Journal Description
Environmental and Earth Sciences Proceedings
Environmental and Earth Sciences Proceedings
- formerly Environmental Sciences Proceedings - is an open access journal dedicated to publish findings revealed from academic conferences, workshops and similar events in all areas of environmental and earth sciences. Published items are approved by the conference committee, and original research content is peer reviewed.
Latest Articles
Comparing Direct Field Measurements of Soil Erosion with RUSLE Model Estimates in Mediterranean Olive Orchards
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 35(1), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025035075 - 21 Oct 2025
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Soil erosion is a major threat to land productivity and environmental sustainability in Mediterranean regions, where sloping terrain, intense seasonal rainfall, and traditional agricultural practices accelerate soil loss. Olive orchards, which dominate much of the Mediterranean landscape, are particularly vulnerable. As climate change
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Soil erosion is a major threat to land productivity and environmental sustainability in Mediterranean regions, where sloping terrain, intense seasonal rainfall, and traditional agricultural practices accelerate soil loss. Olive orchards, which dominate much of the Mediterranean landscape, are particularly vulnerable. As climate change increases the frequency of extreme weather events, understanding and controlling erosion becomes even more critical. This study investigates soil erosion dynamics in a representative olive-growing watershed in Messenia, Greece, by combining field monitoring with erosion modeling using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE). A field experiment was carried out during the 2024–2025 wet season, using runoff plots installed on a 16% slope to directly measure sediment loss from natural rainfall events. The observed erosion data served as a basis for calibrating a GIS-based RUSLE model applied across the 60 km2 watershed. Model predictions showed strong agreement with field measurements, with estimated soil loss closely matching the observed seasonal total (~0.6 t/ha). This consistency demonstrates the reliability of the RUSLE model when supported by localized data. The spatial analysis further revealed that erosion risk varies widely across the landscape, with steep, poorly vegetated areas being most at risk. The results highlight the importance of local field measurements for improving model accuracy and guiding sustainable land management. Continuous monitoring and targeted erosion control strategies are essential to protect soil resources, maintain agricultural productivity, and reduce downstream environmental impacts under increasing climate pressures.
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Open AccessProceeding Paper
A Multidimensional Framework for Flood Risk Analysis in the Garyllis Catchment, Cyprus
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Josefina Kountouri, Constantinos F. Panagiotou, Alexia Tsouni, Stavroula Sigourou, Vasiliki Pagana, Charalampos (Haris) Kontoes, Chris Danezis and Diofantos Hadjimitsis
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 35(1), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025035074 - 17 Oct 2025
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Flooding events have increased in frequency and severity worldwide in recent years, a trend that has been made worse by human activity and climate change. Floods are one of the world’s most dangerous natural catastrophes because of the serious risks they represent to
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Flooding events have increased in frequency and severity worldwide in recent years, a trend that has been made worse by human activity and climate change. Floods are one of the world’s most dangerous natural catastrophes because of the serious risks they represent to property, human life, and cultural heritage. The necessity for efficient flood management techniques to reduce the growing dangers is what motivated this study. It specifically examines the flood risk in the Garyllis River Basin in Cyprus, a region recognized for it high susceptibility to extreme weather conditions Adopting an integrates approach that combines modeling tools and techniques, such as remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and hydraulic modeling, along with multiple data types of data and in situ measures, this study evaluates flood risk and proposed shelters and escapes routes for the worst-case scenarios. The research utilizes the open-access software HEC-RAS to simulate the spatio-temporal progression of surface water depth and water velocity for different return periods. The vulnerability levels are enumerated through a weighted linear combination of relevant factors, in specific population density and age distribution, according to the last official government reports. Exposure levels were calculated in terms of land value. For each flood component, all factors are assigned equal weighting coefficients. Subsequently, flood risk levels are assessed for each location as the product of hazard, vulnerability, and exposure levels. The validity of the proposed methodology is assessed by comparing the critical points identified during in situ visits with the flood risk level estimates. As a result, escape routes and refuge areas were proposed for the worst-case scenario.
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Open AccessProceeding Paper
A Dual Neural Network Framework for Correcting X-Band Radar Reflectivity and Estimating Rainfall Using GPM DPR and Rain Gauge Observations in Cyprus
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Eleni Loulli, Silas Michaelides, Giorgia Guerrisi and Diofantos G. Hadjimitsis
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 35(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025035073 - 16 Oct 2025
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Ground-based weather radars are essential to better understand precipitation systems, to improve the Quantitative Precipitation Estimation (QPE), and to subsequently provide input to hydrological models. However, reflectivity measured by radars is typically affected by various sources of uncertainty, including attenuation and calibration errors.
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Ground-based weather radars are essential to better understand precipitation systems, to improve the Quantitative Precipitation Estimation (QPE), and to subsequently provide input to hydrological models. However, reflectivity measured by radars is typically affected by various sources of uncertainty, including attenuation and calibration errors. Due to these limitations, the two ground-based X-band weather radars of Cyprus, namely, at Rizoelia (LCA) and Nata (PFO), have not yet been employed for QPE. This study presents a dual neural network framework with the ultimate goal of converting the ground-based radar raw reflectivity to rainfall rate, using satellite and in situ observations. The two ground-based radars are aligned with GPM DPR using the volume-matching method. Preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of converting raw ground-based radar reflectivity to rainfall estimates using neural networks trained with spaceborne and in situ observations.
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Open AccessProceeding Paper
Atmospheric Pollutant Emissions and Hydrological Data with Anthropocene Elements: Critical Theory and Technologies of Balance in the Climate–Economy–Society Axis
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Konstantia Kourti-Doulkeridou, Panagiotis T. Nastos and George Vlachakis
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 35(1), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025035072 - 16 Oct 2025
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The topic proposal concerns the axes of climate operation and modification, the consequences and/or benefits of the flow of the economy, as well as the risks to social security, amidst the evolution of human interventions, which the Anthropocene highlights. Atmospheric data demonstrates the
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The topic proposal concerns the axes of climate operation and modification, the consequences and/or benefits of the flow of the economy, as well as the risks to social security, amidst the evolution of human interventions, which the Anthropocene highlights. Atmospheric data demonstrates the interaction of gaseous pollutants and aerosols, with the contribution of different emission and pollution sources to its chemical composition. At the same time, satellite remote sensing of precipitation and the water cycle reveal an imbalance in components and effects, in an environment of rapid rates of commercial production and human mobility in the developed world. How does mobility prevent the full observation and modeling of the elements involved (in atmospheric and hydrological data)? What is the role of multi-sensor technologies for detecting gases and what are their applications in decontamination? With sources from bibliographic reviews, data were collected from the detection of point sources of gases and dynamic analyses of the extent of the water surface, in order to highlight the descriptive characteristics of the meteorological phenomena and their activity. The scientific approach to analyzing the individual data is based on the techno-scientific Actor-Network Theory, in order to test their connection and contribution to the overall problematic result. The aim of this study is to build an interdisciplinary analysis with documentation of vulnerabilities in the expression of weather phenomena, of the present geological time. The ambition of the study is to propose principles of regulation and precaution, related to the sustainable development of geo-resources and ways to reduce vulnerability.
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Open AccessProceeding Paper
Greek National Hail Suppression Program: Severe Supercell of CDC +4 Produces Egg-Sized Hail in Thessaly on 7 September 2024
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Mary Vlachou and Dimitris Brikas
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 35(1), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025035071 - 15 Oct 2025
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On 7 September 2024, a trough, situated over the Black Sea, in combination with a northeasterly outflow of a surface anticyclone over Russia, increased moisture and established an instability environment in Greece. Veering winds with height, in combination with high CAPE values in
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On 7 September 2024, a trough, situated over the Black Sea, in combination with a northeasterly outflow of a surface anticyclone over Russia, increased moisture and established an instability environment in Greece. Veering winds with height, in combination with high CAPE values in the middle and upper troposphere, produced a violent supercell. Cloud base updrafts, intense lightning activity and severe precipitation in the form of large hail were the main characteristics of this case. Egg-sized hail was reported, contributing to the highest observed CDC index (+4) in Thessaly. Weather RADAR data were recorded and processed by TITAN, revealing an extensive WER in the RHI.
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Open AccessProceeding Paper
On the Architecture of a Low-Cost Meteorological Station Based on the Internet of Things (IoT): Preliminary Results
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Diego Abraham Jasso-Reyes, Carlos Iván Cabrera-Perdomo and Raúl Alberto Reyes-Villagrana
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 34(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025034014 - 15 Oct 2025
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This study presents the development, construction, and implementation of a portable meteorological station. An ESP8266 microcontroller was used as the control system. Temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure were measured. The UV index, thermal sensation, dew point, altitude above sea level, and air density
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This study presents the development, construction, and implementation of a portable meteorological station. An ESP8266 microcontroller was used as the control system. Temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure were measured. The UV index, thermal sensation, dew point, altitude above sea level, and air density were measured indirectly. An interface was created to retrieve the data in real time via the internet. The information can also be stored on a micro-SD memory device. The first results were collected over a period of 29 days. The data is sampled every 10 s. The data was compared with that of a commercial meteorological station and yielded similar results. The design of the meteorological station will be further improved by adding new measurement variables and installing a few portable stations in different regions of the state.
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(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 7th International Electronic Conference on Atmospheric Sciences (ECAS-7))
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Open AccessProceeding Paper
Summers in Greece—Climate Analysis
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Dimitrios Kampolis and Panagiotis Nastos
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 35(1), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025035070 - 14 Oct 2025
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Climate change is disrupting nature, human lives, and infrastructure worldwide. Its effects are becoming more evident in every region, with IPCC reports warning of a warming world and an increase in extreme weather events. The scale and severity of climate change’s impacts exceed
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Climate change is disrupting nature, human lives, and infrastructure worldwide. Its effects are becoming more evident in every region, with IPCC reports warning of a warming world and an increase in extreme weather events. The scale and severity of climate change’s impacts exceed earlier estimates, leading to widespread disruption of ecosystems and societies. It threatens food production, clean water availability, and ultimately, the health and well-being of billions. The primary driver of these changes is rising global temperatures, which significantly influence climate patterns and hydrological conditions. This study analyzes time series of summer air temperature (at 500 hPa and 850 hPa) and total precipitation from NOAA records across ten major administrative regions of Greece over a 35-year period (1989–2024). Using a machine learning approach, the analysis identifies climate trends and extreme weather patterns while providing climate forecasts to support water management improvements and public health initiatives.
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Open AccessProceeding Paper
Concept and Development of Air Quality Sensor for Citizen Science
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Dmitriy Gordienko, Valeriia Polkhanova, Semen Sochilov, Anastasia Varlamova and Alexander Vikulov
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 34(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025034013 - 13 Oct 2025
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This paper presents the concept and development of an autonomous DIY air quality sensor for citizen science. Large civil monitoring projects often rely on air quality calculations based on PM2.5 and PM10 dust readings in combination with some gases and do not cover
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This paper presents the concept and development of an autonomous DIY air quality sensor for citizen science. Large civil monitoring projects often rely on air quality calculations based on PM2.5 and PM10 dust readings in combination with some gases and do not cover the full list of air quality indicators. The authors have analyzed existing air quality calculation methodologies and attempted to conceptualize a universal AQI monitoring device for use in citizen science and by volunteers. This device is based on the available ESP32 DevKit v1 platform to which compatible sensors have been selected to monitor AQI indicators such as PM2.5 and PM10 dust particles, ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and ammonia. The SD card module was chosen for data storage, the NB-IoT module for data transmission, and a battery pack for autonomy. The housing, sensor design components, and fasteners were also selected. All components are available on the international market. Based on the selected element base, an electrical connection diagram was designed, the device’s design, presented in the form of 3D models, was developed, and the assembly process was described. The cost of the device was also evaluated and compared to the price level of existing DIY devices used in citizen science.
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(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 7th International Electronic Conference on Atmospheric Sciences (ECAS-7))
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Open AccessProceeding Paper
Etesian Winds and Sea Surface Chlorophyll Concentrations over the Eastern Aegean
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Dionysia Kotta
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 35(1), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025035069 - 9 Oct 2025
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Etesian winds, the characteristic summer winds over large parts of Greece and the eastern Mediterranean, can cause coastal upwelling, especially over the eastern Aegean. The question that many studies address is whether these northern winds can cause upwelling processes that alter not only
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Etesian winds, the characteristic summer winds over large parts of Greece and the eastern Mediterranean, can cause coastal upwelling, especially over the eastern Aegean. The question that many studies address is whether these northern winds can cause upwelling processes that alter not only sea surface temperature but also chlorophyll concentrations, which are indicative of phytoplankton growth and overall ocean health. The present study is an effort to investigate the above matter over the eastern Aegean, from Lesvos to Ikaria and Samos islands, on a monthly basis, based on all the available satellite chlorophyll data up to now.
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Open AccessProceeding Paper
Observed Changes in Temperature Extremes over Greece: Warm and Cold Spells
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Anna Mamara, Athanasios A. Argiriou, Nikolaos Karatarakis and Vasileios Armaos
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 35(1), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025035068 - 9 Oct 2025
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The daily maximum and minimum temperatures measured by the HNMS’s stations from 1960 to 2022, are used to compute percentile-based indices capturing the percentage of days below or above the 10th and 90th percentile, respectively (TN10p, TX10p, TN90p, TX90p), and event duration indicators
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The daily maximum and minimum temperatures measured by the HNMS’s stations from 1960 to 2022, are used to compute percentile-based indices capturing the percentage of days below or above the 10th and 90th percentile, respectively (TN10p, TX10p, TN90p, TX90p), and event duration indicators (WSDI and CSDI). The climate extremes indices are evaluated assuming two different reference periods (1961–1990 and 1991–2020), and trend analysis is performed using the Mann–Kendall test. The results show a significant increase in the frequency of the warm days and nights. The magnitude and perceived timing of trends depend on the baseline chosen. Using the warmer 1991–2020 reference period dampens the upward trends in warm–extreme indices and amplifies the downward trends in cold extremes.
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Open AccessProceeding Paper
Assessing the Sensitivity of WRF to Surface Urban Physics
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Iraklis Kyriakidis, Vasileios Pavlidis, Maria Gkolemi, Zina Mitraka, Nektarios Chrysoulakis and Eleni Katragkou
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 35(1), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025035067 - 9 Oct 2025
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This study investigates the sensitivity of an urban parameterization scheme of the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF). The model sensitivity is tested during the period April–May 2020 over the greater Paris region. The parent domain covers Europe with a 12 km horizontal
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This study investigates the sensitivity of an urban parameterization scheme of the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF). The model sensitivity is tested during the period April–May 2020 over the greater Paris region. The parent domain covers Europe with a 12 km horizontal resolution, with a nested one covering the greater Paris region with a 3 km horizontal resolution. A multi-layer urban scheme called Building Effect Parameterization coupled with the Building Energy Model (BEP-BEM) was applied in two simulations: (1) BEP-BEM Paris, with urban options tailored for the Paris region, which were derived from Earth Observation data, and (2) BEP-BEM Europe, which uses an updated urban parameter table with an estimated average profile for European cities. These two simulations were compared with observations and a WRF simulation using a simple urban parameterization (BULK approach). BULK and multi-layer urban scheme experiments present a similar general error for April, underestimating temperature, while the BEP-BEM runs overestimate temperature for May. The simulation with the advanced tailored urban parameterization over Paris appears to have the best overall performance in this 2-month period.
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Open AccessProceeding Paper
Seasonal Variability and Monthly Trends in Upper Tropospheric Humidity for the Period 1979–2020
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Charis Benetatos, Kostas Eleftheratos, Panagiotis T. Nastos and Christos Zerefos
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2024, 31(1), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025035066 - 8 Oct 2025
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The monthly variability of Upper Tropospheric Humidity with respect to ice (UTHi) is examined during the forty-year period 1979–2020. Trends per decade are calculated for every month separately and for 10° latitude bands. Statistical significance is estimated with the Mann–Kendall test. Results show
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The monthly variability of Upper Tropospheric Humidity with respect to ice (UTHi) is examined during the forty-year period 1979–2020. Trends per decade are calculated for every month separately and for 10° latitude bands. Statistical significance is estimated with the Mann–Kendall test. Results show significant positive UTHi trends in northern and southern midlatitude regions. In the northern midlatitudes, the strongest trends are observed in November, December and February and in the southern midlatitudes in April, May and June. These trends range between 0.5 and 1.2% per decade. In contrast, tropical regions display weak or negative trends. These patterns highlight regional and seasonal differences in upper tropospheric moisture changes, which are critical for understanding water vapour feedback and its role in climate variability and long-term atmospheric moisture behaviour.
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(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Electronic Conference on Forests)
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Open AccessProceeding Paper
Assessing the Urban Heat Island (UHI) Effect Using Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Normalized Difference Built-Up Index (NDBI): A Case Study on Paphos, Cyprus
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Christodoulos Dimitriou, Silas Michaelides, Kyriacos Themistocleous, Diofantos G. Hadjimitsis, George Papadavid, Ioannis Gitas and Nicholas Kyriakides
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 35(1), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025035065 - 6 Oct 2025
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The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect is responsible for increased urban temperatures compared to rural areas due to heat-absorbing materials like concrete and asphalt, worsening climate change impacts and creating thermal discomfort for citizens. Limited green spaces reduce natural cooling, increasing health risks.
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The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect is responsible for increased urban temperatures compared to rural areas due to heat-absorbing materials like concrete and asphalt, worsening climate change impacts and creating thermal discomfort for citizens. Limited green spaces reduce natural cooling, increasing health risks. This study examines UHI in Paphos (2015–2024) during significant infrastructure development, using Landsat-9 data to analyze Land Surface Temperature (LST), urban growth (NDBI), and vegetation (NDVI). The results reveal how development has affected the microclimate of Paphos compared with the limitation of green spaces through time series. This study also highlights remote sensing’s effectiveness in assessing UHIs.
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Open AccessProceeding Paper
Reliability Evaluation of CAMS Air Quality Products in the Context of Different Land Uses: The Example of Cyprus
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Jude Brian Ramesh, Stelios P. Neophytides, Orestis Livadiotis, Diofantos G. Hadjimitsis, Silas Michaelides and Maria N. Anastasiadou
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 35(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025035064 - 6 Oct 2025
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Cyprus is located between Europe, Asia and Africa, and its location is vulnerable to dust transport from the Sahara Desert, wildfire smoke particles from surrounding regions, and other anthropogenic emissions caused by several factors, mostly due to business activities on harbor areas. Moreover,
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Cyprus is located between Europe, Asia and Africa, and its location is vulnerable to dust transport from the Sahara Desert, wildfire smoke particles from surrounding regions, and other anthropogenic emissions caused by several factors, mostly due to business activities on harbor areas. Moreover, the country suffers from heavy traffic conditions caused by the limited public transportation system in Cyprus. Therefore, taking into consideration the country’s geographic location, heavy commercial activities, and lack of good public transportation system, Cyprus is exposed to dust episodes and high anthropogenic emissions associated with multiple health and environmental issues. Therefore, continuous and qualitative air quality monitoring is essential. The Department of Labor Inspection of Cyprus (DLI) has established an air quality monitoring network that consists of 11 stations at strategic geographic locations covering rural, residential, traffic and industrial zones. This network measures the following pollutants: nitrogen oxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, particulate matter 2.5, and particulate matter 10. This case study compares and evaluates the agreement between Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) air quality products and ground-truth data from the DLI air quality network. The study period spans from January to December 2024. This study focuses on the following three pollutants: particulate matter 2.5, particulate matter 10, and ozone, using Ensemble Median, EMEP, and CHIMERE near-real-time model data provided by CAMS. A data analysis was performed to identify the agreement and the error rate between those two datasets (i.e., ground-truth air quality data and CAMS air quality data). In addition, this study assesses the reliability of assimilated datasets from CAMS across rural, residential, traffic and industrial zones. The results showcase how CAMS near-real-time analysis data can supplement air quality monitoring in locations without the availability of ground-truth data.
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Open AccessProceeding Paper
Air Pollutants Projections Using SHERPA Simulator: How Can Cyprus Achieve Cleaner Air
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Jude Brian Ramesh, Stelios P. Neophytides, Orestis Livadiotis, Diofantos G. Hadjimitsis, Silas Michaelides and Maria N. Anastasiadou
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 35(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025035063 - 3 Oct 2025
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Air quality is a vital factor for safeguarding public and environmental health. Particulate matter (i.e., PM2.5 and PM10) and nitrogen dioxide are among the most harmful air pollutants leading to severe health risks such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, while also affecting the
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Air quality is a vital factor for safeguarding public and environmental health. Particulate matter (i.e., PM2.5 and PM10) and nitrogen dioxide are among the most harmful air pollutants leading to severe health risks such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, while also affecting the environment negatively by contributing to the formation of acid rains and ground level ozone. The European Union has introduced new thresholds on those pollutants to be met by the year 2030, taking into consideration the guidelines set by the World Health Organization, aiming for a healthier environment for humans and living species. Cyprus is an island that is vulnerable to those pollutants mostly due to its geographic location, facilitating shipping activities and dust transport from Sahara Desert, and the methods used to produce electricity which primarily rely on petroleum products. Furthermore, the country suffers from heavy traffic conditions, making it susceptible to high levels of nitrogen dioxide. Thus, the projection of air pollutants according to different scenarios based on regulations and policies of the European Union are necessary towards clean air and better practices. The Screening for High Emission Reduction Potential on Air (SHERPA) is a tool developed by the European Commission which allows the simulation of emission reduction scenarios and their effect on the following key pollutants: NO, NO2, O3, PM2.5, PM10. This study aims to assess the potential of the SHERPA simulation tool to support air quality related decision and policy planning in Cyprus to ensure that the country will remain within the thresholds that will be applicable in 2030.
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Open AccessProceeding Paper
National Integration and Optimization of CAMS Products: The Eratosthenes Center of Excellence as National Coordinator for Atmospheric Monitoring in Cyprus
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Maria Anastasiadou, Silas Michaelides and Diofantos G. Hadjimitsis
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 35(1), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025035062 - 2 Oct 2025
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The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) offers a broad portfolio of global and regional atmospheric products that support environmental monitoring, air quality assessment, health applications and climate policy. Under the CAMS National Collaboration Programme (NCP), the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence (ECoE) serves as
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The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) offers a broad portfolio of global and regional atmospheric products that support environmental monitoring, air quality assessment, health applications and climate policy. Under the CAMS National Collaboration Programme (NCP), the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence (ECoE) serves as the national coordinator for Cyprus, working to bridge the gap between CAMS outputs and local end-user needs. This paper presents the strategy and implementation framework adopted by ECoE to facilitate CAMS uptake in Cyprus. Efforts focus on integrating CAMS data into national systems, developing tailored applications (e.g., UV forecasting, dust event alerts), building stakeholder capacity, and supporting regulatory reporting. Outcomes also include the deployment of the AirData Hub platform and initial steps toward institutionalizing CAMS-derived workflows in public health and environmental planning. The work highlights both the opportunities and technical challenges of customizing CAMS products for small-island contexts.
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Open AccessProceeding Paper
A Spatiotemporal Analysis of Droughts in Greece (1960–2022): Severity, Duration and Frequency Based on the SPI and SPEI
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Michael Samouris, Anna Mamara, Vasileios Armaos and Athanassios Argiriou
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 35(1), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025035061 - 1 Oct 2025
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This study focuses on Greece, providing a comprehensive climatological analysis of drought conditions from 1960 to 2022. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) were employed on a 1-month timescale to assess meteorological drying conditions over the study
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This study focuses on Greece, providing a comprehensive climatological analysis of drought conditions from 1960 to 2022. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) were employed on a 1-month timescale to assess meteorological drying conditions over the study period. The Drought Occurrence Probability (DOP), Total Drought Duration (TDD) and drought severity were analyzed spatially, while temporal trends were examined using rolling time windows and the Mann–Kendall test. The findings reveal regional differences in drought characteristics and indicate more intense drought conditions under the SPEI compared to the SPI, underscoring the increasing role of temperature in drought intensification.
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Open AccessProceeding Paper
Atmospheric Circulation Processes Leading to the Generation of Halcyon Days in Athens, Greece
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Nicholas Prezerakos and Dimitris Katsanos
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 35(1), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025035060 - 1 Oct 2025
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Halcyon days are characterized by periods of one to three or more consecutive, typically sunny and mild days, occurring during winter (from 15 December to 15 February) in Attica, the region where Athens is located. We examined meteorological data from the station of
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Halcyon days are characterized by periods of one to three or more consecutive, typically sunny and mild days, occurring during winter (from 15 December to 15 February) in Attica, the region where Athens is located. We examined meteorological data from the station of the National Observatory of Athens in Thission, over a 54-year period, applying criteria that include daily maximum temperatures equal to or greater than 12 °C, minimum temperatures equal to or greater than 4 °C, wind speeds equal to or less than 6 knots, and mean total cloudiness (between 06:00 and 18:00 GMT) equal to or less than 3.2 oktas. This analysis identified all Halcyon days that occurred during this period. Our statistical study revealed the annual evolution of these days and any possible relationship with climate change. We focused on understanding the dynamics of the atmospheric circulation processes associated with the occurrence of Halcyon days. The primary atmospheric circulation feature responsible for the generation of Halcyon days appears to be the establishment of a subtropical anticyclone over Greek territory.
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Open AccessProceeding Paper
Deep 3D Scattering of Solar Radiation in the Atmosphere Due to Clouds-D3D
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Andreas Kazantzidis, Stavros-Andreas Logothetis, Panagiotis Tzoumanikas, Orestis Panagopoulos and Georgios Kosmopoulos
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 35(1), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025035059 - 1 Oct 2025
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The three-dimensional (3D) structure of clouds is a key factor in atmospheric processes, profoundly influencing solar radiation transfer, weather patterns, and climate dynamics. However, accurately representing this complex structure in radiative transfer models remains a significant challenge. As part of the Deep 3D
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The three-dimensional (3D) structure of clouds is a key factor in atmospheric processes, profoundly influencing solar radiation transfer, weather patterns, and climate dynamics. However, accurately representing this complex structure in radiative transfer models remains a significant challenge. As part of the Deep 3D Scattering of Solar Radiation in the Atmosphere due to Clouds (D3D) project, we conducted a comprehensive study on the role of all-sky imagers (ASIs) in reconstructing observational 3D cloud fields and integrating them into advanced 3D cloud modeling. Since November 2022, a network of four ASIs has been operating across the broader Patras region in Greece, continuously capturing atmospheric measurements over an area of approximately 50 km2. Using simultaneously captured images from the ASIs within the network, a 3D cloud reconstruction was performed utilizing advanced image processing techniques, with a primary focus on cumulus cloud scenarios. The Structure from Motion (SfM) technique was employed to reconstruct the 3D structural characteristics of clouds from two-dimensional images. The resulting 3D cloud fields were then integrated into the MYSTIC three-dimensional radiative transfer model to simulate and reconstruct solar irradiance fields.
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Open AccessProceeding Paper
Supercell Thunderstorms on September 7, 2024, in Greece: Documentation and Predictability
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Maria Christodoulou, Ioannis Tegoulias and Ioannis Pytharoulis
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 35(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025035058 - 30 Sep 2025
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On September 7, 2024, a deep convection event was observed in Northern and Central Greece, and based on radar data analysis, three supercells were identified. One of these, the most intense with maximum radar reflectivity of 68 dBZ, had a lifetime of almost
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On September 7, 2024, a deep convection event was observed in Northern and Central Greece, and based on radar data analysis, three supercells were identified. One of these, the most intense with maximum radar reflectivity of 68 dBZ, had a lifetime of almost 7 h and covered a distance of more than 200 km, producing damaging winds and large hail along its track. The goal of this study was to analyze this case using radar data and to evaluate the predictability of such a high-impact event using a numerical weather prediction model. The Weather Research and Forecasting (ARW-WRF) model was used to perform an array of simulations, and using multiple initialization times, the influence of lead time was examined. Furthermore, the dependence of the results on the choice of parameterization scheme used in the model is assessed below. The model performed satisfactorily in predicting intense storm activity, without reaching the extreme values observed by the radar.
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