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Bathymetry reconstruction using UAV-mounted Echo-sounder and Lidar sensors: a case study
No full textThis study investigates a UAV-mounted sonar approach for bathymetric mapping in complex inland water bodies, addressing challenges that hinder traditional methods like satellite-based remote sensing and USVs. Optical satellite imagery, while valuable in clear shallow waters, is limited in turbid environments. Likewise, inland waters often feature obstacles-boulders, vegetation, and anthropogenic debris-that impede USV navigation. This study introduces a UAV-tethered sonar device to overcome these constraints, leveraging UAV mobility to access remote areas and sonar precision to capture accurate depth data in deep and murky conditions. Tests in Conza della Campania reservoir, Italy, compared this method to LiDAR, showing that UAV-based sonar provides reliable bathymetric models and can detect submerged objects. Dual-frequency sonar (50 kHz, 200 kHz) captured detailed profiles, with low frequencies effectively penetrating debrisheavy water. This approach proves valuable for bathymetric reconstruction in complex environments, offering an accessible, scalable solution for inland water studies.PublishedJCR Journa
Seismic survey in an urban area: the activities of the EMERSITO INGV emergency group in Ancona (Italy) following the 2022 <i>M</i><sub>w</sub> 5.5 Costa Marchigiana–Pesarese earthquake
No full textThis paper describes data and preliminary analyses made by the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) emergency task force EMERSITO, devoted to site effects and seismic microzonation studies, following the 9 November 2022 strong earthquake localized in the Adriatic Sea (Italy). Considering the affected area, EMERSITO deployed, from November 2022 to February 2023, a temporary seismic network of 11 stations (net code 6N) which sampled different geological units in the urban area of Ancona.PublishedJCR Journa
3D quantification of nanolites using X-ray ptychography reveals syn-eruptive nanocrystallisation impacts magma rheology
No full textNanoscale crystals are becoming increasingly recognised in the products of volcanic eruptions, spanning a range of magma compositions. The crystallisation of nanolites impacts magma rheology, ascent dynamics, and eruptive style. Their impact can be enhanced due to their capacity to aggregate and develop neighbouring chemically differentiated boundary layers. However, their 3D interaction, spatial distribution, and morphology is not currently understood. Here we present a cutting-edge, 3D nanometre-scale visualisation and quantification of nanolites in scoriae of the Las Sierras-Masaya basaltic Plinian eruptions, acquired using X-ray ptychography. We find that Timagnetite nanolites aggregate, forming elongate, irregular structures in 3D. Their crystallisation extracts Fe and Ti from the melt, resulting in differentiated boundary layers with higher viscosity. Syn-eruptive crystallisation of nanolites and their interaction is estimated to have increased magma viscosity by 2-3 orders of magnitude, therefore, they likely had a strong control on magma rheology, increasing the potential of magma fragmentation. The potential of a highly explosive Plinian eruption at a volcanic system presents a significant hazard and requires assessment of risk mitigation. Plinian eruptions eject >1 km 3 of tephra into the atmosphere, producing eruption columns which exceed 10 km in height 1 , with considerable impacts on society and the environment. Plinian eruptions are typically associated with silica-rich magmas 1 , as their high viscosity can result in brittle fragmentation within volcanic conduits, which occurs due to the accumulation of stress at high applied strain rates or the overpressure within entrained bubbles 1-3. However, sub-Plinian and Plinian eruptions at basaltic volcanic systems do occur, such as the recent 2017-2018 eruption of Ambae (Aoba), Vanuatu, which produced a maximum column height of 20 km and led to thePublishedOSV2: Complessità dei processi vulcanici: approcci multidisciplinari e multiparametriciJCR Journa
A Bootstrapping Convolutional Neural Network Technique for Optimizing Automated Detection of Equatorial Plasma Bubbles by Optical All-Sky Imagers
No full textEquatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) disrupt satellite-based communication and navigation systems, particularly in equatorial regions. Reliable detection and classification of EPBs from all-sky imager (ASI) images are essential for accurate space weather monitoring and forecasting. This study presents a novel bootstrapping convolutional neural network (CNN) approach to optimize automated EPB detection on ASI images for operational space weather monitoring applications, and overcoming challenges related to image variability and imbalanced data sets. Data used for CNN training were obtained from the optical mesosphere thermosphere imagers ASI installed at the Space Environment Research Laboratory, National Space Research and Development Agency, Abuja during the period from 2015 to 2020. Our method involved training three submodels, and aggregating their predictions. The CNN trainings were conducted on three sub-datasets of 3,000 images each, categorized as "EPB," "Noisy/Cloudy" or "No EPB." Three corresponding sub-models were developed from the CNN trainings. The three sub-model classifications independently gave prediction accuracies of 98.67%, 98.33%, and 95.83% on a reserved test data set of 600 images. Ensemble models further improved the model prediction accuracies to 99.17% and 99.33% for methods based on the mean of sub-model probabilities and the mode of sub-model classifications respectively. Our results indicate that the bootstrapping CNN technique enhanced the EPB detection accuracy, providing a powerful tool for real-time space weather monitoring applications, and implications for improving operational reliability of satellite-based navigation and communication in the equatorial region.PublishedJCR Journa
The impact of Mother's Day Storms in May 2024 on Precise Point Positioning at mid-latitudes
No full textGeomagnetic storms generate disturbances in the ionosphere that can significantly affect the quality of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals transmitted through the ionosphere. While many studies have investigated their impact on GNSS at low or high latitudes as they are the regions mostly affected by ionospheric disturbances, this study focuses on the mid-latitude area affected by a recent superstorm event in May 2024, namely Mother's Day storm. Due to the severity of the Mother's Day storm, the visible blueprint of the ionospheric irregularities-aurorae and stable auroral arcs-were observed at mid-latitudes worldwide, thus motivating our research. By probing the GNSS measurements recorded at a GNSS receiver, the ionospheric variations and their impact on the GNSS positioning can be evaluated. We processed GNSS data recorded at Lampedusa Island in Italy during the Mother's Day storm and analyzed the variation of the total electron content (TEC), scintillation indices, and the accuracy of precise point positioning (PPP) results. During the storm, the TEC dramatically decreased, which suggests no significant impact on positioning since TEC is positively correlated with the ionospheric code delay and phase advance in the GNSS signals. However, the PPP results indicate that the geomagnetic storm degraded the GNSS positioning considerably due to the scintillation occurrence during the storm event.PublishedJCR Journa
Integrating plasmasphere, ionosphere and thermosphere observations and models into a standardised open access research environment: The PITHIA-NRF international project
No full textThe PITHIA-NRF project ''Plasmasphere Ionosphere Thermosphere Integrated Research Environment and Access services: a Network of Research Facilities" aims at building a European distributed network that integrates observations from space and ground, data processing tools and models to support scientific research on the Plasmasphere-Ionosphere-Thermosphere system. PITHIA-NRF is designed to provide formalised open access to experimental facilities, data and models, standardised data products, and training services. Participating organisations that operate these facilities, formed twelve nodes in eleven European countries. These nodes work on optimising their observing facilities and offer trans-national access to scientists and engineers. The PITHIA-NRF e-Science Centre is a core element of the project. Its design and evolution are controlled by a systematic ontology which governs the collection of scientific observations and research models, jointly termed data collections, which are registered with the e-Science Centre. Several tens of data collections are being registered. Data collection registrations adhere to FAIR principles and transparent quality measures to a large extent. The e-Science Centre facilitates the execution of research projects proposed by researchers from inside and outside the PITHIA-NRF consortium which require trans-national access to and understanding of data collections (observations and models) residing at one or several PITHIA-NRF nodes. Upon completion of the project a comprehensive collection of observations and models will have been gathered by the e-Science Centre for the benefit of efficient scientific research which relies on Europe-wide collaboration.PublishedJCR Journa
Toward Solving the Mystery of Elevated Tectonic Degassing in South Eastern Europe: Insights From Gas Discharges Along the Vardar Suture (North Macedonia)
No full textTectonic carbon degassing is an important contributor to the global carbon cycle. South Eastern Europe is an active extensional tectonic region. This is the result of intense geodynamic events related to the closure of the Tethys Ocean, whose remnants include an ophiolite orogenic belt and the Vardar megasuture. In North Macedonia, regional active fault systems, seismic activity, Cenozoic-Quaternary volcanism, large-scale degassing, and low-enthalpy geothermal resources are widespread. Nonetheless, a geochemical characterization of the gas manifestations is missing from the literature. Toward this contribution, we report the first characterization of chemical and isotopic compositions of fluids from the main geothermal and cold gas manifestations of North Macedonia, and we explore their origins, the processes controlling their chemistry, and their relationships with the regional geodynamic situation. Gas samples were collected along the whole country, and were analyzed for both their chemical (He, H 2 , H 2 S, O 2 , N 2 , CO 2 , CH 4 , Ar) and isotopic composition (δ 13 C-CO 2 , He, Ar). Based on their chemistry, samples can be subdivided into three groups: (a) N 2-dominated, (b) CO 2-dominated, and (c) H 2 S-rich, which are geographically well separated, following regional distributions. The CO 2-dominated group is the most widespread, highlighting the importance of geogenic carbon degassing in the study area. Its origin is prevailingly crustal (δ 13 C-CO 2 = 4.6-+1.0‰ vs. V-PDB; R/R A = 0.1-1.8), but a significant, up to 25%, mantle contribution can be inferred from the He isotope composition. Plain Language Summary The Earth emits a considerable quantity of deep gases, especially carbon dioxide, not only from the most well-known volcanic systems but also from structural systems, such as active fault systems that can generate earthquakes. The Balkan Peninsula is an area rich in degassing structural systems, which have not been as extensively studied as other areas. The objective of this study was to investigate the degassing manifestation in North Macedonia. This is the first study to examine the composition of the gases in order to ascertain their origin, the processes controlling their chemistry, and their relationship with the structural systems of the area. The samples can be classified into three groups based on the most abundant gas species: (a) N 2-dominated, (b) CO 2-dominated, and enrichments (c) H 2 S-rich. These groups are geographically well separated and located in the eastern, central and western parts of the country, respectively. The CO 2dominated group is the most widespread. This finding further highlights the importance of carbon degassing in the Balkan Peninsula. Carbon in the area predominantly derives from the crust, although evidence suggests a significant mantle contribution, as indicated by the helium isotope composition.PublishedJCR Journa
Helium isotopes in geothermal fluids reveal off-rift plume degassing and localized seismicity-induced processes in North Iceland
No full textceland is a location of geological interest due to the combination of upwelling mantle plume and divergent plate
boundary, which resulted in the formation of its extensive surface area (>100,000 km2) that rises above sea-
level. This unique setting facilitates assessing the role of the underlying mantle plume and tectonic activity on
crust-forming processes. Helium isotopes provide a useful tool in this regard, as they can identify physical
processes and resolve deep and shallow fluid sources in the crust. In Iceland, the highest 3He/4He for geothermal
fluids are found in Vestfirðir with values up to 29 Ra (where Ra is the 3He/4He of air), more than 110 km away
from current active rift zones. Such locations are key to understand the extent of mantle degassing processes
associated with the high buoyant Icelandic mantle plume. Other off-rift regions, such as most of North Iceland,
have not been extensively investigated, despite the widespread presence of geothermal activity. Although North
Iceland has been volcanically inactive for the past 0.8 Ma, severe earthquake hazards associated with mature and
partially on-land transform zones have occurred, rendering the monitoring of the full tectonic-hydrogeochemical
system of societal importance. Our study in North Iceland aimed to (i) assess temporal variations in helium
isotopic signatures in low-T geothermal water and their relationship with regional earthquakes, (ii) diminish the
helium isotope data gap in geothermal fluids of this region, and (iii) elucidate both local and regional processes
controlling the He isotope systematics in this region as a case study for other off-rift contexts on Earth. In order to
achieve these goals, we report helium isotope time series data collected from June 2020 to October 2022 from a
borehole in Hafralækur, Aðaldalur valley (95 samples collected on a near-weekly basis), along with an isotope
survey (δ2H-3He/4He-δ13CTDIC-δ18O-δ34SSO4) of North Iceland geothermal fluids (T < 130 ◦C, n =36 samples).
The results indicate a large regional variability in helium isotope ratios (4 to 27 Ra) that is comparable to the
entire range evident in geothermal fluids across Iceland (~1 to 29 Ra) where the maximum 3He/4He signature is
among the highest measured in geothermal fluids from oceanic and continental hotspots globally. Several processes,
both on regional and local scales, are needed to account for this large range: (i) influence of a deeply-
derived mantle flux evidenced by a high 3He/4He mantle component, degassing via fault systems, (ii) release
of local radiogenic helium components, potentially associated with seismic events along the Dalvík Lineament,
and (iii) local groundwater mixing, for example evident at the Hafralækur site and documented by periodic M >
5 seismic events. The estimated magmatic helium flux for the entire study region is comparable to that of the
mid-ocean ridge, where mantle-derived melts intruded in the crust are actively degassing, confirming the large-
scale degassing of the Iceland plume. As basalts and their source materials can be affected by radiogenic additions
and temporal variations, we postulate that geothermal fluids may better reflect the maximum present-day
3He/4He plume signature.PublishedOSV1: Verso la previsione dei fenomeni vulcanici pericolosiJCR Journa
The Future Challenges of Geoethics: Navigating Technology, Sustainability, and Social and Professional Responsibility
No full textGeoethics is increasingly acknowledged as a critical field for examining the societal implications of geoscientific knowledge and its contribution to fostering a responsible and sustainable future for humanity. It engages with the ethical, cultural, and social dimensions of human interaction with the Earth system, focusing on natural resource use, land management, risk mitigation, and ecosystem protection. In the context of escalating global socio-ecological crises, geoethics demands more integrated and interdisciplinary approaches. These challenges necessitate a redefinition of the objectives, values, and ethical foundations underpinning scientific inquiry and technological innovation. Furthermore, contemporary governance frameworks, including decision-making and legislative processes, must be re-envisioned to adequately reflect the complexity and interconnectedness of an increasingly digitalized and globalized world. Central to the advancement of geoethics is the development and adoption of a methodological framework, conceptualized here as Relational Geoscientific Pragmatism (RGP), that advocates for pragmatic, context-sensitive solutions grounded in cross-disciplinary collaboration. It seeks to harmonize scientific understanding with ethical principles and societal values, drawing upon the philosophical orientation of ecological humanism. RGP emphasizes a relational perspective that affirms the intrinsic value of both humanity and the physical world, promoting a more holistic, inclusive, and ethically informed response to contemporary socio-environmental challenges. This chapter critically examines the principal challenges facing geoethics in the coming years and articulates how RGP, informed by ecological humanism, can serve as a guiding framework for both the scientific community and broader society. It aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on sustainable development by advancing ethically robust pathways that integrate scientific knowledge with normative commitments to social and environmental justice.PublishedOS: Terza mission
Guidelines for the Scientific Evaluation of an NSHM: The Legacy of the MPS19 Italian Model
No full textIn many countries, the acceptance of a new National Seismic Hazard Model (NSHM) to be used in risk reduction strategies usually comes after a deep scrutiny and analysis of the differences with the previous NSHM, in terms of their scientific reliability and of the practical applicability for building code purposes. These two requirements are fully legitimate, but they are conceptually very different and often mixed up in the scientific and public discussion. Although we acknowledge that any use of an NSHM in terms of risk reduction strategies ought to consider many additional nonscientific challenges, we claim that NSHM is a scientific model; hence, its credibility is intimately and exclusively related to its scientific reliability. Stimulated by how the last NSHM in Italy has been evaluated, in this article, we discuss in detail how to test the reliability of an NSHM with the available data, and the meaning of comparing the outcomes of the new and old NSHMs. Finally, we propose recommendations that may guide any scientists to navigate across the tumultuous process of assessing the scientific reliability of an NSHM and comparing, meaningfully, the outcomes of different NSHMs.PublishedJCR Journa