient ways to reduce the air pollution.

ОЦІНКА ЗМІН МЕТЕОРОЛОГІЧНИХ ПАРАМЕТРІВ НА МЕТЕОСТАНЦІЇ РІВНЕ

The goal is to characterize the meteorological parameters at the Rivne weather station and evaluate their changes for the period from 2005 to 2020. The research methodology is built in the following directions: regression of observation data on time; the presence of connections between adjacent members of the series; construction of integral cumulative curves of meteorological parameters; graphs of surfaces are constructed, which make it possible to visually assess their forecast in the future; the homogeneity of the series of observations according to statistical parametric and non-parametric criteria is determined; calculation of the precipitation unevenness coefficient. The results of the comparison of integral curves show that long-term fluctuations of annual meteorological parameters are in phase, that is, for different meteorological parameters, the same phases can be observed at the weather station at the same time, but the ratio of average values for these phases changes. The sequence of phases of decrease and increase of certain meteorological parameters allows to distinguish cycles of their changes. The assessment of homogeneity according to parametric and non-parametric statistical criteria showed that there are changes in meteorological parameters: air humidity, wind speed, minimum air temperature, precipitation, which is statistically proven. The coefficient of uneven precipitation varies widely. The scientific novelty consists in the assessment of meteorological parameters at the Rivne weather station, which is proven statistically and its results can be used for other scientific assessments and research. The practical significance of the research results, namely the fact of changes in meteorological parameters, can be used in hydrological and geomorphological studies of the territory of the Volyn Polissia and the Volyn Highlands

Considerations Regarding the Climate Change Induced Hazards on Airports in Romania – A Case Study of Timişoara International Airport

Climate change is regarded as a global scale process in which an increase of magnitude and intensity of severe weather events is observed, thus affecting both air travel as well as airport infrastructure. Although the COVID-19 crisis has a significant negative impact on air travel and thus on the further development of airport infrastructure, the demand for air travel will continue to rise as the crisis nears the end. The aim of this paper is to analyse and highlight the climate change associated hazards for the airport infrastructure as well as for the safety of passengers and goods in the Western part of Romania, mainly Traian Vuia International Airport from Timişoara. Throughout this analysis, aviation related severe weather events, such as thunderstorms, hail events, fog, icing, squalls, low level wind shear, snow falls and heavy precipitation, which affect airport infrastructure and thus air travel, are highlighted. By analysing meteorological parameters from the time scale 1980-2010 together with climate change scenarios, and thus developing weather hazard maps, a better perspective of area-related hazards and therefore customized mitigation measures and adaptation strategies are to be developed. The implementation of modern forecasting equipment such as dual polarization Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR) is thus necessary in order to prevent loss of human lives, to reduce financial losses and to protect the airport infrastructure and the aeronautical navigation and communication facilities. Long term changes in meteorological parameters include an increase in air temperature, an increase in speed for both horizontal and vertical windshear during severe weather events, an increasing number of air mass thunderstorms and an increase of situations with limited visibility especially during the late autumn and early spring time.

Analysing of atmospheric conditions and their effects on air quality in Istanbul using SODAR and CEILOMETER.

In this study, first, air pollution that is caused by the air pollutants' concentration exceeding the limit value in Istanbul between 2017 and 2020 were analysed. In addition to this analysis, the effects of meteorological parameters on pollution were also examined within the same period of time. Second, for a 14-day period during which the concentration values of the air pollutants were calculated higher than the standards, therefore, were selected as an episode. In that respect, measurements of both pollutant and meteorological parameters were obtained from air quality monitoring stations. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model was used to examine the changes of meteorological parameters in the surface and upper atmospheric levels. The cross-correlation function (CCF) was performed together with both air quality monitoring station and the WRF model output data to examine the effects of temporal changes in meteorological parameters on air pollutant concentrations on a temporal scale. In addition, some meteorological parameters were obtained from remote sensing systems (SODAR and Ceilometer). Finally, with the help of the trajectory analysis model, it was determined whether the pollutant parameters were transported or not. Consequently, within a 3-year period, the most critical parameters in terms of pollution throughout the city were assessed as NO2 and PM10. Moreover, low wind speeds and high pressure values during the episode prevented the dispersion of pollutants and caused air pollution in Istanbul.

Mechanisms of elevated CO2-induced thermotolerance in plants: the role of phytohormones.

Rising atmospheric CO2 is a key driver of climate change, intensifying drastic changes in meteorological parameters. Plants can sense and respond to changes in environmental parameters including atmospheric CO2 and temperatures. High temperatures beyond the physiological threshold can significantly affect plant growth and development and thus attenuate crop productivity. However, elevated atmospheric CO2 can mitigate the deleterious effects of heat stress on plants. Despite a large body of literature supporting the positive impact of elevated CO2 on thermotolerance, the underlying biological mechanisms and precise molecular pathways that lead to enhanced tolerance to heat stress remain largely unclear. Under heat stress, elevated CO2-induced expression of respiratory burst oxidase homologs (RBOHs) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling play a critical role in stomatal movement, which optimizes gas exchange to enhance photosynthesis and water use efficiency. Notably, elevated CO2 also fortifies antioxidant defense and redox homeostasis to alleviate heat-induced oxidative damage. Both hormone-dependent and independent pathways have been shown to mediate high CO2-induced thermotolerance. The activation of heat-shock factors and subsequent expression of heat-shock proteins are thought to be the essential mechanism downstream of hormone and ROS signaling. Here we review the role of phytohormones in plant response to high atmospheric CO2 and temperatures. We also discuss the potential mechanisms of elevated CO2-induced thermotolerance by focusing on several key phytohormones such as ethylene. Finally, we address some limitations of our current understanding and the need for further research to unveil the yet-unknown crosstalk between plant hormones in mediating high CO2-induced thermotolerance in plants.

Emerging role of air pollution and meteorological parameters in COVID-19.

Exposure to air pollutants has been associated with respiratory viral infections. Epidemiological studies have shown that air pollution exposure is related to increased cases of SARS‐COV‐2 infection and COVID‐19‐associated mortality. In addition, the changes of meteorological parameters have also been implicated in the occurrence and development of COVID‐19. However, the molecular mechanisms by which pollutant exposure and changes of meteorological parameters affects COVID‐19 remains unknown. This review summarizes the biology of COVID‐19 and the route of viral transmission, and elaborates on the relationship between air pollution and climate indicators and COVID‐19. Finally, we envisaged the potential roles of air pollution and meteorological parameters in COVID‐19.

Regional characteristics of atmospheric δ34S-SO42- over three parts of Asia monitored by quartz wool-based passive samplers.

A new method is presented for measuring atmospheric contents and δ34S-SO42- in airborne particulate matter using quartz wool disk passive air samplers (Pas-QW). The ability of Pas-QW samplers to provide time-integrated measurements of atmospheric SO42- was confirmed in a field calibration study. The average sampling rate of SO42- measured was 2.3±0.3m3/day, and this was not greatly affected by changes in meteorological parameters. The results of simultaneous sampling campaign showed that the average SO42- contents in Pakistan and the Indochina Peninsula (ICP) were relatively lower than that of China. The spatial distribution of SO42- concentrations was largely attributed to the development of the regional economies. The range of δ34S values observed in Pakistan (4.3±1.4‰) and the ICP (4.5±1.2‰) were relatively small, while a large range of δ34S values was observed in China (3.9±2.5‰). The regional distribution of sulfur isotope compositions was significantly affected by coal combustion. A source analysis based on a Bayesian mixing model showed that 80.4±13.1% and 19.6±13.1% of artificial sulfur dioxide (SO2) sources in China could be attributed to coal combustion and oil combustion, respectively. The two sources differed greatly between regions, and the contribution of oil combustion in cities was higher than previously reported data obtained from emission inventories. This study confirmed that the Pas-QW is a promising tool for simultaneously monitoring atmospheric δ34S-SO42- over large regions, and that the results of the isotope models can provide a reference for the compilation of SO2 emission inventories.