Environmental and Earth Sciences Proceedings

8 pages, 3505 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

The Triassic Evaporitic Diapirs of the Western Saharan Atlas (Algeria): A CAMP-Related Volcano–Sedimentary Record and Its Recognition as an International Geoheritage Site

by Chikh Younes Mahboubi and Mohammed Nadir Naimi

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 47(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026047002 - 15 Oct 2026

Abstract

The Saharan Atlas preserves a distinctive distal record of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP), associated with the breakup of Pangaea. This study focuses on the Triassic evaporitic diapirs of the western Saharan Atlas and evaluates their scientific, educational and geoheritage significance as [...] Read more.

The Saharan Atlas preserves a distinctive distal record of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP), associated with the breakup of Pangaea. This study focuses on the Triassic evaporitic diapirs of the western Saharan Atlas and evaluates their scientific, educational and geoheritage significance as potential geosites of international importance. The Aïn Ouarka diapir records Late Triassic magmatic rifting followed by a Rhaetian–Hettangian post-magmatic stage, represented by a volcano–sedimentary succession containing three basaltic units. The diapirs preserve evidence of syn-sedimentary deformation and represent the easternmost documented occurrence of CAMP volcanism. A geoconservation strategy is proposed to safeguard this exceptional geological heritage. Full article

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9 pages, 2242 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

AI-Enabled Geo-Spatial Disaster Intelligence from News Streams: A Soft Sensing Framework for Natural Hazard Risk Analytics

by Fahim Sufi

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 47(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026047001 - 15 Oct 2026

Abstract

Global news can provide semantic and geographic observations that complement physical Earth sensing, but its analytical value depends on whether the resulting signals exhibit reproducible spatial and temporal structure. This proceeding paper reanalyzes a frozen disaster intelligence corpus derived from 1.25 million articles [...] Read more.

Global news can provide semantic and geographic observations that complement physical Earth sensing, but its analytical value depends on whether the resulting signals exhibit reproducible spatial and temporal structure. This proceeding paper reanalyzes a frozen disaster intelligence corpus derived from 1.25 million articles collected from 444 news portals. The normalized dataset contains 17,884 disaster reports across 185 countries and 6068 locations. Twenty-nine raw hazard labels were harmonized into 17 analytical classes, followed by contingency analysis, adjusted residual mapping, nonparametric severity tests, casualty association analysis, and sensitivity testing. Country and hazard composition were strongly associated:

χ^{2} (98, N = 13,616) = 23,763.54

,

p < 0.001

, Cramer’s

V = 0.499

. Hazard composition also varied by month:

χ^{2} (105, N = 16,506) = 15,709.93

,

p < 0.001

,

V = 0.369

. Severity differed across major hazard classes,

H (7) = 1374.97

,

p < 0.001

,

ϵ^{2} = 0.080

, while casualty reporting was associated with hazard class,

V = 0.233

. Geographic signatures remained stable under multiple deduplication rules. News streams therefore behave as a measurable soft sensing layer for spatial hazard intelligence, provided that report intensity is interpreted as an information signal rather than direct physical hazard incidence. Full article

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7 pages, 2182 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

The Karst of the Moroccan Atlas: A Tectono-Climatic Hybrid Model in a Global Comparative Context (Jura, Dinarides, South China)

by Allal Roubil, Abdelhadi El Ouali, Ouafae Kaibi, Fatima Ezzahra Hammoumi and Anas El Ouali

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 44(1), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026044065 - 14 Oct 2026

Abstract

The karst of the Moroccan Atlas Mountains represents a strategic water resource and a paleo-environmental recorder of the first order for North Africa. However, despite its importance, it has not yet been the subject of a comparative synthesis positioning it within the global [...] Read more.

The karst of the Moroccan Atlas Mountains represents a strategic water resource and a paleo-environmental recorder of the first order for North Africa. However, despite its importance, it has not yet been the subject of a comparative synthesis positioning it within the global framework of karst systems worldwide. This study aims to fill this gap by providing (1) a critical synthesis of the state of the art on Atlas karst and (2) a rigorous comparative analysis with other reference mountain karsts (Jura, Dinarides) and a tropical analogue (Southern China) to identify specific features and universal principles. The methodology adopted consists of a systematic review (Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar) and analysis of karst systems according to a conceptual framework focused on the interaction between tectonic (orogenic style and history) and climatic (regime, gradients, Quaternary variations) controls. These comparison regions were chosen for their status as reference models: the Jura as a temperate folded model, the Dinarides as a Mediterranean holokarst model, and the karst of Southern China as a tropical model. The analysis is structured according to a ‘Tectonics-Climate’ conceptual framework, which systematically examines how the interaction of these two primary forces shapes the characteristics of each system. The analysis reveals that the Atlas karst is a unique ‘hybrid’ model, characterized by the combined influence of active and recent tectonic uplift and a very marked climatic gradient, ranging from sub-humid to semi-arid. This duality controls all of its characteristics, from the architecture of its aquifers to the precariousness of its water resources. It clearly distinguishes it from the temperate–humid karst of the Jura, the Mediterranean–humid karst of the Dinarides, and the tropical–humid karst of Southern China. By defining the place of the Atlas karst, we propose a priority research agenda for the coming decades, focused on process quantification, hydrosystem modeling, and high-resolution paleoclimate reconstruction. Full article

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15 pages, 5844 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Transitions Toward a Circular Economy in Protected Agriculture Across the Americas: A Bibliometric Analysis of Trends, Approaches, and Research Gaps

by Edwin Villagran, John Javier Espitia, Fabian Velasquez, Andres Sarmiento and Jader Rodriguez

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 42(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026042029 - 14 Oct 2026

Abstract

Protected agriculture across the Americas ranges from high-technology greenhouses in North America to lower-cost protected systems in Latin America, yet both depend heavily on water, nutrients, energy, and synthetic materials. These technological and regional contrasts create unequal capacities to implement circular production models. [...] Read more.

Protected agriculture across the Americas ranges from high-technology greenhouses in North America to lower-cost protected systems in Latin America, yet both depend heavily on water, nutrients, energy, and synthetic materials. These technological and regional contrasts create unequal capacities to implement circular production models. This study aimed to characterize the evolution, collaboration patterns, conceptual structure, and research gaps of circular economy applications in protected agriculture across the Americas. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, 144 Scopus-indexed documents published between 1996 and 2025 were analyzed using VOSviewer version 1.6.20, and the Bibliometrix R package version 5.4.1. Performance indicators, co-authorship, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic mapping were examined. The annual growth rate of 12.57% and an international co-authorship rate of 44.03% indicate an expanding and increasingly collaborative field; however, production remained concentrated in the United States, Brazil, and Mexico. The conceptual structure was dominated by hydroponics, aquaponics, nutrient recycling, wastewater management, and water quality, showing that circularity has been operationalized mainly through water and nutrient loops. The thematic structure highlights connections among production technologies, water treatment, and nutrient management. The studies discussed illustrate advances in these areas and identify the need to evaluate resource recovery alongside crop performance, microbiological quality, energy requirements, and environmental impacts. Thus, the regional research agenda should prioritize these thematic gaps while strengthening collaboration with countries that remain weakly represented. These priorities can guide funding and coordinated research toward circular strategies adapted to the technological diversity of protected agriculture in the Americas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Environments)

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10 pages, 1341 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Anthropogenic Amplification of Heat Waves Across CONUS: Quantification, Attribution, and Urban Implications

by Bharat Sharma, Sheryl Arya, Auroop R. Ganguly, Olufemi A. Omitaomu and Forrest M. Hoffman

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 45(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026045020 - 13 Oct 2026

Abstract

Heat waves and cold snaps affect public health, energy demand, and urban infrastructure, yet separating human influence from natural climate variability remains difficult. We quantify changes in temperature extremes over the contiguous United States (CONUS) using daily climate simulations under natural-only, greenhouse-gas-only, and [...] Read more.

Heat waves and cold snaps affect public health, energy demand, and urban infrastructure, yet separating human influence from natural climate variability remains difficult. We quantify changes in temperature extremes over the contiguous United States (CONUS) using daily climate simulations under natural-only, greenhouse-gas-only, and all-forcings historical scenarios and the future SSP3-7.0 scenario. At each land grid cell, a heat wave is six or more consecutive days with daily maximum temperature above the 99th percentile. In CMIP5 CCSM4 simulations (1950–2005), anthropogenic forcing increases heat wave frequency by 5.02 events per year relative to natural forcing (p = 0.000028), and yields an effective amplification ratio of 3.51 (all-forcing relative to natural-only). The CMIP6 CanESM5 simulations (1950–2014) show the same warm shift, and extending them to 2045 under SSP3-7.0 roughly quintuples the rate of hot day increase (95.5 versus 20.6 days per year) and raises heat wave frequency by 5.66 events per year, with an effective amplification ratio of about 2.72. Both ratios exceed one, but are not directly comparable in magnitude. The largest changes fall on regions and cities growing fast in population from 2000 to 2025, underlining the need for heat mitigation planning in these cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Urban Sciences)

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10 pages, 1957 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Application of Solar Radiation in a Shopping Center with an Elliptic Ring Geometry

by Eusébio Conceição, Margarida Conceição, Maria Inês Conceição, Maria Manuela Lúcio, João Gomes and Hazim Awbi

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 45(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026045021 - 12 Oct 2026

Abstract

The use of renewable energy in buildings, particularly passive solutions that utilize solar radiation, contributes to more sustainable urban development in terms of energy, enabling the construction of buildings with lower energy consumption, higher levels of thermal comfort, and better indoor air quality. [...] Read more.

The use of renewable energy in buildings, particularly passive solutions that utilize solar radiation, contributes to more sustainable urban development in terms of energy, enabling the construction of buildings with lower energy consumption, higher levels of thermal comfort, and better indoor air quality. This study analyzes the influence of external environmental variables on urban buildings with complex topologies, particularly those with elliptic geometries. A numerical study was conducted on a shopping center with a ring-shaped geometry, featuring glazed surfaces on both the exterior and interior of the ring, in a Mediterranean climate on a typical winter day. Indoor Air Quality is acceptable in all spaces. The building is subject to solar radiation on the glazed surfaces throughout the day. The level of thermal comfort in most spaces is acceptable in the afternoon, with both negative and positive Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) index values. However, it is not acceptable for other spaces, when the PMV index is always negative, with values lower than 0.7. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Urban Sciences)

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14 pages, 16107 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

A Hybrid Dimensionality Reduction and Spectral Classification Workflow for Mineral Mapping in Polar Terrains

by Khurram Riaz, Amin Beiranvand Pour, Aidy M. Muslim and Saima Khurram

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 43(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026043007 - 12 Oct 2026

Abstract

Accurate identification of alteration minerals in remote polar regions remains a significant challenge because field access is limited, environmental conditions are extreme, and exposed lithologies commonly show mixed spectral responses. Satellite-based multispectral remote sensing, particularly using the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection [...] Read more.

Accurate identification of alteration minerals in remote polar regions remains a significant challenge because field access is limited, environmental conditions are extreme, and exposed lithologies commonly show mixed spectral responses. Satellite-based multispectral remote sensing, particularly using the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER), provides an efficient means of investigating surface mineralogy in ice-free Antarctic terrains. This study applies a sequential dimensionality reduction and spectral classification workflow integrating Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Independent Component Analysis (ICA), Minimum Noise Fraction (MNF), and Mixture-Tuned Matched Filtering (MTMF) to ASTER imagery from the Dry Valleys of South Victoria Land, Antarctica. The workflow identified major mineral groups including iron oxides and hydroxides, Al–OH and Mg–OH phyllosilicates, carbonates, silica phases, and mafic–ultramafic indicator minerals. These mapped mineral groups are spatially associated with granitoid and metasedimentary basement rocks, Beacon Supergroup sedimentary units, Jurassic diabase intrusions, and Ferrar volcanic rocks. Accuracy assessment against lithological reference classes indicated an overall accuracy of about 78% and a kappa coefficient of approximately 0.72. The results show that the integrated ASTER workflow can support regional mineral group mapping in exposed polar bedrock terrains, while individual mineral interpretations remain limited by ASTER spectral resolution, mixed pixels, and restricted field validation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 3rd International Online Conference on Mineral Science)

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12 pages, 48461 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Assessment of the Impact of Air Temperature Variations on the Duration and Abundance of Flowering of Abelia × grandiflora ‘Little Richard’ in the Context of Urban Planning and Design

by Radenka Kolarov, Djurdja Petrov, Nevenka Galečić, Dejan Skočajić, Jelena Čukanović, Sara Đorđević and Mirjana Ocokoljić

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 45(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026045019 - 8 Oct 2026

Abstract

Variations in temperature have the potential to either enhance or disrupt ecological systems, yet little is known about how the plasticity of Glossy Abelia, under conditions of localised climate change, can facilitate urban planning and design. Therefore, this study focuses on changes in [...] Read more.

Variations in temperature have the potential to either enhance or disrupt ecological systems, yet little is known about how the plasticity of Glossy Abelia, under conditions of localised climate change, can facilitate urban planning and design. Therefore, this study focuses on changes in the duration and abundance of flowering of Abelia × grandiflora ‘Little Richard’ in Lep Izgled Park in Belgrade during the period 2023–2025. Observations were carried out using the extended BBCH scale, with recorded dates converted into day-of-year values. The accumulated heat sum for the onset, full, and end of flowering was determined based on daily maximum and minimum air temperatures. Flowering abundance was evaluated using a 0–5 scale, where 0 indicates absence of flowering and 5 indicates maximum flowering. The study employed descriptive statistics, the Spearman rank test, the Mann–Kendall trend test in conjunction with Sen’s slope test, and regression analysis. The results confirm that air temperature influences both the duration and abundance of flowering. The year factor proved to be significant, with 2024, identified as the globally warmest year, exhibiting the longest flowering phenophase, while flowering abundance varied depending on daily maximum and minimum air temperatures. The distribution of flowering abundance and shifts in phenological patterns suggest that the responses of Glossy Abelia represent adaptations to local conditions. This study also provides a framework for modelling the potential effects of temperature changes on the dynamics and abundance of flowering at both local and global scales. The research highlights key events in flowering patterns in order to emphasise the influence of air temperature on changes in the urban phenology of glossy abelia, with the aim of supporting the operationalisation of urban planning and park design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Urban Sciences)

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9 pages, 16278 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Assessing Visual Connectivity at Property Crime Hotspots in Nashik City

by Anubhav Kumbhre and Shreyas Bharule

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 45(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026045018 - 8 Oct 2026

Abstract

This study assessed visual connectivity at property crime hotspots (PCHs) in Nashik City, India, using Visibility Graph Analysis (VGA). Robbery, burglary, and theft locations were analyzed within 50 m buffers using a 10 × 10 m VGA grid. Descriptive and non-parametric inferential analyses [...] Read more.

This study assessed visual connectivity at property crime hotspots (PCHs) in Nashik City, India, using Visibility Graph Analysis (VGA). Robbery, burglary, and theft locations were analyzed within 50 m buffers using a 10 × 10 m VGA grid. Descriptive and non-parametric inferential analyses were conducted to examine visual-connectivity patterns across three PCHs. Burglary and theft locations generally exhibited lower mean visual connectivity than corresponding neighborhood means, while robbery showed a less consistent pattern. Kruskal–Wallis tests and Holm-corrected pairwise comparisons revealed no statistically significant differences among crime categories. The findings represent descriptive spatial associations, and visual connectivity should not be interpreted as a direct measure of natural surveillance or crime-prevention effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Urban Sciences)

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14 pages, 2025 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Energy, Exergy, Environmental, and Economic Assessment of Solar Agricultural Dryers: Bibliometric Trends, Technological Niches, and Evidence Gaps

by Jader Rodriguez, John Javier Espitia, Andres Sarmiento and Edwin Villagran

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 42(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026042028 - 30 Sep 2026

Abstract

This study maps research on energy, exergy, environmental, and economic assessment of solar agricultural drying systems using 145 Scopus-indexed documents published from 2003 to 2025. A broad search returned 917 records; addition of an explicit 4E/LCA block reduced the set to 155, and [...] Read more.

This study maps research on energy, exergy, environmental, and economic assessment of solar agricultural drying systems using 145 Scopus-indexed documents published from 2003 to 2025. A broad search returned 917 records; addition of an explicit 4E/LCA block reduced the set to 155, and title-and-abstract screening retained 145 documents. The bibliometric corpus comprises 127 core and 18 contextual records. Full-counting analysis of author keywords retained 33 terms at a minimum occurrence of three, producing 178 links and a network density of 0.337. Of the 127 core records, 87 addressed energy, 105 exergy, 52 environmental performance, and 51 economics; only 23 integrated all four dimensions and 10 explicitly applied life cycle assessment. Energy–exergy was the strongest pairwise overlap (Jaccard = 0.587), followed by environment–economics (0.471). Indirect and mixed-mode configurations showed broader multi-dimensional coverage than direct or greenhouse configurations, while thermal storage/phase-change materials and PV/PVT were the most frequent integration niches. The field has expanded rapidly since 2020 but remains geographically concentrated and methodologically uneven. The evidence therefore supports partial convergence toward 4E assessment rather than a mature or dominant integrated paradigm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Environments)

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22 pages, 16196 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

The Moderating Mechanism of Green Space Patterns on the Urban Heat Island Effect Under the Background of Urban Intensification: A Case Study of Nanjing

by Lin Sun and Ge Shi

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 42(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026042027 - 28 Sep 2026

Abstract

Under the background of urban intensification, the moderating role of green space patterns on Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects has become a significant topic. This study aims to systematically explore the moderating mechanisms of green space patterns on the UHI effect and their [...] Read more.

Under the background of urban intensification, the moderating role of green space patterns on Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects has become a significant topic. This study aims to systematically explore the moderating mechanisms of green space patterns on the UHI effect and their spatiotemporal evolution using Nanjing as a case study. We utilized data including the Urban Density Index (UDI), Land Surface Temperature (LST), Green Space Index (GSI), and landscape pattern indices (Patch Density (PD), Largest Patch Index (LPI), and Landscape Shape Index (LSI)) for the years 2012, 2016, and 2020. Pearson correlation analysis, Moran’s I spatial autocorrelation, and a Coupling Coordination Degree Model (CCDM) were employed to quantify these interactions. Urban intensification was associated with a more pronounced UHI effect, as indicated by positive spatial autocorrelation (Moran’s I > 0.4) and a positive correlation between UDI and LST (r = 0.19 in 2020). Conversely, contiguous green spaces demonstrated cooling potential; the correlation between LPI and LST became more negative from r = −0.12 in 2012 to r = −0.25 in 2020, while positive PD-LST correlations were observed in some study years. The spatial mean coupling coordination degree (D) across valid 500 m × 500 m grid cells increased from 0.50 in 2012 to 0.60 in 2020, although coordination in high-density central urban areas remained low (D < 0.3). The fragmentation of green spaces restricts their capacity to regulate urban thermal environments. To optimize green space layout and effectively mitigate the UHI effect, urban planning should prioritize improving green connectivity, expanding contiguous large green areas, and promoting green roofs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Environments)

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8 pages, 360 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Urban Impacts on Avifaunal Community of Kannur District, Kerala, India

by Sreya R. Nambiar, Dhanya Radhamany, Sumith Satheendran and Anoop Das Karumampoyil Sakthidas

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 45(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026045017 - 24 Sep 2026

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of urbanisation on avifaunal communities along an urban–rural gradient in Kannur District, Kerala. Urbanisation and associated anthropogenic activities are known to alter habitat structure, reduce environmental quality, and promote biotic homogenisation by favouring a limited set of disturbance-tolerant [...] Read more.

This paper examines the influence of urbanisation on avifaunal communities along an urban–rural gradient in Kannur District, Kerala. Urbanisation and associated anthropogenic activities are known to alter habitat structure, reduce environmental quality, and promote biotic homogenisation by favouring a limited set of disturbance-tolerant species. Birds, being widely distributed, ecologically diverse, and sensitive to habitat modification, serve as effective bioindicators for assessing environmental change. This study aimed to evaluate whether urbanisation functions as an ecological filter influencing bird species richness, abundance, and diversity, and to test the applicability of the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis along the urban–suburban–rural gradient. The study area was classified into three habitat categories—urban, suburban, and rural—based on building density using ArcGIS. A total of 60 sampling sites were selected, with 20 point-count locations representing each habitat category. Bird monitoring was carried out using standard point-count methods across two seasons. Species diversity and abundance were analysed using PAST (PAleontological STatistics) software. During the January–February season, a total of 428 individual birds representing 44 species were recorded, whereas the March–April season yielded 309 individuals belonging to 39 species. The results did not support the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis, as avifaunal diversity was consistently highest in rural habitats, followed by suburban and urban habitats in both seasons. The findings indicate that urbanisation acts as a strong ecological filter, leading to a marked reduction in bird species richness and diversity in highly built-up areas. This pattern is likely driven by habitat simplification, loss of native vegetation, increased anthropogenic disturbance, and the dominance of a few urban-adapted species. Overall, the study highlights the importance of conserving semi-natural and rural habitat patches within rapidly urbanising landscapes to sustain avifaunal diversity and ecological integrity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Urban Sciences)

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1 pages, 146 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Statement of Peer Review

by Athanasios Loukas

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 40(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026040017 - 23 Sep 2026

Abstract

In submitting conference proceedings to Environmental and Earth Sciences Proceedings, the volume editors of the proceedings certify to the publisher that all papers published in this volume have been subjected to peer review administered by the volume editors [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 9th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)

8 pages, 1559 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Ventilation Strategies to Improve Air Quality and Thermal Comfort Conditions for Bus Passengers in Urban Environments

by Eusébio Conceição, Margarida Conceição, Mª Inês Conceição, Moisés Saque, Mª Manuela Lúcio, João Gomes and Hazim Awbi

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 45(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026045016 - 14 Sep 2026

Abstract

Public passenger vehicles in urban environments, which typically have high occupancy rates, require heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems capable of meeting both air quality and thermal comfort requirements in demanding environments. Moreover, bus cabins and their HVAC systems must be designed [...] Read more.

Public passenger vehicles in urban environments, which typically have high occupancy rates, require heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems capable of meeting both air quality and thermal comfort requirements in demanding environments. Moreover, bus cabins and their HVAC systems must be designed to meet different climate types and external environmental conditions, and also be more energy-sustainable. Thus, this study develops a methodology that takes advantage of solar radiation incident on the glazed surfaces of the bus and establishes airflow rates for the ventilation system that ensure the best compromise between air quality and thermal comfort provided to bus passengers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Urban Sciences)

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10 pages, 6624 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Waterfront 4.0: Landscape and Coastal Regeneration

by Marina Maura Calandrelli and Antonello Migliozzi

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 45(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026045015 - 14 Sep 2026

Abstract

Coastal areas are complex territorial systems where natural processes and anthropogenic pressures interact, generating vulnerable yet culturally significant landscapes. While remaining attractive for tourism and urban development, they are among the areas most exposed to the impacts of climate change, requires resilient and [...] Read more.

Coastal areas are complex territorial systems where natural processes and anthropogenic pressures interact, generating vulnerable yet culturally significant landscapes. While remaining attractive for tourism and urban development, they are among the areas most exposed to the impacts of climate change, requires resilient and adaptive planning approaches. This study assesses vegetation-related environmental changes associated with the regeneration of the Portici Maritime Park, Italy, through a comparison of Sentinel-2 Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data acquired before and after the intervention. Mean NDVI decreased from approximately 0.245 in 2018 to 0.167 in 2026, indicating a reduction in vegetation-related conditions associated with the conversion of previously vegetated or partially vegetated surfaces into paved areas. Based on this empirical evidence and on the environmental characteristics of the site, the study proposes the integration of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), including permeable surfaces, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS), multifunctional Mediterranean and halophytic green strips, and ecological nourishment. These measures are framed within the proposed Waterfront 4.0 concept, which integrates ecological regeneration, digital environmental monitoring, participatory governance, and adaptive management. By linking ex-post remote-sensing assessment with NBS-oriented planning, the study provides a conceptual and case-study-based approach for improving the climate resilience and ecological performance of highly urbanized Mediterranean waterfronts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Urban Sciences)

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10 pages, 1036 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Structural Health Monitoring and Earthquake/Climate Proofing by Means of AI Sensor Fusion, Digital Twins and Smart Oracles

by Adamantia Stamou, Noemi Friedman, Filippo Landi, Juan Chiachío, Nikolaos Koutantos, Mariza Tzouvali, George D. Stamoulis, Vlado Stankovski and Jairis Alvarez Trujillo

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 45(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026045014 - 1 Sep 2026

Abstract

The paper presents an integrated framework for multi-hazard structural health monitoring (SHM) that combines AI-driven sensor fusion, digital twins, and decentralized smart oracles to enhance seismic and climate resilience. Heterogeneous structural, environmental, and climatic data are unified through scalable architectures, enabling continuous modal [...] Read more.

The paper presents an integrated framework for multi-hazard structural health monitoring (SHM) that combines AI-driven sensor fusion, digital twins, and decentralized smart oracles to enhance seismic and climate resilience. Heterogeneous structural, environmental, and climatic data are unified through scalable architectures, enabling continuous modal identification, automated model updating, and trustworthy climate intelligence. By leveraging blockchain-verified data flows and interoperable knowledge assets, the system improves predictive accuracy, supports proactive maintenance, and strengthens decision-making for modern and heritage buildings. Results from pilot deployments demonstrate robust performance, reduced operational discrepancies, and significant gains in reliability across SHM and digital twin workflows. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Urban Sciences)

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9 pages, 436 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Controlled GPT Augmentation of Landslide Inventories for Urban Resilience Analytics

by Fahim Sufi

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 45(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026045013 - 31 Aug 2026

Abstract

Landslide inventories are essential for susceptibility modelling, risk communication, and urban resilience planning, yet many regional datasets remain incomplete, inconsistent, or weakly structured. This study presents a controlled GPT augmentation framework for improving the analytical usability of landslide inventories without replacing observed hazard [...] Read more.

Landslide inventories are essential for susceptibility modelling, risk communication, and urban resilience planning, yet many regional datasets remain incomplete, inconsistent, or weakly structured. This study presents a controlled GPT augmentation framework for improving the analytical usability of landslide inventories without replacing observed hazard records with synthetic events. The method was applied to 730 landslide records from the Chittagong Hill Area inventory. The original records were retained as the factual layer, while GPT generated only auxiliary annotations, including standardized triggers, uncertainty labels, exposure descriptors, severity labels, and process narratives. Baseline auditing showed substantial incompleteness, with missingness reaching 47.9% for water condition, 39.2% for distributional descriptor, 37.3% for material, and 31.2% for trigger information. The augmentation preserved 100% of observed empirical fields and reduced 13 nonblank raw trigger expressions into 8 standardized classes. All 730 records received structured process descriptors, and 274 retained moderate or high uncertainty labels. A comparative model-readiness test using fatality occurrence showed that augmented input retained 730 usable records and 33 fatal cases, compared with 375 records and 8 fatal cases in the complete-case original inventory. Extra Trees PR AUC increased from 0.190 to 0.609, and F1 from 0.187 to 0.427. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Urban Sciences)

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9 pages, 472 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Integration of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDSs) in Highway Projects in Small Island Developing States (SIDSs) for Improved Resilience to Flooding

by Zaheer Doomah

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 45(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026045012 - 31 Aug 2026

Abstract

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDSs) have recently emerged as an alternative to traditional drainage systems, offering better stormwater management and improved resilience in road infrastructure. However, their uptake is still slow in Small Island Developing States (SIDSs) such as Mauritius. The aim of [...] Read more.

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDSs) have recently emerged as an alternative to traditional drainage systems, offering better stormwater management and improved resilience in road infrastructure. However, their uptake is still slow in Small Island Developing States (SIDSs) such as Mauritius. The aim of this study was to understand the potential for integrating various SUDS in major road projects and identify existing barriers and potential enablers. Semi-structured interviews with 20 highway experts showed that for Mauritius, the most feasible solutions were swales, soakaways and infiltration trenches, due to their ease of implementation and lower costs. However, topography, soil infiltration and water table levels pose significant challenges. Other SUDS types, such as permeable paving areas, retention/detention ponds, infiltration basins and constructed wetlands were not considered favourably. Potential enablers identified included enhancing the local technical expertise on SUDS, developing adapted guidance documents and policies and the implementation of pilot projects as showcases for SUDS efficacy in managing stormwater. The study has contributed to identifying the most suitable SUDS components for implementation in road projects in Mauritius and pathways to increase their adoption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Urban Sciences)

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8 pages, 3441 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

GIS-Based Mapping of Slope-Dependent Energy Consumption and Recovery for Sustainable E-Bike Mobility

by Ezgi Tükel, Gürkan Öztürk and Saye Nihan Çabuk

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 45(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026045011 - 28 Aug 2026

Abstract

Urban micromobility systems have become increasingly important for short-distance and last-mile travel, particularly with the growing use of electric bicycles in dense urban environments. However, e-bike performance is not determined only by distance or travel time; road slope, segment direction, rolling resistance, aerodynamic [...] Read more.

Urban micromobility systems have become increasingly important for short-distance and last-mile travel, particularly with the growing use of electric bicycles in dense urban environments. However, e-bike performance is not determined only by distance or travel time; road slope, segment direction, rolling resistance, aerodynamic drag and regenerative braking potential also affect energy demand. This paper develops a GIS-based, segment-level framework for mapping slope-dependent energy consumption and regenerative energy recovery in an urban e-bike network. Road segments were enriched with length, elevation-difference and slope information, and energy indicators were calculated using a simplified physics-based model. Energy consumed, energy regained, and net energy values were visualized as GIS thematic maps. The results show that energy performance is spatially heterogeneous and strongly sensitive to slope direction. The proposed workflow provides a practical spatial decision-support layer for energy-aware micromobility planning, route evaluation and sustainable urban mobility assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Urban Sciences)

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Journal Description

Environmental and Earth Sciences Proceedings

Vol. 46

X-Fire 2026

Vol. 45

IOCUS 2026

Vol. 43

IOCMS 2026

Vol. 42

IOCE 2026

Vol. 41

IOCMSE 2025

Vol. 40

ECWS-9 2025

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