Articles | Volume 68, issue 4
https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-249-2013
© Author(s) 2013. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-249-2013
© Author(s) 2013. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Standard article
| 
16 Dec 2013
Standard article |
| 16 Dec 2013
Topoclimatological case-study of Alpine pastures near the Albula Pass in the eastern Swiss Alps
P. Michna
University of Bern, Institute of Geography, Hallerstrasse 12, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
W. Eugster
ETH Zürich, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universitätsstrasse 2, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
R. V. Hiller
ETH Zürich, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universitätsstrasse 2, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
M. J. Zeeman
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research (IMK–IFU), Kreuzeckbahnstr. 19, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
H. Wanner
University of Bern, Institute of Geography, Hallerstrasse 12, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Matthias Zeeman, Andreas Christen, Sue Grimmond, Daniel Fenner, William Morrison, Gregor Feigel, Markus Sulzer, and Nektarios Chrysoulakis
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 13, 393–424, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-393-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-13-393-2024, 2024
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This study presents an overview of a data system for documenting, processing, managing, and publishing data streams from research networks of atmospheric and environmental sensors of varying complexity in urban environments. Our solutions aim to deliver resilient, near-time data using freely available software.
Benjamin Schumacher, Marwan Katurji, Jiawei Zhang, Peyman Zawar-Reza, Benjamin Adams, and Matthias Zeeman
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 5681–5700, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-5681-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-5681-2022, 2022
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This investigation presents adaptive thermal image velocimetry (A-TIV), a newly developed algorithm to spatially measure near-surface atmospheric velocities using an infrared camera mounted on uncrewed aerial vehicles. A validation and accuracy assessment of the retrieved velocity fields shows the successful application of the algorithm over short-cut grass and turf surfaces in dry conditions. This provides new opportunities for atmospheric scientists to study surface–atmosphere interactions.
Andreas Riedl, Yafei Li, Jon Eugster, Nina Buchmann, and Werner Eugster
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 91–116, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-91-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-91-2022, 2022
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The aim of this study was to develop a high-accuracy micro-lysimeter system for the quantification of non-rainfall water inputs that overcomes existing drawbacks. The micro-lysimeter system had a high accuracy and allowed us to quantify and distinguish between different types of non-rainfall water inputs, like dew and fog. Non-rainfall water inputs occurred frequently in a Swiss Alpine grassland ecosystem. These water inputs can be an important water source for grasslands during dry periods.
Matthias Zeeman
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 14, 7475–7493, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-7475-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-7475-2021, 2021
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Understanding turbulence near the surface is important for many applications. In this work, methods for observing and analysing temperature structures in a near-surface volume were explored. Experiments were conducted to identify modes of organised motion. These help explain interactions between the vegetation and the atmosphere that are not currently well understood. Techniques used include fibre-optic sensing, thermal infrared imaging, signal decomposition, and machine learning.
Yafei Li, Franziska Aemisegger, Andreas Riedl, Nina Buchmann, and Werner Eugster
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 2617–2648, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2617-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2617-2021, 2021
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During dry spells, dew and fog potentially play an increasingly important role in temperate grasslands. Research on the combined mechanisms of dew and fog inputs to ecosystems and distillation of water vapor from soil to plant surfaces is rare. Our results using stable water isotopes highlight the importance of dew and fog inputs to temperate grasslands during dry spells and reveal the complexity of the local water cycling in such conditions, including different pathways of dew and fog inputs.
Martina Botter, Matthias Zeeman, Paolo Burlando, and Simone Fatichi
Biogeosciences, 18, 1917–1939, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-1917-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-1917-2021, 2021
Lutz Merbold, Charlotte Decock, Werner Eugster, Kathrin Fuchs, Benjamin Wolf, Nina Buchmann, and Lukas Hörtnagl
Biogeosciences, 18, 1481–1498, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-1481-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-18-1481-2021, 2021
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Our study investigated the exchange of the three major greenhouse gases (GHGs) over a temperate grassland prior to and after restoration through tillage in central Switzerland. Our results show that irregular management events, such as tillage, have considerable effects on GHG emissions in the year of tillage while leading to enhanced carbon uptake and similar nitrogen losses via nitrous oxide in the years following tillage to those observed prior to tillage.
Mercedes Ibañez, Núria Altimir, Àngela Ribas, Werner Eugster, and Maria-Teresa Sebastià
Biogeosciences Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2020-173, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2020-173, 2020
Manuscript not accepted for further review
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Our study unravels the influence of forage species on ecosystem scale CO2 fluxes, and is the first long term dataset of a forage system in the Pyrenees. We found strong evidence that cereal legume mixtures enhanced system's CO2 sink capacity compared to cereal monocultures, by enhancing photosynthesis and voluntary regrowth, decisive for the net CO2 budget. This knowledge is crucial to develop climate change mitigation strategies, while ensuring productivity of forage systems.
Werner Eugster, James Laundre, Jon Eugster, and George W. Kling
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 2681–2695, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-2681-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-2681-2020, 2020
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Measuring ambient methane concentrations requires expensive optical sensors. The first electrochemical analyzer that shows a response to ambient levels of methane is now available. We present the first long-term deployment of such sensors in an arctic environment (temperatures from −41 to 27 °C). We present a method based on these measurements to convert the signal to methane concentrations (corrected for the effects of air temperature and relative humidity) and ensure long-term stability.
Stefan Osterwalder, Werner Eugster, Iris Feigenwinter, and Martin Jiskra
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 2057–2074, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-2057-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-2057-2020, 2020
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Direct mercury (Hg) flux studies are crucial to improve our understanding of terrestrial Hg cycling and human Hg exposure. We tested a new system to measure Hg fluxes using the eddy covariance technique. Our Eddy Mercury system revealed a net Hg re-emission flux from a grassland. We concluded that the prevailing dry conditions resulted in low uptake of CO2 and Hg. Eddy Mercury has the potential to address some of the largest uncertainties in global Hg cycling through long-term flux measurements.
Martin Kunz, Jost V. Lavric, Rainer Gasche, Christoph Gerbig, Richard H. Grant, Frank-Thomas Koch, Marcus Schumacher, Benjamin Wolf, and Matthias Zeeman
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 1671–1692, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-1671-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-1671-2020, 2020
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The nocturnal boundary layer (NBL) budget method enables the quantification of gas fluxes between ecosystems and the atmosphere under nocturnal stable stratification, a condition under which standard approaches struggle. However, up to now the application of the NBL method has been limited by difficulties in obtaining the required measurements. We show how an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) equipped with a carbon dioxide analyser can make this method more accessible.
Chris R. Flechard, Andreas Ibrom, Ute M. Skiba, Wim de Vries, Marcel van Oijen, David R. Cameron, Nancy B. Dise, Janne F. J. Korhonen, Nina Buchmann, Arnaud Legout, David Simpson, Maria J. Sanz, Marc Aubinet, Denis Loustau, Leonardo Montagnani, Johan Neirynck, Ivan A. Janssens, Mari Pihlatie, Ralf Kiese, Jan Siemens, André-Jean Francez, Jürgen Augustin, Andrej Varlagin, Janusz Olejnik, Radosław Juszczak, Mika Aurela, Daniel Berveiller, Bogdan H. Chojnicki, Ulrich Dämmgen, Nicolas Delpierre, Vesna Djuricic, Julia Drewer, Eric Dufrêne, Werner Eugster, Yannick Fauvel, David Fowler, Arnoud Frumau, André Granier, Patrick Gross, Yannick Hamon, Carole Helfter, Arjan Hensen, László Horváth, Barbara Kitzler, Bart Kruijt, Werner L. Kutsch, Raquel Lobo-do-Vale, Annalea Lohila, Bernard Longdoz, Michal V. Marek, Giorgio Matteucci, Marta Mitosinkova, Virginie Moreaux, Albrecht Neftel, Jean-Marc Ourcival, Kim Pilegaard, Gabriel Pita, Francisco Sanz, Jan K. Schjoerring, Maria-Teresa Sebastià, Y. Sim Tang, Hilde Uggerud, Marek Urbaniak, Netty van Dijk, Timo Vesala, Sonja Vidic, Caroline Vincke, Tamás Weidinger, Sophie Zechmeister-Boltenstern, Klaus Butterbach-Bahl, Eiko Nemitz, and Mark A. Sutton
Biogeosciences, 17, 1583–1620, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-17-1583-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-17-1583-2020, 2020
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Experimental evidence from a network of 40 monitoring sites in Europe suggests that atmospheric nitrogen deposition to forests and other semi-natural vegetation impacts the carbon sequestration rates in ecosystems, as well as the net greenhouse gas balance including other greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide and methane. Excess nitrogen deposition in polluted areas also leads to other environmental impacts such as nitrogen leaching to groundwater and other pollutant gaseous emissions.
Chris R. Flechard, Marcel van Oijen, David R. Cameron, Wim de Vries, Andreas Ibrom, Nina Buchmann, Nancy B. Dise, Ivan A. Janssens, Johan Neirynck, Leonardo Montagnani, Andrej Varlagin, Denis Loustau, Arnaud Legout, Klaudia Ziemblińska, Marc Aubinet, Mika Aurela, Bogdan H. Chojnicki, Julia Drewer, Werner Eugster, André-Jean Francez, Radosław Juszczak, Barbara Kitzler, Werner L. Kutsch, Annalea Lohila, Bernard Longdoz, Giorgio Matteucci, Virginie Moreaux, Albrecht Neftel, Janusz Olejnik, Maria J. Sanz, Jan Siemens, Timo Vesala, Caroline Vincke, Eiko Nemitz, Sophie Zechmeister-Boltenstern, Klaus Butterbach-Bahl, Ute M. Skiba, and Mark A. Sutton
Biogeosciences, 17, 1621–1654, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-17-1621-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-17-1621-2020, 2020
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Nitrogen deposition from the atmosphere to unfertilized terrestrial vegetation such as forests can increase carbon dioxide uptake and favour carbon sequestration by ecosystems. However the data from observational networks are difficult to interpret in terms of a carbon-to-nitrogen response, because there are a number of other confounding factors, such as climate, soil physical properties and fertility, and forest age. We propose a model-based method to untangle the different influences.
Genki Katata, Rüdiger Grote, Matthias Mauder, Matthias J. Zeeman, and Masakazu Ota
Biogeosciences, 17, 1071–1085, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-17-1071-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-17-1071-2020, 2020
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In this paper, we demonstrate that high physiological activity levels during the extremely warm winter are allocated into the below-ground biomass and only to a minor extent used for additional plant growth during early spring. This process is so far largely unaccounted for in scenario analysis using global terrestrial biosphere models, and it may lead to carbon accumulation in the soil and/or carbon loss from the soil as a response to global warming.
Erkan Ibraim, Benjamin Wolf, Eliza Harris, Rainer Gasche, Jing Wei, Longfei Yu, Ralf Kiese, Sarah Eggleston, Klaus Butterbach-Bahl, Matthias Zeeman, Béla Tuzson, Lukas Emmenegger, Johan Six, Stephan Henne, and Joachim Mohn
Biogeosciences, 16, 3247–3266, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-16-3247-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-16-3247-2019, 2019
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Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an important greenhouse gas and the major stratospheric ozone-depleting substance; therefore, mitigation of anthropogenic N2O emissions is needed. To trace N2O-emitting source processes, in this study, we observed N2O isotopocules above an intensively managed grassland research site with a recently developed laser spectroscopy method. Our results indicate that the domain of denitrification or nitrifier denitrification was the major N2O source.
Anne Klosterhalfen, Alexander Graf, Nicolas Brüggemann, Clemens Drüe, Odilia Esser, María P. González-Dugo, Günther Heinemann, Cor M. J. Jacobs, Matthias Mauder, Arnold F. Moene, Patrizia Ney, Thomas Pütz, Corinna Rebmann, Mario Ramos Rodríguez, Todd M. Scanlon, Marius Schmidt, Rainer Steinbrecher, Christoph K. Thomas, Veronika Valler, Matthias J. Zeeman, and Harry Vereecken
Biogeosciences, 16, 1111–1132, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-16-1111-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-16-1111-2019, 2019
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To obtain magnitudes of flux components of H2O and CO2 (e.g., transpiration, soil respiration), we applied source partitioning approaches after Scanlon and Kustas (2010) and after Thomas et al. (2008) to high-frequency eddy covariance measurements of 12 study sites covering various ecosystems (croplands, grasslands, and forests) in different climatic regions. We analyzed the interrelations among turbulence, site characteristics, and the performance of both partitioning methods.
Kathrin Fuchs, Lukas Hörtnagl, Nina Buchmann, Werner Eugster, Val Snow, and Lutz Merbold
Biogeosciences, 15, 5519–5543, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-5519-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-5519-2018, 2018
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Replacing fertiliser nitrogen with biologically fixed nitrogen (BFN) through legumes has been suggested as a strategy for nitrous oxide (N2O) mitigation from intensively managed grasslands. On our site the mitigation strategy reduced N2O emissions by 54 % and 39 % in 2015 and 2016, while annual yields were similar under mitigation management. We conclude that N2O emissions can be effectively reduced without losses in yield by increasing the clover proportion and reducing fertilisation.
Carmen Emmel, Annina Winkler, Lukas Hörtnagl, Andrew Revill, Christof Ammann, Petra D'Odorico, Nina Buchmann, and Werner Eugster
Biogeosciences, 15, 5377–5393, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-5377-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-5377-2018, 2018
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It is of great interest to know whether croplands act as a net source or sink of atmospheric CO2 and if soil carbon (C) stocks are preserved over long timescales due to the role of C in soil fertility. For a cropland in Switzerland it was found that managing the field under the Swiss framework of the Proof of Ecological Performance (PEP) resulted in soil C losses of 18.0 %. Additional efforts are needed to bring Swiss management practices closer to the goal of preserving soil C in the long term.
Matthias Mauder and Matthias J. Zeeman
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 11, 249–263, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-249-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-11-249-2018, 2018
Werner Eugster, Carmen Emmel, Sebastian Wolf, Nina Buchmann, Joseph P. McFadden, and Charles David Whiteman
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 14887–14904, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-14887-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-14887-2017, 2017
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The effects of penumbral shading of the solar eclipse of 20 March 2015 on near-surface meteorology across Switzerland (occultation 65.8–70.1 %) was investigated. Temperature effects at 184 weather stations are compared with temperature drops reported in the literature since 1834. A special focus is, however, put on wind direction effects observed at six flux sites (with 20 Hz data) and 165 meteorological stations (with 10 min resolution data). Results show the importance of local topography.
Caroline Brosy, Karina Krampf, Matthias Zeeman, Benjamin Wolf, Wolfgang Junkermann, Klaus Schäfer, Stefan Emeis, and Harald Kunstmann
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 10, 2773–2784, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-10-2773-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-10-2773-2017, 2017
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Vertical and horizontal sounding of the planetary boundary layer can be complemented by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Utilizing a multicopter-type UAV spatial sampling of air and simultaneously sensing of meteorological variables is possible for the study of surface exchange processes. During stable atmospheric conditions, vertical methane gradients of about 300 ppb were found. This approach extended the vertical profile height of existing tower-based infrastructure by a factor of five.
János Balogh, Marianna Papp, Krisztina Pintér, Szilvia Fóti, Katalin Posta, Werner Eugster, and Zoltán Nagy
Biogeosciences, 13, 5171–5182, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-5171-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-5171-2016, 2016
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In the dry grassland investigated in this study the components of the soil CO2 efflux decreased at different rates under drought conditions. During drought the contribution made by the heterotrophic components was the highest and the rhizospheric component was the most sensitive to soil drying. According to our results, the heterotrophic component of soil respiration is the major contributor to the respiration activities during drought events.
Inge Juszak, Werner Eugster, Monique M. P. D. Heijmans, and Gabriela Schaepman-Strub
Biogeosciences, 13, 4049–4064, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-4049-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-13-4049-2016, 2016
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Changes in Arctic vegetation composition and structure feed back to climate and permafrost. Using field observations at a Siberian tundra site, we find that dwarf shrubs absorb more solar radiation than wet sedges and thus amplify surface warming, especially during snow melt. On the other hand, permafrost thaw was enhanced below sedges as a consequence of high soil moisture. Standing dead sedge leaves affected the radiation budget strongly and deserve more scientific attention.
Stephan Henne, Dominik Brunner, Brian Oney, Markus Leuenberger, Werner Eugster, Ines Bamberger, Frank Meinhardt, Martin Steinbacher, and Lukas Emmenegger
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 3683–3710, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-3683-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-3683-2016, 2016
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Greenhouse gas emissions can be assessed by "top-down" methods that combine atmospheric observations, a transport model and a mathematical optimisation framework. Here, we apply such a top-down method to the methane emissions of Switzerland, utilising observations from the recently installed CarboCount-CH network. Our Swiss total emissions largely agree with those of the national "bottom-up" inventory, whereas regional differences suggest lower than reported emissions from manure handling.
J. Stieger, I. Bamberger, N. Buchmann, and W. Eugster
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 14055–14069, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-14055-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-14055-2015, 2015
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At night, concentrations of methane and other trace gases in the near-surface atmosphere increase due to limited turbulent mixing and confluence of cold air from valley slopes towards the valley bottom. Here we used a tethered balloon sounding system to obtain time-height profiles of methane concentrations from which we compute methane emissions. These flux estimates serve as the first experimental validation of Swiss agricultural methane emissions at the farm scale.
B. Oney, S. Henne, N. Gruber, M. Leuenberger, I. Bamberger, W. Eugster, and D. Brunner
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 11147–11164, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-11147-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-11147-2015, 2015
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We present a detailed analysis of a new greenhouse gas measurement network
in the Swiss Plateau, situated between the Jura mountains and the Alps. We
find the network's measurements to be information rich and suitable
for studying surface carbon fluxes of the study region. However, we are
limited by the high-resolution (2km) atmospheric transport model's ability
to simulate meteorology at the individual measurement stations, especially
at those situated in rough terrain.
W. Eugster and L. Merbold
SOIL, 1, 187–205, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-1-187-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-1-187-2015, 2015
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The eddy covariance (EC) method has become increasingly popular in soil science. The basic concept of this method and its use in different types of experimental designs in the field are given, and we indicate where progress in advancing and extending the field of applications is made. The greatest strengths of EC measurements in soil science are (1) their uninterrupted continuous measurement of gas concentrations and fluxes and (2) spatial integration over
small-scale heterogeneity in the soil.
H. N. Mbufong, M. Lund, M. Aurela, T. R. Christensen, W. Eugster, T. Friborg, B. U. Hansen, E. R. Humphreys, M. Jackowicz-Korczynski, L. Kutzbach, P. M. Lafleur, W. C. Oechel, F. J. W. Parmentier, D. P. Rasse, A. V. Rocha, T. Sachs, M. K. van der Molen, and M. P. Tamstorf
Biogeosciences, 11, 4897–4912, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-11-4897-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-11-4897-2014, 2014
R. V. Hiller, D. Bretscher, T. DelSontro, T. Diem, W. Eugster, R. Henneberger, S. Hobi, E. Hodson, D. Imer, M. Kreuzer, T. Künzle, L. Merbold, P. A. Niklaus, B. Rihm, A. Schellenberger, M. H. Schroth, C. J. Schubert, H. Siegrist, J. Stieger, N. Buchmann, and D. Brunner
Biogeosciences, 11, 1941–1959, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-11-1941-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-11-1941-2014, 2014
S. Zielis, S. Etzold, R. Zweifel, W. Eugster, M. Haeni, and N. Buchmann
Biogeosciences, 11, 1627–1635, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-11-1627-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-11-1627-2014, 2014
A. Mairesse, H. Goosse, P. Mathiot, H. Wanner, and S. Dubinkina
Clim. Past, 9, 2741–2757, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-9-2741-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-9-2741-2013, 2013
D. Imer, L. Merbold, W. Eugster, and N. Buchmann
Biogeosciences, 10, 5931–5945, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-10-5931-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-10-5931-2013, 2013
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Emmanuel Reynard, Tarek Ben Fraj, Aziza Ghram Messedi, Hédi Ben Ouezdou, Mohamed Ouaja, and Yves Matthijs
Geogr. Helv., 77, 97–119, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-97-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-97-2022, 2022
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The study is a geomorphological analysis of Djebel Dahar, in south-eastern Tunisia, carried out as the basis for a UNESCO Global Geopark. We made a synthesis of the geographical, geological and geomorphological context of the area, proposed a delimitation for the future geopark, based on geological and geomorphological characteristics, and established a preliminary list of geosites, indicating their scientific value and their potential for geotourism.
Heidi Megerle, Simon Martin, and Géraldine Regolini
Geogr. Helv., 77, 53–66, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-53-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-53-2022, 2022
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Geogr. Helv., 77, 39–51, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-39-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-39-2022, 2022
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Soil quality depends on water availability for plants. Sandy soils with a poorly permeable layer (fragipan) are considered inept for agriculture. However they are cultivated in Namibia as they secure a minimum harvest during droughts. In order to understand the hydrological influence of fragipans in these soils, soil moisture content was measured. The results illustrate that the combination of sandy topsoil and shallow fragipan has beneficial effects on plant-available water during dry periods.
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Geogr. Helv., 77, 21–37, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-21-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-21-2022, 2022
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The Monte Crenone rock avalanche of 1513 is well known on the southern side of the Alps because in 1515 it generated the largest inundation that has occurred in Switzerland in the Common Era, the Buzza di Biasca. New geological and historical observations allowed the setup of a numerical model of this major event, permitting a better definition of the chain of consequences that affected the alluvial plain of the river Ticino from Biasca to Lake Maggiore between the 16th and the 19th century.
Dorota Czerski, Daphné Giacomazzi, and Cristian Scapozza
Geogr. Helv., 77, 1–20, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-1-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-77-1-2022, 2022
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The paper presents the results of recent geoarchaeological studies on the Ticino river alluvial plain. The sedimentological descriptions are combined with archaeological observations and constrained with radiocarbon dating. This approach, together with data from previous research and historical sources, provides an interesting overview of the eveolution of Ticino river morphosedimentary dynamics in relation to human settlements since the Neolithic.
Cristian Scapozza, Chantal Del Siro, Christophe Lambiel, and Christian Ambrosi
Geogr. Helv., 76, 401–423, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-401-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-401-2021, 2021
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Exposure ages make it possible to determine the time of weathering of a rock surface. They can be determined from rebound values measured with the Schmidt hammer and calibrated on surfaces of known age, defined in this study thanks to historical cartography and two mule tracks built in 300 and 1250 CE, which allowed us to reconstruct glacier fluctuations over the last 3 centuries in Val Scaradra and to define the time of deglaciation and rock glacier development in the Splügenpass region.
Jonathan Bussard and Elisa Giaccone
Geogr. Helv., 76, 385–399, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-385-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-385-2021, 2021
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In mountain environments, active geomorphological processes have a strong influence on plant diversity because they act as renovators for habitats of pioneer species. In this paper, we propose criteria to assess the ecological value of dynamic mountain geomorphosites. We show that the interest of plant communities and the influence of geomorphological processes on plant communities are fundamental criteria for assessing ecological value in an exhaustive and objective way.
Philip Greenwood, Jan Bauer, and Nikolaus J. Kuhn
Geogr. Helv., 76, 319–333, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-319-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-76-319-2021, 2021
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Soil erosion by wind and water is a commonly recognized phenomenon on agricultural land. Erosion in forests is studied less and generally considered to be limited because of the soil protection by vegetation. However, trees, when toppled because of old age or wind, loosen a considerable amount of soil when their roots are pulled from the ground. In addition, the holes left in the ground act as collectors for water and concentrated runoff, causing significant soil loss on forested slopes.
Cristian Scapozza, Christian Ambrosi, Massimiliano Cannata, and Tazio Strozzi
Geogr. Helv., 74, 125–139, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-125-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-125-2019, 2019
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A glacial lake outburst flood hazard assessment by satellite Earth observation and numerical modelling was done for the lakes linked to the Thangothang Chhu glacier, Chomolhari area (Bhutan), combining detailed geomorphological mapping, landslide and rock glacier inventories, as well as surface displacements quantified by satellite InSAR. Outburst scenario modelling revealed that only a flood wave can have an impact on the two human settlements located downslope of the glacier.
Philippe Burkhalter, Markus Egli, and Holger Gärtner
Geogr. Helv., 74, 93–103, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-93-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-93-2019, 2019
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A spatiotemporal reconstruction of slope movements on the edge of Lake Lucerne near the municipality of Horw, canton of Lucerne is presented. The reconstruction was realized by analyzing growth reactions of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and fir (Abies alba Mill.) trees growing on this slope. Results show that the area has been moving at least since 1948. A significant concentration of events was observed between 1990 and 2000 as well as after 2006.
Sebastián Vivero and Christophe Lambiel
Geogr. Helv., 74, 59–69, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-59-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-74-59-2019, 2019
Mario Kummert and Reynald Delaloye
Geogr. Helv., 73, 357–371, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-73-357-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-73-357-2018, 2018
Max Boxleitner, Susan Ivy-Ochs, Dagmar Brandova, Marcus Christl, Markus Egli, and Max Maisch
Geogr. Helv., 73, 241–252, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-73-241-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-73-241-2018, 2018
Patrick Becker, Martin Funk, Christian Schlüchter, and Kolumban Hutter
Geogr. Helv., 72, 421–442, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-72-421-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-72-421-2017, 2017
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This article studies the ice flow in the Valais region during the last glaciation (Würm) in detail. The numerical modelling shows a discrepancy of the height of the ice cap compared to the geomorphological evidence based on trimlines. However, geomorphological evidence at the Simplon Pass indicating an ice flow from the Rhone valley into the valley of Toce was confirmed. Furthermore it is shown that for this confirmation a sufficient ice thickness is obligatory.
Patrick Becker, Julien Seguinot, Guillaume Jouvet, and Martin Funk
Geogr. Helv., 71, 173–187, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-71-173-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-71-173-2016, 2016
Frank Techel, Frédéric Jarry, Georg Kronthaler, Susanna Mitterer, Patrick Nairz, Miha Pavšek, Mauro Valt, and Gian Darms
Geogr. Helv., 71, 147–159, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-71-147-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-71-147-2016, 2016
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During the last 45 years, about 100 people lost their lives in avalanches in the European Alps each year. Avalanche fatalities in settlements and on transportation corridors have considerably decreased since the 1970s. In contrast, the number of avalanche fatalities during recreational activities away from avalanche-secured terrain doubled between the 1960s and 1980s and has remained relatively stable since, despite a continuing strong increase in winter backcountry recreational activities.
Rachel Luethi and Marcia Phillips
Geogr. Helv., 71, 121–131, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-71-121-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-71-121-2016, 2016
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Long-term borehole temperature monitoring in mountain permafrost environments is challenging under the hostile conditions reigning there. On the basis of data measured in the SLF borehole network we show situations where ground temperature data should be interpreted with caution. A selection of recently observed problems are discussed, and advantages and possible drawbacks of various solutions including data correction, measurement redundancy or alternate instrumentation are presented.
P. Greenwood, M. Hoelzle, and N. J. Kuhn
Geogr. Helv., 70, 311–313, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-311-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-311-2015, 2015
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Editorial introducing the special issue of Geographica Helvetica: Mapping, Measuring and Modeling in Geomorphology.
C. Willi, C. Graf, Y. Deubelbeiss, and M. Keiler
Geogr. Helv., 70, 265–279, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-265-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-265-2015, 2015
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The erosion of and depositions on channel bed surfaces are instrumental to understanding debris flow processes. We present different methods and highlight their pro and cons. Terrestrial and airborne laser scanning, erosion sensors, cross sections and geomorphological mapping are compared. Two of these approaches are tested and applied in a torrent. The results indicate that the methods are associated with variable temporal and spatial resolution as well as data quality and invested effort.
S. Müller and D. Schaub
Geogr. Helv., 70, 193–198, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-193-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-193-2015, 2015
L. Xiao, Y. Hu, P. Greenwood, and N. J. Kuhn
Geogr. Helv., 70, 167–174, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-167-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-167-2015, 2015
C. Scapozza
Geogr. Helv., 70, 135–139, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-135-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-135-2015, 2015
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In the scientific literature, “protalus ramparts” can designate both a nivo-gravitational landform (also called “pronival ramparts”) and a permafrost-related landform. Thanks to a selection of eight major diagnostic criteria defined from observations carried out in the Swiss Alps, it was highlighted that the structure, ice content and creep dynamics of protalus ramparts are the same as many rock glaciers. Protalus rampart were therefore defined simply as a (small) active talus rock glacier.
C. Ambrosi and C. Scapozza
Geogr. Helv., 70, 121–133, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-121-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-121-2015, 2015
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Some examples of 3-D digital mapping for Quaternary geological and geomorphological cartography are presented in this paper. Examples concern in particular the Quaternary geological cartography around the well-know Flims rockslide area (Graubünden), performed in the framework of the GeoCover project launched by the Swiss Geological Survey, and the landslide and glacial/periglacial landform mapping and inventorying in the southern Swiss Alps (Ticino) for assessing the slope tectonic activity.
B. Staub, A. Marmy, C. Hauck, C. Hilbich, and R. Delaloye
Geogr. Helv., 70, 45–62, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-45-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-45-2015, 2015
P. Greenwood, S. Kuonen, W. Fister, and N. J. Kuhn
Geogr. Helv., 70, 63–73, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-63-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-63-2015, 2015
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Alpine and mountain slopes represent important pathways that link high-altitude grazing areas to meadows and rangelands at lower elevations. Given the acute gradients associated with such environments, we hypothesize that terracettes act as efficient runoff conveyance routes that facilitate the movement of runoff and associated material during erosion events. This hypothesis was partially disproved during a series of rainfall/runoff simulations on a well-developed terracette system, however.
M. Stähli, C. Graf, C. Scheidl, C. R. Wyss, and A. Volkwein
Geogr. Helv., 70, 1–9, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-1-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-70-1-2015, 2015
M. Hoelzle and E. Reynard
Geogr. Helv., 68, 225–226, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-225-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-225-2013, 2013
M. Huss, A. Voinesco, and M. Hoelzle
Geogr. Helv., 68, 227–237, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-227-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-227-2013, 2013
R. Weingartner, B. Schädler, and P. Hänggi
Geogr. Helv., 68, 239–248, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-239-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-239-2013, 2013
S. Schneider, S. Daengeli, C. Hauck, and M. Hoelzle
Geogr. Helv., 68, 265–280, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-265-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-68-265-2013, 2013
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