Climate Advanced Forecasting of sub-seasonal Extremes (CAFE), ITN Project

Author(s):  
Alvaro Corral ◽  

<p>The CAFE Project is a Marie S. Curie Innovative-Training-Network (ITN) project funded by the EU. The ultimate goal of the CAFE project is to contribute to the improvement of sub-seasonal predictability of extreme weather events. This will be addressed through a structured and cross-disciplinary program, training 12 early stage researchers who undertake their PhD theses. CAFE brings together a team of co-supervisors with complementary expertise in climate science, meteorology, statistics and nonlinear physics.</p><p>The CAFE team comprises ten beneficiaries (seven academic centres, one governmental agency, one intergovernmental agency and one company: ARIA, CRM, CSIC, ECMWF, MeteoFrance, MPIPKS, PIK, TUBAF, UPC, UR) and ten partner organizations (CEA and Munich Re, among them).</p><p>CAFE research is organized into three main lines: Atmospheric and oceanic processes, Analysis of extremes, and Tools for predictability, all focused on the sub-seasonal time scale. This includes the study of Rossby wave packets, Madden-Julian oscillation, Lagrangian coherent structures, ENSO-related extreme weather anomalies, cascades of extreme events, extreme precipitation, large-scale atmospheric flow patterns, and stochastic weather generators, among other topics.</p><p>Information about the CAFE project will be updated at:</p><p>http://www.cafes2se-itn.eu/</p><p>https://twitter.com/CAFE_S2SExtrem</p><p>This project receives funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 813844.</p>

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noémie Ehstand ◽  
Reik Donner ◽  
Cristóbal López ◽  
Emilio Hernández-García

<p><span>In the past decades, boreal summers have been characterized by a number extreme weather events such as heat waves, droughts and heavy rainfall periods with significant social, economic and</span> <span>environmental impacts. One of the most outstanding</span> <span>examples</span> <span>occurred in the summer of 2010 when</span> <span>an anomalously strong heatwave persisted over Eastern Europe for several weeks while extreme rainfalls struck</span> <span>Pakistan, leading</span> <span>to the</span> <span>country’s worst floods in record history. Both </span>events were related to the presence of an anomalously persistent atmospheric blocking situation - that is a large-scale, nearly stationary, atmospheric pressure pattern - over <span>Eastern Europe</span>.</p><p><span>The high impact of blocking events has motivated numerous studies. However, there is not yet a comprehensive</span> <span>theory explaining their onset, maintenance and decay</span> <span>and their prediction</span> <span>remains a challenge. </span></p><p><span>In this work, we</span> <span>employ a Lagrangian dynamics based, complex</span> <span>network description of the atmospheric transport to study</span> <span>the connectivity</span> <span>patterns associated with</span> <span>atmospheric blocking events. The network is constructed by associating nodes</span> <span>to regions of the atmosphere and establishing links based on the flux of material between these nodes</span> <span>during a given time interval, as described in</span> <span>Ser-Giacomi et al. [1]. One can then</span> <span>use the tools and metrics developed in the context of graph theory to explore the atmospheric flow properties. In particular, we demonstrate the ability of measures such as the network degree, entropy and harmonic closeness centrality to</span> <span>trace the spatio-temporal characteristics of atmospheric blocking events.</span></p><p><span>[1] E. Ser-Giacomi, V. Rossi, C. López, E. Hernández-García, <em>Chaos</em> 25(3), 036404 (2015)</span></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>This research was conducted as part of the CAFE Innovative Training Network (Climate Advanced Forecasting of sub-seasonal Extremes, http://www.cafes2se-itn.eu/) which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No. 813844.</p>


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olha Nikolenko ◽  
Cedric Morana ◽  
Bernard Taminiau ◽  
Alberto V. Borges ◽  
Tanguy Robert ◽  
...  

<p>Increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere threatens the existence of many ecosystems and their inhabitants. Agricultural activities contribute up to 70 % of total anthropogenic emission of nitrous oxide (N<sub>2</sub>O), one of the GHGs, which is characterized with the highest global warming potential and contributes to stratospheric ozone depletion. Our study presents the results obtained from the recent field and lab activities carried out in order to obtain better insight into the factors that define the presence of N<sub>2</sub>O in groundwater. Previous large scale investigations, performed in the Hesbaye chalk aquifer in Eastern Belgium, suggested that the concentration of N<sub>2</sub>O in the aquifer depends on different, possibly overlapping biochemical processes such as nitrification, denitrification and/or nitrifier-denitrification. This study explored the occurrence of biochemical stratification in the same aquifer and its impact on N<sub>2</sub>O production and consumption mechanisms. For this purpose low flow sampling technique was applied at different depth intervals to obtain better insight into the extent of oxic and anoxic zones and variability of concentrations of GHGs along the vertical profile. Collected groundwater samples were analyzed for the range of hydrochemical parameters as well as NO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup>, N<sub>2</sub>O, H<sub>2</sub>O and B isotopes signatures and N<sub>2</sub>O isotopomers. Afterwards, rates of nitrification and denitrification processes were estimated based on short-term incubations of collected groundwater amended with NO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup> and NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup> compounds labeled with heavy <sup>15</sup>N isotope. In addition, in order to characterize the dynamics of ongoing biogeochemical processes, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for detection of the activity-specific enzymes in the aquifer were performed. Such studies help to clarify which conditions are more prone to the accumulation of high concentrations of GHGs in aquifers and better constrain models which estimate local and regional GHGs budgets.</p><p>Acknowledgments</p><p>This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation  programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 675120.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana M. Mancho ◽  
Guillermo García-Sánchez ◽  
Antonio G. Ramos ◽  
Josep Coca ◽  
Begoña Pérez-Gómez ◽  
...  

<p>This presentation discusses a downstream application from Copernicus Services, developed in the framework of the IMPRESSIVE project, for the monitoring of  the oil spill produced after the crash of the ferry “Volcan de Tamasite” in waters of the Canary Islands on the 21<sup>st</sup> of April 2017. The presentation summarizes the findings of [1] that describe a complete monitoring of the diesel fuel spill, well-documented by port authorities. Complementary information supplied by different sources enhances the description of the event. We discuss the performance of very high resolution hydrodynamic models in the area of the Port of Gran Canaria and their ability for describing the evolution of this event. Dynamical systems ideas support the comparison of different models performance. Very high resolution remote sensing products and in situ observation validate the description.</p><p>Authors acknowledge support from IMPRESSIVE a project funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 821922. SW acknowledges the support of ONR Grant No. N00014-01-1-0769</p><p><strong>References</strong></p><p>[1] G.García-Sánchez, A. M. Mancho, A. G. Ramos, J. Coca, B. Pérez-Gómez, E. Álvarez-Fanjul, M. G. Sotillo, M. García-León, V. J. García-Garrido, S. Wiggins. Very High Resolution Tools for the Monitoring and Assessment of Environmental Hazards in Coastal Areas.  Front. Mar. Sci. (2021) doi: 10.3389/fmars.2020.605804.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanie Holzwarth ◽  
Martin Bachmann ◽  
Bringfried Pflug ◽  
Aimé Meygret ◽  
Caroline Bès ◽  
...  

<p>The objective of the H2020 project “Copernicus Cal/Val Solution (CCVS)” is to define a holistic Cal/Val strategy for all ongoing and upcoming Copernicus Sentinel missions. This includes an improved calibration of currently operational or planned Copernicus Sentinel sensors and the validation of Copernicus core products generated by the payload ground segments. CCVS will identify gaps and propose long-term solutions to address currently existing constraints in the Cal/Val domain and exploit existing synergies between the missions. An overview of existing calibration and validation sources and means is needed before starting the gap analysis. In this context, this survey is concerned with measurement capabilities for aerial campaigns.</p><p>Since decades airborne observations are an essential contribution to support Earth-System model development and space-based observing programs, both in the domains of Earth Observation (radar and optical) as well as for atmospheric research. The collection of airborne reference data can be directly related to satellite observations, since they are collected in ideal validation conditions using well calibrated reference sensors. Many of these sensors are also used to validate and characterize postlaunch instrument performance. The variety of available aircraft equipped with different instrumentations ranges from motorized gliders to jets acquiring data from different heights to the upper troposphere. In addition, balloons are also used as platforms, either small weather balloons with light payload (around 3 kg), or open stratospheric balloons with big payload (more than a ton). For some time now, UAVs/drones are also used in order to acquire data for Cal/Val purposes. They offer a higher flexibility compared to airplanes, plus covering a bigger area compared to in-situ measurements on ground. On the other hand, they also have limitations when it comes to the weight of instrumentation and maximum altitude level above ground. This reflects the wide range of possible aerial measurements supporting the Cal/Val activities.</p><p>The survey will identify the different airborne campaigns. The report will include the description of campaigns, their spatial distribution and extent, ownership and funding, data policy and availability and measurement frequency. Also, a list of common instrumentation, metrological traceability, availability of uncertainty evaluation and quality management will be discussed. The report additionally deals with future possibilities e.g., planned developments and emerging technologies in instrumentation for airborne and balloon based campaigns.</p><p>This presentation gives an overview of the preliminary survey results and puts them in context with the Cal/Val requirements of the different Copernicus Sentinel missions.</p><p>This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the grant agreement No 101004242.</p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 89 (1) ◽  
pp. e419
Author(s):  
Janina Lulek ◽  
Emilia Jakubowska ◽  
Sharon Davin ◽  
Aleksandra Dumicic Dumicic ◽  
Grzegorz Garbacz ◽  
...  

Open Research Biopharmaceutical Internships Support (ORBIS) is an international, Horizon 2020 project funded by Maria Skłodowska-Curie Actions, Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (RISE) programme. Six academic institutions and four pharmaceutical companies from seven countries cooperate with the aim to improve the preclinical pathway of medicine development through increased Research and Development (R&D) productivity, especially focusing on processes and technologies which address the challenge of poor drug bioavailability. The RISE scheme supports secondments, meaning that early stage and experienced researchers are sent to consortium partner institutions to advance studies on pharmaceutical preformulation, dosage forms and drug delivery systems and methods of biopharmaceutical evaluation. The ORBIS project enables secondees to gain news skills and develop their competences in an international and intersectoral environment, strengthening the human capital and knowledge synergy in the European pharmaceutical R&D sector.


Author(s):  
Harry van Bommel

This chapter discusses the strengthening of ties between the EU and Israel during the breakdown of Oslo as well as during other fruitless peace initiatives. Shortly after the Oslo process began, the EU and Israel initiated negotiations on broadening their cooperation. This led to the signing of the EU–Israel Association Agreement in 1995. As well as economic cooperation, which was established as early as 1975 in a cooperation agreement, this new treaty included other areas, such as scientific and technical research. In more recent years the relationship between the EU and Israel has been deepened further. In 2014 the EU and Israel signed the Horizon 2020 scientific cooperation agreement, which gives Israel equal access with EU member states to the largest-ever EU research and innovation program. In itself, there is nothing wrong with the deepening of economic, scientific, cultural, and political relations between countries. However, the deepening of relations between the EU and Israel means indirect support for the Israeli occupation and the policy of expanding the settlements.


Author(s):  
Marinella Arena

The communication of architecture is a complex and multidisciplinary process, indispensable for enhancing a monument properly and to allow understanding and knowledge to a large number of users. The European Architectural Heritage, and the Italian one in particular, is enormous; the processes of knowledge, cataloguing and analysis are far from being complete. This fact has prompted the European Union to invest, especially in recent years, in research projects designed to increase the communication strategies and put a value on the present assets in its territory. For example, the programs of the European Commission for Research and Innovation, found in “Horizon 2020”, define the communication based on the new media as the new frontier for the enhancement of architectural heritage (Reflective Cities). The main goal is to develop a better awareness of the Architectural Heritage through increased interaction between the citizen, the monument and the scientific community.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maren Brehme ◽  
Abel Marko ◽  
Santiago Aldaz ◽  
Guido Blöcher ◽  
Ernst Huenges

<p>Reasons for injectivity decline were investigated at different geothermal sites in Europe. Due to low injectivities, production rates have to be reduced and the site faces negative commercial implications. In addition to historical operation data, fluid and rock samples were investigated in the laboratory. Analysis and experiments focus on physical, chemical and biological processes and their interaction. Results show different processes being responsible for injection-triggered occlusion of flow pathways, e.g. fines migration, precipitation, micro-biological activity, aquifer properties, corrosion or O<sub>2</sub> inflow.</p><p>Lessons learned will be shown, from preparation of large-scale projects, from monitoring programmes towards sustainable operation.</p><p>Activities are taking place in the frame of the DESTRESS project. The DESTRESS project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 691728.</p>


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Endre Dobos ◽  
Károly Kovács ◽  
Daniel Kibirige ◽  
Péter Vadnai

<p>Soil moisture is a crucial factor for agricultural activity, but also an important factor for weather forecast and climate science. Despite of the technological development in soil moisture sensing, no full coverage global or continental or even national scale soil moisture monitoring system exist.  There is a new European initiative to demonstrate the feasibility of a citizen observatory based soil moisture monitoring system.  The aim of this study is to characterize this new monitoring approach and provide provisional results on the interpretation and system performance.</p><p>GROW Observatory is a project funded under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program. Its aim is to establish a large scale (>20,000 participants), resilient and integrated ‘Citizen Observatory’ (CO) and community for environmental monitoring that is self-sustaining beyond the life of the project. This article describes how the initial framework and tools were developed to evolve, bring together and train such a community; raising interest, engaging participants, and educating to support reliable observations, measurements and documentation, and considerations with a special focus on the reliability of the resulting dataset for scientific purposes. The scientific purposes of GROW observatory are to test the data quality and the spatial representativity of a citizen engagement driven spatial distribution as reliably inputs for soil moisture monitoring and   to create timely series of  gridded soil moisture products based on citizens’ observations using low cost soil moisture (SM) sensors, and to provide an extensive dataset of in-situ soil moisture observations which can serve as a reference to validate satellite-based SM products and support the Copernicus in-situ component. This article aims to showcase the design, tools and the digital soil mapping approaches of the final soil moisture product.</p>


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