Review
Plant Sciences
C. Kevin Boyce, Daniel E. Ibarra, Michael P. D'Antonio
Summary: The terrestrial biota plays a crucial role in the long-term carbon cycle through the formation of coal and other sedimentary organic matter, as well as the impact on weathering of silicate minerals. However, there are misconceptions that hinder progress in understanding these processes, such as mass balance requirements, the nature and duration of perturbations, timescale constraints, and the role of models.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Chen Zhu, Yilun Zhang, J. Donald Rimstidt, Lei Gong, Joseph A. C. Burkhart, Kaiyun Chen, Honglin Yuan
Summary: The study demonstrates the advantages of using isotope tracers to test hypotheses of reaction mechanisms near-equilibrium. The results show that there is no major switch of reaction mechanisms near-equilibrium and suggest the dominance of an H2O-catalyzed reaction mechanism at pH 5-8.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Anthropology
Elizabeth G. Veatch, Erik J. Ringen, Megan B. Kilgore, Jatmiko
Summary: The study introduces an optimization foraging model with NCT features designed to infer environmental exploitation by primitive hominins. It demonstrates that NCT can be combined with OFT principles to generate testable foraging hypotheses suitable for zooarchaeological research.
EVOLUTIONARY ANTHROPOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Jiangmei Qiao, Mengmeng Nie, Qi Zhao, Quansheng Liu, Xuhai Tang
Summary: The weathering process has a significant impact on the mineral composition, microdefects, and mechanical properties of granitic rocks. Quartz is more resistant to weathering compared to feldspar and biotite. As the weathering degree increases, the volume fractions of quartz and weathering products increase, while the volume fractions of feldspar and biotite decrease. Additionally, the weathering process increases the volume of microdefects, including pores and microcracks.
ROCK MECHANICS AND ROCK ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Philip A. E. Pogge von Strandmann, Lara R. Cosford, Chun-Yao Liu, Xianyi Liu, Alexander J. Krause, David J. Wilson, Xiaoqing He, Alex J. McCoy-West, Sigurour R. Gislason, Kevin W. Burton
Summary: This study investigates the impact of riverine discharge and weathering intensity on lithium isotopes in a mono-lithological terrain using Icelandic rivers as the case study. The results show that water-rock interaction time is a primary control on the fractionation of Li isotopes. The relationship between weathering intensity and delta 7Li is observed in these basaltic rivers, but with different values compared to global rivers due to lithological control. The study also highlights the varying fractionation between the clay fraction and the dissolved load with both W/D and discharge. Overall, this study confirms the utility of Li isotopes as a tracer of weathering processes and provides important insights for interpreting detrital delta 7Li values.
Article
Education & Educational Research
Kristjan Kristjansson
Summary: This article explores the significance of phronesis in educational discourse, drawing insights from wisdom research within psychology. By proposing 22 testable hypotheses about phronesis and laying the groundwork for an educational research program, it highlights the empirical efforts needed in studying phronesis in the field of education.
BRITISH EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Marco Drewes, Yannis Georis, Juraj Klaric
Summary: For the first time, we have mapped the range of active-sterile neutrino mixing angles in which leptogenesis is possible, in the type I seesaw model. We found that the feasible range is considerably larger than in the minimal model and could potentially be observed in experiments, which would provide evidence for the hypothesis of neutrino masses and the origin of matter.
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
William Hedley Thompson, Simon Skau
Summary: Hypotheses are crucial in guiding the scientific process by stating what will be evaluated or tested. However, the formulation of hypotheses has received less attention compared to methods like preregistrations. This article argues that hypotheses can vary in specificity along three dimensions, and narrowing their scope can lead to novelty in research.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Fatma Filiz Yildirim, Ayse Sezer Hicyilmaz, Kenan Yildirim
Summary: This study investigated the effects of natural and accelerated weathering methods on the mechanical and color properties of three thermoplastic polymers commonly used in the automotive industry. The results showed a high correlation between natural and accelerated weathering methods, with PMMA samples performing the best.
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Duo Tang, Caili Zhang, Yunxuan Weng
Summary: The effects of multi-functional epoxy chain extender (Joncryl ADR 4370) content on the degradation, mechanical properties, and molecular weight of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) were investigated through natural and artificial weathering processes. The degradation mechanism of PBAT during weathering is mainly photo-degradation and hydrolyzation. With increasing chain extender content, the degradation rate of PBAT increases, while the loss velocity of tensile strength decreases. The formation of a crosslinked network structure due to excessive chain extenders plays a significant role in maintaining tensile strength during degradation.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Philip A. E. Pogge von Strandmann, Kevin W. Burton, Sophie Opfergelt, Bianca Genson, Rannveig A. Guicharnaud, Sigurour R. Gislason
Summary: This study analyzed Li isotope ratios in soil and pore water profiles from Iceland with different levels of weathering. The results showed that more weathered soils had lower Li isotope values in pore water, and the fractionation of Li isotopes was controlled by the degree of Li uptake by secondary minerals in the soil.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Physics, Particles & Fields
Anja Beck, Meril Reboud, Danny van Dyk
Summary: Studying the accurate transfer of information from low-energy measurements to high-energy BSM models is vital for investigating potential BSM effects at the precision frontier. In this paper, we propose the use of normalising flows to construct likelihood functions that facilitate this transfer. By constructing likelihood functions in this manner, we can generate additional samples and perform a straightforward goodness-of-fit test using a chi(2) test statistic.
EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL C
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Yilong Song, Xu (Yvon) Zhang, Julien Bouchez, Benjamin Chetelat, Jerome Gaillardet, JiuBin Chen, Ting Zhang, Hongming Cai, Wei Yuan, Zhongwei Wang
Summary: The study reveals lithium concentrations and lithium isotope compositions in subtropical river waters in the Xijiang Basin, Southern China. The rivers exhibit low dissolved lithium concentrations dominated by silicate weathering, with a wide range of dissolved lithium isotope compositions. Higher δLi-7 values in the high erosion mountainous part of the basin reflect a greater degree of secondary phase formations, while lower values in the lowlands with low erosion rates and abundant rainfall reflect more intensive weathering.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Wasim Sajjad, Nikhat Ilahi, Shichang Kang, Ali Bahadur, Sahib Zada, Awais Iqbal
Summary: Endolithic microbial communities in rocks exhibit high diversity and survive in extreme environments. This review provides comprehensive information on their diversity, survival strategies, and potential applications in various ecosystems.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Haopeng Geng, Jian Zhang, Rong Xie, Songbo Dai, Baotian Pan
Summary: Quantifying the relationship between chemical weathering and denudation rates in cold and arid environments is crucial for understanding the uplift-weathering hypothesis. In the Qilian Mountains, chemical weathering rates are positively correlated with precipitation, vegetation index, and denudation rate, and negatively correlated with temperature. This suggests that low temperatures promote near-surface chemical weathering and contribute to supply-limited conditions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
William H. McDowell
Summary: Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a heterogeneous mixture of organic compounds that is produced through microbial degradation and abiotic leaching, and it plays an important role in aquatic ecology and watershed management. The challenges in studying DOM include monitoring long-term changes, using sensors for short-term dynamics, understanding its role in the carbon cycle and greenhouse gas evasion, and exploring its evolutionary significance in various environments.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Allison M. Herreid, Carla Lopez Lloreda, Adam S. Wymore, Jody D. Potter, William H. McDowell
Summary: This study uses data from eight tropical watersheds in Puerto Rico to show that rivers in these watersheds are sources of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to the atmosphere. The concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) are influenced by surrounding inputs, while the concentration of methane (CH4) is related to in-stream oxygen availability and lithology.
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. M. Hopple, K. O. Doro, V. L. Bailey, B. Bond-Lamberty, N. McDowell, K. A. Morris, A. Myers-Pigg, S. C. Pennington, P. Regier, R. Rich, A. Sengupta, R. Smith, J. Stegen, N. D. Ward, S. C. Woodard, J. P. Megonigal
Summary: Coastal upland forests are experiencing widespread mortality due to sea-level rise and changes in precipitation and storm regimes. The loss of these forests has significant implications for the coastal carbon cycle, but predicting the likelihood of mortality is challenging. The TEMPEST experiment addresses this by studying the effects of freshwater and estuarine-water disturbance events on tree function, species composition, and ecosystem processes in a deciduous coastal forest in Maryland, USA.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thomas J. Mozdzer, Justin Meschter, Andrew H. Baldwin, Joshua S. Caplan, J. Patrick Megonigal
Summary: Phragmites australis, an invasive species in North American wetlands, has a high demand for nitrogen compared to native species. This study investigated how P. australis meets its nitrogen demand, particularly in systems with low soil nitrogen and limited nitrogen inputs. The research demonstrated that deep rooting allows P. australis to access unused nitrogen pools, satisfying its high nitrogen demand and fueling its invasion. These findings also challenge our understanding of biogeochemical processes in the soil profile.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2023)
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Peter Mueller, Thomas J. Mozdzer, J. Adam Langley, Lillian R. Aoki, Genevieve L. Noyce, J. Patrick Megonigal
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Erika Marin-Spiotta, Emily J. J. Diaz-Vallejo, Rebecca T. T. Barnes, Allison Mattheis, Blair Schneider, Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, Meredith G. G. Hastings, Billy M. M. Williams, Vicki Magley
Summary: Geosciences remains a field with low diversity, and efforts to address this issue should focus on creating inclusive and supportive work and learning environments. A workplace climate survey conducted among five professional organizations revealed diverse experiences among earth and space scientists. While most scientists reported positive interactions, those belonging to marginalized groups, such as people of color, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, faced more negative interactions, including mistreatment, discriminatory remarks, and sexual harassment.
Article
Education & Educational Research
Wenyi Du, Paul R. Hernandez, Amanda S. Adams, Sandra M. Clinton, Rebecca T. Barnes, Melissa Burt, Ilana Pollack, Emily V. Fischer
Summary: Efforts to diversify STEM fields haven't eradicated higher dropout rates of women in certain STEM disciplines, such as geosciences. While a diverse mentorship network is associated with STEM persistence, the specific role it plays in fostering persistence is unclear. This longitudinal study examines whether a student's sense of belonging in university mediates the relationship between the diversity of their mentor network and their interest in geoscience.
MENTORING & TUTORING
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Dolly Autufuga, Seth Quintus, Kyungsoo Yoo, Stephanie Day, Jennifer Huebert, Jonathan Deenik, Noa Kekuewa Lincoln
Summary: Soils and agriculture are closely related, especially in the Pacific islands. This study analyzed soil chemistry and vegetation patterns in the Manu'a islands of American Samoa, and found that soil fertility indicators had some application to the distribution of traditional agriculture. Agroforestry and arboriculture were key components of past agricultural practices.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Matthew L. L. Kirwan, J. Patrick Megonigal, Genevieve L. L. Noyce, Alexander J. J. Smith
Summary: Climate change is causing significant changes in the coastal zone, with carbon-rich ecosystems undergoing migration, growth, and submergence. This review analyzes the processes influencing soil carbon accumulation and greenhouse gas emissions, which determine the radiative forcing and size of the coastal carbon sink. Sea level rise can enhance soil carbon accumulation, but it also leads to ecosystem transitions and the loss of existing carbon pools. This study emphasizes the need for further research on the connectivity of carbon between ecosystems and the effects of ecosystem transitions on carbon accumulation and emissions in the coastal landscape.
NATURE REVIEWS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tyler Miesse, Andre de Souza de Lima, Arslaan Khalid, Felicio Cassalho, Daniel J. Coleman, Celso M. Ferreira, Ariana E. Sutton-Grier
Summary: Coastal communities face risks from wave and storm surges in extreme events, emphasizing the need for increased community resilience. This study focuses on the effectiveness of natural wetlands in attenuating waves and determining the best method for modeling vegetation's impact on wave dynamics. The researchers compared two different vegetation representations in numerical models and found that explicit modeling using average vegetation characteristics provided more accurate results in representing wave attenuation than implicit modeling. Understanding the trade-offs between different vegetation representations in numerical models is essential for accurately representing wave attenuation and designing effective protection strategies for coastal communities.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Junyan Ding, Nate McDowell, Yilin Fang, Nicholas Ward, Matthew L. Kirwan, Peter Regier, Patrick Megonigal, Peipei Zhang, Hongxia Zhang, Wenzhi Wang, Weibin Li, Stephanie C. Pennington, Stephanie J. Wilson, Alice Stearns, Vanessa Bailey
Summary: Relative sea level rise is causing the formation of ghost forests, leading to impacts on coastal ecosystems. By incorporating physiological effects of salinity and hypoxia into a vegetation model, researchers have explored the mechanisms of conifer tree mortality on the east and west coasts of the USA. Different patterns of mortality were observed, with carbon starvation dominating on the east coast and hydraulic failure dominating on the west coast due to different forms of seawater exposure.
Article
Plant Sciences
Megan L. Vahsen, Helena S. Kleiner, Haley Kodak, Jennifer L. Summers, Wendy L. Vahsen, Michael J. Blum, J. Patrick Megonigal, Jason S. McLachlan
Summary: Predicting the fate of coastal marshes requires understanding how plants respond to rapid environmental change. Less is known about the potential for responses to reflect the evolution of trait plasticity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tania L. Maxwell, Andre S. Rovai, Maria Fernanda Adame, Janine B. Adams, Jose Alvarez-Rogel, William E. N. Austin, Kim Beasy, Francesco Boscutti, Michael E. Boettcher, Tjeerd J. Bouma, Richard H. Bulmer, Annette Burden, Shannon A. Burke, Saritta Camacho, Doongar R. Chaudhary, Gail L. Chmura, Margareth Copertino, Grace M. Cott, Christopher Craft, John Day, Carmen B. de los Santos, Lionel Denis, Weixin Ding, Joanna C. Ellison, Carolyn J. Ewers Lewis, Luise Giani, Maria Gispert, Swanne Gontharet, Jose A. Gonzalez-Perez, M. Nazaret Gonzalez-Alcaraz, Connor Gorham, Anna Elizabeth L. Graversen, Anthony Grey, Roberta Guerra, Qiang He, James R. Holmquist, Alice R. Jones, Jose A. Juanes, Brian P. Kelleher, Karen E. Kohfeld, Dorte Krause-Jensen, Anna Lafratta, Paul S. Lavery, Edward A. Laws, Carmen Leiva-Duenas, Pei Sun Loh, Catherine E. Lovelock, Carolyn J. Lundquist, Peter Macreadie, Ines Mazarrasa, J. Patrick Megonigal, Joao M. Neto, Juliana Nogueira, Michael J. Osland, Jordi F. Pages, Nipuni Perera, Eva-Maria Pfeiffer, Thomas Pollmann, Jacqueline L. Raw, Maria Recio, Ana Carolina Ruiz-Fernandez, Sophie K. Russell, John M. Rybczyk, Marek Sammul, Christian Sanders, Rui Santos, Oscar Serrano, Matthias Siewert, Craig Smeaton, Zhaoliang Song, Carmen Trasar-Cepeda, Robert R. Twilley, Marijn Van de Broek, Stefano Vitti, Livia Vittori Antisari, Baptiste Voltz, Christy N. Wails, Raymond D. Ward, Melissa Ward, Jaxine Wolfe, Renmin Yang, Sebastian Zubrzycki, Emily Landis, Lindsey Smart, Mark Spalding, Thomas A. Worthington
Summary: Tidal marshes are significant carbon reservoirs, and a global dataset of soil organic carbon provides valuable information for researchers and policy-makers. The dataset includes geographic locations, soil depths, and organic carbon data, allowing for estimation of organic carbon stocks in tidal marsh soils.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maximilian Barczok, Chelsea Smith, Nicolle Di Domenico, Lauren Kinsman-Costello, David Singer, Elizabeth Herndon
Summary: This study explores the interactions between iron (oxyhydr)oxides and phosphate, and the effects of redox conditions on their transformations. The results show that hydrologic variability and iron mineralogy impact iron mobilization pathways, which may regulate phosphate bioavailability.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Desneiges S. Murray, Edom Moges, Laurel Larsen, Michelle D. Shattuck, William H. Mcdowell, Adam S. Wymore
Summary: This study investigates the impact of nitrogen wet deposition on watershed biogeochemical cycling using the transfer entropy method. The results show that wet deposition N has a lagged nonlinear effect on river N, with river DON being mostly influenced by wet deposition N. Additionally, the processes of mineralization and assimilation display stronger synchrony than nitrification.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2023)
