Local Environmental Conditions Research Articles

Nakagami Distribution for Modeling Monthly Precipitations in Van, Türkiye

Precipitation patterns are intricately influenced by geographic factors and local environmental conditions. Statistical distributions are one of the methods that help investigate precipitation characteristics at different sites. Van is a province that ranks among the provinces with the lowest precipitation in the Eastern Anatolia region of Türkiye, receiving an annual rainfall of around 400 mm. In this study, 63 years of monthly average precipitation data from Van, are modeled employing various well-known statistical distributions including the Nakagami distribution. The Nakagami distribution is one of the flexible distributions used in describing data from various fields. In estimating the parameters of the considered distributions maximum likelihood estimation method is utilized. Comparisons are made using various goodness of fit criteria including root mean squared error, coefficient of determination, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. According to the results, the Nakagami distribution is found to be the most suitable statistical distribution for modeling precipitations in Van province. Additionally, precipitation values for 10, 25, 50, and 100-year return periods are obtained.

A Mathematical Model of Diel Activity and Long Time Survival in Phototrophic Mixed-Species Subaerial Biofilms

Subaerial biofilms (SAB) are intricate microbial communities living on terrestrial surfaces, of interest in a variety of contexts including cultural heritage preservation, microbial ecology, biogeochemical cycling, and biotechnology. Here we propose a mathematical model aimed at better understanding the interplay between cyanobacteria and heterotrophic bacteria, common microbial SAB constituents, and their mutual dependence on local environmental conditions. SABs are modeled as thin mixed biofilm-liquid water layers sitting on stone. A system of ordinary differential equations regulates the dynamics of key SAB components: cyanobacteria, heterotrophs, polysaccharides and decayed biomass, as well as cellular levels of organic carbon, nitrogen and energy. These components are interconnected through a network of energetically dominant metabolic pathways, modeled with limitation terms reflecting the impact of biotic and abiotic factors. Daily cylces of temperature, humidity, and light intensity are considered as input model variables that regulate microbial activity by influencing water availability and metabolic kinetics. Relevant physico-chemical processes, including pH regulation, further contribute to a description of the SAB ecology. Numerical simulations explore the dynamics of SABs in a real-world context, revealing distinct daily activity periods shaped by water activity and light availability, as well as longer time scale survivability conditions. Results also suggest that heterotrophs could play a substantial role in decomposing non-volatile carbon compounds and regulating pH, thus influencing the overall composition and stability of the biofilm.

Environmental influence on the functional ecological structure of benthic macrofaunal communities of the northwest Iberian coast

Evaluating the functional structure of benthic macrofaunal communities provides insights into how environmental drivers shape the ecosystem and establishes a baseline knowledge of the communities’ dynamics and functioning. This understanding allows the prediction of responses to environmental changes and the implementation of efficient conservation and management strategies. Here we examine the structures and functions of benthic macrofaunal communities on the Northwest Iberian coast concerning environmental factors such as depth, hydrodynamic energy, and bottom type. The results suggest that the community assemblages and their function are structured by factors which influence food availability and habitat heterogeneity. The different sites exhibited different trait compositions and functional structures, indicating that distinct functions are performed according to environmental conditions. The communities found in sandy bottom areas with low hydrodynamic conditions presented frail functionality and demonstrated high vulnerability to alterations in their environment. Conversely, the communities found in rocky bottoms with high hydrodynamic conditions exhibited a fulfilled functional niche space, rendering them more resilient to such changes and less prone to loss of function. Although the analyses did not reveal significant differences in the factor depth, its influence on several factors seems relevant in shaping the functional structure of the communities. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the impact of local environmental conditions on ecosystem functioning, to effectively implement monitoring, management, and conservation strategies.

Distinct biogeographic patterns for bacteria and fungi in association with Bursaphelenchus xylophilus nematodes and infested pinewood.

Our research uncovered specific bacteria and fungi linked to pinewood nematode (PWN) and infested wood in three different vegetation zones in China, as well as samples from the United States. This sheds light on the critical roles of certain microbial groups, such as Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Stenotrophomonas, in influencing PWN fitness. Understanding these patterns provides valuable insights into the dynamics of PWN-associated microbiomes, offering potential strategies for managing pine wilt disease (PWD). We found significant correlations between geographic distance and similarity in bacterial communities in the infested wood, indicating a spatial influence on wood-associated microbial communities due to limited dispersal and localized environmental conditions. Further investigations of these spatial patterns and driving forces are crucial for understanding the ecological processes that shape microbial communities in complex ecosystems and, ultimately, for mitigating the transmission of PWN in forests.

Allocation of nitrogen and phosphorus in the leaves, stems, and roots of Artemisia: a case study in phylogenetic control.

The allocation of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) among plant organs is an important strategy affecting growth and development as well as ecological processes in terrestrial ecosystems. However, due to lack of systematic investigation data, the allocation strategies of N and P in the three primary plant organs (e.g., leaves, stems and roots) are still unclear. A total of 912 individuals of 62 Artemisia species were examined across a broad environmental expanse in China, and the N and P concentrations of leaves, stems and roots were measured to explore the allocation strategies in different subgenera, ecosystem types, and local sites. Across all 62 species, the N vs. P scaling exponents for leaves, stems and roots were 0.67, 0.59 and 0.67, respectively. However, these numerical values differed among subgenera, ecosystem types, and local sites. Overall, the numerical values of N vs. P scaling exponents comply with a 2/3-power function for each Artemisia organ-type reflecting a phylogenetically conserved allocation strategy that has nevertheless diversified with respect to local environmental conditions. These results inform our understanding of N and P stoichiometric patterns and responses to abiotic factors in an ecologically broadly distributed angiosperm genus.

Fish eggs in the diet of White Sea cod Gadus morhua marisalbi (Gadiformes: Gadidae): species identification using DNA-based methods

Trophic relationships reflect the peculiarities of the functioning of communities of aquatic organisms and analysis of their structure and dynamics can be used to improve fisheries management and assess the state of marine ecosystems. Populations at the margins of the species' range have particular adaptations, including feeding habits, to extreme conditions, which makes them a convenient model object for studying the possible consequences of ecosystem changes under the influence of global factors. The cod Gadus morhua marisalbi Derjugin, 1920 permanently inhabits the coastal waters of the subarctic White Sea, located at the northeastern margin of the geographic range of the Atlantic cod G. morhua Linnaeus, 1758. This coastal cod population strongly depends on the local environmental conditions and available food resources during the summer feeding period. In addition to the main food organisms (fish, polychaetes, crustaceans), the eggs of fish spawning in shallow coastal areas in summer are also important in the diet of cod at this time. According to published data, fish eggs found in significant quantities and most often in the stomachs of cod belonged to threespine stickleback and lumpfish, but this has not been confirmed by any experimental research. Besides, the possible presence of herring eggs in the diet of cod remains unproven due to the difficulties of its visual identification. In this work, we used molecular genetic methods for species identification of fish eggs found in cod stomachs. At the first stage, the species identification of DNA isolated from eggs was done using two sets of species-specific primers: the first which we designed for the mitochondrial COI gene of stickleback, cod, and herring, and the second, published for a microsatellite locus of herring. At the second stage, the species identity of DNA extracted from fish eggs was checked using DNA barcoding. The results showed that cod stomachs contained herring and stickleback eggs, and in a number of cases we found the co-occurrence of eggs of these species. Of the 29 DNA preparations studied, fourteen were successfully amplified with microsatellite primers for herring, and thirteen amplified with primers for stickleback. Interannual differences in the occurrence of herring eggs in samples were insignificant, while the frequency of occurrence of stickleback eggs in 2018 was higher than in 2017. Our analysis did not reveal significant intra-annual differences between the observed and theoretically expected number of cases of simultaneous occurrences of herring and stickleback eggs. The high frequency of occurrence of herring and stickleback eggs in cod stomachs revealed in this study indicates the importance of these components in the diet of cod and provides new knowledge on the trophic role of cod as a key species in the White Sea ecosystem. Analysis of available data on the spatial and temporal diet patterns of coastal White Sea cod shows that fish eggs can significantly contribute to the total amount of food consumed by this species during the summer.

Modeling the Spatial Dynamics and Human Mobility in Zika Virus Transmission: A Review

Spatial dynamics and human mobility significantly influence the transmission dynamics of vector-borne diseases like Zika virus. This paper reviews advancements in mathematical modeling that integrate spatial factors and human movement to enhance our understanding of disease transmission dynamics. Traditional SEIR (Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered) models have been foundational but lack spatial heterogeneity and human mobility considerations. Recent studies have addressed these limitations by developing spatially explicit models that incorporate local interactions, environmental conditions, and human mobility patterns. By synthesizing findings from these studies, we identify strengths, limitations, and future research directions for improving predictive modeling of Zika virus transmission. Key insights include the amplifying effect of local interactions on disease spread and the critical role of human mobility networks in shaping transmission pathways. Addressing remaining challenges, such as refining spatial modeling techniques and integrating real-time data sources, will enhance the accuracy and applicability of spatial disease models in informing public health strategies.

Influence of Water and Fertilizer Reduction on Respiratory Metabolism in Sugar Beet Taproot (Beta vulgaris L.).

Inner Mongolia, a major region in China for growing sugar beet, faces challenges caused by unscientific water and fertilizer management. This mismanagement restricts the improvement of sugar beet yield and quality and exacerbates water waste and environmental pollution. This study aims to evaluate the effects of reduced water and fertilizer on the growth and physiological metabolism of sugar beet taproot. Field experiments were conducted in Ulanqab, Inner Mongolia, in 2022 and 2023, using a split-plot design with three levels each of fertilization and irrigation. The study analyzed the effects of reduced water and fertilizer treatments on fresh taproot weight, respiration rate, energy metabolism, respiratory enzyme activity, and gene expression in sugar beet taproot. It was found that a 10% reduction in fertilizer significantly increased the beet taproot fresh weight. Further research revealed that during the rapid leaf growth phase and the taproot and sugar growth period, a 10% reduction in fertilizer upregulated HK and IDH gene expression and downregulated G6PDH gene expression in the beet taproot. This increased HK and IDH activities, decreased G6PDH activity, enhanced the activity of the EMP-TCA pathway, and inhibited the PPP. Taproot weight was positively correlated with the respiration rate, ATP content, EC, and ATPase, HK, and IDH activities, thereby increasing the taproot growth rate and taproot fresh weight, with an average increase of 4.0% over two years. These findings introduce a novel method for optimizing fertilizer use, particularly beneficial in water-scarce regions. Implementing this strategy could help farmers in western Inner Mongolia and similar areas improve crop yield and sustainability. This study offers new insights into resource-efficient agricultural practices, highlighting the importance of customized fertilization strategies tailored to local environmental conditions.

Using models of local environmental conditions for biological assessment

Using models of local environmental conditions for biological assessment

Observed Impacts of Ground-Mounted Photovoltaic Systems on the Microclimate and Soil in an Arid Area of Gansu, China

Ground-mounted photovoltaic (GMPV) systems are a crucial component of photovoltaic (PV) applications, and their environmental impacts during large-scale development require thorough attention. This study conducted continuous observations at a GMPV plant in an arid region, employing a three-site comparative monitoring system to assess the environmental impact of both shaded and non-shaded areas within GMPV systems. The parameters measured included atmospheric temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH), soil temperature (ST), soil water content (SWC), and wind speed. The results revealed significant diurnal and seasonal variations in AT, with daytime warming and nighttime cooling ranging from 0.1 to 0.7 °C, with particularly large variations observed during high-temperature seasons. Shaded areas under the PV panels exhibited increased RH at night and decreased RH during the day, along with a cooling effect on ST, with a maximum reduction of 7 °C. SWC was higher in shaded areas during dry seasons but exhibited complex redistribution patterns during rainy seasons. Wind speed and direction were notably altered, demonstrating a corridor effect. These findings contrast with previous studies that only focused on the environmental assessment of non-shaded areas within PV systems and external areas using two-site monitoring. This study highlights the critical role of shaded areas in understanding the local environmental impacts of PV systems. This comprehensive approach offers deeper insights into how PV systems influence local meteorological and environmental conditions, suggesting that optimized design and placement of PV systems can enhance their ecological benefits and mitigate adverse environmental impacts in arid regions.

Classification, density, and spatial distribution of polychaete reefs in the Coorong, South Australia

The cosmopolitan species Ficopomatus enigmaticus is one of the most prominent providers of polychaete reefs in shallow and brackish waters. The effects of polychaete reefs on the environment can be positive or negative subject to their structural complexity and vary with local environmental conditions and over time. The Coorong is a large temperate estuarine and lagoonal system with extensive polychaete reefs built by F. enigmaticus. The aims of this study were to (1) classify polychaete reefs based on size and morphology, (2) quantify reef density, (3) assess their spatial distribution and (4) assess the correlation between reefs (e.g., density, size) with the environmental gradient. Structural morphologies of F. enigmaticus were classified as either halo, circular, irregular, platform or fringing reef types. The largest densities of polychaete reefs were recorded in the vicinity of the mouth of the estuary with 224 reefs per ha compared to the lagoon (62 reefs per ha). The most common reef morphology was circular and largest sizes in the lagoon were positively correlated with salinity, chlorophyll a, TRIX (trophic index) and bicarbonate. The largest reef diameter recorded was 11.3 m, exceeding previously known F. enigmaticus circular reef formations globally. The growth of large circular reefs may have benefitted from low flows and eutrophic conditions in the Coorong during the last two decades. This study serves as an important baseline for future assessments of reef change in a Ramsar listed wetland. Furthermore, this study highlights reef characteristics of F. enigmaticus across an environmental gradient, which can be informative for the management of flow and eutrophication in estuaries and coastal lagoons.

Impacts of marine heatwaves in coastal ecosystems depend on local environmental conditions.

Marine heatwaves (MHWs), increasing in duration and intensity because of climate change, are now a major threat to marine life and can have lasting effects on the structure and function of ecosystems. However, the responses of marine taxa and ecosystems to MHWs can be highly variable, making predicting and interpreting biological outcomes a challenge. Here, we review how biological responses to MHWs, from individuals to ecosystems, are mediated by fine-scale spatial variability in the coastal marine environment (hereafter, local gradients). Viewing observed responses through a lens of ecological theory, we present a simple framework of three 'resilience processes' (RPs) by which local gradients can influence the responses of marine taxa to MHWs. Local gradients (1) influence the amount of stress directly experienced by individuals, (2) facilitate local adaptation and acclimatization of individuals and populations, and (3) shape community composition which then influences responses to MHWs. We then synthesize known examples of fine-scale gradients that have affected responses of benthic foundation species to MHWs, including kelp forests, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows and link these varying responses to the RPs. We present a series of case studies from various marine ecosystems to illustrate the differential impacts of MHWs mediated by gradients in both temperature and other co-occurring drivers. In many cases, these gradients had large effect sizes with several examples of local gradients causing a 10-fold difference in impacts or more (e.g., survival, coverage). This review highlights the need for high-resolution environmental data to accurately predict and manage the consequences of MHWs in the context of ongoing climate change. While current tools may capture some of these gradients already, we advocate for enhanced monitoring and finer scale integration of local environmental heterogeneity into climate models. This will be essential for developing effective conservation strategies and mitigating future marine biodiversity loss.

The timeline of overseas imported cases acts as a strong indicator of dengue outbreak in mainland China.

The emergence of dengue viruses in new, susceptible human populations worldwide is increasingly influenced by a combination of local and global human movements and favorable environmental conditions. While various mathematical models have explored the impact of environmental factors on dengue outbreaks, the significant role of human mobility both internationally and domestically in transmitting the disease has been less frequently addressed. In this context, we introduce a modeling framework that integrates the effects of international travel-induced imported cases, climatic conditions, and local human movements to assess the spatiotemporal dynamics of dengue transmission. Utilizing the generation matrix method, we calculate the basic reproduction number and its sensitivity to various model parameters. Through numerical simulations using data on climate, human mobility, and reported dengue cases in mainland China, our model demonstrates a good agreement with observed data upon validation. Our findings reveal that while climatic conditions are a key driver for the rapid dengue transmission, human mobility plays a crucial role in its local spread. Importantly, the model highlights the significant impact of imported cases from overseas on the initiation of dengue outbreaks and their contribution to increasing the disease incidence rate by 34.6%. Furthermore, the analysis identifies that dengue cases originating from regions, such as Cambodia and Myanmar internationally, and Guangzhou and Xishuangbanna domestically, have the potential to significantly increase the disease burden in mainland China. These insights emphasize the critical need to include data on imported cases and domestic travel patterns in disease outbreak models to improve the precision of predictions, thereby enhancing dengue prevention, surveillance, and response strategies.

Response of wild aquatic insect communities to thermal variation through comparative landscape transcriptomics.

Fluctuations in temperature are recognized as a potent driver of selection pressure, fostering genomic variations that are crucial for the adaptation and survival of organisms under selection. Notably, water temperature is a pivotal factor influencing aquatic organism persistence. By comprehending how aquatic organisms respond to shifts in water temperature, we can understand their potential physiological adaptations to environmental change in one or multiple species. This, in turn, contributes to the formulation of biologically relevant guidelines for the landscape scale transcriptome profile of organisms in lotic systems. Here, we investigated the distinct responses of seven stream stonefly species, collected from four geographical regions across Japan, to variations in temperature, including atmospheric and water temperatures. We achieved this by assessing the differences in gene expression through RNA-sequencing within individual species and exploring the patterns of community-genes among different species. We identified 735 genes that exhibited differential expressions across the temperature gradient. Remarkably, the community displayed expression levels differences of respiration and metabolic genes. Additionally, the diversity in molecular functions appeared to be linked to spatial variation, with water temperature differences potentially contributing to the overall functional diversity of genes. We found 22 community-genes with consistent expression patterns among species in response to water temperature variations. These genes related to respiration, metabolism and development exhibited a clear gradient providing robust evidence of divergent adaptive responses to water temperature. Our findings underscore the differential adaptation of stonefly species to local environmental conditions, suggesting that shared responses in gene expression may occur across multiple species under similar environmental conditions. This study emphasizes the significance of considering various species when assessing the impacts of environmental changes on aquatic insect communities and understanding potential mechanisms to cope with such changes.

Internal transcribed spacer as effective molecular marker for the detection of natural hybridization between the bivalves Pinna nobilis and Pinna rudis.

The Pinna nobilis, a Mediterranean mollusc, has suffered population declines due to a massive mortality event associated with various factors including the parasite Haplosporidium pinnae. Some populations show resilience, possibly due to local environmental conditions. In this study, a molecular multiplex PCR method was developed using species-specific primers targeting Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) regions of P. nobilis and P. rudis, allowing accurate species identification and hybrid detection. Samples from Mediterranean areas were analysed, including putative hybrids and individuals from five other bivalve species. DNA was isolated, ITS regions were amplified and sequenced, and phylogenetic analyses confirmed species differentiation and primer specificity. The multiplex-PCR successfully identified P. nobilis, P. rudis, and their hybrids based on distinct amplicon patterns. This study highlights the value of molecular tools in species conservation, especially for monitoring and managing hybridization, supporting effective biodiversity conservation strategies.

Species assemblages and their drivers differ between trees and lianas in a seasonal evergreen forest in Thailand

AbstractDespite a long tradition in ecology of studying tree species assembly and its potential drivers in tropical forest communities, little information exists with respect to lianas (woody climbers), the second most abundant life form of woody plants in tropical forests. Lianas influence forest diversity and stability and provide critical resources for forest fauna. Using a unique dataset of a 30‐ha plot in Thailand, where tree and liana individuals were fully mapped, we investigated the degree to which local species assemblages of trees and lianas of different size classes (i.e., seedlings, established individuals, and large individuals) are related to local environmental conditions. We asked (1) What are the spatial patterns and environmental drivers of local tree and liana species assemblages? (2) How do such patterns and drivers differ among size classes? (3) Which species associate with these assemblages? Local assemblages of established trees showed substantial structuring by environmental variables, whereas we found only weakly structured assemblages of tree seedlings, large trees, and lianas of all size classes. Our results indicated that the biotic and abiotic drivers of local species assemblages differed strongly between tree and liana communities and across size classes. Species assemblages of trees were mainly driven by soil nutrients, leading to patchy assemblages associated with high base saturation (Alfisols) and assemblages associated with lower levels of base saturation and higher aluminum (Ultisols), whereas tree seedling assemblages were only weakly structured by riparian zones. In contrast, species assemblages of established and large lianas were primarily associated with forest canopy structure, separating low‐canopy forests from high‐canopy forests, whereas soil nutrients were the only factors associated with liana seedling assemblages. The weak environmental structuring of tree seedlings and large trees suggests that other mechanisms, such as stochastic disturbances, competition for space, or animal seed dispersal, may play an important role in structuring tree communities in this seasonal tropical forest. The weak patterns observed in liana communities across all life stages raise questions about the underlying mechanisms of liana community assembly, and further research should focus on liana niches, their dispersal mechanisms, and host tree relations.

Characterization of Ancient Cereals Cultivated by Intensive and Organic Procedures for Element Content.

According to their nutritional value, their ability to adapt to the various environmental conditions, and their versatility, cereals are among the most cultivated plants in the world. However, the ongoing climate changes subject crops to important environmental stress that for some varieties leads to high production losses. Therefore, the selection of species and varieties that are more versatile and adaptable to different environmental conditions can be important. However, the characteristics of some cereals are not completely known; this is a priority before aiming to improve their cultivation. The aim of this study is to characterize select species that are potentially suitable for local environmental conditions and that possess nutritional value. The elemental composition was assessed in different cereal species grown following intensive and organic agriculture practices. Six species were grown for this study with techniques of intensive agriculture: Triticum monococcum L., Triticum dicoccum L., Triticum aestivum L., variety Verna, Triticum durum Desf., variety Senatore Cappelli, Triticum durum Desf., variety Claudio, and Avena strigosa Schreb.; four of these were also grown following organic procedures: Triticum monococcum L., Triticum dicoccum L., Triticum aestivum L., variety Verna, and Triticum durum Desf., variety Senatore Cappelli. The study considered twenty elements, including major nutrients (Ca, K, Mg, P, and S), seven micronutrients (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn), and trace elements with toxic properties (Al, Ba, Cd, Cr, Na, Rb, Sc, and Sr) that can be accumulated at the seed level. The results highlight the differences in the element concentrations in the cereal seeds in relation to the genus and species; the highest concentrations of the major nutrients appeared in T. monococcum; the concentrations were 6.9, 2.09, 7.2, and 2.9 mg/g for K, Mg, P, and S, respectively. The highest concentrations of certain micronutrients, B, Ca, Mo, and Se (16, 785, 3.69, and 0.34 μg/g), were in A. strigosa. There is also evidence that the element content can be affected by the adopted cultivation procedure; however, the effects of the growing procedure can be significantly different when different species are considered. T. monococcum, grown by an organic procedure, presented lower concentrations of the major nutrients, while it demonstrated a modest increase in the micronutrients in the T. durum variety organic S. Cappelli, and the production procedure did not affect the elemental composition of the T. aestivum variety Verna. The survey also highlights that the studied species and the growing procedure affected the capacity to accumulate and translocate trace hazardous elements for human health at the seed level.

Social, not genetic, programming of development and stress physiology of a colonial seabird.

Phenotypic differences often stem from genetic/maternal differences and/or early-life adaptations to local environmental conditions. In colonial animals, little is known on how variation in the social environment is embedded into individual phenotypes, nor what the consequences are on individual fitness. We conducted an experimental cross-fostering study on king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus), exchanging eggs among 134 pairs breeding in high-density (67 pairs) or low-density (67 pairs) areas of the same breeding colony. We investigated differences in parent and chick phenotypes and survival in relation to the density of their origin and foster environment. Adults breeding in colony areas of high density exhibited decreased resting behaviour and increased aggression and vigilance, increased hypometabolism during incubation fasts, and more moderate corticosterone responses shaped by exposure to chronic stressors (e.g. constant aggression by neighbours). Chick phenotypes were more influenced by the environment in which they were raised than their genetic/maternal origin. Chicks raised in high-density colonial environments showed enhanced weight gain and survival rates regardless of the density of their genetic parents' breeding areas. Our study experimentally shows advantages to breeding in colonial areas of higher breeder densities in king penguins, and highlights the importance of social settings in shaping phenotype expression in colonial seabirds.

A Comprehensive Characterization of Environmental Severity Across 25 Sites in Nine Climactic Zones. Part 1: Witness Coupon Evaluation

Understanding the risk of corrosion due to local environmental conditions is critical to aviation assets spread across the world. Oftentimes, maintenance intervals are set to the most conservative values assuming all sites are equal, resulting in significant and potentially excessive labor and material expenditures. While research efforts have been underway for the past 50+ y to assess environmental severity using witness coupons, recent technological advances have also provided users with time-resolved monitoring equipment to monitor environmental conditions at the test site with minimal additional effort. To capitalize on these technologies and facilitate maintenance optimization, 25 Naval Air Stations worldwide were analyzed to assess the severity of environmentally driven corrosion. This testing utilized the latest recommendations developed within the AMPP SC-07 committee and included nine different datasets for developing a comprehensive understanding of site conditions. In the end, testing successfully monitored the risk of environmental corrosion at sites across multiple climatic regions and provided valuable feedback for environmental severity monitoring techniques. This first of a series of reports will focus on data evaluating witness coupon damage.

Climate‐controlled conservation: Remaking ‘the botanical metropolis of the world’

AbstractThis paper examines the understudied relationship between nature conservation and climate control in botanic gardens. Drawing on research conducted at Kew Gardens in West London, we analyse how the relations between climate control, techniques that allow the creation of particular microclimatic conditions in volumetric enclosures, and ex‐situ—out of nature—botanical management have changed over time. The paper shows how climate‐controlled conservation works through three spatial‐technological modes—acclimatisation, climate simulation, and climate security—that reconfigure in‐situ and ex‐situ relations. These modes increasingly transcend local environmental conditions, creating the possibility of conservation without natural climate. The paper extends existing geographies of climate control by focusing on the role of technology in permitting plant life to be moved between different geographical contexts, in enabling ex‐situ and in‐situ natures to become increasingly entwined, and in constructing enclosed conditions decoupled from local climate. Secure climate‐controlled conservation now strategically transforms ex‐situ botanic gardens into the actual sites, and in some cases the last remaining sites, of these natures.