Soil, snow, weather, and sub-surface storage data from a mountain catchment in the rain-snow transition zone

A comprehensive hydroclimatic data set is presented for the 2011 water year to improve understanding of hydrologic processes in the rain-snow transition zone. This type of dataset is extremely rare in scientific literature because of the quality and quantity of soil depth, soil texture, soil moisture, and soil temperature data. Standard meteorological and snow cover data for the entire 2011 water year are included, which include several rain-on-snow events. Surface soil textures and soil depths from 57 points are presented as well as soil texture profiles from 14 points. Meteorological data include continuous hourly shielded, unshielded, and wind corrected precipitation, wind speed, air temperature, relative humidity, dew point temperature, and incoming solar and thermal radiation data. Sub-surface data included are hourly soil moisture data from multiple depths from 7 soil profiles within the catchment, and soil temperatures from multiple depths from 2 soil profiles. Hydrologic response data include hourly stream discharge from the catchment outlet weir, continuous snow depths from one location, intermittent snow depths from 5 locations, and snow depth and density data from ten weekly snow surveys. Though it represents only a single water year, the presentation of both above and below ground hydrologic condition makes it one of the most detailed and complete hydro-climatic datasets from the climatically sensitive rain-snow transition zone for a wide range of modeling and descriptive studies.

Soil carbon in the Jena Experiment (all blocks Main Experiment up to 30cm depth, year 2006)

This data set contains soil carbon measurements (Organic carbon, inorganic carbon, and total carbon; all measured in dried soil samples) from the main experiment plots of a large grassland biodiversity experiment (the Jena Experiment; see further details below). In the main experiment, 82 grassland plots of 20 x 20 m were established from a pool of 60 species belonging to four functional groups (grasses, legumes, tall and small herbs). In May 2002, varying numbers of plant species from this species pool were sown into the plots to create a gradient of plant species richness (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 60 species) and functional richness (1, 2, 3, 4 functional groups). Plots were maintained by bi-annual weeding and mowing. Soil sampling and analysis: Stratified soil sampling was performed in April 2006 to a depth of 30 cm. Three samples per plot were taken using a split tube sampler with an inner diameter of 4.8 cm (Eijkelkamp Agrisearch Equipment, Giesbeek, the Netherlands). Sampling locations were less than 30 cm apart from sampling locations in 2002. Soil samples were segmented into 5 cm depth segments in the field (resulting in six depth layers) and made into composite samples per depth. Subsequently, samples were dried at 40°C. All soil samples were passed through a sieve with a mesh size of 2 mm. Because of much higher proportions of roots in the soil, samples in years after 2002 were further sieved to 1 mm according to common root removal methods. No additional mineral particles were removed by this procedure. Total carbon concentration was analyzed on ball-milled subsamples (time 4 min, frequency 30 s**-1) by an elemental analyzer at 1150°C (Elementaranalysator vario Max CN; Elementar Analysensysteme GmbH, Hanau, Germany). We measured inorganic carbon concentration by elemental analysis at 1150°C after removal of organic carbon for 16 h at 450°C in a muffle furnace. Organic carbon concentration was calculated as the difference between both measurements of total and inorganic carbon.

Plant height along the plant diversity gradient in the Jena Experiment (Main Experiment, year 2002)

This data set contains measurements of plant height: vegetative height (non-flowering indviduals) and regenerative height (flowering individuals) in 2002 from the Main Experiment plots of a large grassland biodiversity experiment (the Jena Experiment; see further details below). In the Main Experiment, 82 grassland plots of 20 x 20 m were established from a pool of 60 species belonging to four functional groups (grasses, legumes, tall and small herbs). In May 2002, varying numbers of plant species from this species pool were sown into the plots to create a gradient of plant species richness (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 60 species) and functional richness (1, 2, 3, 4 functional groups). Plots were maintained by bi-annual weeding and mowing. In 2002, plant height was recorded twice a year: in late June and just before biomass harvest during peak standing biomass in late August. For 3 target plant individuals (if present) per sown species from the central area of the plots, vegetative height (non-flowering indviduals) and regenerative height (flowering individuals) were measured as stretched height. Provided are the indivdiual measurements and the mean over the measured plants per plot (in June) and the mean over the measured plants per plot (in August).

(Supplement) Regeneration of Pinus sylvestris, disturbance residuals and soil properties 5 years after a mixed-severity wildfire in the inner Italian Alps

We analyzed the abundance of Scots pine regeneration in a 257 ha wildfire in an inner-alpine forest. We sampled regeneration, percent soil cover by classes, physical and chemical properties of topsoils (A horizon, 0-5 cm) under four fire severity levels (unburned, moderate, moderate/high, high severity). 5 plots per severity level, circular (R= 3m). Analysis methods for soil properties as described in the paper.

Sediment thickness and distribution of facies types in the Kara Sea

We studied the impact of the last glacial (late Weichselian) sea level cycle on sediment architecture in the inner Kara Sea using high-resolution acoustic sub-bottom profiling. The acoustic lines were ground-truthed with dated sediment cores. Furthermore we refined the location of the eastern LGM ice margin, by new sub bottom profiles. New model results of post-Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) isostatic rebound for this area allow a well-constrained interpretation of acoustic units in terms of sequence stratigraphy. The lowstand (or regressive) system tract sediments are absent but are represented by an unconformity atop of Pleistocene sediments on the shelf and by a major incised dendritic paleo-river network. The subsequent transgressive and highstand system tracts are best preserved in the incised channels and the recent estuaries while only minor sediment accumulation on the adjacent shelf areas is documented. The Kara Sea can be subdivided into three areas: estuaries (A), the shelf (B) and (C) deeper lying areas that accumulated a total of 114 * 10**10 t of Holocene sediments.

Static GPS measurements and elevation model in the hinterland of Neumayer

As part of the CryoSat Cal/Val activities and the pre-site survey for an ice core drilling contributing to the International Partnerships in Ice Core Sciences (IPICS), ground based kinematic GPS measurements were conducted in early 2007 in the vicinity of the German overwintering station Neumayer (8.25° W and 70.65° S). The investigated area comprises the regions of the ice tongues Halvfarryggen and Søråsen, which rise from the Ekströmisen to a maximum of about 760 m surface elevation, and have an areal extent of about 100 km x 50 km each. Available digital elevation models (DEMs) from radar altimetry and the Antarctic Digital Database show elevation differences of up to hundreds of meters in this region, which necessitated an accurate survey of the conditions on-site. An improved DEM of the Ekströmisen surroundings is derived by a combination of highly accurate ground based GPS measurements, satellite derived laser altimetry data (ICESat), airborne radar altimetry (ARA), and radio echo sounding (RES). The DEM presented here achieves a vertical accuracy of about 1.3 m and can be used for improved ice dynamic modeling and mass balance studies.

Collection of data on particulate and dissolved soil phosphorus in the Jena Experiment (Main Experiment, time series since 2002)

This data set contains two time series of measurements of dissolved phosphorus (organic, inorganic and total with a biweekly resolution) and dissolved inorganic phosphorus with a seasonal resolution. In addition, data on phosphorus from soil samples measured in 2007 and fractionated by different acid-extrations (Hedley fractions) are provided. All data measured at the main experiment plots of a large grassland biodiversity experiment (the Jena Experiment; see further details below). In the main experiment, 82 grassland plots of 20 x 20 m were established from a pool of 60 species belonging to four functional groups (grasses, legumes, tall and small herbs). In May 2002, varying numbers of plant species from this species pool were sown into the plots to create a gradient of plant species richness (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 60 species) and functional richness (1, 2, 3, 4 functional groups). Plots were maintained by bi-annual weeding and mowing. 1. Dissolved phosphorus in soil solution: Suction plates installed on the field site in 10, 20, 30 and 60 cm depth were used to sample soil pore water. Cumulatively extracted soil solution was collected every two weeks from October 2002 to May 2006. The biweekly samples from 2002, 2003 and 2004 were analyzed for dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP), dissolved inorganic phosphorus (PO4P) and dissolved total phosphorus (TDP) by Continuous Flow Analyzer (CFA SAN ++, SKALAR [Breda, The Netherlands]). 2. Seasonal values of dissolved inorganic phosphorus in soil solution were calculated as volume-weighted mean values of the biweekly measurements (spring = March to May, summer = June to August, fall = September to November, winter = December to February). 3. Phosphorus fractions in soil: Five independent soil samples per plot were taken in a depth of 0-15 cm using a soil corer with an inner diameter of 1 cm. The five samples per plot were combined to one composite sample per plot. A four-step sequential P fractionation (Hedley fractions) was applied and concentrations of P fractions in soil were measured photometrically (molybdenum blue-reactive P) with a Continuous Flow Analyzer (Bran&Luebbe, Germany).

137Cs concentrations in the southeastern Baltic Sea in 1997-2000

Variations of 137Cs concentration in the southeastern Baltic Sea were investigated over the period 1997-2000, i.e. in 11-14 years after the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident. Rate of "self-cleaning" proved to be very slow. Some results obtained in 1999 were almost the same as those measured after the accident, in 1986. Calculated results showed that "Chernobyl" caesium-137 would be "cleaned" in the Baltic Sea by 2020-2022. In 2000 average concentration had to be about 50-60 Bq/m**3. Sometimes mentioned concentrations were observed. In some cases higher concentrations averaging from 67 to 80 Bq/m**3 were registered in the southeastern Baltic Sea in 1999; and in some samples 137Cs concentrations were very high. They varied from 110 to 212 Bq/m**3. No steady correlation was observed between 137Cs concentration, salinity and temperature in surface water of the area. Distribution of radionuclide concentration sometimes depends on direction of water mass transport. Abnormally high concentrations of 137Cs in the southeastern Baltic Sea may result from additional radioactive waste discharge.

Environment and habitat characteristics of wintering lemmings in the Arctic

Snow cover has dramatic effects on the structure and functioning of Arctic ecosystems in winter. In the tundra, the subnivean space is the primary habitat of wintering small mammals and may be critical for their survival and reproduction. We have investigated the effects of snow cover and habitat features on the distributions of collared lemming (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus) and brown lemming (Lemmus trimucronatus) winter nests, as well as on their probabilities of reproduction and predation by stoats (Mustela erminea) and arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus). We sampled 193 lemming winter nests and measured habitat features at all of these nests and at random sites at two spatial scales. We also monitored overwinter ground temperature at a subsample of nest and random sites. Our results demonstrate that nests were primarily located in areas with high micro-topography heterogeneity, steep slopes, deep snow cover providing thermal protection (reduced daily temperature fluctuations) and a high abundance of mosses. The probability of reproduction increased in collared lemming nests at low elevation and in brown lemming nests with high availability of some graminoid species. The probability of predation by stoats was density dependent and was higher in nests used by collared lemmings. Snow cover did not affect the probability of predation of lemming nests by stoats, but deep snow cover limited predation attempts by arctic foxes. We conclude that snow cover plays a key role in the spatial structure of wintering lemming populations and potentially in their population dynamics in the Arctic.

Dissolved actinium in the ocean

The measurement of short-lived 223Ra often involves a second measurement for supported activities, which represents 227Ac in the sample. Here we exploit this fact, presenting a set of 284 values on the oceanic distribution of 227Ac, which was collected when analyzing water samples for short-lived radium isotopes by the radium delayed coincidence counting system. The present work compiles 227Ac data from coastal regions all over the northern hemisphere, including values from ground water, from estuaries and lagoons, and from marine end-members. Deep-sea samples from a continental slope off Puerto Rico and from an active vent site near Hawaii complete the overview of 227Ac near its potential sources. The average 227Ac activities of nearshore marine end-members range from 0.4 dpm/m**3 at the Gulf of Mexico to 3.0 dpm m? 3 in the coastal waters of the Korean Strait. In analogy to 228Ra, we find the extension of adjacent shelf regions to play a substantial role for 227Ac activities, although less pronounced than for radium, due to its weaker shelf source. Based on previously published values, we calculate an open ocean 227Ac inventory of 1.35 * 1018 dpm 227Acex in the ocean, which corresponds to 37 moles, or 8.4 kg. This implies a flux of 127 dpm/m**2/y from the deep-sea floor. For the shelf regions, we obtain a global inventory of 227Ac of 4.5 * 10**15 dpm, which cannot be converted directly into a flux value, as the regional loss term of 227Ac to the open ocean would have to be included. Ac has so far been considered to behave similarly to Ra in the marine environment, with the exception of a strong Ac source in the deep-sea due to 231Paex. Here, we present evidence of geochemical differences between Ac, which is retained in a warm vent system, and Ra, which is readily released [Moore, W.S., Ussler, W. and Paull, C.K., 2008-this issue. Short-lived radium isotopes in the Hawaiian margin: Evidence for large fluid fluxes through the Puna Ridge. Marine Chemistry]. Another potential mechanism of producing deviations in 227Ac/228Ra and daughter isotope ratios from the expected production value of lithogenic material is observed at reducing environments, where enrichment in uranium may occur. The presented data here may serve as a reference for including 227Ac in circulation models, and the overview provides values for some end-members that contribute to the global Ac distribution.

Total nitrogen from solid phase in the Jena Experiment (Main Experiment up to 30cm depth, year 2008)

This data set contains measurements of total nitrogen from the main experiment plots of a large grassland biodiversity experiment (the Jena Experiment; see further details below). In the main experiment, 82 grassland plots of 20 x 20 m were established from a pool of 60 species belonging to four functional groups (grasses, legumes, tall and small herbs). In May 2002, varying numbers of plant species from this species pool were sown into the plots to create a gradient of plant species richness (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 60 species) and functional richness (1, 2, 3, 4 functional groups). Plots were maintained by bi-annual weeding and mowing. Soil sampling and analysis: Stratified soil sampling was performed in April 2008 to a depth of 30 cm. Three independent samples per plot were taken using a split tube sampler with an inner diameter of 4.8 cm (Eijkelkamp Agrisearch Equipment, Giesbeek, the Netherlands). Soil samples were segmented to a depth resolution of 5 cm in the field, giving six depth subsamples per core, and made into composite samples per depth. Sampling locations were less than 30 cm apart from sampling locations in other years. Samples were dried at 40°C. All soil samples were passed through a sieve with a mesh size of 2 mm. Because of much higher proportions of roots in the soil, the samples were further sieved to 1 mm according to common root removal methods. No additional mineral particles were removed by this procedure. Total nitrogen concentration was analyzed on ball-milled subsamples (time 4 min, frequency 30 s-1) by an elemental analyzer at 1150°C (Elementaranalysator vario Max CN; Elementar Analysensysteme GmbH, Hanau, Germany).

Species-specific plant height along the plant diversity gradient in the Jena Experiment (Main Experiment, year 2002)

This data set contains measurements of species-specific plant height: vegetative height (non-flowering indviduals) and regenerative height (flowering individuals) measured for all sown species separetly in 2002. Data was recorded in the Main Experiment plots of a large grassland biodiversity experiment (the Jena Experiment; see further details below). In the Main Experiment, 82 grassland plots of 20 x 20 m were established from a pool of 60 species belonging to four functional groups (grasses, legumes, tall and small herbs). In May 2002, varying numbers of plant species from this species pool were sown into the plots to create a gradient of plant species richness (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 60 species) and functional richness (1, 2, 3, 4 functional groups). Plots were maintained by bi-annual weeding and mowing. In 2002, plant height was recorded two times: in late July (vegetative height) and just before biomass harvest during peak standing biomass in late August (vegetative and regenerative height). For each plot and each sown species in the species pool, 3 plant individuals (if present) from the central area of the plots were randomly selected and used to measure vegetative height (non-flowering indviduals) and regenerative height (flowering individuals) as stretched height. Provided are the means over the three measuremnts per plant species per plot.