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Superoutbursts in WZ Sge-type dwarf novae (DNe) are characterized by both early superhumps and ordinary superhumps originating from the 2:1 and 3:1 resonances, respectively. However, some WZ Sge-type DNe show a superoutburst lacking early superhumps; it is not well established how these differ from superoutbursts with an early superhump phase. We report time-resolved photometric observations of the WZ Sge-type DN V627 Peg during its 2021 superoutburst. The detection of ordinary superhumps before the superoutburst peak highlights that this 2021 superoutburst of V627 Peg, like that {in} 2014, did not feature an early superhump phase. The duration of stage B superhumps was slightly longer in the 2010 superoutburst accompanying early superhumps than that in the 2014 and 2021 superoutbursts which lacked early superhumps. This result suggests that an accretion disk experiencing the 2:1 resonance may have a larger mass at the inner part of the disk and hence take more time for the inner disk to become eccentric. The presence of a precursor outburst in the 2021 superoutburst suggests that the maximum disk radius should be smaller than that of the 2014 superoutburst, even though the duration of quiescence was longer than that before the 2021 superoutburst. This could be accomplished if the 2021 superoutburst was triggered as an inside-out outburst or if the mass transfer rate in quiescence changes by a factor of two, suggesting that the outburst mechanism and quiescence state of WZ Sge-type DNe may have more variety than ever thought., 15 pages, 5 figures, 1 table, accepted for publication in PASJ

Despite the progress in the international and regional governance efforts at the level of climate change, ocean acidification (OA) remains a global problem with profoundly negative environmental, social, and economical consequences. This requires extensive mitigation and adaptation effective strategies that are hindered by current shortcomings of governance. This multidisciplinary chapter investigates the risks of ocean acidification (OA) for aquaculture and fisheries in the Mediterranean Sea and its sub-basins and the role of regional adaptive governance to tackle the problem. The identified risks are based on the biological sensitivities of the most important aquaculture species and biogenic habitats and their exposure to the current and future predicted (2100) RCP 8.5 conditions. To link OA exposure and biological sensitivity, we produced spatially resolved and depth-related pH and aragonite saturation state exposure maps and overlaid these with the existing aquaculture industry in the coastal waters of the Mediterranean basin to demonstrate potential risk for the aquaculture in the future. We also identified fisheries’ vulnerability through the indirect effects of OA on highly sensitive biogenic habitats that serve as nursery and spawning areas, showing that some of the biogenic habitats are already affected locally under existing OA conditions and will be more severely impacted across the entire Mediterranean basin under 2100 scenarios. This provided a regional vulnerability assessment of OA hotspots, risks and gaps that created the baseline for discussing the importance of adaptive governance and recommendations for future OA mitigation/adaptation strategies. By understanding the risks under future OA scenarios and reinforcing the adaptability of the governance system at the science-policy interface, best informed, “situated” management response capability can be optimised to sustain ecosystem services.

Despite continued interest in flow regime variability and its influence on stream dynamics in intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams, the link between different precipitation events and its control on water presence in hydrologically transient catchments with varying land cover and biophysical characteristics, has rarely been studied. This paper presents the results from high-resolution (30-min) precipitation data and streambed temperatures collected from a fifteen-month period from six different Mediterranean intermittent and ephemeral catchments. The monitoring timeframe proved to be one of the driest periods in the studied areas in the last 50 years and most recorded rain events were small, the majority of which not exceeding 0.4mm of rainfall in a single event. The results demonstrate the larger studied catchments had longer water level response lag times to precipitation episodes. In addition, reduced water level responses to autumn rain events in rural areas indicated that the soil water retention capacity due to the limited soil moisture content during the summer period and the empty water-retention infrastructure, play an important role in governing flow presence. The smaller and predominantly urban catchment, resulted with the second most rapid water presence response times and the highest average streambed temperature peaks following precipitation events. Conversely, rural catchments that have groundwater springs contributing to stream flows, showed more stable temperature variations. This research highlights the need for the improved understanding of the intrinsic landscape and basin properties that control the spatio-temporal patterns of transient flows and thermal responses to varying rain events, especially in a changing climate.

We present optical photometry of six intermediate polars that exhibit transitions to a low-flux state. For four of these systems, DW Cnc, V515 And, V1223 Sgr, and RX J2133.7+5107, we are able to perform timing analysis in and out of the low states. We find that, for DW Cnc and V515 And, the dominant periodicities in the light curves change as the flux decreases, indicating a change in the sources' accretion properties as they transition to the low state. For V1223 Sgr, we find that the variability is almost completely quenched at the lowest flux, but we do not find evidence for a changing accretion geometry. For RX J2133.7+5107, the temporal properties do not change in the low state, but we do see a period of enhanced accretion that is coincident with increased variability on the beat frequency, which we do not associate with a change in the accretion mechanisms in the system., peer-reviewed

Background The effect of ambient temperature on respiratory mortality has been consistently observed throughout the world under different climate change scenarios. Countries experiencing greater inter–annual variability in winter temperatures (and may not be lowest winter temperatures) have greater excess winter mortality compared to countries with colder winters. This study investigates the association between temperature and respiratory deaths in Malta which has one of the highest population densities in the world with a climate that is very hot in summer and mild in winter. Methods Daily number of respiratory deaths (7679 deaths) and meteorological data (daily average temperature, daily average humidity) were obtained from January 1992 to December 2017. The hot and cold effects were estimated at different temperatures using distributed lag non-linear models (DLNM) with a Poisson distribution, controlling for time trend, relative humidity and holidays. The reference temperature (MMT) for the minimum response-exposure relationship was estimated and the harvesting effects of daily temperature (0–27 lag days) were investigated for daily respiratory mortality. Effects were also explored for different age groups, gender and time periods. Results Cooler temperatures (8–15 °C) were significantly related to higher respiratory mortality. At 8.9 °C (1st percentile), the overall effect of daily mean temperature was related to respiratory deaths (RR 2.24, 95%CI 1.10–4.54). These effects were also found for males (95%CI 1.06–7.77) and males across different age groups (Males Over 65 years: RR 4.85, 95%CI 2.02–11.63 vs Males between 16 and 64 years: RR 5.00, 95%CI 2.08–12.03) but not for females. Interestingly, colder temperatures were related to respiratory deaths in the earliest time period (1992–2000), however, no strong cold effect was observed for later periods (2000–2017). In contrast, no heat effect was observed during the study period and across other groups. Conclusions The higher risk for cold-related respiratory mortality observed in this study could be due to greater inter-annual variability in winter temperatures which needs further exploration after adjusting for potential physical and socio-demographic attributes. The study provides useful evidence for policymakers to improve local warning systems, adaptation, and intervention strategies to reduce the impact of cold temperatures.

Brachytrupes megacephalus (Lefebvre, 1827) is of significant biogeographic importance. It occurs in Sicily and on some of the circum-Sicilian and Pelagian islands, as well as in the Maltese Islands, Sardinia and the Maghreb (notably but not exclusively, in Algeria and Tunisia, where it maintains populations in both coastal and desert regions). Within European territory, it occurs solely in Italy and Malta, where it is protected under the EU Habitats Directive and the Bern Convention. In northern Africa, the species is regarded as a polyphagous pest, particularly in Saharan locations. The present work is based on field observations, mostly from the Maltese Islands, that span more than three decades; it provides insights on spatial distribution, population trends and behaviour. In examining the relationship between the species’ frequency during its mating season and weather conditions, results suggest a weak yet statistically significant correlation between mating strategies and ambient meteorological conditions. Moreover, patch occupancy in spring and autumn varied considerably within a specified area of study, primarily due to competitive mating strategies employed in spring, with an occupancy ratio of approximately 1:6. To-date, the species is known from 13 locations, one in Gozo and 12 in Malta, of which some constitute the Ahrax promontory metapopulation. Connectivity between the Ahrax subpopulation cluster is discussed in the light of habitat and topographical characteristics. Contrasting findings on variances in behaviour between Maltese populations and other populations in Sicily and the Maghreb are discussed. Discernible behavioural disparities include the length of excavated tunnels during spring and summer/autumn seasons in the different geographical locations, attraction to artificial sources of light, and the degree of damage to crops across geographic regions.

Giordan Lighthouse, located on the island of Gozo in the Malta-Sicily Channel within the central Mediterranean region, is ideally located to study the primary sources of atmospheric pollution. A total of 10 years of data have been accumulated from the reactive gas and greenhouse gas detectors and the aerosol analyzers found at this Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) regional station. The data has been evaluated, resulting in trends in emissions from shipping recorded within the same region coming to the fore. The other source of emissions that was evident within the recorded data originated from Mt. Etna, located on the island of Sicily and representing the highest active volcano in Europe. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of ship emissions on trace gases and aerosol background measurements at Giordan Lighthouse, including the putative influence of COVID-19 on the same emissions. The model used to evaluate ship emissions was the Ship Traffic Emission Assessment Model (STEAM). From trace gas measurements at Giordan Lighthouse, a slowly decreasing trend in sulfur oxide (SOx) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions was noted. To better understand the air quality results obtained, the STEAM model was fed, as an input, an Automatic Identification System (AIS) dataset to describe the vessel activity in the area concerned. This study also investigates the effects of the COVID19 pandemic on marine traffic patterns within the area and any corresponding changes in the air quality. Such an analysis was carried out through the use of SENTINEL 5 data., peer-reviewed

arXiv:2104.04948v1, et al., We present spectroscopic and photometric observations of 17 dwarf-nova superoutbursts obtained by KOOLS-IFU mounted on the 3.8 m telescope Seimei at the Okayama Observatory of Kyoto University and through the Variable Star Network collaboration (VSNET). Our spectroscopic observations for six outbursts were performed within 1 d of their optical peak. 11 objects (TCP J00590972+3438357, ASASSN-19ado, TCP J06073081−0101501, ZTF20aavnpug, ASASSN-19ady, MASTER OT J061642.05+435617.9, TCP J20034647+1335125, ASASSN-20kv, ASASSN-20kw, MASTER OT J213908.79+161240.2, and ASASSN-20mf) were previously unknown systems, and our observations enabled quick classification of their transient type. These results illustrate that the Seimei telescope has the capability to conduct quick follow-up observations of unknown transients. Our photometric observations yielded that 11 of the objects are WZ Sge-type dwarf novae and their candidates, and the other six are SU UMa-type dwarf novae and their candidates. The He ii 4686 Å emission line was clearly detected among ASASSN-19ado, TCP J06073081−0101501 and MASTER OT J213908.79+161240.2, the association of which with a spiral arm structure in an accretion disk has been suggested in previous studies. Our result suggests that a higher-inclination system shows a stronger emission line of He ii 4686 Å, as well as larger-amplitude early superhumps., Maeda acknowledges support from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) KAKENHI grant JP18H05223, JP20H00174, and JP20H04737. U. Burgaz acknowledges the support provided by the Turkish Scientific and Technical Research Council (TÜBITAK2211C and 2214A). This work was supported by the project APVV-15-0458 “Interacting binaries - Key for the Understanding of the Universe”. This work was supported by the Slovak Research and Development Agency under the contract No. APVV15-0458 and by the Slovak Academy of Sciences grant VEGA No. 2/0030/21. The authors from Sternberg institute thank the Program of Development of Lomonosov MSU ‘Leading Scientific Schools’. A.A.B, N.P.I. and M.A.B. (SAI MSU) are supported by the Interdisciplinary Scientific and Educational School of Moscow University ’Fundamental and Applied Space Research’. This research was partly supported by the Slovak Academy of Sciences grant VEGA No. 2/0030/21.

Plastics is all the rage, and mitigating marine litter is topping the agenda for nations pushing issues such as ocean acidification, or even climate change, away from the public consciousness. We are personally directly affected by plastics and charismatic megafauna is dying from it, and it is something that appears to be doable. So, who cares about the issue of ocean acidification anymore? We all should. The challenge is dual in the fact that is both invisible to the naked eye and therefore not felt like a pressing issue to the public, thereby not reaching the top of the agenda of policy makers; but also that it is framed in the climate change narrative of fear - whereby it instills in a fight-or-flight response in the public, resulting in their avoidance of the issue because they feel they are unable to take action that have results. In this article, we argue that the effective global environmental governance of ocean acidification, though critical to address, mitigate against and adapt to, is hindered by the both this lack of perception of urgency in the general public, fueled by a lack of media coverage, as well as a fight-or-flight response resulting from fear. We compare this to the more media friendly and plastics problem that is tangible and manageable. We report on a media plots of plastics and ocean acidification coverage over time and argue that the issue needs to be detangled from climate change and framed as its own issue to reach the agenda at a global level, making it manageable to assess and even care about for policy makers and the public alike? Agência financiadora European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) ITC Conference Grant within the COST Action OCEANGOV COST-ITCCG-CA15217-372 Horizon 2020 project GoJelly 774499 SINTEF Ocean project SEEINGSHORE NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-031893 NORTE 2020 Portugal 2020 European Union (EU) Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology SFRH/BPD/108949/2015 CLIMFISH project n2/SAICT/2017 Horizon 2020 Framework Programme of the European Union info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The urban environment is characterised by many pressures caused by population growth, transport (and its related emissions), and the damage to green areas. Yet, there is a variety of ecosystem services available in urban areas, which may be deployed to ameliorate the current problems and foster their sustainability. This paper reviews the role of ecosystem services as tools for sustainability, based on an urban setting. It also describes a series of multi-country case studies, where an assessment of their functions using a set of benefits valuation approaches such as health benefits, economic benefits, social benefits and benefits to climate resilience, are provided, along with an appraisal of their role in up- keeping the overall quality of the urban environment in the studied areas. Policy recommendations aimed at enhancing the role of ecosystem services, and fostering sustainability in the sampled sites -and beyond-are provided.

arXiv:2004.10508v1, et al., We report on photometric and spectroscopic observations and analysis of the 2019 superoutburst of TCP J21040470+4631129. This object showed a 9 mag superoutburst with early superhumps and ordinary superhumps, which are the features of WZ Sge-type dwarf novae. Five rebrightenings were observed after the main superoutburst. The spectra during the post-superoutburst stage showed Balmer, He I, and possible sodium doublet features. The mass ratio is derived as 0.0880(9) from the period of the superhump. During the third and fifth rebrightenings, growing superhumps and superoutbursts were observed, which have never been detected during a rebrightening phase among WZ Sge-type dwarf novae with multiple rebrightenings. To induce a superoutburst during the brightening phase, the accretion disk needs to have expanded beyond the 3 : 1 resonance radius of the system again after the main superoutburst. These peculiar phenomena can be explained by the enhanced viscosity and large radius of the accretion disk suggested by the higher luminosity and the presence of late-stage superhumps during the post-superoutburst stage, plus by more mass supply from the cool mass reservoir and/or from the secondary because of the enhanced mass transfer than those of other WZ Sge-type dwarf novae., N. Narita is supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Numbers JP18H01265 and JP18H05439, and JST PRESTO Grant Number JPMJPR1775. M. Tamura is supported by MEXT/JSPS KAKENHI Grant Nos. 18H05442, 15H02063, and 22000005. P. A. Dubovsky, T. Medulka, and I. Kudzej acknowledge support by NSF AST-1751874 and the Cottrell scholarship from the Research Corporation for Science Advancement and by the Slovak Research and Development Agency under the contract No. APVV-15-0458. A. Zubareva, A. Belinski, A. Dodin, M. Burlak, N. Ikonnikova, E. Mishin, and S. Potanin acknowledge the support from the Program of development of M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University (Leading Scientific School “Physics of stars, relativistic objects and galaxies”). E. P. Pavlenko, O. I. Antonyuk, and Ju. V. Bbabina acknowledge support by the RSF grant 19-72-10063.

This study shows that the carbon star CGCS 673 is a semi-regular (SR) variable star with a period of 135 d and an amplitude of 0.18 magnitudes in the V-band. The light curve obtained by this study correlates well with the SR classification as the photometric data obtained shows noticeable periodicity in the light changes of CGCS 673 that is occasionally interrupted by a period of irregular variability. The derived period and colour index obtained from our data and those from professional databases indicate that the at-tributes of this star fall within the parameters of the Semi-Regular class of variable stars. Following our notification of the discovery that this star is a variable source, CGCS 673 has received the AAVSO Unique Identifier as (AAVSO UID) 000-BMZ-492., Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures, 4 tables

By focusing predominantly on cities or larger regions, environmental justice (EJ) studies have tended to overlook the challenges faced by small island states. This study explores the feasibility of constructing an EJ index for Malta, as a case study of these territories. EJ issues were identified by consulting relevant literature and local experts. Based on this, five environmental variables (air pollution, noise pollution, lack of greenery, overcrowding and overdevelopment, and proximity to locally unwanted land uses) and three social variables (education, unemployment, and health) were selected for inclusion in the index. For the identified variables, indicators were chosen and calculated for each locality, while using a Geographic Information System to process and visualize spatial data. Cumulative environmental burden and social vulnerability scores were calculated based on quintile ranking of indicators. After normalization, cumulative scores were aggregated to derive the EJ index. The preliminary evaluation of EJ distribution in Malta demonstrated significant spatial di erences. A statistically significant positive correlation of moderate strength between cumulative environmental burden and social vulnerability scores showed that EJ issues are present in Malta, notwithstanding its small size. Despite limitations, this exploratory index provides a basis for further EJ research in small island states., peer-reviewed

The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect is analyzed using LANDSAT8 satellite data acquired on two episodes of heatwaves over Hong Kong and processed using the split-window algorithm to retrieve the Land Surface Temperature (LST) over this area. The in situ ambient air temperatures measured by a number of local weather stations of the Hong Kong Observatory were used to validate the acquired LST. Regional temperature changes for the Hong Kong area for the 21st century generated using the climate scenario generator tool MAGICC/SCENGEN and constrained to SRES A2AIM project a rise in temperatures of between +0.9 and +5.4 °C. The results show the existence of severe UHI effects between urban and sub-urban localities during two severe heatwave events. Geospatial analysis of this local UHI problem quantifies how urban parks can minimize the UHI effect and a number of adaptation measures related to urban spatial planning are being recommended in view of a changing climate.

Ocean acidification (OA) is a global problem with profoundly negative environmental, social and economic consequences. From a governance perspective, there is a need to ensure a coordinated effort to directly address it. This study reviews 90 legislative documents from 17 countries from the European Economic Area (EEA) and the UK that primarily border the sea. The primary finding from this study is that the European national policies and legislation addressing OA is at best uncoordinated. Although OA is acknowledged at the higher levels of governance, its status as an environmental challenge is greatly diluted at the European Union Member State level. As a notable exception within the EEA, Norway seems to have a proactive approach towards legislative frameworks and research aimed towards further understanding OA. On the other hand, there was a complete lack of, or inadequate reporting in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive by the majority of the EU Member States, with the exception of Italy and the Netherlands. We argue that the problems associated with OA and the solutions needed to address it are unique and cannot be bundled together with traditional climate change responses and measures. Therefore, European OA-related policy and legislation must reflect this and tailor their actions to mitigate OA to safeguard marine ecosystems and societies. A stronger and more coordinated approach is needed to build environmental, economic and social resilience of the observed and anticipated changes to the coastal marine systems., peer-reviewed

This study evaluated the knowledge, perceptions and behaviour of the Maltese population regarding ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure and sun protection attitudes. It also assessed whether the published Global Solar Ultraviolet Index (UVI) forecasts by the national local weather service are an accurate representation of the actual local UVR exposure. An analysis of long-term trends in the incidence of skin cancer in Malta was affected. This study revealed high local awareness levels in relation to UVI (96%), a relatively high familiarity with its significance (74%) and a relatively high follow-up of the published UVI forecasts during the summer months (72%). Notwithstanding this, 79% of the respondents claimed sun exposure during sun peak hours in summer. Furthermore worrying increasing trends in the reported cases of all skin cancer types over the past two decades were revealed. It was also established that 81% of locally published UVI forecasts were within ±1 UVI unit when compared to ground based integrated erythemally weighted ultraviolet radiation (UVER) data. This study demonstrated the importance for better focused sun protective campaigns and the relevance of a practical and easily communicable UVI concept using modern media applications so as to address the worrying situation of an ever-increasing trend in skin cancer incidence.

Based on the World Climate Research Program’s (WCRP) predicted changes in the magnitude and distribution of regional precipitation and temperature, this study assesses the future viability of agriculture in the Maltese islands, which are situated in the central Mediterranean region considered by many as a climate change hotspot. The analysis uses the latest results from an ensemble of 11 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) models addressing IPCC’s four Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) for the years 2050 and 2070 as provided by WorldClim database. Using statistical, empirical crop- and livestock-modeling techniques, this unique study shows that future climate change is likely to negatively affect Malta’s natural freshwater supplies, livestock and crop survival. As a consequence, the distribution of the already stressed local arable land will change, modifying production patterns and economics. The analysis of multi-model predictions provided a more robust evaluation of the likely impacts of physical and bioclimatic factors that are of relevance to local agriculture. Irrespective of which RCP scenario is considered, we find that the expected losses in productivity and food quality will be significant.

The intermediate polar FO Aquarii (FO Aqr) experienced its first-reported low-accretion states in 2016, 2017, and 2018, and using newly available photographic plates, we identify pre-discovery low states in 1965, 1966, and 1974. The primary focus of our analysis, however, is an extensive set of time-series photometry obtained between 2002 and 2018, with particularly intensive coverage of the 2016-2018 low states. After computing an updated spin ephemeris for the white dwarf (WD), we show that its spin period began to increase in 2014 after having spent 27 years decreasing; no other intermediate polar has experienced a sign change of its period derivative, but FO Aqr has now done so twice. Our central finding is that the recent low states all occurred shortly after the WD began to spin down, even though no low states were reported in the preceding quarter-century, when it was spinning up. Additionally, the system's mode of accretion is extremely sensitive to the mass-transfer rate, with accretion being almost exclusively disk-fed when FO Aqr is brighter than V~14 and substantially stream-fed when it is not. Even in the low states, a grazing eclipse remains detectable, confirming the presence of a disk-like structure (but not necessarily a Keplerian accretion disk). We relate these various observations to theoretical predictions that during the low state, the system's accretion disk dissipates into a non-Keplerian ring of diamagnetic blobs. Finally, a new XMM-Newton observation from a high state in 2017 reveals an anomalously soft X-ray spectrum and diminished X-ray luminosity compared to pre-2016 observations., Comment: Accepted for publication in ApJ

In this study we report the results obtained from an island-wide survey aimed at researching an under-emphasized key feature of climate change adaptation—namely willingness to adapt on the basis of the perceptions and beliefs held by the Gozitan livestock and crop farmers. Some of the main objectives of this study included the: (1) determination of whether the current perception is in line with the observed climatic changes at the local scale, and (2) identification of the typology of these farmers, together with those factors that affect both skepticism and acceptance of climate change. This study provided an important first step in the objective validation of local farmers' perceptions of climate change, as well as in the development of a comprehensive understanding of their attitude, beliefs, willingness and capacity to adjust their practices in response to climate change. The results pointed to several important conclusions that can be used to inform research, outreach strategies and policy formulation, targeting the Gozitan farming sector to adapt to climate change without delay. The forgoing analysis showed a dire need for more information both on impacts and risks, as well as on ways how to introduce new farming techniques and practices.

This study provides an assessment of erosion hazard on the Maltese coast via application of the Coastal Hazard Wheel, a tool that also facilitated analysis of a number of other inherent coastal hazards including ecosystem disruption, gradual inundation, salt water intrusion, and flooding. The CHW characterises the coastal environment by considering geological layout, wave exposure, tidal range, flora and fauna, sediment balance and storm climate. Application of the CHW identified coastal erosion to present a high to very high influence on the Maltese coastline, with 45.7% of the coast exhibiting a low level of erosion hazard, 12.1% a moderate level, 12.6% a high level and 18.4%, a very high level of erosion hazard. Application of the CHW suggested somewhat higher erosion hazard levels than prior studies using different methodologies; it also confirmed the ease of application of this climate change sensitive coastal hazard identification tool. Management considerations identified a wide range of options the applicability of which is highly dependent on specific coastal configuration and that characterisation of the latter is crucial to allow appropriate management. The study generated management-useful maps describing coastal susceptibility to various hazards and hazard levels. It further provided a description of the entire Maltese coast in terms of ten different coastal configurations that infer management considerations of six coastal characteristics and five hazards. The study outputs are presented as a contribution to more effective management and decision-making by civil protection and planning agencies and as a key first step in the risk analysis process., peer-reviewed

This study focuses on a relatively unexplored area located some 33.4 geodetic km away from the central floor of Euclides, in the NE direction, precisely at −6.62° Latitude and −29.89° Longitude. Land-based CCD observations of this area showed a small group of dome-like structures situated on an elevated basaltic platform. One hypothesis is that these features represent a series of mounds made up of a collection of undifferentiated crater materials or ejecta as described by USGS (Geologic Atlas of the Moon. Department of Interior, US Geological Survey—I-458, 1965). This hypothesis is tested against an alternative one in that the area shows the presence of domes that are partly covered by these ejecta. The present spectrometric results place the basalt within the chosen AOI subset in the low-Ti category (1–5 wt% TiO2) and a FeO abundance wt% of between 12 and 14. Spectrometrically, similar dome features have been observed by other investigators near the Milichus/Tobias Mayer regions. A possible classification for this feature would be DW/1a/6h/8j. Details of the cluster analysis used for raster classification is presented as an effective approach to discriminate between different classes of the lunar surface. This approach was used to map the lunar soil geology over the selected showing better lunar geological information than the current mapping information available by USGS. This same approach can be used to effectively map out other regions of the lunar surface.

Landscape designations are widely used as a basis for land-use policy and planning decisions, with these often based on technical expert assessments. However, there is limited consideration in the literature of the extent to which such expert-based designations reflect public views. This is relevant when considering the strong emphasis of the European Landscape Convention on ensuring that public perceptions are reflected in landscape decisions. In this study, we use the results of a survey to generate public perception-based landscape character and change maps for the island of Gozo (Malta). We consider three different respondent sub-groups and evaluate the degree of concordance between results obtained and landscapes recommended for designation by experts. Results indicate a poor fit between expert-based and public-based results, with >70% of expert-recommended areas not considered to be of particularly high landscape character by the public, and conversely, with >50% of areas considered to be of high character by the public not included within areas identified by experts as meriting protection. The spatial distribution of these areas was also poorly correlated. Furthermore, clear differences between public and technical judgements of landscape change were evident, particularly in the case of urban landscapes. The study has important implications, showing that expert-based landscape designations may not accurately or adequately reflect public views on valued landscapes and suggesting the need for additional public input to inform decision-making. Our results also indicate the importance of adopting comprehensive protection, planning and management approaches that consider not only outstanding but also more everyday landscapes.

There is as yet scanty published information on climate trends at a local scale within the central Mediterranean region. This is the most updated study that focuses on detailed understanding of air temperature shifts based on standard observations gathered from the Maltese islands. This analysis leads to a number of conclusions, most significant being (1) that the rate of change in the mean temperature is +1.1 °C between 1951 and 2010, (2) a warming trend of +1.2 and +1.1 °C exists in the maximum and minimum temperature, respectively, over the same period, (3) that the strongest anomalous warming has occurred during the last 30 years, particularly during the months of June, August and October, and (4) the local temperature trend is in the same category of air temperature trends detected in the nearby Island of Sicily (Catania, Italy), Perpignan (France) and Dar el-Beida (Algeria). Local data also show differences in the temperature trends, especially pronounced between the two 30-year periods of 1951–1980 and 1981–2010. This study provides an understanding of temperature shifts at recommended small spatio-temporal scales.

The main objective of this study was to investigate low level wind behaviour at five locations in the central and South East parts of the Mediterranean island of Malta. The datasets covered a period of 12 months spanning from November 2007 to October 2008. The results showed similar wind speed trends; a feature that may, to a certain extent be attributed to the relative proximity of the locations being studied. The monitoring height and the exposure of the wind measurement sensors were important factors to be kept in mind when comparing wind behavioural characteristics. As expected, the site with the highest instrument cluster exhibited noticeably higher wind speeds than the rest of the locations. The wind monitoring stations were in open, built or semi-built environments and the results generated should be useful to estimate performance characteristics of small wind turbines at similar locations.

This study implements the assimilation of sea surface temperature (SST) data acquired by passive microwave remote sensing to a high-resolution, primitive-equation ocean model. The aim was to improve a forecasting tool capable of predicting the surface ocean processes linked to the air–sea interactions at sub-mesoscale level using one-way coupled, atmosphere–ocean modelling. An assimilation scheme based on a Newtonian relaxation scheme was fine-tuned to improve the forecasting skill of the ocean model. The ocean model was driven by predicted, synchronous air–sea fluxes derived by an overlying atmosphere model, remotely sensed SST and lateral boundary conditions derived from its previous run. The estimation of the model forecasting error was based on statistical and spatial comparison with remotely sensed observations. The optimal nudging coefficient was found to be 5 × 10−4 for 12 hours, giving a mean bias of −0.07°C. Forecast validation was done against calibrated AVHRR scenes using a new approach to cali...

Seagrass meadow characteristics, including distribution, shape, size and within-meadow architectural features, may be influenced by various physical factors, including hydrodynamic forces. However, such influences have hardly been assessed for meadows of the ecologically important and endemic Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica. The distribution of P. oceanica meadows at five sites in the Maltese Islands was mapped to a depth of c. 15 m using a combination of aerial photography and SCUBA diving surveys. Estimates of wind-generated wave energy and energy attenuated by depth were computed using the hydrodynamic model WEMo (Wave Exposure Model). Metrics for P. oceanica landscape features were calculated using FRAGSTATS for replicate 2500 m2 subsamples taken from the seagrass habitat maps in order to explore the influence of wave dynamics at the landscape scale. Data on within-meadow architectural attributes were collected from five sites and analysed for relationships with wave energy. The results indicate that landscape and architectural features of P. oceanica meadows located within the 6–11 m depth range are significantly influenced by wave climate. Posidonia oceanica meadows tend to be patchier and have low overall cover, more complex patch shapes and reduced within-patch architectural complexity along a wave exposure gradient from low to high energy. The findings from the present study provide new insight into the influence of hydrodynamic factors on the natural dynamism of P. oceanica meadow landscape and architecture, which has implications for the conservation and management of the habitat.