Deep Noisy-Label Learning Based Cross-Resolution Land-Cover Mapping in Kenya

Our study reveals how snowpack changes affect winter ecosystem respiration across the northern hemisphere through snowpack insulation. The effects of snowpack (depth, density, and duration) on winter ecosystem respiration are more crucial and widespread than climate factors. We found examining these factors in isolation could considerably underestimate the impact of snowpack on winter ecosystem respiration. Our findings provide insights for improving climate-carbon feedback predictions.

The study simulates the 21st-century evolution of Great Aletsch Glacier and Hintereisferner using full-Stokes ice dynamics and surface mass balance under different emission scenarios. Results show significant ice loss, with Hintereisferner expected to disappear by mid-century. Great Aletsch Glacier vanish by the end of the century under high-emission scenarios, but persist under lower-emission scenarios. These trends agree with large-scale models except some variability.

Fungus-growing termites recycle large parts of dead plant material in African savannas and are significant sources of greenhouse gases. We measured CO₂ and CH₄ fluxes from their mounds and surrounding soils in open and closed habitats. The fluxes scale with mound volume. The results show that emissions from mounds of fungus-growing termites are more stable than those from other termites. The soil fluxes around the mound are affected by the termite colonies at up to 2 m distance from the mound.

Tree canopies are strong moderators of understory climatic conditions. In tropical areas, trees cool down the microclimates. Using remote sensing and field measurements we show how even intermediate canopy cover and agroforestry trees contributed to buffering the hottest temperatures in Kenya. The cooling effect was the greatest during hot days and in lowland areas, where the ambient temperatures were high. Adopting agroforestry practices in the area could assist in mitigating climate change.