Geographies

Erosion represents a significant global threat to coastal zones, especially beaches, which are among the most valuable coastal landforms. This study evaluates the vulnerability to coastal erosion along the Brazilian Amazon coast, focusing on eight recreational beaches. The research is based on an assessment of geological, physical, ecological, and anthropogenic indicators. Some of these indicators were proposed in this study to enhance the evaluation of vulnerability in Amazonian beaches. The analysis reveals that most of the beaches studied are highly vulnerable to erosion due to a combination of natural factors and human activities. The barrier–beach ridge, composed of unconsolidated sediments, exhibits the highest vulnerability, while low cliffs present a moderate level of risk. The study highlights that semi-urban beaches with significant infrastructure development are particularly susceptible to erosion, a problem exacerbated by unplanned land use. Conversely, rural beaches, especially those located in protected areas, show lower vulnerability due to reduced human impact and better conservation of natural ecosystems. Furthermore, the study underscores the effects of extreme climatic events, such as prolonged rainfall and high-energy waves, which can intensify erosion risks. The findings suggest that anthropogenic changes, combined with extreme climate events, significantly influence the dynamics of coastal erosion. This research emphasizes the importance of targeted management strategies that address both natural and human-induced vulnerabilities, aiming to enhance coastal resilience and sustainability for Amazonian beaches. Full article

The vulnerability framework developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) defines vulnerability as a function of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Building off this framework, the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) developed a Climate Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI) for the state of Connecticut, designed to integrate flood and extreme heat-related climate exposure with impacted socioeconomic, infrastructure, and ecological variables into a single comprehensive index that can guide resilience planning and prioritization at multiple levels. The index serves as a central component of the Resilient Connecticut project, a statewide initiative to advance climate adaptation and resilience planning through data-driven tools, community engagement, and strategies to address flood and heat risks across vulnerable communities. In this article, we detail the development of the CCVI, including earlier iterations, methodology, stakeholder engagement activities, and lessons learned that can impact resiliency planning in Connecticut. Preliminary statistical analyses, notable regional trends, data limitations, and future areas for research advancement are also discussed. The CCVI framework detailed here can be used in the process of identifying priority areas for intervention and supporting the selection and design of targeted resilience projects, and can also be adapted for other states. Full article

In this study, we selected a series of pothole wetlands to investigate their nucleation, evolution, and recent anthropogenic degradation in the Alcores Depression (AD), southern Iberian Peninsula, where over 100 closed watersheds containing shallow, ephemeral water bodies up to 2 hm² have been identified. We surveyed the regional geological framework, utilized digital elevation models (DEMs), orthophotos, and aerial images since 1956. Moreover, we analyzed precipitation and temperature data in Seville from 1900 to 2024, collected hydrometeorological data since 1990 and modelled the water level evolution from 2002 to 2025 in a representative pothole in the area. Our observations indicate a flooded surface reduction by more than 90% from the 1950s to 2025. Climatic data reveal an increase in annual mean temperatures since 1960 and a sharp decline in annual precipitation since 2000. The AD’s inception due to tectonic isolation during the Quaternary favoured the formation of pothole wetlands in the floodplain. The reduction in the hydroperiod and wetland degradation was primarily due to agricultural expansion since 1950, which followed an increase in groundwater extraction and altered the original topography. Recently, decreased precipitation has exponentially accelerated the degradation and even the complete disappearance of many potholes. This study underscores the fragility of small wetlands in the Mediterranean basin and the critical role of human management in their preservation. Restoring these ecosystems could be a highly effective nature-based solution, especially in semi-arid climates like southern Spain. These prairie potholes are crucial for enhancing groundwater recharge, which is vital for maintaining water availability in regions with limited precipitation. By facilitating rainwater infiltration into the aquifer, recharge potholes increase groundwater levels. Additionally, they capture and store run-off during heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of flooding and soil erosion. Beyond their hydrological functions, these wetlands provide habitats that support biodiversity and promote ecological resilience, reinforcing the need for their protection and recovery. Full article

Pastoral activities are an essential part of the cultural and ecological landscape of Central Italy. This traditional practice supports local economies, maintains biodiversity, and contributes to the sustainable use of natural resources. Understanding livestock behavior in response to environmental variability is essential for improving grazing management and animal welfare and ensuring the sustainability of these systems. This study evaluated the movement patterns of sheep grazing on pastures with differing vegetation indices in the Sibillini Mountains. Twenty lactating ewes foraging on two different pastures were monitored from June to October 2023 using GPS collars and accelerometers. GPS tracks were segmented using the Expectation Maximization Binary Clustering (EmBC) method to characterize movement behaviors, such as foraging, traveling, and resting. The NDVI was used to characterize vegetation dynamics, showing notable differences between the two pastures and across the grazing season. Additive mixed models were used to analyze data, accounting for individual variability and temporal autocorrelation in the sample. The results suggest that variations in the NDVI influence grazing behavior, with sheep in areas of lower vegetation density exhibiting increased movement during foraging. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing grazing practices and promoting sustainable land use. Full article

An information content approach is taken to producing a ‘digital description’ of a landscape utilising georeferencing within Digital Earth. A general view of the geomorphology of ‘northern England’ is used as a discussion area. Data points are geolocated using decimal latitude-longitude (dLL) that can be used as recording and search items in the literature, information landscapes, or ‘information fields’. Investigations, whether about landforms, events, sampling points, material properties, or dates, provide an ‘information set’ about geo-referenced points. Using the dLL format, such points also provide the basis for starts of transects and data points on topographic surfaces. The data sites provide an ‘information field’ about the area of interest and examples are given in the information landscape. The work of the late Cuchlaine King, physical geographer and geomorphologist, is used as examples of this information field approach by setting landforms and investigations into digitized physical landscapes. The paper also suggests ways of extending the information field idea to cover previous investigations and the possible implementation of Large Language Geographical Models in the employment of ‘big data’. The FAIR data principles of findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability are germane to the development of such models and their use. Full article

The Donna Reservoir and Canal System (Donna Lake) in Texas has been a persistent source of environmental contamination for over a century, exposing surrounding communities to dangerous levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Originally built for agricultural irrigation, the system became a recreational fishing site before PCB contamination was discovered during public health investigations in the 1990s. This study examines patterns of demographic vulnerability, evaluates remediation efforts by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and explores residents’ ongoing challenges related to toxic exposure. Using publicly available demographic data, EPA reports, and previous health assessments, the study analyzes variations in community characteristics by proximity to Donna Lake and reviews the effectiveness of interventions implemented to date. The results show that communities closer to the contamination site are predominantly low-income and Spanish-speaking, and that remediation efforts, although initiated, have been slow and insufficient to fully eliminate health risks. The residents continue to face gaps in risk communication and protection. The findings underscore the lasting impacts of historical contamination on vulnerable populations and highlight the urgent need for more effective, community-centered remediation strategies to address persistent environmental health disparities. Full article

The Malabo Declaration commits African Union member states to eliminating hunger by 2025. Progress toward this target has been uneven and poorly understood. While some countries have recorded gains in non-hunger thematic areas such as finance, trade, resilience to climate variability, and governance and accountability mechanisms, the extent to which these improvements contribute to hunger reduction remains unclear. This study investigates whether performance in non-hunger areas, as measured through the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme Biennial Review C-scores, is statistically associated with outcomes under Commitment 3, which focuses on hunger reduction. We used random effects panel regression model covering 55 African countries from 2017 to 2023, the analysis identifies five significant predictors: agricultural GDP and poverty reduction (PC 4.1), foreign private investment (PC 2.3), multi stakeholder coordination (PC 1.2), inclusive public–private partnerships (PC 4.2), and trade policies (PC 5.2). Investment in resilience (PC 6.2) and capacity for planning and monitoring (PC 7.1) showed marginal associations. Our findings suggest that institutional presence alone does not drive hunger outcomes. We reflect that what matters is the structure, inclusiveness, and functionality of these mechanisms, including whether investments reach food-insecure populations, coordination platforms influence decisions, and policies adapt to local conditions. This study concludes that some high-performing categories fail to deliver tangible hunger reduction benefits when implementation is fragmented or disconnected from context. These findings challenge how progress is currently measured and interpreted at the regional level. Finally, we reiterate that as the region prepares for the post-2025 agenda, future strategies must directly link agricultural transformation to hunger reduction through targeted interventions and accountable institutions. Full article

Budapest and its metropolitan area serve as a key railway hub both within Hungary and across Europe, intersected by multiple European rail corridors and characterized by substantial suburban traffic driven by daily commuters from surrounding areas. The Budapest agglomeration is served by 11 rail lines to Budapest managed by the MÁV Group Company (MÁV: Magyar Államvasutak Co., Budapest, Hungary) is a railway company owned by the Hungarian state). The majority of these are high-capacity, mostly double-track electrified main lines, which play a major role in long-distance and international transport. The main goal of the MÁV Group Company is the continuous development of the quality of passenger transport in Hungary and Europe, quality improvement in passenger comfort, sales, and passenger information systems, and the introduction of up-to-date, environmentally friendly means and solutions. Infrastructure plays a decisive role in the development and transformation of the country and its regions, municipalities, and settlement systems. The development of transport infrastructure not only dynamically transforms and shapes spatial structures but also initiates processes of internal differentiation. In our study, statistical analysis of municipalities and rail-based public transport confirmed a positive correlation between the modernization of transport infrastructure and selected demographic indicators. Full article

We modeled the water level variations in a protected playa-lake system (La Ratosa Natural Reserve, S Spain) comprising two adjacent playa-lakes: La Ratosa and Herriza de los Ladrones. For this purpose, daily water balances were applied to reconstruct the water level. Model results were validated using actual water level monitoring over the past 20 years. We surveyed post-Pliocene geological structures in the endorheic watershed to investigate lake nucleation and to improve the hydrogeological model. Additionally, we investigated the groundwater level evolution in nearby aquifers, which have been profusely affected by groundwater exploitation for domestic and agricultural use. Then, the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 climate change scenarios were applied to forecast the future of this lake system. We found that the playa-lake hydroperiod will shorten, causing the system to shift from seasonal to ephemeral, which appears to be a general trend in this area. However, the impact on the La Ratosa-Herriza de los Ladrones system would be likely more severe due to local stressors, such as groundwater withdrawal for urban demand and agriculture, driving the system to complete desiccation for extended periods. These results highlight the sensitivity of these protected ecosystems to changes in the watershed’s water balance and underscore the urgent need to preserve watersheds from any form of water use, other than ecological purposes. This approach aims to support informed decision-making to mitigate adverse impacts on these fragile ecosystems, ensuring their ecological integrity in the context of climate change and increasing water demand for various uses. Full article

Residential vulnerability in urban spaces is a complex phenomenon subject to a variety of social and economic factors. An example of this scenario is the San Francisco neighbourhood in Villena (Alicante, Spain). This is an area of residential vulnerability because of low levels of education among the population, low income, precarious housing and public insecurity. The main goal in this study was to analyse the profile of the neighbourhood using a mixed methodology based on statistical consultations with several official bodies and a qualitative method derived from surveys conducted with experts and interviews with focus groups made up of specialists, politicians and residents. The most significant results included the demographic stagnation of the local population and, conversely, a rejuvenation of the population thanks to foreign immigration, shaping a multicultural space not free of conflict, exclusion and residential precariousness. New challenges for integration towards a more participatory and safer coexistence emerged, with strategies aimed at curbing abandonment, preventing unlawful occupation of properties and contributing to residential and social regeneration. Full article

The municipality of Grotte di Castro (Lazio Region, Italy) has, for some time, been the subject of various studies concerning the census of artificial cavities. Recent combined applications of LiDAR and photogrammetric surveys have made it possible to develop specific methods for locating entrances and producing 3D models and georeferenced plans. The combined use of these models with geomechanical surveys supported by surface seismic surveys makes it possible to understand the state of health of these buried structures and whether, in the event of an earthquake or as a result of natural decay, they could pose a danger to the population. In this work, which builds on recent studies, a method for assessing the state of these cavities is proposed and tested, essentially to evaluate the risks of collapse and sinkholes. The final objective is to census and discover as many cavities as possible, not only for the mitigation of risk but also for the valorisation of these cavities, which represent a true historical and archaeological heritage—testimonies to the history and evolution of ancient Castrum Criptarum. Full article

Understanding lagoon behavior is crucial for both scientific research and engineering decisions, especially in delicate Arctic environments. Lagoons are vital to coastal areas, often bolstering infrastructure resilience. Since spring 2019, we have monitored the Longyearbyen lagoon (Spitsbergen), vital for coastal erosion defense and serving as a natural laboratory. The location’s well-developed infrastructure and accessible logistics make it an ideal testing site available at any time. It can be used for many natural scientific studies. The lagoon continually changes due to the primary action of waves and tides. This article focuses on gravel spit movement, accelerating in recent years to several meters monthly. Using methods of aerial and satellite images, laser scanning, and hydrodynamic measurements, we have delineated processes, rates, and mechanisms behind this movement. The measurements revealed an accelerating eastward movement of the lagoon spit, from 8 m in the first year to 86 m in the fourth year of observation. This can be explained by a combination of the reconstruction of the Longyearbyen riverbed and increased flow because of climate change. Notably, the expansion does not only occur in the summer months: from September 2022 to February 2023, the spit moved by 40 m, and then, by 19 m from February to June 2023. We found that the bed-load transport along the spit coupled with gravel slides are the primary drives of lagoon expansion and growth. We also investigated movements of groundwater in the spit and changes in gravel contents along the spit, influencing the water saturation of the gravel. Modelling these processes aids in forecasting lagoon system development, crucial for informed management and engineering decisions in Arctic coastal regions. Full article

Detailed hydraulic modeling of a water distribution network (WDN) in an urban area is implemented therein, based on data from geoinformatic tools (GIS), to investigate and analyze the network’s hydraulic response to different scenarios of operation. A detailed mapping of the water meters of the consumers in the urban district is therefore conducted in the frame of a District Metered Area (DMA) zoning. Different consumptions according to water meters and patterns of daily water demand, resulting from both theoretical and measured data from a limited number of smart meters, are used in the hydraulic simulations. The analysis conducted assists common engineering practice to identify critical locations for constructing new hydraulic infrastructure, resulting in the restructuring and reorganization of the DMA, assisting to face existing and common problems of WDNs within the general framework of DMA design and efficient water management. A case study on the WDN of Efkarpia, located in the city of Thessaloniki, Greece, satisfying the principal design criteria of DMAs, is presented in this work, under both normal and emergency conditions. Hydraulic analysis is performed based on different scenarios, mainly consisting of different consumptions according to water meters and different demand patterns, all resulting in high pressures in the southern part of the DMA. Hydraulic simulations are then performed considering two basic operating scenarios, namely the operation of the old DMA of Efkarpia and a new DMA, which is reduced in size. The two scenarios are compared in terms of estimated pressures in the studied area, as well as in terms of energy consumption in the upstream pumping station. The comparisons reveal that the new DMA outperforms the old one, with a large increase in the pressure at nodes where low pressures were assessed in the old DMA, a reduction in daily pressure variation up to 45%, and quite significant energy savings assessed around 21.6%. Full article

Floods represent a significant threat to the livelihoods of individuals and pose challenges to global development prospects. An individual’s age is an essential predictor for adopting flood preparedness measures. In this context, the present study aims to identify community resilience based on age. Two age groups were considered for analysis, i.e., young group (age less than 24 years) and adult group (age over 24 years), using the Flood Resilience Index (FRI) approach through five dimensions of resilience, i.e., the natural, physical, economic, social, and institutional. The data analysis included 200 respondents, with each compromise equaling 100 from both age groups. A total of 34 structured questions were analyzed based on FRI dimensions. The survey results show that the overall resilience in both groups is low, but the adults are relatively more flood-resilient than the young group. Moreover, results of all dimensions show differences between the two groups, with the adult group appearing more resilient than the young group. The study shows that the local authorities and flood protection bodies should focus more on the community’s youth regarding risks and preparedness for flooding. Full article

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is a critical parameter in water quality management due to its interaction with disinfectants, leading to the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) during water treatment. Forest ecosystems are key contributors of DOC to surface waters, stemming from soil leachate. This study is the first to use DOC solutions directly extracted from soil to examine the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs) during chlorination and chloramination under varying environmental conditions. For this purpose, soil samples from a densely forested upland Cedar Lake watershed in Illinois were processed to extract DOC, which was then subjected to controlled disinfection experiments under varying pH, temperature, disinfectant dose, and reaction time. The results demonstrate that chlorination produces significantly higher levels of THMs compared to chloramination, with THM concentrations ranging from 31.996 μg/L to 62.563 μg/L for chlorination and 0.508 μg/L to 0.865 μg/L for chloramination. The yields of DBPs determined by chloramination increased approximately 4, 5, and 10 times with a higher DOC concentration, disinfectant concentration, and reaction time, respectively. For chlorination, these increases were approximately 5, 8, and 3 times, respectively. The presence of bromide in the DOC solutions influenced the concentration of brominated THMs (Br-THMs). The results indicate that a high formation of THMs, during both disinfection processes, occurred in the pH range of 7–8 and temperature range of 20–25 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, all tested water quality indicators (DOC, total dissolved solids, turbidity, and UV254), except for pH and Specific Ultraviolet Absorbance (SUVA), exhibited a strong positive correlation with THM levels during chlorination. In contrast, these parameters displayed a moderate to weak correlation with THM levels in the chloramination process. These findings highlight the critical role of DOC characteristics and disinfection conditions in controlling THM formation, providing valuable insights for optimizing water treatment processes. Full article

Social and cultural diffusion determines how behavioral phenomena spread among communities. The COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged globally at the beginning of 2020, triggered changes in human behavior in various settlements and regions. In this study, we use a spatial approach to examine diffusion patterns during the Omicron wave (December 2021–February 2022). We collected data on daily testing and confirmed cases from the Israeli Ministry of Health (MoH) database, as well as population characteristics from the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). These data were normalized per population, classified regionally and analyzed spatially using GIS, to verify the significance of the results. We found a contagious diffusion pattern apparent spatially in the metropolitan regions of Tel Aviv-Jaffa and Haifa (Israel). Accordingly, the undulating pattern of the number of COVID-19 tests and confirmed cases began in the center of the given metropolitan region (populated with high-class settlements) at the beginning of the wave, spread out to the periphery (populated with high-class settlements) toward the mid-wave period, and returned to the center when the wave ended. Additionally, we have seen that these patterns do not accord with the morbidity spread, implying that social characteristics may have been dominant in determining the diffusion pattern. Full article

Mid-day maximum soil temperatures were measured at 10 study plots during different hot summer days in Haleakalā Crater, Maui, with thermocouple thermometers on five adjacent microsite types: bare surface soils, soils under black tephra, soils under reddish tephra, soils shaded by silverswords, and soils under plant litter. The main tephra morphologies and geomorphic environments, as well as their geoecological association with silversword rosettes (Argyroxiphium sandwicense), were also assessed; silversword density was substantially greater on reddish tephra-covered areas than under black tephra fragments. Silversword seeds are extremely sensitive to high temperatures and fail to germinate after a short exposure to soil temperatures ≥35 °C. Thermal data sets were statistically compared with parallel box plots; the ability of various microsites to provide safe sites for silversword growth was also assessed. Bare soils and black tephra reached the highest median temperatures, up to 48.7 °C and 40.3 °C, respectively; reddish tephra remained much cooler, with all median temperatures ≤30.8 °C. Rosette-shaded soils and soils under silversword litter were the coolest, with temperatures below 18.7 °C and 18.5 °C, respectively. Temperatures in all microsites, except those under black tephra, were significantly lower (p < 0.0001) than on contiguous bare ground. It was concluded that reddish tephra provides the ideal conditions for silversword regeneration. Full article

Coastal areas are highly dynamic environments, vulnerable to natural processes and human interventions. This study presents the first application of the Integrated Coastal Vulnerability Index (ICVI) in Cyprus, focusing on two major tourism-dependent beaches, Fig Tree Bay and Vrysi Beach, located along the Protaras coastline. Despite their economic significance, these coastal areas face increasing vulnerability due to intensive tourism-driven modifications and natural coastal dynamics, necessitating a structured assessment framework. This research addresses this gap by integrating the ICVI with geographical information system (GIS) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) methodologies to evaluate the coastal risks in this tourism-dependent environment, providing a replicable approach for similar Mediterranean coastal settings. Ten key parameters were analysed, including coastal slope, rate of coastline erosion, geomorphology, elevation, tidal range, wave height, relative sea level rise, land cover, population density, and road network. The results revealed spatial variations in vulnerability, with 16% of the coastline classified as having very high vulnerability and another 16% as having high vulnerability. Fig Tree Bay, which is part of this coastline, emerged as a critical hotspot due to its geomorphological instability, low elevation, and intensive human interventions, including seasonal beach modifications and infrastructure development. This study underscores the need for sustainable coastal management practices, including dune preservation, controlled development, and the integration of the ICVI into planning frameworks to balance economic growth and environmental conservation. Full article

The spatial distribution of vegetation across metropolitan areas is important for wildlife habitat, air quality, heat mitigation, recreation, and other ecosystem services. This study investigated relationships between vegetation patterns and parcel characteristics at multiple scales of the Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), a rapidly growing region in central Texas characterized by diverse biophysical and socioeconomic landscapes. We used LiDAR data to map vegetation types and distributions across a 6000 km² study area. Principal component analysis (PCA) and regression models were employed to explore tree, shrub, and grass cover across parcels, cities, and the MSA, considering home value, age, size, and distance to the city center. At the MSA scale, tree and shrub cover were higher in the Edwards Plateau than in the Blackland Prairie ecoregion. Tree cover increased with parcel size and home value, especially in suburban areas. Older parcels had more mature trees, though less so in the grass-dominated Blackland Prairie. Shrub cover was higher on larger parcels in the Edwards Plateau, while the Blackland Prairie showed the opposite trend. PCA explained 60% of the variance, highlighting links between vegetation and urban development. Our findings reveal how biophysical and socioeconomic factors interact to shape vegetation, offering considerations for land use, housing, and green infrastructure planning. Full article