Changing Climatic Conditions Research Articles

Assessing the Sustainability of Miscanthus and Willow as Global Bioenergy Crops: Current and Future Climate Conditions (Part 1)

Miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) and Willow (Salix spp.) are promising bioenergy crops due to their high biomass yields and adaptability to diverse climatic conditions. This study applies the MiscanFor/SalixFor models to assess the sustainability of these crops under current and future climate scenarios, focusing on biomass productivity, carbon intensity (CI), and energy use efficiency (EUE). Under present conditions, both crops show high productivity in tropical and subtropical regions, with Miscanthus generally outperforming Willow. Productivity declines in less favourable climates, emphasising the crops’ sensitivity to environmental factors at the regional scale. The average productivity for Miscanthus and Willow was 19.9 t/ha and 10.4 t/ha, respectively. Future climate scenarios (A1F1, representing world markets and fossil-fuel-intensive, and B1, representing global sustainability) project significant shifts, with northern and central regions becoming more viable for cultivation due to warmer temperatures and extended growing seasons. However, southern and arid regions may experience reduced productivity, reflecting the uneven impacts of climate change. Miscanthus and Willow are predicted to show productivity declines of 15% and 8% and 12% and 7% under A1F1 and B1, respectively. CI analysis reveals substantial spatial variability, with higher values in industrialised and temperate regions due to intensive agricultural practices. Future scenarios indicate increased CI in northern latitudes due to intensified land use, while certain Southern Hemisphere regions may stabilise or reduce CI through mitigation strategies. Under climate change, CI for Miscanthus is projected to increase by over 100%, while Willow shows an increase of 64% and 57% for A1F1 and B1, respectively. EUE patterns suggest that both crops perform optimally in tropical and subtropical climates. Miscanthus shows a slight advantage in EUE, though Willow demonstrates greater adaptability in temperate regions. Climate change is expected to reduce EUE for Miscanthus by 10% and 7% and for Willow by 9% and 6%. This study underscores the need for region-specific strategies to optimise the sustainability of bioenergy crops under changing climate conditions.

Field measurements and modelling of climate driven hydraulic flux, water content and suction in a loess slope

Rainfall-triggered shallow slope failures are common in New Zealand loess. While often unsaturated, rainfall infiltration reduces suction in the loess as the water content increases, resulting in reduction in shear strength and increased potential for slope instability. Here the hydraulic response of an in-situ loess slope to natural rainfall and evapotranspiration is examined using long term field instrumentation. Data from a 19-month monitoring period show that the loess’ hydraulic behaviour responds to change in seasonal climatic conditions, highlighting the relationship between moisture content and suction with evapotranspiration and infiltration. To simulate the field response, a one-dimensional steady infiltration/evapotranspiration model has been developed, exploiting the unique power laws which interrelate water content, suction and hydraulic conductivity which arise from a loess’s fractal particle and pore size distributions. Hydraulic hysteresis is also accounted for. Closed form expressions are derived for the subsurface suction profile, from which profiles of moisture content, hydraulic conductivity and the suction’s contribution to strength may be obtained. Simulated subsurface water contents are in good agreement with field observations. Furthermore, fluxes across the loess surface used to obtain the modelled quantities are in general agreement with local climatic conditions and their variations during the monitoring period. Modelled and measured data are strongly correlated at shallow depths, having a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.53.

Forecast assessment of water regime efficiency and changes in water consumption on drained lands of Western Polissia of Ukraine in a changing climate

The article presents forecast data on the impact of changing weather and climatic conditions on evaporation and water demand on the drained lands of Western Polissia of Ukraine in different periods of their development. These data are the basis for the development of appropriate adaptive measures aimed at reducing the negative impact of changing weather and climate conditions on drained lands and increasing the efficiency of their use. Computer simulation modeling of various climatic scenarios was planned to accomplish the objective. The forecast was made through a machining experiment based on the implementation of a corresponding complex of forecast-simulation models regarding the main regime-technological variable parameters of drainage systems, local climatic conditions, water regime, water management technologies, and productivity of drained lands for schematized natural, agrotechnical, and meliorative conditions. Vegetation values of total evaporation and water demand formation of drained lands were determined for the long-term forecast module of water supply regarding variable climatic and agro-meliorative conditions. The technological efficiency of different irrigation technologies (subsoil irrigation, sprinkler irrigation) of drained lands was evaluated. The research showed that in the Western Polissia of Ukraine, the water supply module for irrigating drained lands varies significantly depending on the type of crops, drained soil (mineral, peat), irrigation technologies, and heat and moisture supply conditions during the vegetation period. It has been experimentally determined that under current climatic conditions, the value of the water supply module is 2.9 times higher than the existing recommended design values, and under the predicted conditions of their change, this excess is 5.2 times. At the same time, the water demand of cultivated crops increases almost 2–3 times and determines the need to increase water consumption for moistening drained lands in conditions of sufficient water shortage. It has been established that the main content of the necessary adaptive measures is to increase the moisture availability of soils with regulated water regime by switching from periodic to regular moistening of them through the use of appropriate resource-saving technologies for regulating the water regime.

The analysis of climate change and human activities in the Brazilian Amazon forest

In recent years, global warming has significantly altered weather patterns in many countries. Brazil, home to the biggest tropical rainforest on Earth the Amazon Forest, has experienced an uptick in extreme climate events, which has increasingly captured global attention. Human activities may contribute to phenomena such as the greenhouse effect, acid rain, and the depletion of the ozone layer. Additionally, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events has led to issues related to agricultural yield, infectious diseases, and other related problems. This article primarily explores the changes in climatic conditions of the Amazon Forest in Brazil and the measures the government ought to take. Through a review of the literature, this report examined the changes in temperature, precipitation, vegetation coverage, and fire in the Amazon Forest in Brazil in recent years, as well as the interconnections among these factors. Besides, this article also offers recommendations for addressing the more severe drought and frequent fires in the Brazilian Amazon Forest.

New York State Climate Impacts Assessment Chapter 05: Ecosystems.

The people of New York have long benefited from the state's diversity of ecosystems, which range from coastal shorelines and wetlands to extensive forests and mountaintop alpine habitat, and from lakes and rivers to greenspaces in heavily populated urban areas. These ecosystems provide key services such as food, water, forest products, flood prevention, carbon storage, climate moderation, recreational opportunities, and other cultural services. This chapter examines how changes in climatic conditions across the state are affecting different types of ecosystems and the services they provide, and considers likely future impacts of projected climate change. The chapter emphasizes how climate change is increasing the vulnerability of ecosystems to existing stressors, such as habitat fragmentation and invasive species, and highlights opportunities for New Yorkers to adapt and build resilience.

Addressing Climate Change Challenges in Thailand’s Agricultural Economy

Climate change is rapidly intensifying, leading to a surge in climate-related disasters worldwide. Thailand's agricultural sector, a cornerstone of its economy and food security, is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of these climatic shifts. This study delves into the multifaceted challenges faced by stakeholders in Thailand's agricultural sector, shedding light on the impact of climate change on their livelihoods and the broader food security landscape. Through in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, this research explores the experiences and perspectives of key stakeholders within the agricultural community. Participants consistently highlighted the disruptive influence of erratic rainfall patterns and rising temperatures on crop productivity and economic stability. These climate-induced challenges have exacerbated food shortages, compromised livelihoods, and heightened food insecurity. The study also underscores the critical importance of food security and the imperative to adopt resilient agricultural practices. To mitigate the impacts of climate change, it is essential to integrate climate change education into the Thai education system. This will equip future generations of farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary to adapt to changing climatic conditions and implement sustainable agricultural strategies.

A Review of Atmospheric Deterioration and Sustainable Conservation of Calcareous Stone in Historical Buildings and Monuments

Calcareous stones, such as marble and limestone, have been widely used in ancient architecture due to their durability, abundance, and ease of extraction and workability. However, their chemical nature renders them vulnerable to atmospheric pollutants. With industrialization and socio-economic growth, air pollution has severely impacted built heritage, including numerous historical buildings and monuments, particularly under changing climate and environmental conditions. Various forms of degradation, such as acid corrosion, mineral crystallization, and black crusts, are widespread and typically driven by atmospheric pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOX), ozone (O3), and particulates (PM), which accelerate the deterioration of stone surfaces. To develop sustainable mitigation strategies, it is essential to gain an in-depth understanding of these deterioration mechanisms and current technological advancements. This paper first reviews the influencing factors and underlying mechanisms of atmospheric deterioration of calcareous stones. Subsequently, it discusses the advantages and limitations of traditional and advanced conservation and restoration techniques at the micro-level, as well as pollution management strategies that can be adopted. Finally, the challenges of research in this field are highlighted, and directions for the sustainable conservation of calcareous stones are proposed.

The last generation: F3 of Echinometra sea urchins under experimental climate change

Ocean warming and acidification are a threat to calcifying marine invertebrates such as Echinoderms. Transgenerational plasticity may allow animals to respond to these conditions, but few studies exposing marine invertebrates to climate stressors over multiple generations exist. Here, data from the final (F2 post-settlement, F3 larvae and juveniles) generations in a long-term (> 6 yrs) experiment on the tropical sea urchin Echinometra sp. A. This commenced with exposing wild collected animals (F0 generation) and subsequent generations (larvae and adults both for F1 and F2) to control (present-day ambient) and climate change (CC) conditions (2 °C above ambient temperatures, 940 ppm pCO2). Survivorship in all F2 treatments (ranging from all generations being held at ambient conditions to all at elevated conditions) was high (> 50%). Some significant differences in survivorship existed among treatments, although there was no apparent relationship to CC conditions exposure time. There was also no difference in size among treatment groups in the F2 sea urchins up to 720d post-settlement. As in previous generations, the largest effect on adults was that males exposed to CC conditions have reduced reproductive potential, and there was a significant negative relationship with the number of generations exposed to future ocean conditions and spawning performance. Effects were extreme, in that we could only raise larvae from the control treatment, or those individuals kept for 0.5 generations (only F2 adults under climate change conditions). Larvae from both parental groups only reached settlement when raised under control conditions. Larval morphology also responded to treatment (reduced arm length under CC conditions) and exhibited negative parental effects (smaller arm and body lengths from parents under CC conditions). Thus, negative parental effects observed in earlier publications did not diminish over the following generations but, in some traits, increased. We therefore detected no evidence of transgenerational acclimation to future ocean conditions.

Editorial: Sustainable forest management under climate change conditions — A focus on biodiversity conservation and forest restoration

Editorial: Sustainable forest management under climate change conditions — A focus on biodiversity conservation and forest restoration

Financial institutions and women’s access to credit: Implications on women’s empowerment, collectives and natural resource management

Social and gender norms influence, if not shape, women’s economic sufficiency and empowerment. Ignoring social and gender norms have resulted in conflict in households and communities, often leading to changes in the intra-household and community dynamics. This has led to negative implications, especially for women, the poor and the marginalised. Importantly, this has resulted in the failure of well-intended efforts towards sustainable management of natural resources, women’s economic empowerment and in addressing the adverse impacts of changing climatic conditions. Financial institutions, despite their good intent, have played an integral role in perpetuating such consequences. The paper highlights that women’s easy access to financial institutions at the local level have had adverse impacts on their time, well-being, solidarity and the sustainable management of natural resources. It explores the uneasy negotiations at households, and between financial institutions and women’s groups for loan repayments, how women and men use financial services, and their impacts on the notion of women’s solidarity and sufficiency. The study takes the support of examples of impacts on women’s condition and position from women-led financial circuits, gathered from secondary literature and empirical evidence from Nibuwa-Tankhuwa Watershed Management Plan in Dhankuta, Nepal. It highlights lessons on whether these institutions can synergise the adaptation measures of the local communities, suggesting areas of opportunity for gender mainstreaming within institutions to increase women’s positions through women-led financial circuits.

Species Distribution Models in plant conservation science: a comprehensive review with a focus on Iran

This review article thoroughly examines the role of Species Distribution Models (SDMs) in plant conservation science, with a specific focus on applications within Iran. Commencing with an extensive methodological approach, involving an exhaustive search across reputable academic databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, the review synthesizes a comprehensive set of studies. It offers deep insights into SDM principles, challenges, and transformative applications. Addressing these challenges, the review explores contemporary data collection methods, including the use of remote sensing, drones, and citizen science, which enhance the precision and scope of SDMs. A detailed examination of various modelling algorithms and approaches, including MaxEnt, Random Forest, Bayesian models, and others, highlights their specific applications and contributions to plant conservation. The review also integrates climate change data and various scenarios into SDMs, showcasing case studies that illustrate SDMs' potential to predict shifts in plant distributions in response to changing climate conditions and overexploitation. Emphasizing the importance of spatial scale, the review discusses its critical impact on the accuracy of modelling and conservation planning. The article concludes by underlining the indispensable role of SDMs in advancing plant conservation efforts, offering tailored recommendations for researchers, policymakers, and conservation practitioners.

A Method of Applying Mixtures to Optimize Grounding during Installation of Vertical Composite Grounding Devices

The article considers the method of using mixtures to optimize the electrophysical parameters of grounding devices in conjunction with vertical composite grounding conductors. It has been found that fluctuations in soil resistivity caused by changes in weather and climatic conditions can lead to instability of the ground loop resistance. The study shown that without appropriate measures, the resistance of the loop as a result of seasonal changes in soil properties may exceed acceptable values. This is fraught with deviations in the resistance to current spreading of grounding devices beyond the limits of acceptable parameters. To compensate for these fluctuations, a method is proposed to reduce the seasonality factor. Reducing seasonality plays an important role in ensuring the safety of service personnel and farm animals by maintaining the resistance of the grounding device within the limits of regulatory values. The authors discuss methods for artificially reducing the resistance of the ground loop, including increasing its size and using deep ground electrodes. The results of vertical electrode probing of the soil at the sites of grounding conductors are presented, the effect of humidity on the resistivity of the soil is shown, the influence of soil layering and the presence of moisture-saturated soil layers is considered. A method is proposed that allows the mixture to be introduced together with a vertical composite grounding device, the design of the coupling, tip and auxiliary device, experimental studies of the proposed designs are carried out and the results of measuring the current spreading resistance of such a grounding device with both standard and proposed couplings are presented. A comparison was made with a grounding device without the use of mixtures. The measurement results demonstrate that with an increase in the length of the grounding device, its diameter and the volume of the injected mixture, the resistance decreases. It is shown that the proposed solution makes it possible to reduce seasonality by 1.64–2.1 times, depending on the couplings used, and to obtain a grounding conductor with an equivalent diameter dozens of times larger than the diameter of a composite grounding conductor. The authors propose the use of soil-replacing mixtures to reduce soil resistivity and ensure the stability of the grounding loop throughout the entire service life. The proposed method of applying mixtures without pre-drilling makes it possible to reduce the cost of constructing grounding devices.

Assessment of extreme climate stress across China’s maize harvest region in CMIP6 simulations

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of climate extremes, which will negatively impact crop production. As one of the main food and feed crops, maize is also vulnerable to extreme climate events. In order to accurately and comprehensively assess the future climate risk to maize, it is urgent to project and evaluate the stress of extreme climate related maize production under future climate scenarios. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated the spatio-temporal changes in the frequency and intensity of six extreme climate indices (ECIs) across China’s maize harvest region by using a multi-model ensemble method, and examined the capability of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) to capture these variations. We found that the Independence Weight Mean (IWM) ensemble results calculated by multiple Global Climate Models (GCMs) with bias correction could better reproduce each ECI. The results indicated that heat stress for maize showed consistent increase trends under four future climate scenarios in the 21st century. The intensity and frequency of the three extreme temperature indices in 2080s were significantly higher than these in 2040s, and in the high emission scenario were significantly higher than these in the low emission scenario. The three extreme precipitation indices changed slightly in the future, but the spatial changes were more significant. Therefore, with the uncertainty of climate change and the differences of climate characteristics in different regions, the optimization of specific management measures should be considered in combination with the specific conditions of future local climate change.

Effect of habitat variation on physiological response, chemical compositions and antioxidants, of Ephedra alata (stapf) Andr

Ephedra alata is a widespread shrub found in various countries that originates from Southwestern North America, Southern Europe, and North Africa. This medicinal plant is part of the Ephedra genus, family Ephedraceae. The plant was collected from Wadi Arar, Northern Regions, and Wadi Hagul, Cairo/Suez Road, to investigate how the plant's chemical composition and antioxidant capacities are affected by habitat variation. The findings revealed notable variations in the total phenolic, total flavonoid, antioxidant activity, and soil analysis aspects between the two regions under investigation. The reducing ability of ferric ion of the plant extracts is present as 858.0 ± 38.95 μMTE/mg extract of plant growing in Arar region, while the reducing ability of E. alata growing in Egypt has Ec50 (650.0 ± 29.85) by FRAB methods. The plants extract of E. alata quench both ABTS and DPPH free radical. The sample showed higher ABTS scavenging activity (228± 195 μMTE / mg for the plant growing in Arar region while the plant ephedra growing in Wadi Hagul showed lower scavenging activity 185± 285 Umte/MG) in addition the two-plant showed high antioxidant activity when evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging test with IC50 (458.0 ± 38.95 ug/mL and 425± 28.9/mL). Total phenolic was determined by Folin-Ciocalteau method, However, the aluminum chloride consider was additionally employed to estimate the total flavonoid., the results showed high phenolic content (62.177 mg GAE), and high flavonoid content (39.6148± 3.816mg/g extract) for plant growing in Arar region than plant growing in Wadi Hagul, which have (45.60 mg GAE and 29.615 mg rutin/ mg Extract). Finally, the study reflects high variation between two habitats, this corresponding to two variations in climate change and different environmental conditions.

A Deeper Understanding of Climate Variability Improves Mitigation Efforts, Climate Services, Food Security, and Development Initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa

This research utilized the bagging machine learning algorithm along with the Thornthwaite moisture index (TMI) to enhance the understanding of climate variability and change, with the objective of identifying the most efficient climate service pathways in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Monthly datasets at a 0.5° resolution (1960–2020) were collected and analyzed using R 4.2.2 software and spreadsheets. The results indicate significant changes in climatic conditions in Sudan, with aridity escalation at a rate of 0.37% per year. The bagging algorithm illustrated that actual water use was mainly influenced by rainfall and runoff management, showing an inverse relationship with increasing air temperatures. Consequently, sustainable strategies focusing on runoff and temperature control, such as rainwater harvesting, agroforestry and plant breeding were identified as the most effective climate services to mitigate and adapt to climate variability in SSA. The findings suggest that runoff management (e.g., rainwater harvesting) could potentially offset up to 22% of the adverse impacts of climate variability, while temperature control strategies (e.g., agroforestry) could account for the remaining 78%. Without these interventions, climate variability will continue to pose serious challenges to food security, livelihood generations, and regional stability. The research calls for further in-depth studies on the attributions of climate variability using finer datasets.

Risk Assessment of Bridge Damage Due to Heavy Rainfall Considering Landslide Risk and Driftwood Generation Potential Using Convolutional Neural Networks and Conventional Machine Learning

This study addresses the assessment of bridge damage risks associated with heavy rainfall, focusing on landslide susceptibility and driftwood generation potential. By integrating convolutional neural networks (CNNs) with traditional machine learning methods, the research develops an advanced predictive framework for estimating driftwood accumulation at river bridges—a recognized challenge in disaster management. Concentrating on the Tokachi River basin in Hokkaido, Japan, the research utilizes diverse environmental and geographical data from authoritative sources. The findings demonstrate that the innovative approach not only enhances the accuracy of driftwood volume predictions but also distinguishes the effectiveness of CNNs compared to conventional methods. Crucially, areas prone to landslides are identified as significant contributors to driftwood generation, impacting bridge safety. The study underscores the potential of machine learning models in improving disaster risk assessment, while suggesting further exploration into real-time data integration and model refinement to adapt to changing climate conditions and ensure long-term infrastructure safety.

Climate Change Effects on Crop Area Dynamics in the Cachar District of Assam, India: An Empirical Study

Climate change is a worldwide phenomenon that significantly impacts the area, production, and yield of crops. Changes in climate conditions have diverse effects on farming globally. For instance, an increase in temperature can make specific crops more vulnerable to pests. Similarly, a decrease in rainfall reduces water availability, affecting both irrigated and rainfed farming practices. This study aims to investigate climate change effects on crop area dynamics in the Cachar district of Assam, India, for a period spanning from 1981 to 2017. The time series ARDL (Autoregressive Distributed Lag) model is employed to analyze the relationship between climate factors and areas under different crops. As a pre-requisite condition for ARDL, the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test is employed to check the order of integration of area under selected crops. The research reveals that the annual average temperature negatively affects the area dedicated to chickpeas, while annual average rainfall negatively impacts the areas allocated to rice and chickpeas. Conversely, annual average relative humidity has a significant positive impact on the area of these crops in the study region. Policymakers may consider strategies and policies for agriculture by encouraging the cultivation of crop varieties that are more resilient to climate change.

A decision-making framework based on rain-fed crop suitability, water scarcity, and economic benefits for determination multiple-crop rotation strategy

Water scarcity under global climate change has impacted decreased agricultural productivity. Determining the suitable crop rotation strategy under water scarcity applicable to a specific region requires an evaluation of crop suitability, water scarcity, and economic benefits to farmers. This paper aims to improve agricultural productivity and economic benefits through crop rotation strategies under climate change. We developed seven crop rotation strategies, including rice, soybean, maize, and sweet potatoes, that were determined based on preliminary results of the crop suitability index using the EcoCrop model. The water scarcity index (WSI) in historical and future under climate change conditions is estimated using the CropWAT model. In addition, the economic benefit of each crop rotation strategy is evaluated. Finally, multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to select the most suitable crop rotation strategy applicable to Taoyuan City, Taiwan, based on crop suitability assessment, water scarcity, and economic benefit analysis. Our result shows that WSI values are 0.37, 0.50, and 2.28 in the dry years of 2004, 2015, and 2020, respectively, due to decreasing rainfall and increasing temperatures. The 10-year and 20-year averages were 0.4 and 0.35, respectively, indicating that the issue of agricultural water scarcity is intensifying year by year. Cultivating sweet potatoes has less vulnerability to water scarcity by up to 90 % under climate change than rice. Sweet potatoes also generate farmers’ income, which increases by 338 %, considering both rain-fed and irrigation efficiency conditions. Finally, the MCDA-AHP revealed that sweet potatoes and soybean-maize rotation in Taoyuan City were the most suitable and profitable crops for cultivating in Taoyuan City, especially under high and severe agriculture water stress events. Implementing a crop rotation strategy involving sweet potatoes and soybean-maize can effectively mitigate the impact of climate change and extreme drought on crop yield and ensure a stable income for farmers. Integrated irrigation and crop rotation strategies are crucial for providing farmers and other stakeholders with more informed decision-making in agriculture sectors while enhancing water use efficiency.

Understanding Decadal-Scale Dynamics in the Bering Sea: Investigating Trends and Variability in Sea Ice, Winds, and Waves

Abstract Despite the societal and economic importance of the Bering Sea, recent rapid changes in surface ocean conditions are not well documented. We address this gap by characterizing the Bering Sea winter ice–wind–wave climate using satellite observations and reanalysis data. Nine of the last 10 years (2014–23) have experienced anomalously low sea ice extent relative to the 1980–2023 mean. Between 2003 and 2023, gale force wind speeds have become more common and satellite altimeter observations show significant wave height (SWH) has increased ≥6 m, and has increased by 1 m between 2003 and 2023, while 20 days yr−1 exhibit SWH > 9 m. Winters between 2018 and 2023 were the six stormiest since 2003, and the sea ice season decreases by 1–4 days yr−1. Should ice loss in the Bering Sea continue to decline, we hypothesize that the frequency of extreme waves over the Bering Sea shelf would increase, severely impacting coastal communities. In September 2022, extratropical cyclone Merbok caused unprecedented SWH (>15 m) over the shelf which were uncharacteristic for the season, and caused widespread coastal inundation and property damage. Such anomalous wave conditions exemplify the emerging threat storms pose in a future where sea ice is absent more frequently in winter, when severe storms are most common. Satellite altimeters have improved the observation of surface ocean conditions in the Bering Sea during the most intense storms, and we demonstrate that a suite of five or more altimeters is required to capture regional events adequately. Significance Statement Although the Bering Sea region has recently endured rapid sea ice loss and the decline of several species important for subsistence and commercial fishing, it has relatively few resources to monitor and mitigate changing climatic conditions. In this article, we show that extreme wind and wave conditions in the Bering Sea have strongly increased in recent years, as sea ice has declined. This points to a need for reliable and continued monitoring, and with only two wave buoys providing year-round observations, an adequate constellation of ocean remote sensing instruments is required to capture extreme ocean–ice–atmosphere events in an isolated and challenging environment.

Suspended sediment connectivity analysis: Snowmelt-driven dynamics in an alpine basin

Understanding snowmelt and its related suspended sediment transport in mountain streams is a crucial issue in the world of hydraulic and sediment research. Field-based approaches are still poorly used to investigate the response of mountain basins to different stages of snowmelt. To explain the suspended sediment dynamics of the Rio Cordon basin (Italy, Dolomites), the snowmelt in the year 2021 was analysed. First, a descriptive analysis of temporal trends of meteorological, hydrological, and sedimentological variables was carried out. Second, suspended sediment budgets of the main channel were quantified, considering the contribution of the tributaries at week- and event- scale, and supported by hysteresis analyses. Third, the role of sediment sources and snow cover was examined and integrated to comprehend variations in sediment supply from tributaries. Data were collected using a (i) multiparametric sonde installed at the outlet, (ii) water and sediment samples at significant points along the channel network, (iii) satellite images and sediment sources inventory. The whole snowmelt period 2021 featured 210.8 mm of precipitation and a mean temperature of 4.6°C. The total load of suspended sediment was 100 t. The main period of ablation was May, which showed contrasting suspended sediment dynamics in the four weeks. Sediment availability exceeded transport capacity in the initial two weeks, whereas transport capacity exceeded sediment availability in the subsequent two weeks. The main snowmelt event analysis mirrored the same trend: limited transport during the rising limb and the opposite during the falling limb. Such results were confirmed by the hysteresis analysis, proving to be an effective tool for detecting changes in suspended sediment connectivity. The variations of snow cover and the extent of sediment sources across the sub-basins influence the sediment supply. This study enhances our comprehension of snowmelt-driven hydrological and sedimentological dynamics, providing insights into the resilience of mountains to changing climate conditions.