The session is open to all branches of geoscience measurement techniques, including, but not limited to, optical, electromagnetic, seismic, acoustic and gravity. The session is intended as an open forum and discussion between representatives of different fields within geosciences is strongly encouraged. Past experience has shown that such mutual exchange and cross-fertilization between areas have been very successful and can open up for a breakthrough in frontier problems of modern geosciences.
The session is also open for applications related to environmental monitoring and security providing, like archeological surveys, rubbish deposit studies, unexploded ordnance and/or mines detection, water dam inspection, seismic hazards monitoring, etc.
A wide range of industry and scientific applications require continuous measurement of granular or liquid material levels. For environmental science, these include snow depth, water level, and soil erosion measurements. The modern market offers many different sensors, some of which can be used for these measurements, but many of them are expensive and not autonomous. Current market models also propose difficulties in organizing scalable measurement campaigns and limit coverage of large areas. For example, common snow depth and water level sensors are ultrasonic, which requires substantial power, a datalogger, $1000 cost, special mounting, and provides only a single point measurement. This immediately presents itself as both a problematic and expensive route when trying to organize observations across a large area, such as with snow distribution and redistribution. We present Universal photo-electronic level sensor that can be used to measure changes in levels of a media measuring amount of light received by exposed and covered parts of sensor. The intended use are snow depth, water level, and soil erosion measurements.
How to cite: Krassovski, M., Shaddix, T., Long, G., Clonts, L., and Ericson, N.: Universal photo-electronic level sensor, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-176, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-176, 2025.
A significant part of paleoclimate/paleoenvironmental-related geoscience research involves high-resolution sedimentological analyses reaching back the Late Pleistocene. High-resolution subaquatic imagery of the first tens of meters is required to understand Pleistocene/Holocene continental sedimentary basin infills. Sub-bottom profiler (SBP) technology is currently the best geophysical equipment to obtain the highest resolution imagery of underwater sediments. Resolution of such systems needs to be in the order of cm/dm to access centennial/millennial timescales. Continental scientific projects, however, suffer from a lack of portable & USV-designed SBP available on the market that can be easily operated in continental environments (lakes, river, lagoon, etc.).
In this context, Exail sonar system division, based in La Ciotat (France), has recently designed a new 10 kHz Chirp sub-bottom profiler for continental & shallow water investigations (5 – 15 kHz). Echoes Compact is a portable sub-bottom profiler for inland & coastal environments reaching in high-resolution Late Pleistocene & Holocene sedimentary archives. We focus our presentation on two case studies: one in maar lake Issarlès with paleosismological reconstructions in Massif central (Ardèche, France), and another in lagoon & coastal areas (Orbetello, Italy) throughout the recent publication from Brocard et al. (2024, Marine Geology), in which Echoes 10 kHz demonstrates outstanding performance in very shallow water environments (1m water depth/12 m penetration without multiple). We also present Echoes 3500 T1 geoscience applications, a 3.5 kHz system (1.8 – 6.2 kHz) with higher penetration & lower resolution than the Echoes Compact, with regards to its performance for exploring deeper coring sites especially in coarse sand environments.
Key words: sub-bottom profiler, acoustic, geophysics, geophysical software, shallow water
Brocard et al. (2024) Double tombolo formation by regressive barrier widening and landside submergence: The case of Orbetello, Italy. Marine Geology 477, 107415.
How to cite: Jouve, G., Chapron, E., and Gilles, B.: New Echoes Compact Sub-Bottom Profiler (SBP): Portable SBP for inland & coastal environments, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-3145, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-3145, 2025.
Fibre-optic sensing (FOS) techniques have gained notoriety for geoscientific and industrial applications over the past years. While most research tends to focus on spatially distributed techniques (e.g. Distributed Acoustic/Vibration Sensing), here we investigate the use of State of Polarization (SoP) sensing for ocean observation. SoP is a technique that samples spatially-integrated measurements remotely, i.e. the net change in polarization of light between the ends of an optical fibre link up to hundreds of kilometers long, which can be affected by mechanical strains on one or more sections of the fibre.
We present statistical analyses of an 11-month data set of a continuous SoP recording on a 150 km-long subsea telecommunication cable that crosses the southwestern Norwegian trench between Egersund (Norway) and a shallow (<100 m) FPSO (Floating production storage and offloading) platform on the Eigersunds bank. Our system measures net variations of the S1 Stokes parameter of polarized laser beam injected into the fibre. We observe North sea storms represented in SoP measurements as prominent anomalies with well-defined temporal and spectral features that are consistent with surface gravity wave anomalies. These events are confirmed by comparison with both, hourly ocean wave analysis numerical model time series (0.05° grid resolution) and simultaneous oceanographic measurements at locations adjacent to the cable.
Preliminary results show linear regression coefficients of determination of up to nearly 70% between rms SoP values and modeled significant wave height anomalies above 1 m at frequencies between 0.035-0.56 Hz. Remarkably, variations in the correlation statistics are found as a function of wave propagation direction, which could potentially allow for the discrimination of storms with variable azimuthal properties for a given cable link interrogated with SoP.
We highlight the value of these measurements for in-situ sea state monitoring. Although SoP systems effectively average-out all measurable signals along the entire sensed link, require access to two cable ends (or looped fibres) and are comparatively less sensitive than distributed FOS techniques, they also offer advantages over the latter as well as over established oceanographic sensors due to its relative low cost, sensor simplicity, large coverage, inherent remote data transmission, and relaxed data management requirements.
How to cite: Pelaez, J., Bjørnstad, S., and Thomas, P. J.: Storm detection in the North sea with a subsea telecommunication cable and State of Polarization sensing, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-1913, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-1913, 2025.
The DestinE Platform represents the next generation of cloud-based geospatial services, enabling the integration and management of an ecosystem to facilitate the effective use and sharing of Earth Observation (EO) data. Designed as a distributed and federated digital ecosystem, the platform promotes seamless interaction among interconnected services, building on the concept of federations to support a diverse range of users: including both service providers and consumers such as citizens, researchers, businesses, and policymakers. This collaborative environment enables knowledge-sharing, cross-disciplinary analysis, and co-creation of geospatial solutions.
The platform provides a comprehensive suite of cloud-based services, including user management, Infrastructure-as-a-Service capabilities such as storage, networking, and CPU/GPU processing, data access and retrieval, data traceability and harmonisation, and 2D/3D visualisation tools. It also offers a core software suite for local data analysis, data and software cataloguing, and a flexible framework for service providers to host advanced DestinE applications. Through its use of OVHcloud-based infrastructure and federated services, including access to Copernicus data, the DestinE Platform empowers service providers to expand their offerings, increase visibility and drive innovation.
Cloud-based geospatial platforms are driving the evolution of Earth Observation (EO) services by adopting distributed infrastructures that integrate online data repositories, collaborative computing environments, and advanced data processing tools. The DestinE Platform facilitates the onboarding of external services and resources, fostering flexibility, scalability, and support for community-driven innovation. This approach unlocks new growth opportunities for service providers, offering greater visibility and pathways for and innovation, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining high-quality services to remain competitive.
By establishing clear conditions for participation, the DestinE Platform framework fosters equitable access to resources and strengthens engagement across its user community. This structured approach embodies the shift toward a federated digital ecosystem, capable of meeting the diverse requirements of modern geospatial data consumers and providers. By enabling interoperability and fostering shared development, the platform lays the groundwork for the next generation of Digital Earth ecosystems, shaping the future of EO technology and services.
How to cite: Longuet, A., Cortese, M., Tona, C., Pellegrino, D., Scarda, B., and Giuliani, E.: Shaping tomorrow's geospatial services: The DestinE Platform, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-4149, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-4149, 2025.
In situ measurement of the thermal conductivity of soils becomes relevant when laying structures which will dissipate heat. While the difference in thermal conductivity for different solids is relatively small compared to other physical properties, changes in porosity and soil consolidation will significantly change the effective thermal conductivity values. The goal is then not necessarily to perform a measurement with the objective of doing soil identification but as the means to understand the thermal conductivity properties locally, regardless of soil composition. Thermal data, along with industry standard measurements as described in ISO22476-1, can also be used to enhance the observable phase-space and thus improving discrimination capabilities. In this work, we introduce a new apparatus which can perform the in situ thermal conductivity measurement alongside industry-standard cone and piezocone penetration tests (CPTU) with unprecedented level of accuracy, while mitigating the impact of soil disturbances inherent to the cone penetration test.
How to cite: Idarraga Munoz, J. P. and Gregg, J.: Thermal Cone Penetration Test as a direct measurement of thermal conductivity of soils., EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-11155, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-11155, 2025.
The OGS PITOP geophysical testing site, located in northeastern Italy, serves as a cutting-edge facility for developing and testing geophysical methods, technologies, and tools under realistic conditions. Covering an area of 22,000 m², PITOP is equipped with instrumented wells, permanent and mobile data acquisition systems, and active seismic and geoelectric sources. This infrastructure provides a unique environment for advancing subsurface characterization techniques.
The PITOP facility includes five wells (PITOP1-PITOP5) with depths ranging from 150 to 423 m. PITOP2 is equipped with 30 permanently installed three-axial geophones, while PITOP4 houses a Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) fiber optic system. In March 2024, the addition of PITOP5 enabled a series of innovative experiments using the drill bit as a seismic source. These experiments had three primary objectives: (1) enhancing subsurface knowledge of the area, (2) testing new seismic instrumentation, and (3) performing integrated analyses using multidisciplinary methodologies.
During the PITOP5 drilling process, receivers were deployed both at the surface and in wells enabling cross-well tests acquired while drilling. The Seismic While Drilling (SWD) technique utilizes the drill bit as the seismic source. Surface receivers included standard geophones and triaxial nodes, arranged symmetrically around PITOP5.
In addition to SWD, Vibroseis was employed as an active seismic source, complementing the drill bit experiments. This enabled a comparison of results from different seismic energization methods, further enhancing the robustness of the dataset.
Preliminary seismic data analysis revealed the presence of shallow/medium depth reflectors.
Complementary to the seismic investigations, the PITOP5 upgrade included geoelectrical instrumentation. An array of electrodes was installed and cemented within the PITOP5 well to a depth of 260 m, allowing for advanced geoelectrical analyses and interdisciplinary investigations of the subsurface including the seismic methods.
Overall, a key feature of the PITOP upgrade is its capability for integrated geophysical experiments. During the drilling of PITOP5, surface seismic, SWD, and cross-hole experiments were conducted using diverse sources and acquisition systems. Data processing and integration are ongoing, with the aim of combining seismic and electrical information to provide a comprehensive understanding of subsurface structures.
The PITOP testing site represents a significant advancement for the scientific and technical community, offering a versatile platform for multidisciplinary studies. Its capabilities are particularly relevant for projects related to CO2 and energy storage, both of which are critical for climate change mitigation and the transition to sustainable energy systems.
With its state-of-the-art infrastructure and recent upgrades, PITOP is positioned as a leading facility for applied geophysics. The site not only facilitates the development of innovative geophysical techniques but also fosters collaboration among researchers, paving the way for future advancements in geosciences.
References:
Geophysical exploration case histories at the geophysical test site PITOP - a key facility in the ECCSEL-ERIC consortium: an overview. Bellezza et al., Bulletin of Geophysics and Oceanography, 2025
How to cite: Travan, A., Bellezza, C., Barison, E., Corubolo, P., Meneghini, F., and Schleifer, A.: Integrated geophysical studies at the OGS PITOP testing site: an interdisciplinary approach for subsurface characterization, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-17269, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-17269, 2025.
Responding to the outdoor air pollution being one of the gravest environmental hazards to human health, emissions from mobile sources have been subject to scrutiny and emissions reduction efforts through improved fuels, engine design, combustion control, exhaust aftertreatment, and traffic management. Assessment of the effects of various improvements has gradually extended from basic laboratory measurements to testing under real-world (real-driving) conditions and to additional pollutants.
Fourier-transform infra-red (FTIR) spectrometers have the potential to acquire spectra at high optical and time resolution. The absorption spectra are a convolution of absorption spectra of individual compounds and can be, with varying success, interpreted to obtain the concentrations of the pollutants of interest. To date, several FTIR have been adopted for the use in moving vehicles, which is challenging due to the effects of vibrations on precision multipath low-volume optical cells used to achieve a fast response time. The validation of on-road FTIR instruments typically consists of parallel measurement with reference instruments in the laboratory for all measured pollutants and on the road for those pollutants that can be reliably measured on the road.
In this work, two FTIR analyzers adapted for on-road use, an A&D BOB-1000FT vacuum sampling system operating at 5 Hz and a 35-kg Bruker Matrix extensively modified by Czech University of Life Sciences operating at 2.5 Hz, both with a 5-meter multipath cell and 0.5 cm-1 optical resolution, were used to sample the exhaust from diesel, gasoline and natural gas vehicles with and without exhaust aftertreatment. Concentrations and emissions of all pollutants set to be regulated under Euro 7, health and environment relevant reactive species reactive nitrogen species NO, NO2, NH3, CO and formaldehyde, and greenhouse gases CO2, CH4 and N2O were measured during dynamic driving cycles at -9 C, +23 C and + 35 C ambient temperatures.
The results show a reasonable correlation with reference instruments for all evaluated pollutants, suggesting on-board FTIR, which is not much larger than other instruments used to measure real driving emissions, can be potentially used to measure all gaseous pollutants regulated under Euro VII/7 on the road. FTIR spectra can be, even ex-post, interpreted for additional pollutants of interest.
Funding: This work was supported by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreements No 101096133 (PAREMPI: Particle emission prevention and impact: from real world emissions of traffic to secondary PM of urban air) – experiments and No. 101056777 (LENS, L-vehicles Emissions and Noise Mitigation Solutions) – FTIR development.
How to cite: Kuutti, H., Vojtisek, M., Vojtisek, M., Dittrich, L., Dittrich, L., and Pechout, M.: Potential of on-board FTIR as a single instrument for simultaneous measurement of all gaseous pollutants of interest under real-driving conditions., EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-20391, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-20391, 2025.
Geospatial intelligence involves the analysis and interpretation of spatial data to inform decision-making. Understanding and responding to geospatial phenomena, such as seismic events or atmospheric disturbances, is essential for advancing disaster preparedness and environmental monitoring. However, significant challenges arise from the lack of integrated systems capable of securely collecting, processing, and analyzing large-scale geoscience data.
To address this, the "Digital Twin Earth Intelligence for Climate Changes" (DTEClimate) project has developed a platform that integrates real-time data gathered from various sensors, to create visual maps, easily accessible for the general public. In order to process all this data, integration services have been developed, which continuously monitor and process data gathered by sensors. This stored data is then used to create multi-layered maps representing various event types and heatmaps illustrating data concentrations.
On the one hand, in our platform users can visualize the progression and current status of meteorological events, which improves awareness. On the other hand, researchers can use the aggregated data to better monitor the environment or conduct multidisciplinary analyses to explore the interdependencies among different environmental parameters. By bridging the gap between real-time data collection and data visualization, DTEClimate aims to empower both the public and scientific communities to make data-driven decisions in the face of climate change and natural disasters.
Acknowledgements
This work was carried out within PNRR-DTEClimate/REACTIVE project, no. 760008/30.12.2022.
How to cite: Constantin, A., Brezulianu, A.-I., Gavrila, M., Barbuta, D.-E., Ionescu, C., and Toader, V.: DTEClimate: A Digital Platform for Real-Time Geospatial Intelligence and Climate Monitoring, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-20014, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-20014, 2025.
Hydrogen (H2) is one of the most abundant trace species in volcano-hydrothermal systems and is a key participant in many redox reactions occurring in the hydrothermal reservoir gas. Although H2 can be produced in soils by N2-fixing and fertilizing bacteria, soils are considered nowadays as sinks of molecular hydrogen. Because of its chemical and physical characteristics, H2 generated within the crust moves rapidly and escapes to the atmosphere.These characteristics make H2 one of the best geochemical indicators of magmatic and geothermal activity at depth. Regular surface geochemical studies have been conducted focusing on hydrogen (H2) emissions along Cumbre Vieja volcano (La Palma, Canary Islands) since 2001, encompassing the analysis of soil H2 content using a micro-gas chromatograph (Agilent 490 microGC) in samples collected at a depth of approximately 40 cm across 600 sites during each survey. Spatial distribution maps have been generated using sequential Gaussian simulation (sGs) techniques to quantify the diffuse H2 emissions from Cumbre Vieja volcano. The time series data of the diffuse H2 emissions indicate significant increases during the occurrence of seismic swarms observed between 2017 and 2021, reaching the maximum value of the series (36 kg·d-1) in June 2017, 4 month before the seismic swarms. During the eruptive phase, substantial spikes in the diffuse H2 emissions were observed, closely correlating with the volcanic tremor escalation. During 2024, the soil H2 emission ranged between 7 and 16 kg·d-1, values that can be considered within the background range. The absence of visible volcanic gas emissions before the eruption, such as fumaroles or hot springs, on the surface of Cumbre Vieja underscores the importance of such studies in serving as a critical tool for continuous volcanic surveillance and monitoring purposes. This update represents ongoing efforts to comprehensively study and understand the behavior of hydrogen emissions within the volcanic system, providing essential insights into volcanic activity and potential precursor signals for enhanced monitoring and risk assessment.
How to cite: Padrón, E., Kortman, J., Lyons-Montgomery, S., Reichrath, O., Gironés, A., Taño, D., Trujillo, L., Melián, G. V., Asensio-Ramos, M., Pérez, N. M., and Hernández, P. A.: Soil H2 degassing studies: a useful geochemical tool for monitoring Cumbre Vieja volcano, La Palma, Canary Islands, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-9794, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-9794, 2025.
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a cornerstone technology in archaeological research due to its ability to non-invasively detect subsurface structures and artifacts. By emitting electromagnetic waves and analyzing their reflections, GPR enables researchers to map buried features with high precision while preserving the site's integrity. Low-frequency GPR systems, in particular, are well-suited for archaeological contexts, offering the depth penetration required to investigate complex stratigraphic settings and revealing structures that might otherwise remain undetected. The Archaeological Park of Aeclanum, located in Mirabella Eclano (AV), Southern Italy, is a site of great historical importance, hosting remains of a city that flourished under the Samnite and Roman civilizations. Among its most significant areas is the ancient Roman Forum, once the political, religious, and commercial heart of the city. Despite its historical relevance, the Forum had not yet been uncovered, and its exact layout and architectural features remained unknown. Previous investigations using higher-frequency GPR systems were limited in depth penetration, failing to detect deeper buried structures. To overcome these limitations, a low-frequency GPR survey was conducted in the Forum area. The survey employed a monostatic antenna with a center frequency of 80 MHz, enabling a maximum exploration depth of up to 5 meters, far exceeding the capabilities of previous investigations. This deeper penetration facilitated the identification of subsurface anomalies consistent with walls, pavements, and foundations. These anomalies provided the first geophysical evidence of the Forum’s layout and subsurface features, shedding light on a previously unexplored area. The GPR data revealed a series of significant anomalies, particularly at depths ranging from 1 to 3 meters. These features were interpreted as remnants of buried architectural elements associated with the Forum, including masonry walls, paved surfaces, and foundations. The ability to detect these features highlights the critical advantage of using low-frequency equipment in archaeological investigations. To validate the geophysical findings, targeted archaeological excavations were carried out in areas corresponding to the most prominent anomalies. These excavations uncovered well-preserved structural elements, including segments of masonry walls and paved surfaces, precisely matching the GPR-detected anomalies in location, depth, and geometry. Notably, the excavation confirmed the presence of foundational elements at greater depths, which were undetectable in previous surveys. The excellent spatial correlation between the GPR data and the exposed remains demonstrated the reliability and precision of the low-frequency GPR survey in reconstructing the Forum's layout. This study underscores the importance of selecting appropriate GPR configurations for specific archaeological objectives. By combining non-invasive geophysical techniques with targeted excavation, this integrated approach maximized the efficiency of the investigation while minimizing its impact on the site. The findings reinforce the potential of low-frequency GPR as a powerful tool in uncovering and preserving buried archaeological heritage.
How to cite: Famiglietti, N. A., Lo Pilato, S., Massa, B., Memmolo, A., Migliazza, R., Osanna, M., Toniolo, L., Manco, A., and Vicari, A.: Low-Frequency GPR as a Gateway to Archaeological Investigations: The Aeclanum’s Buried Roman-age Forum (Southern Italy), EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-3621, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-3621, 2025.
Accurate attitude determination is crucial for orbit determination and time-varying gravity field recovery in low-low Satellite-to-Satellite Tracking (ll-SST) missions, such as GRACE and its successor GRACE-FO. The acquisition of attitude information largely depends on the fusion of data from multiple star cameras (SCs) on board, where the covariance (i.e., noise) along each axis of each SC must be well known. Additionally, the covariance information is also vital for the subsequent reprocessing of the fused attitude. However, previous studies have assumed that the covariance is fixed and diagonal, which may not be realistic. Inspired by noise methods based on relative comparison analysis and combined with GNSS-based attitude determination performance research, considering GNSS-based attitude as an independent reference for spacecraft attitude helps quantify the SC's covariance matrix. Based on this, we propose a GNSS-aided Star Camera Fusion (GSCF) approach based on the quaternion-based generalized least squares principle for statistically optimal attitude determination in ll-SST missions. This method allows for the construction of dynamic noise models for attitude sensors and the acquisition of fused attitude covariance information, while also revealing the strong negative correlation between short-term covariance and solar angle during blind events, along with SC anomaly detection parameter. The study finds that, for daily GRACE-FO operations, compared to traditional methods, GSCF achieves an average improvement of 10 arcseconds in attitude determination, especially in the spectrum of the one Cycle -Per-Revolution (CPR) frequency and its harmonics. In terms of inter-satellite pointing variations, GSCF shows improvements in the pitch angle (maximum improvement of 1.1 arcseconds) and yaw angle (maximum improvement of 0.3 arcseconds). Additionally, GSCF has an impact on along-track measurements of up to 0.02 um/s. While these effects may be negligible for the current GRACE-FO mission, next-generation ll-SST gravity missions with ultra-high-precision payloads will be extremely sensitive to attitude determination, and the proposed GSCF method is expected to provide significant benefits in such missions.
How to cite: Pan, X., Yang, F., and Wu, Y.: A GNSS-aid star camera fusion approach towards statistically optimal attitude determination of ll-SST missions, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-5406, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-5406, 2025.
Colour variations within the same type of gemstone are caused by different abundances of trace elements. But apart from producing pretty colours, the analysis of the trace elements in gemstones is frequently used to distinguish between synthetic and natural specimen, for provenance determination, and treatment detection [1]. Every gemstone element composition is closely tied to its geological origin; thus, it is possible to determine the provenance according to those unique ‘fingerprints’. However, for some gemstones, such as sapphires, provenance determination remains challenging due to geologically similar deposits, consequently often leading to similar trace element abundances [2, 3].
This contribution presents the capabilities of a Laser Ablation and Ionization Mass Spectrometer (LIMS) instrument, called the Laser Mass Spectrometer – Gran Turismo (LMS-GT) [4, 5], in trace element analysis for gemstones. The study examined two samples (provided by the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF): a yellow sapphire, treated with beryllium diffusion to create the colour, and a synthetic dark blue spinel, produced via the Verneuil method. A gold coating was applied to mitigate surface charging effects, and peak-blanking was used to enhance the instrument’s limit of detection [6, 7].
The study focused on elements critical for provenance determination, including Mg, Ti, Fe, Ga, and other measured trace elements. The obtained data were compared to measurements performed with other instruments on the same gemstone varieties. This contribution will highlight the current progress of the study and discuss the advantages of the LMS-GT instrument in relation to other methodologies, emphasizing its potential to improve trace element detection and provenance determination in gemological research.
[1] S. Karampelas, et al., 2020, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-35449-7_3.
[2] Lee A. Groat, et al., 2019, http://dx.doi.org/10.5741/GEMS.55.4.512.
[3] M. Y. Krebs, et al., 2020, https://doi.org/10.3390/min10050447.
[4] M. Tulej, et al., 2021, https://doi.org/10.3390/app11062562.
[5] C. P. de Koning, et al., 2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijms.2021.116662.
[6] S. Gruchola, et al., 2022, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijms.2022.116803.
[7] S. Gruchola, et al., 2023, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3JA00078H.
How to cite: Knecht, L. N., Gruchola, S., Keresztes Schmidt, P., Tulej, M., Riedo, A., and Wurz, P.: Capabilities of LIMS in the Context of Trace Element Analysis and Provenance Determination of Gemstones, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-10028, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-10028, 2025.
Ensuring the structural integrity of concrete, particularly in critical infrastructures like bridges, requires reliable methods for identifying and localizing small-scale defects, such as fractures or damage. This study introduces a non-destructive evaluation technique that leverages the principles of both active ultrasonic testing and passive seismic methods to enhance defect localization. The method, active time-reverse imaging (A-TRI), compares ultrasonic waveforms recorded from concrete specimens in their intact and altered states to pinpoint damage.
Unlike conventional time-reverse imaging approaches that primarily rely on passive signals, A-TRI utilizes an active ultrasound source to generate wavefields. These wavefields propagate through the medium, with multiple receivers capturing the resulting signals. The experimental workflow includes two main steps: (1) Ultrasonic waves are emitted into the concrete specimen from an active transducer while the signals are recorded by an array of receivers; (2) The experiment is repeated under identical conditions, but the concrete specimen includes a predefined defect in the case of one or more arbitrary localized inclusions. The differential signal—representing the changes introduced by the defect—is then reversed in time and used as the input for a subsequent simulation. This backpropagated wavefield converges at the location of the damage, effectively visualizing the defect.
The numerical experiments in this study utilize a heterogeneous concrete model with inclusions that mimic localized changes in material properties. We highlight the current limitations of the method, including scatter size and shape, the number of receivers, and signal length, among others. Imaging conditions are applied to evaluate the precision and success of defect localization.
The results demonstrate the capability of A-TRI to accurately identify and localize multiple defects, even in complex heterogeneous media. By combining active ultrasound methods with time-reverse principles, this approach offers a robust tool for the detailed assessment of concrete structures.
How to cite: Balcewicz, M., Finger, C., Löer, K., and Saenger, E. H.: The Current State of Active Time-Reverse Imaging: Defect Localization in Digital Concrete Physics, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-11125, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-11125, 2025.
The coupling of laser ablation systems with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometers (LA-ICP-MS) was introduced in the 1980s. Since then, this technique has become indispensable for rapid, in-situ trace element and isotopic analysis of both natural and synthetic solid samples. Its applications extend across various fields, including chemistry, material science, geosciences as well as biological and environmental analysis, bio-imaging and forensic investigations. However, analytical advances are still needed to overcome problems in trace element analysis using LA-ICP-MS caused e.g. by interferences that cannot be solved instrumentally.
The novel and non-commercial software tool G.O.Joe is designed to facilitate the calculation of trace element mass fractions in solid samples obtained by LA-ICP-MS analysis. It is written in the Dart programming language using the Flutter framework and operates completely web-based, eliminating the need for installation and allowing access from any location with an internet connection. Since the calculation of the data itself is performed on the user’s computer, no upload of measured data to the G.O.Joe-server is necessary thereby maximizing data safety. In addition to a quick and efficient processing of large datasets (>400 analyses), G.O.Joe includes several types of optional interference corrections.
The intuitive user interface of G.O.Joe simplifies the workflow during data evaluation, including straightforward selections of peak- and background signals, importing instrument settings and reference material compositions as well as mass fractions of the internal standard to convert the measured raw signals into element mass fractions. To ensure a transparency in data processing, the results file (.xlsx) includes the calculated element mass fractions, associated statistical parameters as well as input data alongside instrument settings. In addition, the user can download a more comprehensive file with the results after each step of the calculation. The detailed Major advantages of the software are the implemented correction measures for isobaric interferences and abundance sensitivity.
G.O.Joe’s key features are presented by processing the mineral chemical analyses of two case studies, including trace element analyses of tungstates (e.g., scheelite) and silicates (e.g., garnet). Conclusively, G.O.Joe is a time-efficient, transparent and easy-to-use software, appealing to both experienced LA-ICP-MS users as well as newcomers to LA-ICP-MS data analysis. More details and the latest version of G.O.Joe are available at the following link: https://www.gojoe.software
How to cite: Krause, J., Altenberger, F., Auer, T., Auer, A., and Berndt, J.: G.O.Joe: A novel non-commercial software tool for the processing of LA-ICP-MS data, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-12301, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-12301, 2025.
The increasing European demand for high-quality, safe agricultural products have led to the development of stringent control measures to certify product authenticity and geographical origin, protecting both producers and consumers from potential fraud. This study focuses on Aloe Vera, a plant containing around 200 potentially active compounds of interest in the health and wellness industry, including vitamins, minerals, anthraquinones, and polysaccharides. The Canary Islands has a unique climate, which, combined with young volcanic soils, produce exceptionally high-quality Aloe Vera. However, fraudulent Aloe Vera products falsely labelled as having Canarian origin currently represent a 21 million euros market. This situation necessitates the development of reliable scientific protocols for geographical tracing of Canarian Aloe Vera and its derivatives (juices, gels, creams, cosmetics). Chemical profiling of Aloe Vera across the Canary Islands and the Iberian Peninsula includes the determination of strontium isotopic ratios (87Sr/86Sr) by thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) to trace geographic origin at certified grower plantations, complemented by phytochemical profiling to verify optimal growing conditions and quantitative quality standards. Complete Aloe Vera plants have been analysed, revealing distinct bioactive organic compounds of interest, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, anthraquinones and derivatives, among others. 87Sr/86Sr ratios in Canarian Aloe Vera plants are higher (0.7065-0.7078) than those expected from their dominantly basaltic volcanic soils (0.7032-0.7068), but lower than soil values observed in mainland Spain (0.7089-0.7124). Therefore, development of a full ´fingerprint´ profile of Canarian Aloe Vera must also quantify 87Sr/86Sr contributions from irrigation water sources and additives used in the growing and manufacturing process.
How to cite: Cartaya-Arteaga, S., Arencibia, M., Rodríguez-Ramos, R., Claire-Coldwel, B., Asensio-Ramos, M., Melián, G. V., Padrón, E., Socas-Rodríguez, B., Hernández, P. A., Rodríguez-Delgado, M. Á., and Pérez, N. M.: Geographic authentication and quality assessment of Canary Islands Aloe: An isotopic and phytochemical approach, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-17070, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-17070, 2025.
Tenerife island, with 2034 km2, is the largest active volcanic island of the Canarian archipelago and has remained in a state of volcanic calm since the Chinyero eruption in 1909. Apart from the fumarolic activity present at the summit crater of Teide volcano, nowadays not any visible evidence of gas emission is found at Tenerife. The main geophysical event recorded in Tenerife in the study period is a significant seismic swarm of long-period events recorded on 2 October 2016, with a subsequent significant increase in seismic activity recorded in and around the island observed to date. As part of the INVOLCAN Volcano monitoring program for the reduction of volcanic risk in Tenerife and with the aim of strengthening the geochemical monitoring program, we have conducted on a weekly basis, two distinct studies: (1) physical-chemical and chemical/isotopic composition studies in the groundwater of two galleries (Fuente del Valle and San Fernando) and its associated dissolved gases from mid-2016 to the present; and (2) a weekly study (since March 2024) of diffuse CO2 emissions at 31 selected points along the three volcanic-ridges of the island (NE, NW, and NS) and Las Cañadas caldera (central volcanic complex).
The most relevant results obtained in the hydrogeological study, were significant changes observed during and after the 2 October 2016 seismic swarm measured in the dissolved gases (CO2 and He), likely produced by the dissolution of volcanic hydrothermal gases released after the input of magmatic fluids in the groundwater system. This study underscores the sensitivity of monitoring the chemical and isotopic composition of groundwater in Fuente del Valle and San Fernando galleries to fluctuations in volcanic activity on Tenerife.
The diffuse CO2 emissions values measured at the 31 selected points ranged between non-detected values (<0.5 g·m-2d-1) and 26.2 g·m-2d-1, with maximum values measured in Las Cañadas caldera and the north-east volcanic ridge. Although the values recorded have been low, with values typical of biogenic degassing, the time series that began in March 2024 serves as a baseline in periods of volcanic calm to assess possible future increases related to changes in the activity activity of Tenerife.
How to cite: Arencibia Hernández, M., Hernandez Fung, J., Cartaya, S., Melián, G. V., Asensio-Ramos, M., Padrón, E., Pérez, N. M., Hernández, P. A., and Padilla, G. D.: Soil CO2 efflux and hydrogeochemical monitoring for volcanic surveillance of Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-17365, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-17365, 2025.
In recent years, the development of techniques based on integrated machine learning techniques with traditional methods like cross-correlation has dramatically improved the capability of detection, location and characterisation of seismic events.
Machine learning-based techniques have been applied to improve earthquake catalogues, aiding seismicity analysis in different geodynamic contexts. These techniques are especially valuable in volcanic and geothermal contexts, where volcano-tectonic earthquakes and long-period events have low magnitude, often preventing a successful manual analysis. Since 2016, the island of Tenerife has been affected by increased seismicity and gas emissions from the crater of Teide volcano, the most prominent feature of the island of Tenerife. We applied the software Qseek (https://github.com/pyrocko/qseek) to enhance the seismic catalogue based on manual detections in Tenerife.
This reanalysis of Tenerife's seismic dataset revealed intense seismicity related to episodes of magmatic fluid injection into the upper crust. Subsequently, high-resolution relocation techniques based on the software GrowClust (https://github.com/dttrugman/GrowClust) imaged the spatial pattern of the hypocenters, highlighting sources of magmatic fluid injection into the hydrothermal system of Tenerife and the subsequent response of the upper crust to this disturbance.
How to cite: D'Auria, L., Mesa Jiménez, L., Santos Campos, I., Álvarez Hernández, A., García Hernández, R., Martínez van Dorth, D., Ortega Ramos, V., Padilla Hernández, G. D., and Pérez Rodríguez, N. M.: Revealing the hidden seismicity of Tenerife (Canary Islands) through machine learning and cross-correlation, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-18834, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-18834, 2025.
