Data from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 for historical and future climate scenarios are examined for changes in the energy cycle component of land surface feedback on the atmosphere, namely, through the linkages from soil moisture to sensible heat flux to the height of the lifting condensation level marking the cloud base. Climate models project heightened sensitivity in both of these segments of the feedback pathway over most of the globe. This is in agreement with studies showing similar increases in land-atmosphere feedback through the water cycle, despite different physical processes, and may contribute to prevalent droughts and floods found in most climate change forecasts.

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The rapid growth of the urban landscape from natural development, traffic congestion, crime, and waste management has become a challenge to the city dwellers and decision-makers, thus requiring smart and efficient ways to tackle these problems. The combination of big data and Internet of Things (IoT) is guiding local communities in achieving the goal of building creative communities. This study aims to use real-time spatial analytics that integrates state-of-the art ICT approaches with interdisciplinary synthesis for smart solution making process across different sectors of the community. The use of real-time data and coordination of information from multiple city agencies enable policymakers to adjust management strategies in near real-time and can also provide citizens with situational awareness on emergency and nonemergency conditions. Using state-of-the-art technologies, and communication-based applications within the context of smart cities, three smart city examples were developed with the case study of Grand Forks, North Dakota. Using Web AppBuilder, a health resources inventory for the town of Grand Forks was designed with real-time integration of medical information and treatment facilities within the community. For emergency response and preparedness, we developed and deployed a solution that combines information from all the sectors of the city using Survey123 for ArcGIS to collect data and display it on an operational dashboard with multiple visualizations for real-time monitoring of people, services, assets and analysis of events or activities.This operation offers real-time verification and can be an essential resource for team leaders and emergency operations centers. The information collected also provides the flexibility to show layers of information, and task force leaders have a view of their task forces and, consequently, the enrichment of life by making the community safe, healthy, and sustainable.

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