Water Dynamics Research Articles

Dynamics of Energy Fluxes in a Mediterranean Vineyard: Influence of Soil Moisture

Accurate evaluation of grapevine water use is essential for optimizing water management and maximizing grapevine yield and berry quality in Mediterranean climates. Understanding the water and heat flux dynamics in a vineyard during grapevine berry maturation is of utmost importance. This study focuses on evaluating sensible and latent energy fluxes at the canopy, the soil beneath the canopy, and the interrow areas. The primary objective is to develop a model framework for accurately estimating these energy fluxes, contributing to a better understanding of their behavior during berry ripening. The model’s accuracy was assessed by comparing the estimated fluxes with those measured by an eddy-covariance system installed at a reference height of three meters in the experimental vineyard. This validation step was essential to confirm the model’s ability to capture the intricate energy flux dynamics of the vineyard, especially during grape maturation. The results revealed a high level of agreement between the observed and estimated fluxes, confirming the model’s reliability. This comprehensive evaluation of energy fluxes provides valuable insights for optimizing irrigation strategies. By doing so, this study contributes to improving grape quality, ensuring sustainable water resource use, and ultimately enhancing vineyard productivity in arid and water-scarce regions.

Surface water dynamics of Africa: Analysing continental trends and identifying drivers for major lakes and reservoirs

ABSTRACT Africa has the most dynamic demographic development worldwide. Current projections predict a population of > 3 billion people by the end of the century. Sub-Saharan Africa alone will likely see a 40% increase in population between 2020 and 2050. Although it is well known that large parts of Africa are in a constant state of water stress, its surface water resources remain understudied. This study analyses long-term trends of surface water in Africa. It identifies causal impacts on major lakes and reservoirs for the timeframe 2003–2020, as well as dynamic and causal similarities between the various lakes. For this, a set of daily time series based on Earth observation is employed. Global WaterPack data is used for a daily uninterrupted time series of the continent’s surface water area. Additionally, an array of relevant independent variables, namely precipitation, total evapotranspiration, groundwater, soil moisture, and gross primary productivity (GPP) in different land use areas is analysed. For causal identification, the Peter and Clark Momentary Conditional Independence algorithm is used. Findings show that > 42% of African countries and > 34% of African ecoregions experience shrinking surface water area. Over 80% of investigated surface water bodies are driven by the surface water in their upstream subbasins and GPP in agriculturally used areas. About 85% of investigated lakes are significantly driven by agricultural usage, often in the form of water abstraction, as referenced regional studies confirm. Our analysis demonstrates the feasibility of conducting causal analyses of surface water dynamics using Earth observation data. Dynamically similar lakes are often impacted by the same drivers, forming regional lake clusters. Considering the causes identified may greatly help adapt strategies for sustainable development. A causality analysis to identify drivers of surface water dynamics has, to our knowledge, never been performed before on this scale and at such high temporal resolution.

Application of Sentinel-2 Level-2A images for monitoring water surface in reservoirs in the semiarid region of Pernambuco — Brazil

Remote sensing techniques offer effective and efficient alternatives for observing the spatiotemporal dynamics of surface water in reservoirs. This paper aimed to analyze the applicability of Sentinel-2 Level-2A satellite images from 2016 to 2024 for mapping and monitoring the extent of water surfaces in reservoirs in the Sertão region of Pernambuco state. An automatic, unsupervised, and non-parametric algorithm was employed, combining water indices with reflectance bands of optical images to identify water pixels. The results were compared with two datasets: in situ monitoring and MapBiomas. Issues with optical images affected by clouds over the reservoir and errors in classifying water pixels were noted. Generally, the algorithm tended to underestimate the extent of the water surface due to difficulty detecting water pixels at the edges of the reservoirs. To mitigate this issue, an artificial neural network (ANN) was applied to correct the underestimation bias. The bias correction improved the performance of the metrics when the size and representativeness of the calibration sample were sufficient for training and building the ANN model.

Differentially heterogeneous hydration environment of the familial mutants of α-synuclein.

The behavior of hydration water around familial Parkinson's disease linked mutants of α-synuclein may be linked to the early-onset of Parkinson's disease. For the first time, this study compares the local structure and dynamics of hydration water around different segments of some of the natural mutants of α-synuclein, i.e., E46K, G51D, A30P, and A53E, with that of the wild-type protein through explicit water MD simulations. The results show that the C-terminal segments of the fast aggregating mutants such as E46K and A30P are less exposed to water, while those of the slow aggregating ones such as A53E and G51D are more exposed to water relative to that of the wild-type protein. In addition, the water molecules are found to be more ordered around the C-terminal segment of the A53E and G51D mutants as compared to the wild-type protein. This is due to an increase in the overall charge of α-syn upon A53E and G51D mutations. The translational and rotational motions of water molecules in the hydration shell of the C-terminal segment of A53E and G51D mutants are found to be faster relative to that of the wild-type protein. This study validates the differential hydration environment around the C-terminal segment for the causative and protective mutants of α-synuclein.

Conceptual and Applied Aspects of Water Retention Tests on Tailings Using Columns

The water retention capacity of porous materials is crucial in various geotechnical and environmental engineering applications such as slope stability analysis, landfill management, and mining operations. Filtered tailings stacks are considered an alternative to traditional tailings dams. Nevertheless, the mechanical behaviour and stability of the material under different water content conditions are of concern because these stacks can reach considerable heights. The water behaviour in these structures is poorly understood, particularly the effects of the water content on the stability and potential for liquefaction of the stacks. This study aims to investigate the water retention and flow characteristics of compacted iron ore tailings in high columns to better understand their hydromechanical behaviour. The research used 5 m high columns filled with iron ore tailings from the Quadrilátero Ferrífero region in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The columns were prepared in layers, compacted, and instrumented with moisture content sensors and suction sensors to monitor the water movement during various stages of saturation, drainage, infiltration, and evaporation. The sensors provided consistent data and revealed that the tailings exhibited high drainage capacity. The moisture content and suction profiles were effectively established over time and revealed the dynamic water retention behaviour. The comparison of the data with the theoretical soil water retention curve (SWRC) demonstrated a good correlation which indicates that there was no hysteresis in the material response. The study concludes that the column setup effectively captures the water retention and flow characteristics of compacted tailings and provides valuable insights for the hydromechanical analysis of filtered tailings stacks. These findings can significantly help improve numerical models, calibrate material parameters, and contribute to the safer and more efficient management of tailings storage facilities.

Research on a cloud model intelligent computing platform for water resource management

ABSTRACT As the demand for water management information systems continues to increase, addressing issues such as poor generalizability, low reusability, and difficulties in updating and maintaining water resource planning cloud model service platforms becomes crucial. To achieve goals like business-oriented functionality, high availability, and reliability, this study proposes constructing a cloud model service platform for basin water resource planning based on cloud computing technology and business workflows. This study couples water cycle models with multi-objective optimization models for water resource allocation, using digital topological water networks to achieve dynamic regional water resource allocation. The cloud service platform adopts a business-oriented modeling method based on B/S development architecture. This paper takes the Weihe River Basin as an example to simulate and analyze the evolution of the water cycle pattern and optimize the annual water resources allocation plan. Results show that: (1) the water cycle model of the cloud model service platform can better describe the runoff change process in the verification period; (2) through the cloud platform service model, the water shortage rate of the Weihe River Basin in 2025 is 7.95%. The research findings provide technical references and insights for intelligent water management and refined allocation of water resources in the Weihe River Basin.

Introduction of an optimised dynamic installation anchor via model test and numerical analysis: Freefall in the water column

This paper introduces a novel shaped dynamically installed anchor (called ‘maverick anchor’) with optimised geometric components (tip, shaft, and fins). The performance of the maverick anchor in terms of hydrodynamic characteristics (terminal velocity, hydrodynamic drag, and directional stability) obtained through freefall drop tests in water and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyse was compared with that of existing dynamically installed anchors used in offshore Brazil and in the Gulf of Mexico. Freefall drop tests on model anchors were performed in a 1.56 m depth water tank at UWA. Freefall motions of the anchors were filmed mounting two cameras, and subsequently quantified using Python code. In testings, geometric similarity was ensured between the model and prototype. CFD analyses were then carried out on the corresponding field scale anchors using Ansys/Fluent, fixing the anchor at a particular location, and flowing the water column with a velocity. Numerical analyses ensured similarity in Reynolds number. Results have confirmed that compared to the commercially used dynamically installed anchors, the maverick anchor can attain a higher terminal velocity, and the corresponding drag coefficient is lower due to smooth fluid flow along the anchor body. The verticality or lateral stability during the freefall was also promising.

Evaluation of the hydrogeological response to neotectonics of the Quequén Grande River Watershed using geoelectrical methods

The Quequén Grande River Watershed (Southeast of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina) is a strong asymmetrical watershed in the Pampean Plain. It is marked by the stream capture of the Quequén Grande River eastward. The topographic slopes and hydraulic gradients are typically low in this area, with streams and rivers primarily effluent along their courses. This behavior is attributable to the influence of the unconfined and shallow Pampean aquifer, which serves as the region's main source of water supply. In the southwestern limit of this drainage basin, several shallow lakes, disconnected from the surface drainage network and related to an old deflation/accumulation relief, occur over hillock formations. In this area, Paleozoic rocks crop out and constitute the hydrological basement of the aquifer. The bedrock architecture of this formation could explain the stream piracy of the Quequén Grande River eastward and the local geomorphology, where structural lineaments related to neotectonic movements have been reported. However, there is a lack of information related to the hydrological basement in depth, which is needed to understand the surface water dynamics of this drainage basin, linked to the topographic control of the landscape. To fill this gap, a geoelectric model of the hydrological basement is proposed from 37 Vertical Electrical Soundings and 6 Electric Resistivity Tomographies, aiming to contribute to understanding this portion of the Earth's crust. Geoelectrical surveys were performed over 3000 km2 of the southwestern limit of the Quequén Grande River Watershed. Results obtained and field observations suggest the deviation of the Quequén Grande River catchment eastward is caused by the hydrogeological basement structure in depth, in response to neotectonic movements inferred by structural lineaments.

Effect of Plow Pan on the Redistribution Dynamics of Water and Nutrient Transport in Soils

Plow pans are an essential part of the agricultural soil structure. By adjusting the soil bulk density and plow pan height, the water and nutrient transport are dynamically redistributed. Plow pans play a crucial role in promoting crop growth, increasing yields, and supporting sustainable land management. In this study, a column experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of plow pan height (10 cm and 15 cm) and bulk density (1.2, 1.4, and 1.6 g cm⁻3) on soil nutrient and water leaching under high-volume (HV) and low-volume (LV) fertilizer applications. The results reveal that the leachate volume decreased by 61.9% at a plow pan height of 10 cm and by 96.2% at a plow pan height of 15 cm when the bulk density was increased from 1.2 to 1.4 g cm⁻3 under HV conditions. There was no leachate when the plow pan bulk density was 1.6 g cm−3. The reserved concentration of alkali-hydrolyzable N in the plow pan soils was the highest when the plow pan had a bulk density of 1.4 g cm−3 and a height of 15 cm. However, when the plow pan height was 15 cm, the available P content in the plow pan soils decreased by 27.0% and 21.0% at bulk densities of 1.4 g cm⁻3 and 1.6 g cm⁻3, respectively, when compared with 1.2 g cm⁻3. Furthermore, the available P concentrations in the plow pan and subsoil layers decreased with an increase in the plow pan height. The available K concentrations in the topsoil decreased by 26.8% and 24.0% when the plow pan bulk density was increased from 1.2 to 1.4 g cm−3 at heights of 10 and 15 cm, respectively. Thus, the optimal plow pan height and bulk density are closely related to the types of soil nutrients. However, it is clear that excessively high bulk densities (e.g., 1.6 g cm−3) negatively impact soil properties. For different nutrient requirements, a bulk density of 1.2 or 1.4 g cm−3 can be chosen, with each providing suitable options based on the specific nutrient needs. This research offers practical insights into changes in nutrient adsorption and fixation in agricultural production associated with alterations in plow pan bulk density.

Inactivating Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris spores with UVLED: Unraveling the role of turbidity, reactive oxygen species, and water dynamics

Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris (AAT) is a spore-forming bacterium that can survive thermal pasteurization and acidic conditions. Ultraviolet light emitting diode (UVLED) has received extensive attention as a new technology to replace traditional mercury lamps for fruit juice decontamination, however, very few studies on fruit juice have been reported to investigate the sporicidal effect of UVLED on A. acidoterrestris. This research investigated for the first time the application of UVLEDs at 254 nm for the treatment of AAT in tomato juice. The optimized conditions for UVLED, achieved with the aid of Box Behnken design, were 6 cm, 12 min, and 250 mL/min. The results showed that the AAT spores in citrate buffer solution and tomato juice were inactivated by 3-log reduction with a required fluence of 53.67 mJ/cm2. Additionally, UVLED induced an exclusively cellular damage through direct absorption of UV light and direct DNA damage, and indirectly via reactive oxygen species. Besides, the deactivation of AAT spores, validated by LF-NMR analysis, indicated that the free water in AAT might be due to the rehydration of the spore core by the process of germination and then dehydration. This dehydration was further confirmed by the shrinking of spores observed through SEM and AFM imaging. These outcomes were also correlated with those of potassium ions and DPA leakage. This study emphasizes the energy-saving and resistance-reducing features of UVLED in effectively inactivating AAT.

Reforestation effects on low flows: Review of public perceptions and scientific evidence

AbstractThis review article focuses on the complex relationships between forests and water, particularly the effects of forests on streamflow during meteorological droughts. The impact of forests on water resources is a long‐standing research topic, but there are also many common beliefs that are not based on scientific evidence or only selective evidence. We critically examine the origin of some of the common public misconceptions and review the wealth of studies on how forests impact precipitation, soil water dynamics, evapotranspiration, and streamflow. Generally, reforestation increases evapotranspiration and decreases groundwater recharge and streamflow. However, some of the evaporated water will return as precipitation, potentially offsetting some of the increased evapotranspiration losses. Where reforestation leads to more extensive infiltration and recharge due to the effects of forests on the soil's hydraulic properties, it might increase streamflow during dry periods. Although these individual processes have been studied, predicting the impacts of forests on streamflow remains challenging as the effects are site‐specific and depend on many factors, such as the climate, the forest‐ and soil‐characteristics before and after reforestation, and the hydrogeological setting. However, a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the role of forests on hydrology and a better ability to predict where and when the net effects of reforestation are positive or negative is crucial for sustainable forest and water management.This article is categorized under: Science of Water > Science of Water Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change Science of Water > Hydrological Processes Engineering Water > Sustainable Engineering of Water

Crucial role of Aquaporin-4 extended isoform in brain water Homeostasis and Amyloid-β clearance: implications for Edema and neurodegenerative diseases

The water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is crucial for water balance in the mammalian brain. AQP4 has two main canonical isoforms, M23, which forms supramolecular structures called Orthogonal Arrays of Particles (OAP) and M1, which does not, along with two extended isoforms (M23ex and M1ex). This study examines these isoforms’ roles, particularly AQP4ex, which influences water channel activity and localization at the blood-brain barrier. Using mice lacking both AQP4ex isoforms (AQP4ex-KO) and lacking both AQP4M23 isoforms (OAP-null) mice, we explored brain water dynamics under osmotic stress induced by an acute water intoxication (AWI) model. AQP4ex-KO mice had lower basal brain water content than WT and OAP-null mice. During AWI, brain water content increased rapidly in WT and AQP4ex-KO mice, but was delayed in OAP-null mice. AQP4ex-KO mice had the highest water content increase at 20 min. Immunoblot analysis showed stable total AQP4 in WT mice initially, with increases at 30 min. AQP4ex and its phosphorylated form (p-AQP4ex) levels rose quickly, but the p-AQP4ex/AQP4ex ratio dropped at 20 min. AQP4ex-KO mice showed a compensatory rise in canonical AQP4 at 20 min post-AWI. These findings highlight the important role of AQP4ex in water content dynamics in both normal and pathological states. To evaluate brain waste clearance, amyloid-β (Aβ) removal was assessed using a fluorescent Aβ intra-parenchyma injection model. AQP4ex-KO mice demonstrated markedly impaired Aβ clearance, with extended diffusion distances and reduced fluorescence in cervical lymph nodes, indicating inefficient drainage from the brain parenchyma. Mechanistically, the polarization of AQP4 at astrocytic endfeet is essential for efficient clearance flow, aiding interstitial fluid movement into the CSF and lymphatic system. In AQP4ex-KO mice, disrupted polarization forces reliance on slower, passive diffusion for solute clearance, significantly reducing Aβ removal efficiency and altering extracellular space dynamics. Our results underscore the importance of AQP4ex in both brain water homeostasis and solute clearance, particularly Aβ. These findings highlight AQP4ex as a potential therapeutic target for enhancing waste clearance mechanisms in the brain, which could have significant implications for treating brain edema and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Cutting-edge approaches for judging surface water dynamics in semi-arid environments: Integrating landsat 8 OLI/TIRS and HYDROSAM model

This research addresses the critical need to assess surface water dynamics in semi-arid regions of Andhra Pradesh, India, by using advanced Spectral Indices for hydrological applications and methodologies. It aims to answer how remote sensing data from Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS can be effectively used to monitor and classify surface water bodies. The study applies indices such as Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI), Normalized Difference Thermal Index (NDTI), and Water Ratio Index (WRI). Additionally, the Weighted Composite Index (WCI) and Normalized Composite Index (NCI) are integrated with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for multi-criteria decision making. The HYDROSAM model successfully classifies and maps various categories of surface water bodies, including non-water features (53.62%), urban water zones (37.89%), seasonal water bodies (4.32%), transitional zones (2.17%), permanent water bodies (1.05%), and river bodies (0.95%). The resultant map was validated using the AUC-ROC curve, achieving an AUC of 0.820, indicating a high level of accuracy. This methodology provides a nuanced understanding of water resource distribution and availability in the region. The findings demonstrate the robustness and reliability of the HYDROSAM model in accurately assessing surface water characteristics, thereby providing critical insights for informed water resource management, strategic land-use planning, and effective ecological conservation. This innovative methodology not only fosters sustainable water resource management in semi-arid regions but also sets a precedent for advancing research in similar ecosystems globally.

Two-state free-volume model for anomalous dynamics in supercooled water macromolecules undergoing liquid–liquid phase transition

Modelling anomalous dynamics of complex liquid water is a huge challenge due to its various condensed molecular structures and the associated liquid–liquid phase transitions (LLPTs). In this study, we considered, for the first time, the influences of free volume and entropy on LLPTs for both low-density liquid (LDL) and high-density liquid (HDL) waters. Firstly, we proposed a two-state free-volume model and combined with the Adam-Gibbs models to investigate the dynamic equilibria with free diffusion coefficient, viscosity, glass transition temperature and the anomalous dynamics in the two-state water. Free-energy equation was then developed to explore the constitutive relationships of free volume, entropy and anomalously dynamic behaviors. Finally, analytical results of the proposed two-state free-volume model were compared with the experimental data of two-state water reported in literature, and good agreements between them were demonstrated. This study offers a new physical insight into free volume for the anomalous dynamics and LLPTs in the two-state water.

Shallow drainage of agricultural peatlands without land-use change: have your peat and eat it too

IntroductionDrainage for agricultural purposes is one of the main drivers of peatland degradation, leading to significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, biodiversity loss, and soil eutrophication. Rewetting is a potential solution to restore peatlands, but it generally requires a land-use shift to paludiculture or nature areas.MethodsThis study explored whether three different water level management techniques (subsoil irrigation, furrow irrigation, and dynamic ditch water level regulation) could be implemented on dairy grasslands to yield increases in essential ecosystem services (vegetation diversity and soil biogeochemistry) without the need to change the current land use or intensity. We investigated vegetation diversity, soil biogeochemistry, and CO2 emission reduction in fourteen agricultural livestock pastures on drained peat soils in Friesland (Netherlands).ResultsAcross all pastures, Shannon-Wiener diversity was below 1, and the species richness was below 5. The plant-available phosphorus (P) was consistently higher than 3 mmol L−1. None of the water level management (WLM) techniques enhanced vegetation diversity or changed soil biogeochemistry despite a notable increase in water table levels. The potential for CO2 emission reduction remained small or even absent. Indicators of land-use intensity (i.e., grass harvest and fertilization intensity), however, showed a strong negative correlation with vegetation diversity. Furthermore, all sites’ total and plant-available P and nitrate exceeded the upper threshold for species-rich grassland communities.DiscussionIn conclusion, our research suggests that incomplete rewetting (i.e., higher water tables while maintaining drainage) while continuing the current land use does neither effectively mitigate GHG emissions nor benefit vegetation diversity. Therefore, we conclude that combining WLM and reducing land-use intensity is essential to limit the degradation of peat soils and restore more biodiverse vegetation.

Pore water pressure dynamic response in asphalt mixture: A measurement system development

The pore water pressure dynamic response in asphalt pavements is complex and distinct, which is closely related to pavement damage and seepage characteristics. However, existing measurement methods often don’t simulate the dynamic pore water pressure realistically and combine with measuring position and pavement saturation adequately. This study develops a system to measure pore water pressure in asphalt mixtures under dynamic loading. It simultaneously considers vehicle-pavement interactions, sensors embedding and pavement saturation. The test results shows that the output equivalent loads accuracy of the system reaches 80 % and higher. The noise interference from air is identified, and the FFT digital filters are designed to minimize it. The application result shows pore water pressure response varies under different loading modes. The pressure rapidly rises, peaks, then diminishes to 0 under intermittent loading, while it rebounds after decreasing but never reaches 0 under continuous loading. A turning point at 9.8 % void ratio is noted, where denser mixtures exhibit more hysteresis and longer dissipation times, suggesting increased resistance to water transfer.

Amazon severe drought in 2023 triggered surface water loss

Abstract The Amazon underwent a severe austral springtime drought attributed to the onset of El Niño in 2023 and the warmer North Atlantic, Indian, and North Pacific Oceans. The Amazon rivers, lakes, small streams, wetlands, and reservoirs quickly lowered their water level below historical records due to decreased rainfall and warmth in the region. Based on satellite imagery, this study presents the first estimate of the water loss extent in the 4.2 million km2 of the Brazilian Amazon biome (∼62% of the Amazon total biome) in 2023. We estimated the loss of 3.3 million hectares of surface water relative to 2022, with an overall accuracy of 92%. The surface water losses were concentrated in the states of Amazonas (59.4%) and Pará (25.5), adding up to 2.8 million hectares. The warmer and drier climate in the region affected the main rivers in the Amazon. Among them, the Solimões, Negro, Purus, Acre, and Branco suffered extreme drops in their levels in some regions, resulting in a high negative impact on the aquatic biodiversity, yet estimated only in local areas. A total of 1.14 million hectares of surface water loss (i.e. 35%) was detected within protected areas territories, affecting extractivist, indegenous, African-Brazilian, and fishing and traditional communities. Proximity analysis revealed that 75% of the 2023 surface water loss was within 25 km of small towns, 48% and 65.8% at 50 km from indigenous villages and urban areas, respectively. Our results reinforce people’s vulnerability to climate change, anticipating a plausible adverse impact scenario in the Amazon region and urging solutions to adaptation and mitigation. Therefore, an integrated monitoring system based on climate and water dynamics from satellite and ground stations is necessary to improve understanding of the problem for timing response of climatic change negative impacts.

Ecohydrological Dynamics and Temporal Water Origin in a European Mediterranean Vineyard

ABSTRACTViticulture is an essential sector in agriculture as wine production plays a vital role in the socio‐economic life of many countries, especially in the Mediterranean area. Grapevines are a valuable, long‐lived species able to grow in hot and dry regions. We currently do not know whether rain‐fed grapevines entirely rely on deep soil water or make substantial use of shallow water from summer precipitation events. Without knowing this, we poorly understand what fraction of summer precipitation inputs contributes to grapevine transpiration. This has implications for how we quantify grapevine‐relevant precipitation budgets and for predicting the impacts of climate change on grape and wine production. We investigated grapevine water use in a vineyard in the Chianti region, central Italy. During the growing season of 2021, we monitored precipitation and soil moisture at 30‐ and 60‐cm depth. We collected over 250 samples for stable isotope analysis from rainfall, soil, and plants. Since traditional plant water sampling is problematic for grapevines, we collected samples from shoots, leaves, and condensed leaf transpiration after sealed plastic bags were wrapped around a shoot. We use these alternative plant samples to reconstruct the isotopic signal in the xylem water and infer the plant's seasonal water origin throughout the growing season. The analysis of the seasonal origin of water revealed that, throughout the growing season, soil water and plant water received disproportional contributions by rain that had fallen in the winter, even when compensating for the Mediterranean climate of the area. Only in late summer did the grapevines use substantial amounts of summer rainfall, whose contribution occasionally became dominant. These results provide a better understanding of ecohydrological interactions and uptake dynamics in valuable socio‐economic agroecosystems such as vineyards.

Deciphering Permian wetland deposits of the Parnaíba Basin through an integrated study of lithofacies and palynofacies in Western Gondwana

During the Permian, the northwestern portion of the supercontinent Gondwana experienced significant climate changes, among which the increasing aridity in the Parnaíba Basin, located between Brazil's northern and northeastern regions. The marine influence associated with the Panthalassa Ocean, evident in the Silurian and Devonian deposits, was progressively attenuated in the late Carboniferous, culminating in extensive continental deposits during the Permian and the Early Triassic in this region. In this paper, we present the first palynofacies analysis of the Permian Pedra de Fogo Formation, conducted concurrently with the description and association of sedimentary facies from outcrops located in the state of Maranhão, southwest of the Parnaíba Basin. A total of 15 m of sedimentary succession was described, and 28 samples were selected for palynofacies analysis. As a result, we identified six sedimentary facies, which were grouped into two distinct facies associations: Fa1 – Central Lake and Fa2 – Playa Lake. The palynofacies analysis considered the sedimentary organic matter, classifying it into amorphous organic matter, phytoclasts (subdivided into eight subgroups), and palynomorphs (with six subgroups). Integrating the results enabled an understanding of the depositional context, which is closely related to water dynamics and climate seasonality. The shallow lake system interpreted during the wet phases recorded interruptions in the normal sedimentation of the central lake due to turbidite deposits associated with ephemeral rivers. Conversely, during dry phases, salt precipitation occurred with subsequent substitution and aerial exposure of the surface when the water balance was negative. Eodiagenetic events were inferred and are considered throughout the article. The alternation of the hydrological regime allowed the deposition in proximal, transitional, and distal environments, creating a distinctive mosaic of wetland landscapes. The data presented indicate humid conditions within a context of increasing aridity in the studied location, particularly in the upper part of the Pedra de Fogo Formation.

Hydration level dependent dynamics of supercooled water confined in water harvester metal organic framework-303

Crystallization of bulk water cannot be avoided in the temperature range 150–235 K, which is known as no man’s land in the literature focused on the dynamics of the supercooled water. Dynamics of the supercooled water in this temperature range can be accessed by confining water in the nanopores. In the present study, we have investigated dynamics of the supercooled water confined in the pore network of a water harvester metal organic framework (MOF-303) at two different hydration levels (63.4 and 37.0 %). The framework was chosen as a confining host, because the hydrogen bonded–structure of the confined water molecules during adsorption–desorption (i.e. at different hydration levels) is explicitly known. All the relaxation processes observed in the supercooled region are comparatively slower than the bulk–like water dynamics due to the modified hydrogen-bonded structure and the interactions with the pore walls. The confined water, not directly interacting with the pore walls, undergoes a liquid-to-liquid transition (Ts) at ∼186 K followed by its glassy freezing with glass transition temperature Tg ∼ 108 K which is consistent with high density liquid phase of amorphous ice. Both Ts as well as Tg are observed to increase with the decrease in hydration level. It confirmed that the evolved hydrogen-bonded network and the interactions with the pore walls play deterministic roles in the glassy freezing of the confined water. No crystallization as well as the glassy freezing of the water molecules directly interacting with the pore walls through the hydrogen bonding is observed at both the hydration level. The observed relaxation processes corresponding to these molecules in the supercooled region can be attributed to rearrangement of their hydrogen-bonded structure.