Mountain Site Research Articles

Distributions and sources of water-soluble organic acids in fog water from mountain site (Lake Mashu) of Hokkaido, Japan

Distributions and sources of water-soluble organic acids in fog water from mountain site (Lake Mashu) of Hokkaido, Japan

Летний курс археологии Сибири для иностранных студентов (2018 год, студенты из Республики Корея)

Purpose. Teaching Siberian archaeology to foreign students has its own characteristics and requires a special approach. Not all terms and phenomena are equivalent to the language and archaeological experience of the students. Therefore, the teacher is unlikely to be able to make foreign students interested in their subject matter by simply giving lectures, since it is not always possible to achieve a full contact with the audience. The use of visual materials while conducting courses helps solve a lot of problems of teaching Siberian archaeology to foreign students. In archaeology, such a visual material is an archaeological site or an artifact. Thus, the method of “immersion” into the environment of the subject studied, which we implement as an excursion to archaeological sites while giving lectures directly at the place where the studied phenomenon can be found, is particularly popular as a way of teaching archaeology to foreigners. Results. Such a technique was implemented in 2018 by researchers of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of SB RAS and Professor Kang In Uk during the summer course of teaching Siberian archaeology to history students from Kyung Hee University (Seoul, the Republic of Korea). As a part of this course, students visited mound complexes and rock art objects in the Altai Mountains and ground burial sites of the Neolithic and Bronze Age in the Baraba forest-steppe region. The course included not only a detailed examination of the sites, but also lecturing at each of them. As our experience shows, the students were most interested in the topics resembling the ancient culture of the peoples of the Korean Peninsula, such as burial mounds, rock images of female shamans, Andronovo-type objects, etc. These subjects are relevant not only for research theses, but also as topics for individual research projects. This indicates that the goal of hosting a summer course on archaeology of Siberia for Korean students was achieved: the topic arouses deep interest among the audience. Conclusion. There is no doubt that the methodology of teaching Siberian archaeology to foreign students described in the present article is not only effective, but also has great prospects in the form of various master classes and workshops, as well as in the form of direct participation of foreign students in archaeological excavations in Siberia.

Canopy composition and site are indicative of mineral soil conditions in Patagonian mixed Nothofagus forests

Canopy composition in mixed Patagonian Nothofagus forests has an impact on soil properties like cationic exchange capacity and pH, while most soil variables changed with site [P, cation exchange capacity (CEC), soil moisture (SM), resistance to penetration (R)]. Site conditions and canopy composition need be considered together to better understand the distribution of Nothofagus species. Forests can influence soil development, changing main soil properties by several mechanisms, but this has never been investigated in mixed Nothofagus forests. Such influences can be strongly variable depending on local site conditions, and the interactions between both factors need to be clearly established. To reveal the effect on physical and chemical mineral soil properties in mixed Nothofagus forests of canopy composition and their interactions with site conditions. Two sites and three mixed forest types, with different proportion of deciduous-evergreen, were selected in coastal and mountain sites. We evaluated forest structure, litterfall and physico-chemical properties of mineral soil (N = 60), and analyzed these factors with general linear models and multivariate statistics [multi-response permutation procedure (MRPP), principal component analyses (PCA)]. Basal area and litterfall were significantly influenced by forest type × sites. CEC and pH value varied among forests types and sites, but sites also influenced other variables (P, SM, R). Multivariate analyses reveals a much stronger effect of site conditions than that of species mixture. Forest soil studies must consider environmental factors on different spatial scale and canopy species composition to better understand their influence on soil dynamics in mixed Nothofagus forests.

Incorporating Climate Nonstationarity and Snowmelt Processes in Intensity–Duration–Frequency Analyses with Case Studies in Mountainous Areas

Abstract Downscaled high-resolution climate simulations were used to provide inputs to the physics-based Distributed Hydrology Soil Vegetation Model (DHSVM), which accounts for the combined effects of snowmelt and rainfall processes, to determine spatially distributed available water for runoff (AWR). After quasi-stationary time windows were identified based on model outputs extracted for two different mountainous field sites in Colorado and California, intensity–duration–frequency (IDF) curves for precipitation and AWR were generated and evaluated at each numerical grid to provide guidance on hydrological infrastructure design. Impacts of snowmelt are found to be spatially variable due to spatial heterogeneity associated with topography according to geostatistical analyses. AWR extremes have stronger spatial continuity compared to precipitation. Snowmelt impacts on AWR are more pronounced at the wet California site than at the semiarid Colorado site. The sensitivities of AWR and precipitation IDFs to increasing greenhouse gas emissions are found to be localized and spatially variable. In subregions with significant snowfall, snowmelt can result in an AWR (e.g., 6-h 100-yr events) that is 70% higher than precipitation. For comparison, future greenhouse gas emissions may increase 6-h 100-yr precipitation and AWR by up to 50% and 80%, respectively, toward the end of this century.

Atmospheric ice nuclei concentration measurements over a high altitude-station in the Western Ghats, India

Abstract Mixed-phase and ice clouds play a significant role in modulating the Indian summer monsoon rainfall, and modeling studies suggest that inaccurate representation of ice nucleating particles (INP) is one of the factors, which have resulted in a deficiency in the prediction of cloud properties and hydrological cycle. We do not understand the ice nucleation mechanisms to represent the ice formation in the model, and therefore more INP measurements at various supercooled temperatures are needed. This study reports for the first time real-time INP concentration at a high altitude station in the Western Ghats region of India, and these results will be used to constrain the ice nucleation parameterizations in the model. The variation of INP for any particular cloud condition can have strong microphysical responses of mixed-phase precipitation formation processes. Also, to improve the representation of heterogeneous ice nucleation, INP measurements of various types of aerosols commonly observed over the Indian region are needed. This study presents, the INP concentrations and daily concentration of non-refractory chemical composition (organics, sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, and chloride), cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), and aerosol size distribution. Spectrometer for Ice Nuclei (SPIN) was operated to measure INP concentration at the mountain site from August to December 2018. INP measurements were performed at three different temperatures (−25, −30, and − 34 °C) in the immersion freezing mode relevant for mixed-phase cloud conditions. The average INP concentrations approximately varied from 0.18 to 12.4 L−1, 0.39 to 24 L−1, 1.1 to 40.2 L−1 at −25, −30, and − 34 °C, respectively. These concentrations are within the concentrations reported in the literature from different regions across the globe. The air mass back trajectory analysis showed that continental air mass contains more INP compared to maritime air mass. The information on INP concentration and chemical characteristics of aerosol will help to improve heterogeneous ice nucleation parameterization in numerical models.

Stream chemistry response to changing nitrogen and sulfur deposition in two mountain areas in the Iberian Peninsula

Sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) increasing anthropogenic emissions in the last century has arisen wide concern on the ecological effects of S and N deposition. In this paper, we use bulk deposition and stream water measurements in the central Pyrenees (PYR-C and PYR-AT sites) and Montseny (MSY-TM0) covering different time lengths in the period 1983–2017 to investigate how these mountain environments respond to ongoing changes of regional emissions to the atmosphere. PYR-C, in spite of its position far away from urban and industrial areas, presented higher SO4–S, NO3–N and NH4–N bulk deposition than the Montseny site closer to Barcelona and the inclusion of dry deposition only reversed this pattern for NO3–N. This indicates that distance to pollution sources does not protect these mountain sites from a considerable impact of pollution. Time-trends in SO42- and NO3– concentrations in bulk deposition were similar between sites: SO42- monotonically decreased, while NO3– increased until the mid-2000 s and decreased thereafter. In the period 1983 to 2017, SO2 emissions in Europe (EU-28) decreased by 95%, while in the SO42- concentrations in bulk deposition declined by 35–50% in Pyrenees and Montseny respectively and SO42- concentrations in the streams by 25–35%, respectively. Other sources of SO42- (e.g. episodic African dust) may explain the different reduction rate between anthropogenic emissions and bulk deposition. Net S budget was positive for MSY-TM0 (indicating flushing from the catchment) and negative for the PYR-C site (indicating retention), while it was close to zero for the other Pyrenean site, but in the PYR-C site net retention showed a significant increasing trend tending to lower retention in recent years. Bulk N deposition in the Pyrenees was lower but stream concentrations and export was higher than at Montseny, this leading to less N retention in the Pyrenean sites. However, the MSY-TM0 site showed a trend towards less N retention in recent years. This was driven by higher exports during the wet months, which would correspond to a first stage of N saturation according Stoddard’s classification.

The effect of shrubland and grassland vegetation types on soil fauna and flora activities in a mountainous semi-arid landscape of Iran

The effect of vegetation types at mountainous sites on the relationships between soil biota and environmental variables applicable for the evaluation of soil quality and functions are barely studied and remain almost unknown. With the aim of studying the effect of shrubland and grassland plant coverings on soil fauna and flora activities, a mountainous semi-arid site in northern Iran (Diakooh) was selected for this research. Six vegetation types were selected with dominance in shrub and grassland coverage, i.e., (1) Crataegus microphylla CK. Koch., (2) Berberis integerrima Bunge, (3) Ribes uva–crispa L., (4) Prunus spinosa L., and with dominance in rangeland cover, i.e., (5) dominant Lecokia cretica (Lam.) DC., Orchis mascula L., Cardamine bulbifera (L.) Crantz, and (6) Fragaria vesca L. A total of 15 soil samples (30 × 30 × 10 cm) from each vegetation type were transferred to the laboratory. In addition, seasonal measurements (i.e. summer and autumn) were considered to achieve the temporal patterns of soil fauna and flora activities. Higher populations of soil earthworms (especially epigeic groups), acarina, collembola, nematode, and protozoa were found in the Crataegus site compared to other vegetation types with higher activities in the autumn season. Shrublands, especially with Crataegus cover, had increased activities of soil bacteria and fungi with higher abundances in the summer. Soils with higher fertility indicators and increased biota activities were attributed to the Crataegus and Berberis vegetation types by PCA. Overall, the findings of this study showed that shrubs can improve soil quality at high altitudes of mountainous, semi-arid sites that are often considered as especially fragile and sensitive ecosystems.

Evaluating Forecast Skills of Moisture from Convective-Permitting WRF-ARW Model during 2017 North American Monsoon Season

This paper examines the ability of the Weather Research and Forecasting model forecast to simulate moisture and precipitation during the North American Monsoon GPS Hydrometeorological Network field campaign that took place in 2017. A convective-permitting model configuration performs daily weather forecast simulations for northwestern Mexico and southwestern United States. Model precipitable water vapor (PWV) exhibits wet biases greater than 0.5 mm at the initial forecast hour, and its diurnal cycle is out of phase with time, compared to observations. As a result, the model initiates and terminates precipitation earlier than the satellite and rain gauge measurements, underestimates the westward propagation of the convective systems, and exhibits relatively low forecast skills on the days where strong synoptic-scale forcing features are absent. Sensitivity analysis shows that model PWV in the domain is sensitive to changes in initial PWV at coastal sites, whereas the model precipitation and moisture flux convergence (QCONV) are sensitive to changes in initial PWV at the mountainous sites. Improving the initial physical states, such as PWV, potentially increases the forecast skills.

Morphology, ecology and biogeography of Myrmecina sicula André, 1882, rediscovered after 140 years (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

The ant genus Myrmecina, whose diversity is mostly concentrated in SE-Asia and Oceania, counts four W-Palearctic species. The extremely euryecious and well-studied Myrmecina graminicola occurs from Iberia to the Caucasus and from the Maghreb to Scandinavia, while three little-known species (M. atlantis, M. melonii and M. sicula) coexist with M. graminicola in their narrow Maghrebian, Sardinian and Sicilian ranges, respectively. Myrmecina sicula has been described about 140 years ago from a single site and two specimens only. Their unique morphology suggested the validity of this taxon ever since, but no additional specimens were found in the following century. We present the results of decades of sampling efforts across Sicily, resulting in the collection of M. graminicola from 70 sites and M. sicula from 13 sites. We confirm M. sicula unique morphological identity and report on the marked distributional and ecological differences between the two species. Myrmecina graminicola is widespread and inhabits diverse, mainly forested habitats from lowland to high mountain sites, while M. sicula was found in a very narrow region of old carbonate platform between NW-Sicily and the Egadi Islands, mostly in sparsely vegetated sites at mid to low-altitude. Reviewing their common morphological and biogeographic traits, we propose to consider M. atlantis, M. melonii and M. sicula as a distinct M. sicula complex, whose identity and history deserves further investigation through molecular analyses.

Historical Documentation of the Allegheny Woodrat (Neotoma magister) in Massachusetts

Although most summaries of the distribution of Neotoma magister (Allegheny Woodrat) do not include Massachusetts, there are 2 historical reports of the species' past occurrence there. Herein, we review those reports and provide details on a specimen from the Berkshire Mountains taken in 1958. No additional observations have been documented in Massachusetts over the subsequent 60 years. Recent efforts to confirm presence of woodrats at the Berkshire Mountains site and efforts in the past several decades to locate a population elsewhere in Massachusetts have been unsuccessful. We conclude that the Allegheny Woodrat historically occurred in Massachusetts, although available habitat was limited. Based on the available habitat and the documented patterns of decline in other portions of the Northeast, it is almost surely now extirpated from Massachusetts.

Absorption characteristics of aerosols over the central Himalayas and its adjacent foothills

Abstract The absorption characteristics and source processes of aerosols are investigated at two nearby distinct altitude sites: Nainital, located over the central Himalayas (~1958 m amsl) and Pantnagar, in the adjacent foothill region (~231 m amsl) in the Indo-Gangetic Plain region (IGP); based on in-situ measurements and model (GEOS-Chem) simulations. The study reveals the significant influence of biomass burning sources over both the locations during spring, indicating the efficiency of the vertical transport of biomass burning aerosols during the peak of the fire activity period over the northern Indian region. On the other hand, the dominance of fossil fuel emission sources is seen during most part of the year at the mountain site, while biomass/biofuel sources are prevalent at the foothill site. Simulations of different aerosol components in the GEOS-Chem model have revealed that dust aerosols, in addition to carbonaceous aerosols from fossil fuel and biomass burning sources, significantly influence aerosol burden over this broad region covering both high-altitude site Nainital and adjacent foothill site Pantnagar in IGP. Examination of dominant aerosol types and their contribution to the columnar abundance of aerosols is performed. During spring, the contribution of dust aerosols is as high as 22%, even though inorganic aerosols (42%), organic carbon (29%) play a dominant role in modulating aerosol absorption characteristics in the column over this region. This study highlights the importance of absorbing aerosol, their types and quantification for better estimates of radiative forcing of aerosols over this region. This might also provide valuable information for the regional impact assessment of aerosols over the Himalayan region.

Pollution Characteristics of Ambient Fine Particulate Matters at Mt. Halla-1100 and Gosan Sites in Jeju Island

Ambient fine particulate matters of PM10 and PM2.5 were collected at the Mt. Halla-1100 site (a site at an altitude of 1100 meters on Mt. Halla) and the Gosan site, which comprise a typical mountainous site and coastal background site, respectively, on Jeju Island. The major water-soluble ionic species of these sites were analyzed. The average mass concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 at the Mt. Halla-1100 site were 0.59 times lower and 0.78 times lower, respectively, than those at the Gosan site. The composition ratios of the major secondary air pollutants (nss-SO42-, NO3-, and NH4+) of PM10 and PM2.5 were 86.2% and 93.2%, respectively, at the Mt. Halla-1100 site, while those at the Gosan site were 67.7% and 87.2%, respectively. These results show the comparatively larger contributions at the Mt. Halla-1100 site. The principal component analysis reveals that the main affecting factors for the ionic compositions of PM10 and PM2.5 particles at both sites are the anthropogenic emission sources, especially the comparative influence of organic acids at the Mt. Halla-1100 site, and the marine sources at the Gosan site. Based on the neutralization factors, the fine particulate matters were acidified mainly by sulfuric and nitric acids, and the neutralization was relatively caused by calcium carbonate in PM10 particles and ammonia in PM2.5 particles. The clustered back trajectory analyses indicated that the major ionic concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 comparatively increased when the airflow moved from continental China and the Korean Peninsula. The polluting influence from China was apparent in the upper planetary boundary layer (PBL) compared with that at ground level. Key Words: PM10, PM2.5, Mt. Halla-1100 site, Gosan site, Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL)

Diurnal variability, photochemical production and loss processes of hydrogen peroxide in the boundary layer over Europe

Abstract. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) plays a significant role in the oxidizing capacity of the atmosphere. It is an efficient oxidant in the liquid phase and serves as a temporary reservoir for the hydroxyl radical (OH), the most important oxidizing agent in the gas phase. Due to its high solubility, removal of H2O2 due to wet and dry deposition is efficient, being a sink of HOx (OH+HO2) radicals. In the continental boundary layer, the H2O2 budget is controlled by photochemistry, transport and deposition processes. Here we use in situ observations of H2O2 and account for chemical source and removal mechanisms to study the interplay between these processes. The data were obtained during five ground-based field campaigns across Europe from 2008 to 2014 and bring together observations in a boreal forest, two mountainous sites in Germany, and coastal sites in Spain and Cyprus. Most campaigns took place in the summer, while the measurements in the south-west of Spain took place in early winter. Diel variations in H2O2 are strongly site-dependent and indicate a significant altitude dependence. While boundary-layer mixing ratios of H2O2 at low-level sites show classical diel cycles with the lowest values in the early morning and maxima around local noon, diel profiles are reversed on mountainous sites due to transport from the nocturnal residual layer and the free troposphere. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide is largely governed by its main precursor, the hydroperoxy radical (HO2), and shows significant anti-correlation with nitrogen oxides (NOx) that remove HO2. A budget calculation indicates that in all campaigns, the noontime photochemical production rate through the self-reaction of HO2 radicals was much larger than photochemical loss due to reaction with OH and photolysis, and that dry deposition is the dominant loss mechanism. Estimated dry deposition velocities varied between approximately 1 and 6 cm s−1, with relatively high values observed during the day in forested regions, indicating enhanced uptake of H2O2 by vegetation. In order to reproduce the change in H2O2 mixing ratios between sunrise and midday, a variable contribution from transport (10 %–100 %) is required to balance net photochemical production and deposition loss. Transport is most likely related to entrainment from the residual layer above the nocturnal boundary layer during the growth of the boundary layer in the morning.

Diet of the Viviparous lizard Zootoca vivipara (Lichtenstein, 1823) (Reptilia: Lacertidae) from its southern range

The Viviparous lizard Zootoca vivipara (Lichtenstein, 1823) is widespread across Eurasia, but in Bulgaria it is considered a glacial relict, restricted to the high mountains. In spite of its wide distribution, there is still lack of knowledge on its dietary habits, especially from the southern part of the range. In order to shed light on its diet, we conducted а study in three mountain sites in Bulgaria (Vitosha, Rila and Stara Planina Mtns.). They were visited in 2016 and 2017 during the lizard's active season (May–September); 343 Viviparous lizards were captured by hand and measured and weighed. To investigate the food preferences, we adopted a non-invasive method, obtaining faecal samples, which were then analysed under a stereoscopic microscope. A total of 290 faecal samples that could be assigned to individual specimens with determined age and sex were collected. We calculated the relative abundance and occurrence of each prey category. Data were compared by sex and age classes (immatures vs. adults) as a whole and for each of the three sites. A total of 19 prey categories were detected and the number of categories per study site varied between 16 and 18. The most common invertebrates were Araneae and Auchenorrhyncha. Statistically significant differences between immatures and adults were found as adults showed more diverse diet. No such differences between sexes were detected.

Regeneration of Scots pine Pinus sylvestris L. in the Carpathians depends on site fertility

Abstract The aim of this work was to determine the biometric features of Scots pine Pinus sylvestris L. regeneration in terms of their susceptibility to weather-inflicted damage. We compared the damage between three sites located in the Polish part of the Carpathians: Scots pine planted in (I) fertile sites of mountain broadleaved and mixed broadleaved forest, (II) poor sites of mountain coniferous forest and (III) sites of Scots pine natural refuges during the post-glacial period. In each of the three sites of pine regeneration, 11 research plots were established with 50 pine trees on each plot. For each tree, the following biometric measurements were taken: diameter at breast height, height, 3-year height increment, crown length and crown width measured along the contour line. The Scots pine regeneration was found to vary in terms of their biometric features depending on the site fertility. In fertile sites, the biometric parameters of the trees increased at a faster rate compared to low-fertility sites causing an increase in their susceptibility to damage by adverse weather conditions such as snow and rime. Therefore, the silvicultural risk in fertile sites is high and thus the introduction of pine for regeneration should be avoided in fertile broadleaved and mixed broadleaved forests even if pine provenances from a mountain origin are to be planted. Furthermore, tending cuts in regeneration should be made frequently, but with moderate intensity so as to avoid excessive reductions in tree density. Intensive cuts, especially in fertile sites, promote the expansion of pine crowns, which further increases the risk of damage.

Biodiversity, Leishmania genetic typing and host identification of phlebotomine species in endemic foci of southeastern Iran

Leishmaniasis is a growing health challenge in many parts of Iran, including Kerman Province. Investigating vector ecology and parasite-harboring capacity is prerequisite to the disease control measures. This study included six provincial sites namely Bam (Bm), Dehbakri (Di), Jiroft (Jt), Mohammad-Abad (Md), Rostam-Abad (Rd) and Darb-e-Behesht (Dt) where sand flies were trapped. The specimens were then identified before being exposed to DNA extraction. PCR-RFLP was used to detect leishmanial infection rates and feeding preference of vectors. Diversity indices indicated that the highest effective numbers of species was in plain sites, whereas, the highest expected numbers of species was in mountainous sites. P. papatasi and P. sergenti showed similar feeding preferences to both human and animal bloods. P. papatasi from indoor catches was found infected with Leishmania major at a 2% rate. The ITS1 gene sequences of isolated parasites were >99% similar to related GenBank haplotypes. Bam and Rostam-Abad remain active foci of both types of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Md and Di are prone to visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Jt is not at risk of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) due to absence of P. sergenti. Sand flies are absent in Dt, probably because of high elevation and cold climate. In conclusion, patterns of climate and ecosystem changes and vector-host-reservoirs interactions must be carefully scrutinized if leishmaniasis is to be controlled in the stricken sites.

Comparison of solar power measurements in alpine areas using a mobile dual-axis tracking system

The rising demand for sustainable energy requires to identify the sites for photovoltaic systems with the best performance. This paper tackles the question of feasibility of photovoltaic power plants at high altitude. A direct comparison between an alpine and an urban area site is conducted in the south of Austria. Two low-cost automatic photovoltaic power measurement devices with dual-axis sun tracking and maximum power point tracking are deployed at two test sites. The system periodically performs a scan over the southern semihemisphere and executes maximum power point adjustment in order to assess the performance for a given direction. The gathered data shows a higher photovoltaic power yield in the higher altitude test site. Furthermore, the high altitude photovoltaic power as a function of azimuth and elevation angle appears to be not only higher but also more flat than in lower altitudes. This indicates a lower power loss in case of deviation from the optimal solar angles. The results show that even on low-cost hardware a difference in photovoltaic power can be observed, even though in this experiment it amounts to less than 5% increase of peak power in higher altitudes. However, the measured peak powers on the mountain are more stable and therefore closer to a constant level than the heavily fluctuating peak power values at the low altitude site. Additionally, a slight shift in optimal elevation angles between altitudes can be observed, as the optimum angle turns out to be lower on the high altitude site. This angle shift could be caused by snow reflections on the mountainous test site.

Adapting the planning and management of Norway spruce forests in mountain areas of Romania to environmental conditions including climate change

In Romania, natural Norway spruce forests are spread across upper mountain slopes (1300–1800 m). They perform multiple functions, being especially recognised for their economic value. However, where planted forests extend beyond the spruce's naturally occurring areas, they are frequently exposed to deleterious environmental factors. In Romania, forest planning is based on typological studies that were carried out between 1950 and 1970, and the regulations are applied in a somewhat flexible manner. In the context of the potential threats from climate change that could amplify induced destabilising phenomena, the risks to which these forests are becoming exposed can only be mediated through flexible management and the permanent adaptation of forest planning. For this reason, the purpose of this study was to develop a strategy for adapting forest management plan guidelines, with a view to improving ecosystem stability. A Norway spruce forest was chosen from the south-eastern Carpathians, which is included in the Natura 2000 Fagaras Mountains site. The models on which we based our current stand compositions resulted from long-term monitoring and analysis of species and stand structures. Stand structure - and forest structure, in general - is key to the continuous existence of stand functions and ecosystem services. Through design decisions, we promote biodiversity and the natural, better adapted, regeneration of local provenances. We highlight the rationale behind forest management planning and its regulations, with respect to the sustainable management of Norway spruce forests, which are vulnerable to potential changes in their structure as a result of climate change. Based on our findings, we propose the adaptation of measures used in forest management planning for Norway spruce forests to include protective functions that can be applied to all man-made Norway spruce forests introduced in former beech forest regions, and mixed coniferous/beech forests, that are vulnerable to changing environmental factors.

Superposition of Gobi Dust and Southeast Asian Biomass Burning: The Effect of Multisource Long‐Range Transport on Aerosol Optical Properties and Regional Meteorology Modification

AbstractOne unique long‐range transport event with multiple layers of aerosol plumes was observed over Taiwan during 29–31 March 2006. A synergy of ground‐based observation, remote sensing, and backward trajectory simulation collectively indicated the high‐altitude (above 3 km) plume originated from biomass burning in Southeast Asia while the midaltitude (around 0.8–2 km) plume was attributed to dust from the Gobi Desert. Aerosol optical properties measured at a low‐altitude site were characterized of abundant coarse mode particles and increased single scattering albedo as a function of increased wavelength, indicating the influence from dust particles. While at a high mountain site (elevation of ~3 km), aerosol optical depth was elevated by a factor of 3–4 compared to its background value and mainly comprised of fine particles. It was diagnosed that the high‐altitude aerosols were influenced by the transported smoke plumes but exempted from dust. Simulation of the meteorological conditions against a Taiwan‐wide meteorology network showed strong near surface temperature rise of more than 2° during this long‐range transport event as well as for the vertical temperature profiles. Both dust and biomass burning aerosol plumes via long‐range transport contributed significantly to the atmospheric warming, resulting in strong instantaneous aerosol radiative forcing of 46.0 W/m2 in the atmosphere. A “double dome” warming effect mechanism was proposed that both biomass burning and dust plumes above the boundary layer could efficiently reserve the solar energy and heat the lower troposphere.

Description of a GIS-based rockfall hazard assessment methodology and its application in mountainous sites

In Western Greece, rockfalls occur every year in residential areas and on public roads, causing considerable societal and economic damage. As a result, rockfall hazard assessment is a necessity and can be a very important tool for scientists, planners, decision makers, and local authorities. In the current study, a GIS-based rockfall hazard assessment methodology is presented as a decision model for preventing rockfall threat in residential areas and public roads. This methodology is based on a specific hazard matrix developed for quantitative evaluation of the rockfall hazard in three stages: inventory, intensity, and hazard. The proposed methodology is applied in two mountainous sites located in Western Greece, Santomeri village and Klokova road passage. The final established rockfall hazard maps for both sites seem to be very accurate, and the methodology can therefore be applied in other areas as well and used as a prevention planning tool against rockfall hazardous events.