Estimation of river water levels using cameras

Niagara Falls, NY Photo by Cameron Venti on Unsplash

Many UK rivers have cameras up and down their profile i.e. for things like wildlife tracking and identification. Vandaele, Dance and Ojha looked into utilising these cameras for water level estimation. They develop a deep learning algorithm to do just this. They annotate images from cameras along the River Avon and Severn, UK (21 November - 5 December 2012), isolating flood events, finally comparing their results with local river gauges. This algorithm had an accuracy >91%. They then try the algorithm with a year long sample (from 1 June 2019 to 31 May 2020) for the same rivers. Again the correlation to local gauges is clear, showing that the  use of cameras along rivers could help accurately predict flood events, particularly in areas with no gauges, thus providing some warning to residents and/or farmers. Low water levels are covered, but nothing is mentioned about drought conditions. This could be an issue as drought conditions are just as big of an issue as flood conditions. Dry land does not allow for optimum (or any) infiltration by rain, meaning flooding is more likely. As a deep learning algorithm that uses pixels filled with water, it is very likely that it could adapt and learn to interpret drought condition data too.

Vandaele, R., Dance, S.L. and Ojha, V., 2021. Deep learning for the estimation of water-levels using river cameras. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences Discussions, pp.1-29.

Abandoned, but still beautiful

Image from Landschaftspark.de

Countries the world over are home to derelict buildings those with a strong industrial past are likely to have at least a few substantial abandoned plots. Plots such as old factories cover large areas of land and are normally deemed unsafe to be near and unseemly. But should this be the case? Unless the ground contains harmful chemicals abandoned buildings and structures can be made safe. The following is an example of just what we are missing by nut utilising these unusable locations.

Landschaftspark (Landscape Park) in Duisberg, Germany was once the Thyssen ironworks. At 180 acres it boasts green spaces, gardens, an old railway and five areas of water way. As well as the landscape and industrial heritage a wide variety of events are also held in and around the park. Everything from bike rides to film showings and music festivals can be experienced in Landschaftspark.

The diversity of land uses on these sites results in a wide variety of options to adapt them into. As such pretty much anyone can find something to enjoy and provide the time-out they need. Cycling, walking, running, yoga, music and films, gardening and that is to name but a few. Beyond the benefits we will gain these sites will also provide habitats including food and places to raise young. Plants also benefit, Landschaftspark is resident to at least 700 different plant species. From this it could be discovered that Landschaftspark or any other reclaimed industrial site is home to rare, endangered or even a species thought to be extinct.

Old industrial sites may be something of an eye sore, but they have so much potential to be beautiful, practical and an amazing place for both people and wildlife.

Amphibian diversity in the Waterfalls of Lubuklinggau City, South Sumatra

Waterfalls and other watery locations are more often than not, frequented by amphibians, which are an integral part of any ecosystem. The paper by Samitra and Rozi (2021) investigates the diversity of amphibians at Temam and Sando Waterfalls, Lubuklinggau City. No trapping was used, only Visual Encounter Survey (VES) and time search methods, but some individuals were taken back to the lab for identification (and then relesed). Lubuklinggau City has a great diversity of habitats, everything from secondary forest to rice fields, meaning there are many potential locations for amphibians to be found. The focus here though are the Teman and Sando Waterfalls. Both sites are major tourist attractions, Teman has some convenience facilities, whilst Sando remains natural. Other research conducted in neighbouring areas, found significantly more species (11 compared to 55); however, there were several factors that were different between the studies, namely search hours and altitude. The difference in altitude would also make the ecology of the search areas different. The authors also conclude that the diversity at each waterfall is comparable to the other.

Google scholar search: 

Samitra, D. and Rozi, Z.F., 2021. Amphibian diversity in the Waterfall of Lubuklinggau City, South Sumatra. Jurnal Biota, 7(1), pp.10-16.

The environment in the 2020 pandemic

We all know how devastating Covid-19 was to humans globally, it held nothing back, showing no discrimination. Whilst the most obvious impact was to humans both health wise and economically, there was another victim, the environment. What though was the impact to the environment? We might not know for some years, some guesses can be made though. No flying for a year meant less CO2 emitted, fewer cars on the roads also contributed to this. People not being in offices lowered the demand for electricity. Fewer people in wild places reduced litter contamination and water pollution eased as not only was there less litter entering waterways, but also fewer chemicals from factories. Some of these balanced out with humans just being somewhere else; for example, humans were not in offices but in homes which also needed heating or power for computers as well as comforts such as hot food and drinks. Paudel (2021) has gone some way to quantify the Covid impact upon the environment focusing on forest fires in Nepal, South Asia.

Forest fires have numerous origins, from natural causes like lightening to anthropogenic causes. The paper uses satellite imaging to study factors such as heat intensity and forest fire incidence occurrence to identify what, if any influences Covid 19 has had upon anthropogenic fire incidence. The study found that the brightness of fires and the number of incidents reduced and actually lead to an economic gain of 360 Rupee's per household (~3 US$) (likely through reduced property/infrastructure damage costs). 

They also note the decrease in particulate matter (PM2.5) and NO2 in numerous cities globally. These short-term improvements can be no replacement for cooperation and improved management strategies or any forest nor important climate change work.

Paudel, J., 2021. Short-run environmental effects of COVID-19: Evidence from forest fires. World Development, 137, p.105120.

Forest loss in global protected areas

Protected areas are an essential component of conservation and climate change reduction. However, protected areas are not always as effective as they could be, this has previously been seen to correspond to gross domestic product (GDP), specifically where forested protected areas are concerned. The paper by Wolf et al (2021) aims to analyse the effectiveness of protected areas with regards to limiting forest loss.

They found that protected areas did reduce forest loss, but did not eliminate it completely. Those with the strictest management showed less deforestation than those with little to no management. The creation of new protected areas did see a slight increase in deforestation both within the protected area and in near by unprotected woodland.

Results show that protected areas within South Africa were the most effective in preventing forest loss. Protected areas with lower deforestation are expected to have other benefits, such as lower species loss, whether due to greater habitat availability or effective suppression of illegal hunting. As well as protecting biodiversity, protected areas also protect the immense carbon sink that is our forests. Deforestation not only stops this sink, but depending on the use of the wood, can also release the carbon back into the atmosphere. Reducing or preventing deforestation through protected areas is essential to tackle climate change.

Once again GDP was demonstrated to have a significant influence on the effectiveness of protected areas. The authors suggest that, to help maintain and improve protected areas, countries of higher GDP should assist those with lower GDP. This will aid actions such as species recovery/reintroduction as the acts can be done sooner rather than waiting for the GDP to increase to a point they can act themselves, by which point the species may be beyond saving, or be incapable of reintroduction.

Aichi Target 11: By 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water, and 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, with a focus on areas particularly important for biodiversity and ecosystem services. Areas are conserved through effective and equitable management as well as being ecologically representitive. Areas must also be well connected whilst merging seamlessly with the surrounding land and seascapes and coordinating with other conservation measures.

The Aichi Target was due for 2020, but the authors found that when corrected for with deforestation (effectiveness), current protected area was only around 6.5%. Again correcting for deforestation, or effectiveness, the authors find that the actual percentage of protected land needed is 41.3%. Clearly this target has not been met. Hope should not be lost, it is a goal that should be sought no matter how long it takes, but this should not lead us into complacency. Thinking that if met in 2050 it is fine too, no, the sooner the better.

Wolf, C., Levi, T., Ripple, W.J., Zárrate-Charry, D.A. and Betts, M.G., 2021. A forest loss report card for the world’s protected areas. Nature Ecology & Evolution, pp.1-10.

Convention on Biological Diversity - Target 11

Climate change impact to forest species adaptation and/or migration

Climate change means that many species are currently inhabiting an area that will become unsuitable to them (i.e. temperature and rain). These climatic alterations will require species to adapt, some rapidly so, otherwise they face local extinction (extirpation) or range constriction. The paper by Gougherty, Keller and Fitzpatrick (2021) studies the species balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera), looking at the flowering time genes. These are strongly connected to seasonal and cyclic behaviour in relation to climate.(phenology), they are crucial for ensuring population viability in future climates.

They found that populations at the centre of the range are best prepared for any of the three types of offset (change) discussed in the paper. These included: local adaptation with no migration, migration to anywhere else within the range (forward offset) and reverse offset where any of the current populations are already possess adaptations to potential future climates. In comparison to central populations, those in the eastern and northern most ranges are the most likely to experience extinction. It was identified that populations in the eastern most range would likely need to migrate around 5000km, an unlikely event naturally given seed and pollen dispersal limitations and the geography of the region.

The work of the team highlighted that for P. balsamifera the influence of temperature was secondary to that of changes in winter precipitation. This along with recent research in local adaptation contradict the presumed leading/trailing edge where poleward shifts were expected to see populations experiencing the first temperature changes outside of their normal range being the first to struggle.

A key take home message is that it is populations that adapt to climate change, not a species.

Gougherty, A.V., Keller, S.R. and Fitzpatrick, M.C., 2021. Maladaptation, migration and extirpation fuel climate change risk in a forest tree species. Nature Climate Change, 11(2), pp.166-171.

My Clean Nature

We are all now very aware of how polluting cars are, releasing carbon dioxide among other harmful chemicals. These are released at ground level and ultimately end up in the atmosphere, not only impacting our health directly, but the health of the whole planet. The race for safer, cleaner travel has been long, public acceptance of the change has been arduous. At first diesel was thought to be the best option, more recently this was proven incorrect and electric vehicles took to the stage. Now though Hyundai have gone to the next stage by creating a hydrogen powered vehicle, the Nexo. Their biggest goal with this release is to enlighten the world on hydrogen as a clean fuel source, with water being one of the only by products when used.

Of course, this is a great leap forward and hopefully the start of humankind being able to travel without having the damaging impacts that currently occur. However, this won’t be the focus here. Instead let us look at the angle they have taken with marketing.

Marketing may not be the most positive thing for those outside of the business, but the ‘My Clean Earth’ movement being run by Hyundai really does instil a happy and positive vibe. The adverts use the members of Korean Pop (KPop) band BTS to introduce what they think of under the term ‘My Clean Earth’.  The video adverts are slow and calming as each member gives their version; Jung Kook looks to the emerald oceans endless waves, a visual representation of our infinite possibilities; V’s is the first snow fall to represent unexpected events; Jin’s pick is the clear sky and how just like the clouds, moon and stars we all live together; J-Hope loves the bright sunshine hoping our futures are similarly bright; RM went for the pure rain, noting how clean everything is after it rains; SUGA loves the stars and how they light up the universe when they come together and finally Jimin plays on the word forest by changing it to ‘For rest’ noting how peaceful they are.

Nature inspires joy in many of us and when we continually hear how damaged the planet is it can be easy to forget those feelings. Yet these adverts help to bring these emotions back, often taking us to a moment when these sentiments were strongest. Some don’t feel as at peace in the wilderness, for them the city is where they are most at home. For those that do get their energy from the natural world the Hyundai x BTS collaboration highlights this world at its best. So, let us do what we can to keep our planet clean from the air to the oceans.

The other aspect to the campaign is the ‘Because of you’ line used in the adverts and Instagram posts. This could be interpreted in multiple ways; however, it is likely that they are inferencing that we should protect our world for ourselves (using a hydrogen powered car assists in this). As well as securing a healthier environment for ourselves in the present, acting now secures it for our future selves and descendants.

The overarching aim of BTS is to enable their listeners to start loving themselves through self-belief and enjoying the simple things. Enjoying the simple things is certainly a key aspect of the Hyundai x BTS partnership, just the natural beauty of our world. It may be a campaign to sell cars, but it can teach us to slow down and enjoy the things we cannot assign a value to (though many try). The sun warming our backs, the fresh smell after rain, flowers blooming, just relax and take a breather. Having time to gather your thoughts and enjoy beautiful things is always important

 

“We hope this world will always stay with us.”

BTS, 2020

Pyrocumulonimbus clouds

Clouds, they evoke do many emotions and feelings; some good, like when you look up and see a cloud that looks like a fluffy bunny. Darker feelings of dread creep in when storm clouds rest on the horizon ready to pommel the water logged ground and crops.

Whilst most clouds are formed through the water cycle, some clouds have origins of a slightly different nature. Pyrocumulonimbus (pyroCb) are clouds connected to volcanic activity or fires. The intense heating of air ascends, condensing when the rising air becomes saturated due to cooling. They are quite common, leading to the formation of small clouds over fires in the environment, think of them like Frozen's Olaf's personal flurry, except they are created through intense heat.

For this article the focus will be on pyroCb clouds created by fires. Tory and Thurston (2015) conducted a literature review of pyroCb touching on how they are similar to thunderstorm (dynamics), but rather than requiring warm moist low-level air, the air needs to be warm and dry. They also discuss how the pollution in the clouds caused by the fire, delays rain and hail formation, resulting in the upper cloud regions containing significantly more snow and ice, far less hail in the middle regions and consequently less rainfall.

The presence of a pyroCb is potentially a serious issue, their presence has often been associated with fire behaviour that is highly unpredictable. It is discussed that this is primarily the case for buoyancy driven plumes, rather than bent plumes formed by wind driven fires. However, much of the evidence is generated from human observation and reveals the scope for further research into these speculations. Buoyancy plumes are thought to lead to indrafts, bringing fresh air to the fire, intensifying the flames.

Plumes can also carry burning embers or firebrands up and away from the main fire, to new dry areas creating new fires. PyroCb clouds have the potential to incite lighting that reaches from the cloud to the ground, this too can ignite new fires.

Overall the formation of pyroCb clouds requires significant volumes of fire heated air and a source of moisture from the environment or the fires fuel source is also necessary. It is primarily large fires that create pyroCb clouds, due to these large volumes of hot air required. Changing climates, has resulted in an increase of forest and grassland fires, the intensity and severity of these fires has also increased. As such, the formation of pyroCb clouds will likely also increase in frequency. In tern leading to fires that spread further and faster (due to cloud to ground lightening or the transportation of embers).

This was a review of the paper Tory, K.J. and Thurston, W., 2015. Pyrocumulonimbus: A literature review. Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC: East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.

Further reading:

Fromm, M., Lindsey, D.T., Servranckx, R., Yue, G., Trickl, T., Sica, R., Doucet, P. and Godin-Beekmann, S., 2010. The untold story of pyrocumulonimbus. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 91(9), pp.1193-1210.