scholarly journals Instrumental Study of the Health Status of Picea abies and Pinus mugo (Turra) and Their Relation to Environmental Parameters in the Eastern Alps

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 716
Author(s):  
Dominika Falvai ◽  
Dénes Saláta ◽  
Tivadar Baltazár ◽  
Szilárd Czóbel
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Picea Abies ◽  
Lower Limit ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Eastern Alps ◽  
Pinus Mugo ◽  
Mountainous Regions ◽  
Significant Temperature ◽  
The Alps

Many climatic models predict significant temperature rises in mountainous regions, which may influence the distribution of montane species. Thermophilization observed or predicted in mountainous areas to date may accelerate the shift of forest-forming trees to higher areas. Our aim was to detect how the health status of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst) and dwarf mountain pine (Pinus mugo (Turra)) changes along an altitudinal transect, and to what extent the health status of trees depends on the studied environmental variables. Field measurements were performed in the Alps with an acoustic tomograph, which is able to determine the extent and exact location of rotten parts without damage. In the case of P. abies, the stands are currently considered to be the healthiest between 1000 and 1500 m, while they show the greatest deterioration near the lower limit of their distribution. At the lower limit of the vertical distribution of the species, a retreat of 50–100 m is expected. We observed a different trend in the relationship between deterioration values and altitude depending on the extent of the P. mugo belt. It seems the extent and speed of the upper movement may be different in different mountains, depending on environmental parameters.

Microseismicity in the Eastern Alps: Preliminary Results From the Swath-D Network

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rens Hofman ◽  
Joern Kummerow ◽  
Simone Cesca ◽  
Joachim Wassermann ◽  
Thomas Plenefisch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Data ◽  
Eastern Alps ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Mountain Range ◽  
Network Methods ◽  
Data Volume ◽  
Geophysical Processes ◽  
The Alps ◽  
Mountain Belts ◽  
Surrounding Areas

<p>The AlpArray seismological experiment is an international and interdisciplinary project to advance our understanding of geophysical processes in the greater Alpine region. The heart of the project consists of a large seismological array that covers the mountain range and its surrounding areas. To understand how the Alps and their neighbouring mountain belts evolved through time, we can only study its current structure and processes. The Eastern Alps are of prime interest since they currently demonstrate the highest crustal deformation rates. A key question is how these surface processes are linked to deeper structures. The Swath-D network is an array of temporary seismological stations complementary to the AlpArray network located in the Eastern Alps. This creates a unique opportunity to investigate high resolution seismicity on a local scale.</p><p>In this study, a combination of waveform-based detection methods was used to find small earthquakes in the large data volume of the Swath-D network. Methods were developed to locate the seismic events using semi-automatic picks, and estimate event magnitudes. We present an overview of the methods and workflow, as well as a preliminary overview of the seismicity in the Eastern Alps.</p>

Review of the Incurvaria vetulella species-group in the Alps (Lepidoptera: Incurvariidae)

1993 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Huemer
Keyword(s):  
Eastern Alps ◽  
Species Group ◽  
Female Genitalia ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
The Alps ◽  
Southwestern Alps

AbstractHuemer, P.: Review of the Incurvaria vetulella species-group in the Alps (Lepidoptera: Incurvariidae). Ent. scand. 24: 109-120. Copenhagen, Denmark. April 1993. ISSN 0013-8711. The Incurvaria vetulella species-group in the Alps is defined and reviewed. The following species are recognized: vetulella (Zetterstedt, 1839) (eastern Alps), triglavensis Hauder, 1912 stat. n. (southeastern Alps) and ploessli sp. n. (southwestern Alps). All species are described and/or redefined and adults, male and female genitalia are illustrated. Furthermore, Scandinavian specimens of vetulella and circulella (Zetterstedt, 1839) are illustrated for comparison. The considerable external variation between various alpine populations of vetulella is discussed and regarded as infraspecific. A lectotype of triglavensis is designated.

scholarly journals Numerical modeling of blowing and drifting snow in Alpine terrain

2001 ◽  
Vol 47 (156) ◽  
pp. 97-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Gauer
Keyword(s):  
Field Measurements ◽  
Erosion And Deposition ◽  
Mountainous Regions ◽  
Boundary Layer Equations ◽  
Trajectory Calculations ◽  
Drifting Snow ◽  
Physically Based ◽  
Turbulent Closure ◽  
Snow Distribution ◽  
Two Layer Model

AbstractIn mountainous regions, snow transport due to wind significantly influences snow distribution and, as a result, avalanche danger. A physically based numerical two-layer model is developed to simulate blowing and drifting snow in Alpine terrain. One layer describes the driving-wind field and the transport in suspension. The description is based on the atmospheric boundary-layer equations, using ane−∊model for the turbulent closure. The second layer describes the transport due to saltation, including erosion and deposition of snow. Here, conservation equations for mass and momentum are formulated for the mixture of snow and air. Particle trajectory calculations are used to parameterize quantities characterizing the saltation layer. Both layers are mutually coupled by boundary conditions. A two-way coupling between particles and airflow is taken into account. Comparisons between simulation results and field measurements around an Alpine crest show encouraging results.

scholarly journals Measurement-based modeling of daytime and nighttime oxidation of atmospheric mercury

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maor Gabay ◽  
Mordechai Peleg ◽  
Erick Fredj ◽  
Eran Tas
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limit ◽  
Rate Constant ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Elemental Mercury ◽  
Chemical Oxidation ◽  
Atmospheric Mercury ◽  
Gaseous Elemental Mercury ◽  
Measurement Results ◽  
Kinetic Calculations ◽  
First Time

Abstract. Accurate characterization of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) chemical oxidation pathways and their kinetics is critically important for assessing the transfer of atmospheric mercury to bioaquatic systems. Recent comprehensive field measurements have suggested that the nitrate radical (NO3) plays a role in efficient nighttime oxidation of GEM, and that the role of the hydroxyl radical (OH) as a GEM oxidant has been underestimated. We used the CAABA/MECCA chemical box model and additional kinetic calculations to analyze these measurement results, in order to investigate the nighttime and daytime oxidation of GEM. We assumed a second-order reaction for the NO3 induced nighttime oxidation of GEM. Our analysis demonstrated that nighttime oxidation of GEM has to be included in the model to account for the measured variations in nighttime reactive gaseous mercury (RGM) concentration. A lower limit and best-fit rate constant for GEM nighttime oxidation are provided. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a rate for nighttime oxidation of GEM has been determined based on field measurements. Our analysis further indicates that OH has a much more important role in GEM oxidation than commonly considered. A lower-limit rate constant for the OH–RGM reaction is provided.

scholarly journals Environmental factors as drivers for macroinvertebrate and diatom diversity in Alpine lakes: New insights from the Stelvio National Park (Italy)

2019 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Boggero ◽  
Silvia Zaupa ◽  
Simona Musazzi ◽  
Michela Rogora ◽  
Elzbieta Dumnicka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Altitude ◽  
National Park ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
National Research Council ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Eastern Alps ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Alpine Lakes ◽  
High Altitude Lakes ◽  
The Alps

Information on the biodiversity of high altitude lakes in the Stelvio National Park was scarce and fragmentary, in most cases limited to a few studies on a single biological issue. To fill this gap, a multidisciplinary research program was established in 2011 to investigate macroinvertebrates, diatoms, and water chemistry in 8 high altitude lakes within the boundaries of the Park (Rhaetian Alps, Eastern Alps). The results of this study were compared with data on biological assemblages and chemical parameters of Alpine lakes in the Pennine-Lepontine Alps (Western Alps), to evaluate the role of local drivers with respect to regional ones. This comparison was possible thanks to the adoption of standardized sampling methodologies developed since the ’90s by the National Research Council-Water Research Institute (Verbania), in collaboration with several European Research centers. Despite located in a restricted geographical area, the lakes of the Stelvio National Park showed a high variability of chemical composition, and of sensitivity to acidification, lower than that of the Pennine-Lepontine Alpine lakes. Macroinvertebrate and diatom taxa were ubiquitous and frequent along the Alps, and mainly represented by cold-stenothermal species. Richness, Shannon, Simpson, and Pielou indices applied to phyto- and zoobenthos highlighted significantly lower values in Stelvio National Park lakes than in those of Pennine-Lepontine for macroinvertebrates, while no significant differences were found for diatoms. Two groups of lakes were identified by Cluster Analysis, mainly on the basis of major ion concentrations. Canonical Correspondence Analysis showed that the macroinvertebrate assemblage of the lakes studied is driven mainly by altitude and lake surface, and, to a lesser extent, by nutrient content. On the contrary, pH and acid-related variables played a secondary role for diatoms, while nutrients and, more in general, ionic content had significant effects on their species composition. Overall, the results of this first investigation showed that the high elevation of these lakes affects their macroinvertebrate assemblages, while their diatom communities are comparable throughout the Alps.

scholarly journals Glaciation's topographic control on Holocene erosion at the eastern edge of the Alps

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 895-909 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean L. Dixon ◽  
Friedhelm von Blanckenburg ◽  
Kurt Stüwe ◽  
Marcus Christl
Keyword(s):  
Eastern Alps ◽  
European Alps ◽  
Glacial Erosion ◽  
Erosion Rates ◽  
The Alps ◽  
Glacial Processes ◽  
Cosmogenic 10Be ◽  
Topographic Forcing ◽  
Eastern Edge

Abstract. What is the influence of glacial processes in driving erosion and uplift across the European Alps? It has largely been argued that repeated erosion and glaciation sustain isostatic uplift and topography in a decaying orogen. But some parts of the Alps may still be actively uplifting via deep lithospheric processes. We add insight to this debate by isolating the role of post-glacial topographic forcing on erosion rates. To do this, we quantify the topographic signature of past glaciation on millennial-scale erosion rates in previously glaciated and unglaciated catchments at the easternmost edge of the Austrian Alps. Newly measured catchment-wide erosion rates, determined from cosmogenic 10Be in river-borne quartz, correlate with basin relief and mean slope. GIS-derived slope–elevation and slope–area distributions across catchments provide clear topographic indicators of the degree of glacial preconditioning, which further correlates with erosion rates. Erosion rates in the easternmost, non-glaciated basins range from 40 to 150 mm ky−1 and likely reflect underlying tectonic forcings in this region, which have previously been attributed to recent (post 5 Ma) uplift. By contrast, erosion rates in previously glaciated catchments range from 170 to 240 mm ky−1 and reflect the erosional response to local topographic preconditioning by repeated glaciations. Together, these data suggest that Holocene erosion across the Eastern Alps is strongly shaped by the local topography relict from previous glaciations. Broader, landscape-wide forcings, such as the widely debated deep mantle-driven or isostatically driven uplift, result in lesser controls on both topography and erosion rates in this region. Comparing our data to previously published erosion rates across the Alps, we show that post-glacial erosion rates vary across more than 2 orders of magnitude. This high variation in post-glacial erosion may reflect combined effects of direct tectonic and modern climatic forcings but is strongly overprinted by past glacial climate and its topographic legacy.

No polarity switch? Continental subduction of European crust below the Eastern Alps imaged by receiver functions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Mroczek ◽  
Frederik Tilmann ◽  
Xiaohui Yuan ◽  
Jan Pleuger ◽  
Ben Heit
Keyword(s):  
Receiver Function ◽  
Eastern Alps ◽  
Receiver Functions ◽  
Opposite Polarity ◽  
Seismic Network ◽  
Study Region ◽  
Teleseismic Tomography ◽  
Minimum Depth ◽  
The Alps ◽  
Receiver Function Method

<p>In the Eastern Alps, teleseismic tomography suggests that there is a switch from European subduction in the west to Adriatic subduction in the east. The dense SWATH-D seismic network is located in the central-eastern Alps between around 10°E and 14.5°E where a change in the dip direction was suggested to occur (e.g. Lippitsch et al. 2003; Mitterbauer et al. 2011). The receiver function method is particularly sensitive to velocity contrasts and so is suited to imaging the interfaces associated with subduction. New receiver function migrations from SWATH-D stations (supplemented by the AlpArray Seismic Network and the EASI profile) show no evidence for Adriatic subduction in the Eastern Alps. Instead, a southward dipping interface [or pair of interfaces with opposite polarity] which we interpreted as subducting  European lower crust can be traced below the Eastern Alps to a minimum depth of 120 km along the extent of SWATH-D. This suggests that in the Alps the polarity flip in subduction does not occur or is located east of our study region beyond 14.25°E, much further east than tomography suggests.</p>

Young Uplift at the Eastern End of the Alps. Evidence for Uplift Unrelated to the Inversion of the Pannonian Basin?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kurt Stüwe ◽  
Gerit Gradwohl ◽  
Thorsten Bertosch ◽  
Konstantin Hohmann ◽  
Jörg Robl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pannonian Basin ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Eastern Alps ◽  
Substantial Part ◽  
Recent Past ◽  
Crustal Shortening ◽  
Surface Uplift ◽  
The Alps ◽  
Uplift History ◽  
Planation Surfaces

<p>The eastern end of the Alps features a series of low relief surfaces at elevations up to 2500 m. These surfaces have long been known to reflect uplifted planation surfaces that have not yet been dissected by fluvial processes and thus preserve a strong geomorphic disequilibrium. While their age would present a good handle on the age of surface uplift in the Eastern Alps, these surfaces are barely dated and their age is only indirectly inferred to reflect the Miocene and Pliocene uplift history. Recent geomorphological cosmogenic nucleide-based studies have shown that these surfaces may record up to 1000 m of surface uplift in the last 5 Ma. Such a distinct uplift event in the recent past is surprising and needs to be interpreted. Interestingly, this time frame appears not to be accompanied by crustal shortening and the standard hypothesis about the inversion of the Pannonian Basin as the underlying cause needs to be questioned. In order to get a better handle on the nature of this young uplift event and its overriding driver it is crucial to understand its spatial extent. However, much of the Eastern Alps was glaciated in the Pleistocene and currently several studies suggest that elevated low-relief landscapes were shaped by the glacial buzz-saw, instead of interpreting them in terms of fluvial prematurity of recently uplifted planation surfaces. The models of glacial erosion versus fluvial prematurity as the formation agent of the low-relief surfaces can be discerned if it can be shown that the surfaces formed prior to the Pleistocene. Here we report of a currently operating research project in which we employ cosmogenic nucleide burial dating on a substantial part of the entire Eastern Alps to derive the age of these surfaces. We use the burial age of siliceous sediments in caves formed at the phreatic-vadose transition as a proxy. Correlation of cave levels with low-relief surfaces and their mapping in the field is an integral part of the project.</p><p> </p>

The Graptolitic Faunas of the Gotlandian in the Eastern Alps and their Relationships

1934 ◽  
Vol 71 (6) ◽  
pp. 268-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franz Heritsch
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Development ◽  
Eastern Alps ◽  
Northern Calcareous Alps ◽  
Carnic Alps ◽  
Northern Calcareous ◽  
Southern Margin ◽  
The Alps ◽  
The University ◽  
The Great War ◽  
Surprising Discovery

The years that followed the Great War saw a rapid development in knowledge of the graptolitic faunas of the Eastern Alps. Professor M. Gortani described many graptolites from the Carnic Alps, and papers from the Geological Department of the University of Graz dealt with the same subject, as well as the distribution of the graptolites over a wider area of the Eastern Alps. Especially noteworthy was the surprising discovery of graptolites in the so-called grauwacke zone of the Alps, which follows the southern margin of the Northern Calcareous Alps. In the grauwacke zone, which consists of Palaeozoic and more ancient strata, more or less metamorphosed, graptolites were found at the following localities, (a) Fieberbrunn in the Tyrol (1), where the zones of Monograptus cyphus to M. turriculatus are found, and the presence of M. priodon indicates that higher zones may occur; (b) environs of Eisenerz in Styria (2), where the zones of M. gregarius to M. griestoniensis are found, as well as the zone of M. nilssoni; (c) Montavon in Vorarl-berg (29), where a badly-preserved specimen of Monograptus, possibly M. priodon, was discovered.

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