Search

This article explores the intricate relationship between self-organisation and planning in megaregional transportation dynamics, using the North Coast of Java as a case study. Focusing on circular migration during the Eid holiday season, the study identifies the crucial roles of symmetry breaks, feedback loops and interventions in shaping transportation patterns. Specifically, the article employs qualitative methods, including interviews with key stakeholders and analysis of transportation data, to investigate the dynamics of circular migration. The findings reveal how planning interventions influence outcomes, emphasise the importance of multilevel governance, and offer insights for planning in complex systems. This work enhances our understanding of self-organisation and planning, providing valuable guidance for urban practitioners dealing with complex socio-spatial systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ciencia y Poder Aéreo is the property of Escuela de Postgrados de la Fuerza Aerea Colombiana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We invite you to join us to dig Garlaany, pipis, at Middle Head Beach, a place where Ngambaa and Gumbaynggirr Countries come together on the mid-north coast of so-called NSW, Australia. Here, digging Garlaany is a Country-led practice that brings rich embodied meaning to the re-creation of Gumbaynggirr Ngambaa knowledge. As agential beings living on stolen land, Garlaany continue to call, shift, and teach those who listen, about how knowledge is co-created through a more-than-human relationality in/as place, in/as time. Yet, what do we mean by Country-led? How might we practice it, as a collective of Gumbaynggirr and non-Gumbaynggirr people working together on stolen Aboriginal land? In this paper, we aim to articulate some of the complexities of what Country-led means for us as Yandaarra, an intercultural research collaboration whose research practice is informed by Gumbaynggirr Ngambaa Country. We invite you to join us digging Garlaany. Our digging together is offered both as part of our methodology and as a lived reality – how we come into being together through Country-led practices in our research. In this place and at this time, our togetherness at Middle Head Beach is held by Gumbaynggirr Ngambaa Country and its Custodians, who share with us the old ways to help us to something new, re-learning and remembering as healing relationships, as Yandaarra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is the second communication in a series devoted to the study of the microturbellarian fauna (Plathelminthes, Rhabditophora) of Boguchansky Reservoir, in the lower reaches of the Angara River, Eastern Siberia. This communication provides data on the taxonomy, structure of the male copulatory organ, and zoogeography of species from the families Provorticidae Beklemischev, 1927; Macrostomidae Benden, 1870; and Microstomidae Luther, 1907. The fauna of these worms in the Angara River and Lake Baikal are still poorly studied. Three species from these families were recorded and described more than 90 years ago from the Angara River before our study; however, the original descriptions were accompanied by highly schematic and non-informative sketches, which, on the whole, do not allow us to conduct exact species identifications and comparisons. During the study of the lower part of the Angara River, we found representatives of three other species: Macrostomum johni Young, 1972, Microstomum rogozini Timoshkin et Krivorotkin (in press), and Baicalellia nasonovi Timoshkin et Krivorotkin, sp. n. The stylets of M. johni from the Angara River and Lake Baikal are almost identical in structure and size to those of specimens of the type series from Great Britain. M.rogozini is one of the most common species of Microstomidae that inhabit the coastal zone of Lake Baikal. The stylet structure of the Baicalellia species resembles that of Baicalelliabaicali Nasonov, 1930 and Baicalellianigrofasciata Nasonov, 1930; however, their available descriptions do not make it possible to compare them reliably with the species that we found. Therefore, we propose to consider both these names as nomen nudum and attribute the discovered individuals to B. nasonovi, a species new to science. Despite the significant geographic isolation, the stylets of the Baikal and Boguchansky specimens are identical in structure and size. Similarly to kalyptorhynchian species (see Communication 1), the discovery of provorticids and microstomids of Baikal origins in such a remote section of the Angara River considerably expands their ranges and demonstrates their capacities to colonize water bodies hydrographically connected to Lake Baikal. Illustrated descriptions of the Boguchansky and Baikal specimens of M. johni, M.rogozini, and B.nasonovi and comparisons with the most similar species and zoogeographic information are given. In addition, a complete checklist of the Angara River microturbellarian fauna, which currently includes 35 species from nine families, is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential performance of a hypothetical colloidal‐activated carbon (CAC) in situ remedy for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in groundwater in coastal zones was evaluated using estimated hydrogeologic and geochemical parameters for a coastal site in the United States. With these parameters, a reactive transport model (ISR‐MT3DMS) was used to assess the effects of tidal fluctuations and near‐shore geochemistry on CAC performance. The average near‐shore ionic strength of 84 mM at the site was conservatively estimated to result in an increase in the adsorption of PFOA to CAC by about 50% relative to non‐coastal sites with ionic strength <10 mM. The modeling also confirmed the hypothesis that tidally induced groundwater flow reversals near the shore would result in the accumulation of PFOA at the downgradient edge of the CAC zone. Slow desorption of PFOA from this downgradient CAC boundary may sustain downgradient plume concentrations above a strict cleanup criterion (e.g., USEPA MCL of 0.004 μg/L), for decades; however, there was still a large PFOA mass flux reduction (>99.9%) achieved after several decades at the shore. CAC longevity was substantially greater for PFOS with a similar source concentration; however, the higher PFOS distribution coefficient (Kd) in soil downgradient from the CAC zone resulted in substantially longer flushing times. It is recommended that short‐term remedial action objectives for CAC remedies at coastal sites be based on mass flux reduction targets over a period of several decades, given the demonstrated challenges in trying to achieve very low cleanup criteria downgradient of a CAC zone in the short term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response of beach sedimentary geomorphology to consecutive storms is a complex process, especially for beaches surrounding an island. Variations in coastal sedimentary landforms, dynamic environments and levels of development and utilization lead to non-uniformity in storm response, which may become more pronounced when influenced by continuous storms. This study focuses on the beaches around Weizhou Island to investigate this non-uniformity. Based on the topographic, surface sediment and hydrodynamic data collected on site before and after the consecutive typhoons (Typhoons Lionrock and Kompasu), the study examines the characteristics of beach geomorphology and surface sediment. The results show significant differences in the geomorphological responses between the four zones along the island. On the plane, the deposition degree of Zone I beach gradually weakened from west to east, and most areas of Zone III beach appeared in an alternating state of erosion and deposition. The beaches of Zone II and Zone IV showed the characteristics of dramatic changes in the northern and central beaches and relatively stable in the southern beaches. On the profile, the beach deformation area mainly occurs in the middle and upper parts of foreshore and berm. The response intensity of beaches in zone I is the weakest, the response intensity of beaches in zone III is the most intense, and the response intensity of beaches in zone II and zone IV is relatively close. However, the performance of beach sediments in different regions before and after continuous typhoons is less different. Except that the beach sediments in Zone I were mainly refined, the beach sediments in other zones of Weizhou Island were relatively coarse, and the sediments in the middle and upper parts of the foreshore were the coarsest, with the sorting being the worst. The different combinations of incident waves and storm surges during the typhoons are the primary factors that lead to various geomorphological responses in different zones. The antecedent beach status, distributions of rock and coral reefs, and anthropogenic activities further exacerbate these differences. This work can provide reference for island beach protection and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea level rise is expected to cause chronic shoreline retreat, affecting over 10% of the world's population in low-elevation coastal zones (LECZ). Sandy beaches supported by man-made structures are more vulnerable to substantial beach area loss due to restricted landward migration, affecting ecosystem services. However, the global extent of 'hardened' sandy coastlines at risk of 'severe beach loss' has not been comprehensively quantified. Here, using products and geospatial datasets derived from satellite imagery, we find that, 33% of the world's sandy coastline is currently hardened. Analysis of the results by IPCC AR6 regions show that the most hardened coastal regions are the Bay of Bengal, Western & Central Europe, the Mediterranean, Western North America, and East Asia. Linking coastal hardening information with existing shoreline retreat projections, we find that under SSP5-8.5, up to 26% of the world's sandy coastline (~52,100 km) is likely to face severe beach loss by the end of the 21st century. Under a moderate emissions scenario (SSP2-4.5), this projection decreases to 21% (~42,080 km), highlighting the potential mitigation gain. The results also show that the vast majority of projected severe sandy beach losses are in high and upper-middle-income countries, with up to 82% of severe losses under SSP5-8.5 and up to 81% under SSP2-4.5 by the end of the 21st century, relative to the total length of sandy coastline, including both hardened and natural coastlines. The IPCC AR6 regions with the highest projected sandy beach losses include Eastern North America, Northern South America, the Mediterranean, the Bay of Bengal, Western Africa, and South-east Asia. 33% of the world's sandy coastlines are hardened by human-made structures, hindering natural retreat as sea levels rise. By 2100, up to 26% may face severe beach loss, while emission reductions could lower this to 21%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light‐level geolocators were used to record the annual migration cycles of black terns Chlidonias niger (9 individuals, 11 journeys) and common terns Sterna hirundo (7 individuals, 11 journeys) breeding in southernmost Sweden. The black terns used two different non‐breeding (Oct–Mar) regions along the Atlantic coast of Africa, either north of the equator between Senegal and Liberia (3 individuals) or south of the equator between Gabon and northern Namibia (5 individuals). All the common terns travelled to non‐breeding quarters south of the equator, mainly along the coasts of Namibia and South Africa. One juvenile common tern was tracked during the first twenty months of its life. This bird spent its first northern winter in South Africa, after which it migrated north of the equator to spend the northern summer as a one‐year‐old non‐breeder in tropical waters off Ghana, after which it returned to South Africa for its second northern winter. This record demonstrates that one‐year‐old terns may undertake extensive intra‐African migration to distant over‐summering areas. Comparing geolocator results from Swedish and Dutch black tern populations indicate that they have similar migration habits, with a possible tendency of relatively more individuals migrating south of the equator in the more northerly Swedish population (leap‐frog migration). Comparing geolocator and ringing results among common tern populations indicates a fascinating and complex pattern of scale‐dependent geographic segregation and intermixing along the coasts of Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal infrastructure projects, particularly the modification of coastal river channels, are becoming increasingly significant to economic activities worldwide as a response to climate-driven changes and urbanization. The benefits of channel modification projects can be realized quickly, but the altered movement of sediments in the river channel can lead to unintended geomorphic changes years or decades later. An example of this is the closure of the San Bernard River mouth, located on the central coast of Texas, which was clogged with sediments by the 1990s as a result of two major projects in the area: the diversion of the Brazos River channel (1929) and the construction of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) (1940s). The objective of this study was to a) document the delayed geomorphic response to the projects using a GIS analysis of historical maps and aerial imagery, and b) provide a snapshot of altered flow pathways in the area using measurements collected in situ. Results showed that the GIWW was the main conduit for river flow as it bisects the San Bernard River 2 km inland of its river mouth, reducing discharge in the terminal limb of the river. Due to reduced flow, the river mouth became clogged with wave-transported sediment supplied by the still-adjusting Brazos River which had been diverted to within 6 km of the San Bernard River. With a limited connection to the sea, altered sediment and flow pathways have led to numerous hazards and costly corrective dredging projects surpassing $12 million to date. Optimizing the cost-effectiveness of channel modification projects requires considering their long-term impact as managers continue to adapt to ever-changing coastal zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new hermit crab–sponge association is reported from soft-bottom sediment at 35–50 m depth in St Francis Bay, off the south coast of South Africa, and the associated sponge, Suberites ambulodomus sp. nov. (Suberitida, Suberitidae), is described as a species that is new to science. This species grows a spirally curved chamber occupied by the hermit crab Pagurus liochele. Suberites ambulodomus sp. nov. differs from congeners in southern Africa by having tylostrongyle megascleres (in addition to tylostyles) and smooth centrotylote microstrongyle microscleres. In addition to these morphological characters, the molecular marker cox1 was used to confirm that all collected specimens were conspecific, and distinct from the recently described S. dandelenae Samaai et al., 2017 from South Africa's west coast. This is the first report of a sponge–hermit crab association in southern Africa, which is suggested to be facultatively mutualistic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Densely populated coastal zones are significantly impacted by anthropogenic pressures, particularly urbanized semi‐enclosed bays with long residence times of waters and nutrients. Eutrophication is a primary issue resulting from human settlement in coastal zone, as it drastically modifies the structure of biological communities, particularly the phytoplankton. The aim of this study is to assess whether eutrophication functions as an environmental filter on the phytoplankton community along an 80 km gradient of eutrophication in two contrasting bays, Sepetiba and Ilha Grande. By categorizing phytoplankton species based on characteristic traits and comparing them with in situ environmental data, we assess the distribution of phytoplankton functional groups. Sampling was conducted in November 2021 and April 2022 from the semienclosed, mesohaline, and shallow Sepetiba Bay to the more open and marine oligotrophic Ilha Grande Bay. During the two sampling campaigns, functional groups including strict autotrophs (diatoms and filamentous cyanobacteria) and both constitutive and non‐constitutive mixotrophs (dinoflagellates) were represented by different abundance of species along this gradient. Classical diversity indices and Beta‐Turnover analyses indicate significant community differences between the bays, with species replacement driving differentiation rather than species loss between the sampled points. However, with increased eutrophication in Sepetiba Bay, a decrease in the dispersion of functional traits was observed, suggesting that eutrophication acts as an environmental filter promoting trait convergence and the selection of specialist organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hurricanes are natural periodic events that disrupt marine ecosystems along their path, altering the distribution and abundance of organisms. In October 2016, Hurricane Matthew struck the Santa Marta region (Colombia) and impacted its coastal zone, yet there have been insufficient studies to measure its effects. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of Hurricane Matthew on the meiofaunal community in the region. To achieve this, sediment samples were collected from the intertidal zone of three beaches 5 days after the hurricane had passed. The results were compared with previous data collected in October 2014, on the abundance and diversity of taxonomic groups of intertidal meiofauna, as well as physicochemical variables such as granulometry, organic matter in sediments, salinity, and water temperature. Following Hurricane Matthew, the physicochemical variables showed changes due to the effect of the cyclonic surge in the coastal zone. The average organism abundance not only experienced a decline in both abundance and richness but also underwent changes in composition. Nematoda, originally the fourth most abundant group in 2014, became the most dominant taxon post‐hurricane. Conversely, the relative abundance of Copepoda decreased. The total number of recorded taxa was 13, which is close to the 15 previously reported. The ANOSIM and PERMANOVA tests confirmed differences in the meiofaunal community before and after Hurricane Matthew, with Tardigrada, Cnidaria, Ostracoda and Mollusca, being the main groups that contributed the most to the dissimilarity between periods. The environmental variables of organic matter and temperature best explained the structure of the meiofaunal community after the natural phenomenon. This study highlights the importance of meiofauna as a monitoring tool for beaches and the effects of environmental disturbances such as hurricanes, which are expected to become more common in coastal areas due to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early-nineteenth century Russian accounts of the coastline between Alaska and Fort Ross are rare. This article helps fill this gap, providing diary accounts by Russian American Company employee, Afanasy Shvetsov, of two joint Russian-American sea otter hunting trips along the Oregon and northern California coasts in 1808-09. Recently recovered and translated, these accounts aptly describe landscapes and biota, as well as Russian, American, and conscripted Aleut and Kodiak Alutiiq hunters' interactions with Native American communities. Presented in their historical, geographical, and anthropological context, Shvetsov's accounts offer a rare, revealing glimpse of early European encounters with this contact-period coastline. • Newly discovered and translated Russian diary from 1808 to 1809 Pacific coast fur trade. • Among the earliest records of certain Oregon and California tribes and coastlines. • First known account of Oregon bays and Russian overseer on American fur trade ship. • Describes Russian-American cooperation and Native role in sea otter hunts. • Expands understandings of extent and international scope of sea otter extirpation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a biography of Chief Robert Henry Clarence, the last Hereditary Chief of the Mosquito Reservation— a historical territory formerly located on Nicaragua's Caribbean Coast. In 1894, the reservation was militarily incorporated into Nicaragua. The following account shines a light on the Mosquito (the largest Indigenous tribe living in Mosquitia—an historical territory on Central America's Caribbean Coast, stretching from Honduras to the northern parts of Coast Rica—who have been referred to as the Miskitu since the mid-20th century) perspective of the incorporation. This article draws on Foreign Office files (1894–1907) held by the National Archives in London, which contain correspondence from Chief Clarence and other Mosquito leaders. By focusing on a figure who has been obscured in the historiography on the reservation, the evidence produces a narrative of Mosquito political consciousness which contrasts with the disparaging depictions contained in British and North America diplomatic correspondence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sponge Pachymatisma johnstonia (Bowerbank in Johnston, 1842), surveyed mainly along the north-east Atlantic coast, is recorded for the first time in the Southern Adriatic Sea. The specimen is collected at a depth of 228 m, off the Gargano coast (Apulia, Italy). The present study analyzes morphological characters, skeletal elements (spicules), and habitat of P. johnstonia and discusses a comparison between the Atlantic specimens. Moreover, this record extends the distribution of this uncommon species in the Mediterranean Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk perception influences the perceived salience of various policy issues. In this study, we examine the pathways through which environmental identity influences the perceived salience of two kinds of policy issues—climate change (climate mitigation and climate adaptation) and development (economic growth and infrastructure). Based on a dataset of 503 respondents from coastal communities along the east coast of the United States, our findings indicate that environmental identity is associated with a greater perceived salience of climate mitigation, and that this relationship is mediated by hydrometeorological disaster risk perception. While we found no significant total effect of environmental identity on the perceived salience of climate adaptation, perceived salience of infrastructure development, and perceived salience of economic growth, hydrometeorological disaster risk perception was found to fully mediate all three relationships. Also, the mediated relationships were found to be significantly moderated by gender identity, but not by age (except for the perceived salience of infrastructure development). The study highlights the pivotal role of hydrometeorological risk perception in modifying the perceived importance of different policy issues among environmentalists and has implications for policy and planning in coastal regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazilian coral reefs are the largest and richest reefs in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Despite their historical and tourist importance, coral reefs on the east coast of Brazil remained unknown until recently. This study evaluated the structure of the reef-building coral community in three tidal pools along a gradient of anthropogenic disturbance. The pool known as Dolphin Pool is the warmest and has a high abundance of stony coral Siderastrea spp. One endemic species is on the national list of threatened species. Despite the high frequency of water temperatures above the alert threshold for mass bleaching events, the tidal pools have high densities of adults and recruits of reef-building corals. The results highlight the importance of reef formations on the coastal zone of the Royal Charlotte Bank, given the uniqueness of this area, and reinforce the need for further research and adoption of adaptive conservation approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the dynamics driving seasonal and interannual surface chlorophyll-a (chl-a) variability in the Karimata Strait (KS). The analysis shows that high chl-a concentrations were observed in the KS during December – February (northwest monsoon season) extending northwestward along the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia and northeastward along the northern coast of Borneo Island. This high chl-a concentration contrasts with the low chl-a concentration observed along the southern coast of Sumatra and Java during the same season. A substantial upwelling signal was identified in the central-eastern section of the South China Sea and along the northern coast of Java and the eastern coast of Sumatra from December to February. The positive wind stress curl forced downwelling in the southern section of the KS and the northern half of the Java Sea off the coast of Kalimantan. The elevated chl-a concentration in the KS during the northwest monsoon season could not be attributed to wind dynamics alone. The increase in surface chl-a concentration during the northwest monsoon season was associated with an increase in allochthonous nutrients from river discharges caused by increased precipitation over land. On an interannual timescale, a high chl-a concentration was observed during the southeast monsoon season when the La Niña event occurred in the tropical Pacific. The warm SST, associated with favourable downwelling winds, was observed over the entire the KS. It is suggested that anomalous chl-a that bloomed during the La Niña event was associated with anomalously high precipitation over land that transported nutrients to KS through river discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea‐level rise (SLR) is expected to cause major changes to coastal wetlands, which are among the world's most vulnerable ecosystems and are critical for nonbreeding waterbirds. Because strategies for adaptation to SLR, such as nature‐based solutions and designation of protected areas, can locally reduce the negative effects of coastal flooding under SLR on coastal wetlands, it is crucial to prioritize adaptation efforts, especially for wetlands of international importance for biodiversity. We assessed the exposure of coastal wetlands important for nonbreeding waterbirds to projected SLR along the Mediterranean coasts of 8 countries by modeling future coastal flooding under 7 scenarios of SLR by 2100 (from 44‐ to 161‐cm rise) with a static inundation approach. Exposure to coastal flooding under future SLR was assessed for 938 Mediterranean coastal sites (≤30 km from the coastline) where 145 species of nonbreeding birds were monitored as part of the International Waterbird Census and for which the monitoring area was delineated by a polygon (64.3% of the coastal sites monitored in the Mediterranean region). Thirty‐four percent of sites were threatened by future SLR, even under the most optimistic scenarios. Protected study sites and study sites of international importance for waterbirds were, respectively, 1.5 and 2 times more exposed to SLR than the other sites under the most optimistic scenario. Accordingly, we advocate for the development of a prioritization scheme to be applied to these wetlands for the implementation of strategies for adaptation to SLR to anticipate the effects of coastal flooding. Our study provides major guidance for conservation planning under global change in several countries of the Mediterranean region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article in Conservation Biology discusses the importance of incorporating Indigenous peoples' knowledge and governance systems into sustainable ecosystem stewardship. It highlights the collaboration between outside partners and Indigenous communities, such as the Haíɫzaqv Nation in British Columbia, Canada, to create a model where outside knowledge supports Indigenous systems. The model, known as M̓ṇúxvʔit, emphasizes becoming one and integrating diverse perspectives for effective stewardship. White et al. provide insights into how this model is applied at various scales and its impact in Haíɫzaqv territory. [Extracted from the article]

Low‐lying islands in tropical regions are vulnerable to near‐term sea‐level rise and hurricane‐induced flooding, with substantial human impact. These risks motivate researchers to elucidate the processes and timescales involved in the formation, growth and stabilization of coastlines through the study of Holocene shoreline dynamics. Little Ambergris Cay (Turks and Caicos Islands) is a low‐lying carbonate island that provides a case study in the nucleation and growth of such islands. This study investigates the sedimentology and radiocarbon chronology of the island's lithified sediments to develop a model for its history. The island's lithified rim encloses a tidal swamp populated by microbial mats and mangroves. Preliminary radiocarbon data supported a long‐standing inference that the island is Holocene in age. This study integrates petrographic, sedimentological and new radiocarbon data to quantify the age of the island and develop a model for its evolution. Results indicate that the ages of most lithified sediments on the island are <1000 cal yr bp, and the generation and lithification of carbonate sediment in this system supports coastline growth of at least 5 cm/year. The lithification of anthropogenic detritus was documented, consistent with other evidence that in recent centuries the lithified rim has grown by rates up to tens of centimetres per year. A unit of mid‐Holocene age was identified and correlated with a similar unit of early transgressive aeolianite described from San Salvador, The Bahamas. It is proposed that this antecedent feature played an important role in the nucleation and formation of the modern island. Results extend an established Bahamian stratigraphic framework to the south‐western extreme of the Lucayan archipelago, and highlight the dynamism of carbonate shorelines, which should inform forward‐looking mitigation strategies to increase coastal resiliency to sea‐level rise. These results inform interpretation of the palaeoenvironmental record of carbonate environments, underscoring their geologically rapid pace of lithification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to assess the spatial quality of Adana Merkez Park in line with the established hypotheses. The results obtained suggest that Merkez Park, in its current state, is likely to contribute to the enhancement of urban quality and to support urban quality initiatives in future coastal projects. Two different methods were used in the study. In the first step, specific parameters were developed based on the quality indicators of Gehl, Greene, and Nasar, and the concrete quality indicator level of the space was determined. In the second step, the PPS (Project for Public Spaces) questions were administered to users according to the study's purpose. The results were evaluated using the SPSS 29.0 software based on the established hypotheses. The results from the concrete quality parameters and the PPS survey were found to be similar. When examining the concrete quality parameters and the data obtained from the survey results, it was determined that the spatial quality of Merkez Park is directly related to factors such as the effective use of natural elements (e.g., user profile, night use, river, and green space), the variety and number of activities in the park, the user profile, safety, and the relationship between maintenance and cleanliness. Ensuring safety, changing the user profile, and maintaining cleanliness all contribute to the improvement of spatial quality. In the planning of coastal areas, the primary consideration is the interaction of individuals with water and the increased use of the coastline. Proper analysis of this relationship is crucial for improving the spatial quality of Merkez Park. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperate mesophotic ecosystems (TMEs) have only recently been recognised as distinct ecosystems and generally occur between 30 and 150 m at the limit of photosynthetic light penetration. In this study, we surveyed the benthic communities inhabiting rocky deep-water features in two regions at the south of New Zealand's North Island to assess small (1–2 km) and larger (10–100 km) scale variation in the benthic communities they support: the Wellington South Coast (WSC) and the Kāpiti Coast (KC). We deployed Remotely Operated Vehicles at seventeen sites, three on the WSC and 14 on the KC, covering a depth range of 26 to 72 m. There was significant variation in the benthic community composition between sites, at both spatial scales, and with depth. Across all sites, sponges and bryozoans were by far the most abundant organisms, covering around 30% of the substrate, with all other groups having <5% cover. The sponges and bryozoans created complex three-dimensional structure on the seafloor, providing habitat and refuge for other mobile organisms. Our work provides an important baseline against which any future changes can be compared and will support future spatial management in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, extreme meteorological droughts have affected China, causing terrible socioeconomic impacts. Despite previous research on the spatiotemporal characteristics and mechanisms of drought, two crucial issues remain seldom explored. First, an event-oriented drought chronology with detailed spatiotemporal evolutions is urgently required. Second, the complex migration patterns and diversity of synchronous temperature extremes need to be quantitatively investigated. Accordingly, the main achievements of our investigation are as follows. We produced an event-oriented set of extreme meteorological droughts over China through the application of a newly developed 3D DBSCAN-based detection method (deposited on https://doi.org/10.25452/figshare.plus.25512334), which was verified with a historical atlas and monographs on a case-by-case basis. In addition, distinctive migration patterns (i.e., stationary/propagation types) are identified and ranked, considering the differences in latitudinal zones and coastal/inland locations. We also analyze the diversity of synchronous temperature extremes (e.g., hotness and coldness). Notably, an increasing trend in hot droughts occurred over China since the late 1990s, predominantly appearing to the south of 30°N and north of 40°N. All drought events and synchronous temperature extremes are ranked using a comprehensive magnitude index, with the 2022 summer-autumn Yangtze River hot drought being the hottest. Furthermore, Liang-Kleeman information flow-based causality analysis emphasizes key areas where the PDO and AMO influenced decadal variations in coverages of droughts and temperature extremes. We believe that the achievements in this study may offer new insights into sequential mechanism exploration and prediction-related issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many ships from Thonis-Heracleion, a submerged city on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, show numerous parallels with the construction of the Nilotic freighter baris as described by Herodotus (Hist. 2.96). During the spring mission of 2022 four massive constructional pieces of the bow from these ships were excavated and studied. Bow pieces played an important role in the structure of a baris. Obtained information complements the documentation of a baris as described by Herodotus and serves as a new architectural signature for this type of construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea urchin roe is a high-quality product in terms of its nutritional value, valuable biochemical composition, and acquired taste. Urchin stocks, however, have been overfished worldwide and new candidates for commercial harvesting and aquaculture are required to satisfy the demand from the expanding market. The green sea urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis from Russian waters of the Barents Sea may be considered a new source for potential consumers. We summarized available information regarding distribution patterns, feeding, reproduction, and growth as well as studies focused on farming of this species to assess the fishery and aquaculture potential of the area. This species is abundant in the coastal zone where it is commonly associated with laminarian kelp. The brown algae Saccharina latissima is the primary diet for S. droebachiensis but it also consumes animal foods. Red king crabs are the main predators for sea urchins but they do not significantly affect the S. droebachiensis population. A spawning peak of S.droebachiensis is registered in March–April. Green sea urchins reach a commercial size of 50 mm diameter at age 6 and the estimated stock of commercial urchins is 50,000–81,000 t. The most promising sites for harvesting are Varanger-fjord and Bolshoy Oleniy Island plus Porchnikha Bay. The best harvesting seasons are February–March and September–October. Sea-based rearing systems appear to be the most suitable approach for sea urchin aquaculture based on grow-out of adult animals fed on algal or mixed diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study monitored long-term fluctuations in groundwater levels and assessed hydraulic properties within high and low tidal volumes through pumping tests. The pumping and monitoring wells were strategically positioned approximately 180 m away from the coastline of Yongho Bay in Busan. Subsequent derivative analyses of the pumping tests were performed to derive hydraulic properties associated with flow regimes, skin effect, wellbore storage, infinite acting conditions, and boundary conditions. These outcomes contribute to a more comprehensive characterization of the coastal aquifer. The primary objectives of this study encompassed the analysis of well storage during early pumping periods and the determination of boundary conditions during late pumping periods under both high and low tidal volumes. Hydraulic conductivity, well head loss, and well efficiency were found to be significantly influenced by coastal pumping activities within varying tidal volumes. Notably, the late-time drawdown during high tidal volumes revealed insights into the impact of driving forces, such as signal wave shape, influenced by submarine groundwater discharge and submarine seawater recharge. To illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of drawdown derivative analysis, a selected case study was presented. The case study results underscore the considerable influence of tidal volumes on analysis outcomes in coastal pumping scenarios. Notably, the high tidal volume resulted in 11.6% higher hydraulic conductivity, 13.1% higher well head loss, and a 4.97% increase in well efficiency compared to the low tidal volume. This study offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of coastal aquifers, elucidating the nuanced impacts of tidal variations on changes in hydraulic properties induced by pumping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global life-threatening weather conditions and sea level rise (SLR) increasingly impact coastal landforms and increase shoreline change. The island ecosystem is affected by many natural hazards, including flooding, saltwater intrusion, vegetation degradation, shoreline change and population growth. Simultaneously, urbanization and ecological diversification are also trigger the environmental degradation in island ecosystem. Remote sensing (RS) and GIS-based research are carried out at Djerba Island using decadal spatiotemporal Landsat datasets to identify and manage such problems. Landsat imageries are widely applied for landforms monitoring along with the ocean dynamics, therefore decadal landforms and environmental issues of Djerba Island are examined through 30 m medium resolution satellite imageries. The selected study years are 1984 to 2021 applying Landsat datasets. Between 37 years of analysis, build-up areas have increased by 105.18 km2, while sediment areas have decreased by 3.2 km2 due to the SLR in Borj El Kastil, Aghir, Plage, and Trou Deniaud locations. Vegetation increased around 17.59 km2 while bare lands decreased 47.28 km2 due to the palm, olive, and tree plantations over the Island. The entire area of Djerba Island observed 513.20 km2 (1984), 513.79 km2 (1991), 515.22 km2 (2001), 516.26 km2 (2011) and 513.42 km2 (2021) respectively. The Djerba Island needs more attention, awareness, and protection to reduce the environmental degradation. This study information is supportive and aimed at future policymaking, policy implementation, disaster-related management, coastal management, and coastal erosion reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discovered a new population of Hieracium lucidum Guss., a species hitherto considered strictly endemic to Monte Gallo. Useful elements for the ecological characterisation of the new population are provided. The stretch of carbonate coastline between the Egadi Islands and the western portion of the Province of Palermo displays a very high wealth of valuable floristic elements and represents an unicum in terms of both phytogeography and ecology. Considering the extreme fragmentation of the distribution pattern of many endemic and exclusive species that characterise this district, as in the case of H. lucidum, the authors suggest upgrading the strategies to protect the local botanical heritage, going beyond the species approach and thinking on a wider territorial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is devoted to the analysis of the simulated meteorological and hydrodynamic characteristics of the Sea of Azov using the WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting) model and INMOM (Institute of Numerical Mathematics Ocean Model). The goal is to investigate the sea's response to atmospheric forcing using two different horizontal resolutions. A comparison of the atmospheric simulation results with available meteorological in situ data from the land-based hydrometeorological stations (HMSs) did not reveal any significant differences between the simulations with different atmospheric forcing resolutions. A spatiotemporal analysis of the WRF model and INMOM results showed the most prominent differences along the entire coastal zone, especially in Taganrog Bay, along the spits in the north part of the sea, and in the Kerch Strait. Here, the wind speed obtained at a high spatial resolution (3.3 km) was ~10–15% higher than that obtained at a coarse resolution (10 km), and the surface and bottom currents were up to ~40% and ~15% higher. In marine coastal zones, the greatest differences were noted in a band of ~5 km, and differences in the rest of the Sea of Azov were negligible. An analysis of the bottom current speed revealed the presence of a counter-current flowing into Taganrog Bay. This shows the necessity of using three-dimensional marine circulation models to study the Sea of Azov's dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a new methodology integrating spatial coastal vulnerability index (CVI) and hot spot analysis was proposed for a comprehensive and holistic coastal infrastructure (natural, built-up and socioeconomic) vulnerability assessment and determination of its spatial distribution. The Selçuk-Kuşadası coastal region, which is located on the Aegean coast of Turkey, was chosen as the case study area. For calculation spatial CVI, eight physical variables (geomorphology, coastal slope, relief, mean seal level, mean tide range, mean wave high, shoreline erosion and accretion) were used. Spatial CVI analyses were performed using basic methods of geographical information systems. CVI results were classified as 1 to 5 across the study area. The spatial distribution of vulnerabilities of coastal infrastructures has statistically tested with hotspot analysis. In conclusion; over 55% of infrastructure falls within high or very high vulnerability classes. It is seen that 57% of the infrastructure in the build-up category, 59% of the natural environment, and more than 42% of the socio-economic infrastructure are located in areas falling into the high or very high vulnerability classes. Additionally, $1.1 billion worth of land assets and a population of approximately 143.000 people are located in areas that fall into the high or very high vulnerability classes. Statistically significant clusters of high vulnerability for historical sites, tourism, roads, land value, population density, and urban areas were determined by hot spot analysis. According to the results of the developed integrated method, suggestions were presented for the preparation of coastal infrastructure vulnerability adaptation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent large-scale spatial products have been developed to assess wetland position in the tidal frame, but nationwide comparisons and validations are missing for these products. Wetland position within the tidal frame is a commonly used characteristic to compare wetlands across biogeomorphic gradients and factors heavily into wetland vulnerability models. We utilize a dataset of 365 surface elevation table stations across the conterminous USA containing ground-surveyed tidal datum and elevation data to validate two gridded, conterminous USA–wide relative tidal elevation products. We identified substantial differences between our ground-surveyed dataset and the gridded products, with the Gulf coast exhibiting the greatest error (p < 0.0001, n = 140). Error in relative tidal elevation products varied by coast, tidal range, and latitude. These differences in errors indicate that gridded relative tidal elevation products may be more accurate in coastal wetlands with larger tidal ranges (> 30 cm) and are less accurate in freshwater wetlands near the coast. This paper makes advances in understanding why relative tidal elevation differences occur among national datasets and identifies areas of future work that could support more robust vulnerability models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estuarine environments are recognized as critical nursery habitats that are necessary to sustain overall fish production. Striped bass Morone saxatilis support recreational and commercial fisheries along the Atlantic coast of the United States, and annual surveys to assess juvenile (age-0) abundance in Chesapeake Bay, the major producing area for the population, have long been used in management. Factors that contribute to high juvenile abundance are not fully understood. We used catch data from fishery-independent surveys coupled with hindcasts from a pair of numerical models to quantify the extent of summer habitats used by age-0 striped bass throughout Chesapeake Bay for 1996–2017. Specific conditions that defined habitat suitability for age-0 striped bass varied throughout the summer and among years, reflecting changes in water quality and habitat use. Shallow, nearshore areas throughout the Bay consistently supported suitable conditions for age-0 striped bass, but the estimated extent of suitable habitat varied annually at both regional and local, tributary-specific, scales. Although the areal extent of suitable habitat Bay-wide in early summer declined since 1996, fish production was not limited. Nonetheless, a pattern of increasing relative abundance of age-0 striped bass with greater extent of suitable habitats in Chesapeake Bay was observed, suggesting that the availability of suitable habitats at the scale of individual tributaries and Bay-wide may play an important role in production of this estuarine-dependent species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal ecosystems with karstic geology have a unique characteristic where the dissolution of carbonate rocks can increase total alkalinity (TA) and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). This results in higher inorganic carbon budgets in coastal areas. One such ecosystem is the Terminos Lagoon, the most extensive tropical estuarine lagoon system in Mexico, located in the karstic aquifer of the Yucatan Peninsula and connected to the southern Gulf of Mexico (sGoM). We measured TA and DIC to evaluate the variability in Terminos Lagoon's of the carbonate system. We also estimated pH, partial CO2 pressure (pCO2), and aragonite saturation (ΩAr) along two transects from the main lagoon tributaries (Palizada and Candelaria rivers) to the coastal zone during the dry and rainy seasons. During the dry season, TA and DIC concentrations were significantly higher (3092 ± 452 µmol kg-1 TA, 2943 ± 522 µmol kg-1 DIC) than during the rainy season (2533 ± 228 µmol kg−1 TA, 2492 ± 259 DIC µmol kg−1). Our calculations indicate that the rainy season pCO2 (2532 ± 2371 µatm) seems higher than in the dry season (1534 ± 1192 µatm). This leads to a reduction in pH (7.9 ± 0.3 to 7.8 ± 0.3). These significant changes indicate that rain increases the flow of unsaturated river water into the lagoon. The results of this work contribute toward a dissolved inorganic carbon variability baseline in the sGoM and can be helpful to Terminos Lagoon decision-makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliable flood hazard mapping is crucial for enhancing flood preparedness, especially in poorly gauged and vulnerable areas. Yet, current flood models are either highly detailed and computationally intensive or oversimplified, failing to capture important flow dynamics. Here, we present the Rapid Estimation of FLood EXtent (REFLEX), a hydro‐geomorphological model for flood hazard mapping at multiple scales that improves upon the existing Height Above the Nearest Drainage model by constraining flood extent using physically‐coherent flood volumes. Input volume is distributed from channel to hillslope cells by using an iterative optimization based on the Manning's equation, bypassing the need for accurate rating curves. The model improves the accuracy of inundation extent in flat areas by accounting for backwater effects, and in coastal zones by extending the calculation boundaries beyond the direct watershed area. REFLEX was tested over five areas with different climatic conditions, including flash‐flood prone catchments in Italy and large floodplains in the Zambezi river basin. Results denote skillful representation of flooded areas in the Italian catchments, with critical success index (CSI) up to 0.62. In the African cases, REFLEX produced the best estimates of the flood extent and CSI comparable with two state of the art global inundation models. REFLEX is a competitive flood modelling tool for large scale and high resolution applications thanks to its limited input requirements and computing times two orders of magnitude shorter than equivalent hydraulic simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature‐based coastal adaptation is a subset of nature‐based solutions that has to this point focused on the materiality of managing coastal risks: what our coastal protections are made of or where we put things that are in the way of harm. In our collaborative interdisciplinary work, we have been reimagining nature‐based coastal adaptation to start with first principles: how we think about the coast and what makes a good coastal life. In a nature‐based approach our shared sense of what is good and possible, also known as the social imaginary, needs shifting before any physical material. This paper presents a new nested framework for thinking about nature‐based coastal adaptation using five words starting with R: Reimagine, Reserve, Relocate, Restore, Reinforce. We use the nature‐based adaptation option of managed dyke realignment in Bay of Fundy agricultural dykelands to illustrate the utility of the framework in practice but assert its more generic applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study conducts an in-depth analysis of 820 maps with a focus on the western coast of the Black Sea, from Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi to Cape Kaliakra, and gives special attention to the Danube Delta. The research highlights Pietro Vesconte's critical role in the accurate depiction of the area and examines the stylistic developments over time and their effects on the mapping of the region. It also delves into the relationship between navigational practices and cartographic representation, noting the limited influence of Ottoman conquests on local mapping techniques. The study draws attention to a resurgence in the use of Ptolemaic principles, occurring simultaneously with the adoption of modern surveying techniques, such as triangulation. By concentrating on the Danube Delta and the adjacent coast of the Black Sea, the study provides a detailed understanding of the cartographic history of the area, highlighting the mix of precision and creative interpretation in maps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing local air quality using traditional methods, such as analyzing precipitation composition, is often difficult due to the complex data, which is influenced by a variety of chemical elements from distant atmospheric sources and cyclone formation areas. This study presents a new approach to overcome these challenges: a multi-elevation sampling method that improves the accuracy of local air quality measurements. By collecting precipitation samples at different ground elevations, the technique takes advantage of the natural process where raindrops and snowflakes collect more elements as they fall through the air. This method helps to distinguish local air quality from background levels found at higher, non-industrial elevations. The primary goal was to isolate and identify the elemental fingerprints of marine influences, while excluding contributions from cyclones. In February 2023, 51 meltwater samples were collected from 17 observation points in the city of Sochi under southeast wind conditions. These samples revealed a spectrum of chemical elements, predominantly of marine origin (Mg > Na > Sr > Ca > K > Ce > Mn). The results showed significant differences in elemental concentrations between upland and coastal areas. The Geochemical Indicator of Marine Origin (GIM) ranged from 22 to 3235, confirming the strong influence of marine aerosols in the area. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the multi-elevation sampling method in providing robust environmental assessments. This approach, combined with the GIM index, offers valuable insights for improving environmental policies and public health, particularly in coastal regions affected by marine aerosols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Umm Al-Qura University Journal of Engineering & Architecture (Springer Nature) is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

AbstractA comprehensive analysis of coastline changes was conducted over a span of two decades for Swarnadwip, an offshore island of Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal. Located near the Meghna estuary, the island is influenced by the vast sedimentary contributions of the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) river system. This makes Swarnadwip a focal point for research aimed at deepening our understanding of coastal morpho-dynamics. In this research, three different shoreline detection strategies were explored, and the suitability of each method was assessed to identify the most optimum method for this geographically complex region. Changes in the island’s area were calculated for each time interval, and further shoreline change statistics (NSM, EPR and LRR) were estimated using the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) on the GIS platform. The study revealed that from 2003 to 2022, shoreline length extended from 50.6 to 74.15 km (1.24 km/yr), and net land accretion was estimated 10,230.20 ha (538.43 ha/yr). Between 2006 and 2010, the island witnessed a substantial land expansion. However, much of this newly acquired land mass was lost again, as erosional forces governed from 2010 to 2022, especially in the northern and western sections. These findings provide critical insights for future coastal management strategies and highlight the need for continuous monitoring to safeguard Bangladesh’s dynamic coastlines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stricter controls on destructive human activities in recent years have improved the protection and management of sandy coasts in China. Marine-driven geomorphic changes have become the predominant process influencing future beach evolution. However, in the complex geomorphic conditions of mixed artificial and natural coastlines, the mechanisms and contributions of various marine-driven factors to beach changes remain unclear. Using methods of field observations and numerical simulations by FVCOM model, this study reveals the sedimentary dynamic mechanism of straight sandy beach in the southern Shandong Peninsula (Wanpingkou beach, WPK beach). From 2005 to 2016, the northern section of WPK Beach eroded at a rate of approximately 2-3 m/year, the middle section at about 0.5-1.5 m/year, and the southern section accrued at an average rate of about 1-2 m/year, demonstrating an overall pattern of "northern erosion and southern accretion." During winter, the average grain size of beach sediments is about 0.5 mm with minimal variations, indicating an onshore transport trend; in summer, the average grain size is about 0.7 mm with larger variations, indicating an offshore transport trend. Offshore sediment transport correlates mainly with seasonal changes in wind direction, while alongshore sediment transport is influenced by tidal currents, wind-induced currents, and wave-induced currents. Wave-induced currents are the primary force in alongshore sediment transport with a velocity of 0.1-0.3 m/s toward southwest. Followed by tidal currents with a velocity of 0.05-0.1 m/s, and wind-induced currents with a velocity of 0-0.1 m/s, which have a relatively minor impact. Therefore, seasonal changes in beach morphology are primarily controlled by waves, while interannual variations is mainly influenced by a combination of wave-induced currents and tidal currents. With increasing efforts in beach maintenance and coastal ecological restoration in recent years, understanding the sedimentary dynamics of beaches remains of vital theoretical and practical value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractGaussian smoothing (GS) is extensively employed in GRACE(-FO) data processing. However, it suffers from significant signal leakage problems along coastlines, which greatly complicate the estimation of GRACE(-FO) coastal ocean mass changes. To reduce the leakage error in coastal regions, we have developed a partial Gaussian smoothing (pGS) function that performs smoothing operations only within homogeneous ocean or land signals. A simulation experiment reveals that the pGS function could effectively reduce leakage issues along the coastlines. We evaluate the performance of the pGS function for actual GRACE (-FO) data by applying it directly to unsmoothed gridded data and incorporating it as a regularization constraint matrix in the fast mascon method. For the annual signal and long-term trend components, the consistency levels of the pGS results and the JPLM model demonstrate a substantial improvement in comparison to the GS function. Additionally, comparisons with external data indicate that the pGS outcomes exhibit a significantly greater degree of consistency with inferred ocean mass changes than other GRACE(-FO) solutions. These findings emphasize the outstanding performance of the pGS function in reducing leakage errors between the land and ocean signals, thereby contributing to the precise determination of coastal ocean mass changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) are widespread in oceans worldwide, posing a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems. The abundance of these particles in water is related to population density and urban development, functioning as a sink for MPs. However, the pollution levels due to the accumulation of MPs in the estuarine in Amazonian mangrove areas remain unknown. Here, we show that population density and fishing activities influence the distribution of MP pollution in these waters. We found the highest abundance of MPs in the inner (1.03 items/m3) and outer (0.82 items/m3) portions of the estuary, corresponding to the areas with the highest population density and fishing activity, respectively. The main morphological characteristics of MPs are fibers (89.8%), blue color (55.2%), and size of 1000–2000 μm (31.7%). The risk analysis showed a low level of danger, suggesting that the potential impact on the ecosystem is still small. Our results demonstrate that the presence of human populations and their fishing activities significantly influence the accumulation of MPs in the estuarine waters on the Amazon coast. Based on our findings, more sophisticated analysis using MPs' spatial distribution models can be associated with hydrodynamic processes, aiming to define pollution hotspots and support the mitigation of their emerging negative effects. In addition, monitoring and generating valuable information are the main targets for developing comprehensive strategies to preserve biodiversity and sustainability in the Amazon coastal zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the spatial distribution and sources of sedimentary organic matter (OM) in coastal environments is crucial for effective water quality management and the preservation of ecosystem health. Although extensive research has been conducted on OM dynamics, there remains a gap in understanding the ongoing biogeochemical processes in Korean coastal aquaculture zones, particularly during the summer season. To address this gap, we investigated the spatial variation of water chemical properties and isotopic composition of sedimentary OM to trace the composition, source, and reactivity of mixed OM in aquaculture systems along the Korean coast during the summer season. The isotopic approach was applied to surface sediments from five sections: western (W)-1, W-2, southern (S)-1, S-2, and eastern (E)-1. With respect to increased nutrients (mainly nitrate; 1.2 ± 0.6 mg/L) by dam-water discharge near W sections, our isotopic signatures revealed that a substantial fraction of sedimentary OM might dominantly originated from autochthonous OM source (algae; 36.5%) related to the increase of terrestrial nutrients. Simultaneously, the deposition of allochthonous OM (aquacultural feces; 44%) was predominant in the S-2 sections. The 34S-depleted patterns (approximately -7.2‰) in the S-2 section was indicative of active sulfate reduction occurring at the sedimentary boundary. Therefore, together with the precise determination of ongoing OM, our isotopic results provide valuable insights for effectively managing water-sedimentary qualities under the increase of anthropogenic contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beaches play a pivotal role in supporting the socio-economic sector, particularly within the 'Sun, Sea, and Sand' (3S) tourism model. Valued for their ecosystem services, these coastal landforms are among the most dynamic and vulnerable environments, facing significant pressure from various climate challenges, which is further intensified by extensive anthropic exploitation. Their sustainable use is intrinsically linked to balancing the 3Ps: Planet, People, and Profit. To address the need for protection and sustainable utilization of coastal areas, the European Union has introduced the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in the Mediterranean, specifically recommending in Article 8(2) the establishment of a setback buffer zone where permanent constructions are prohibited. This paper explores the application of risk mapping in the context of coastal setback policies, focusing on their effectiveness in managing beach retreat and adapting to climate change, particularly rising sea levels. The study examines selected beach areas in Peloponnese, Greece, influenced by various socio-economic factors. Through this analysis, the paper aims to contribute to the discourse on coastal management strategies that balance environmental sustainability with socio-economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission was launched on 16 December 2022 to measure water levels over both open ocean and inland waters. To achieve these objectives, the SWOT Payload contains an innovative Ka-band radar interferometer, called KaRIn, completed with a nadir altimeter called POSEIDON-3C that was switched on a month after launch and a few days before KaRIn. POSEIDON-3C measurements provide a link between large-scale phenomena and high resolution. The POSEIDON-3C design is based on POSEIDON-3B, its predecessor on board JASON-3. It is also a dual-frequency radar altimeter operating in C- and Ku-bands, but with some improvements to enhance its performance. Even though it is a Low Resolution Mode altimeter, its performance over open ocean, inland waters and coastal zones are indeed excellent. This paper first describes the POSEIDON-3C design and its modes with a focus on its new features and the Digital Elevation Model that drives its open-loop tracking mode. Then, we assess the in-flight performances of the altimeter from an instrumental point of view. For that purpose, special and routine calibrations have been realized. They show the good performance and stability of the radar. In-flight assessments thus provide confidence when it comes to ensuring excellent altimeter measurement stability throughout the mission duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating threat of climate change has placed global coastal communities at risk, with rising sea levels and intensified storm events presenting unprecedented challenges. Coastal vulnerability assessments, conducted every 3–5 years, are crucial. This empirical study assesses the Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) for the distinct coastal contexts of Dawlish, Happisburgh (England), and Aberystwyth (Wales). The CVI method consists of the Physical Coastal Vulnerability Index (PCVI) and the Economic Coastal Vulnerability Index (ECVI), which provide a multidimensional assessment of vulnerability for coastal zones. This integrated index allows for a nuanced evaluation of vulnerability, distinguishing between sites based on various factors. Additionally, this study conducted a correlation analysis to understand the associations between the parameters. The findings demonstrate that physical features like beach and dune widths significantly impact a location's natural defences, and economic factors such as property values and population density are equally crucial in determining societal risks and potential financial repercussions. The Combined Coastal Vulnerability Index (CCVI) results confirm the effectiveness of incorporating a diverse range of variables. Despite its substantial economic value, it reveals that Dawlish requires targeted protective measures, whereas Happisburgh needs an increased focus on its most vulnerable sectors. Aberystwyth emerges as the area with the highest overall vulnerability, underscoring the need for comprehensive coastal management practices. The study's conclusions emphasize the essential role of adaptive, integrated management strategies in enhancing coastal resilience against the complex threats posed by climate dynamics. Moving forward, the indices established herein advocate for their use in strategic planning and policymaking to strengthen coastal regions in the face of sea-level rise and climatic variability. This investigation lays the groundwork for future research, aimed at refining and expanding these methodologies, aspiring to develop a detailed national coastal vulnerability atlas, a critical tool for informed decision-making and safeguarding at-risk communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial structure of atmospheric aerosol over Baikal in summer is studied on a regular basis with the use of ground-based LOSA-M2 lidar measurements at the Boyarsky scientific station of the Institute of Physical Material Science, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences (51.83°N, 106.06°E, 456 m a.s.l.), Republic of Buryatia, Russia. The lake is located in a basin surrounded by mountain ranges on all side; its water volume is large. The lidar data are analysed along with the regional meteorological situation and meteorological parameters of the atmosphere. The daily dynamics of aerosol distribution over the atmospheric is examined for the period from 2015 to 2023 accounting the effect of different air masses in the region. Three main typical air circulation types are identified for the coastal zone of southern Baikal in summer, which determine the atmospheric aerosol generation and transport. The first and most common type relates to breeze circulation, where the main changes in the spatial structure of aerosol occur in the 2–3-km layer and are determined by changes in the transport direction within a breeze cell during the day. The main feature of this type is a decrease in the altitude of an air layer which contains most of aerosol in the lower atmosphere up to 1 km. The second type refers to southwestern transport under the presence of an anticyclone over the region. The maximal altitude of the aerosol layers attains 7 km in this case. The most complex and dynamic changes in the daily spatial structure of atmospheric aerosol occurred under transport of cyclones and associated atmospheric fronts over Lake Baikal. Under this third type, the altitude of the aerosol layers decreases throughout the day within the altitude range from the surface to 3–4 km. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]