Integrating forest windthrow assessment data in the process of windscape reconstruction: Case of the extratropical storms downscaled for the Gutai Mountains (Romania)
Abstract:Downscaling and modeling natural disturbances such as the extratropical storms are important for understanding and predicting the behavior of the air flow over complex forested areas, especially in high wind instances that cause damages. Therefore, the rationale of the research was that the windscape of a storm could be reconstructed based on the features of consequent forest windthrows. Main input data for the model were derived from data on forest damages (extension, orientation, and depth of windthrows) ret… Show more
“…The findings derived from the IAQ measurements conducted in the selected apartment units offer valuable insights into the levels of indoor air pollutants present in Dubai's residential buildings (Chang et al, 2017). Overall, the HCHO, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, styrene, and xylene concentrations were within the acceptable limits set by the WHO (Ilies et al, 2022). However, it is noteworthy that the concentration of TVOC was significantly higher than the standard established by the Dubai Municipality (Martinez et al, 2022).…”
Section: Average Concentration Of Pollutants According To Building He...mentioning
This research paper examines Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) conditions in newly constructed apartments in Dubai to be more sustainable for residents to have healthier lifestyles. Enhanced airtightness and chemical-laden materials contribute to IAQ pollution in these buildings. The study aims to assess pollutant concentrations and variations based on building height. Measurements were conducted in 12 apartment units using the WHO’s IAQ assessment methodology. Most pollutants were within limits, but TVOC exceeded the Dubai Municipality’s standard, measuring at 2634.4 μg/m³, approximately nine times higher than the standard. HCHO (163.4 μg/m³) and toluene (551.4 μg/m³) were identified as significant pollutants with potential health effects. Analysis of pollutant concentrations based on building height revealed higher TVOC levels in upper areas, with 2,828 μg/m³ in the upper area compared to 2,443 μg/m³ in the lower area, indicating more severe indoor air pollution in Ethylbenzene and styrene also highest in upper areas, with ethylbenzene at 122 μg/m³ and styrene at 82 μg/m³ in the upper area, potentially due to elevated sources. Toluene and xylene concentrations were elevated in the middle area, with toluene at 574 μg/m³ and xylene at 321 μg/m³, likely influenced by materials and occupant activities. Benzene concentrations were consistent across all heights at 2.94 μg/m³, suggesting a common source. HCHO concentrations were relatively consistent but slightly higher in the middle and upper areas, with 171 μg/m³ in both, likely influenced by ventilation and emissions. While average pollutant concentrations met WHO standards, many units exceeded recommended limits, requiring targeted interventions. The study highlights the importance of addressing IAQ concerns and implementing strategies to reduce indoor air pollutants and improve ventilation. These findings contribute to IAQ knowledge in Dubai’s residential buildings, guiding policymakers, architects, and developers in effective policies and guidelines. Further research on seasonal variations and other IAQ factors is recommended for better understanding and long-term monitoring. Prioritizing IAQ in newly constructed apartments is crucial for healthier living in Dubai. The residential building sector can protect residents’ health by implementing appropriate measures while delivering upscale living experiences.
“…The findings derived from the IAQ measurements conducted in the selected apartment units offer valuable insights into the levels of indoor air pollutants present in Dubai's residential buildings (Chang et al, 2017). Overall, the HCHO, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, styrene, and xylene concentrations were within the acceptable limits set by the WHO (Ilies et al, 2022). However, it is noteworthy that the concentration of TVOC was significantly higher than the standard established by the Dubai Municipality (Martinez et al, 2022).…”
Section: Average Concentration Of Pollutants According To Building He...mentioning
This research paper examines Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) conditions in newly constructed apartments in Dubai to be more sustainable for residents to have healthier lifestyles. Enhanced airtightness and chemical-laden materials contribute to IAQ pollution in these buildings. The study aims to assess pollutant concentrations and variations based on building height. Measurements were conducted in 12 apartment units using the WHO’s IAQ assessment methodology. Most pollutants were within limits, but TVOC exceeded the Dubai Municipality’s standard, measuring at 2634.4 μg/m³, approximately nine times higher than the standard. HCHO (163.4 μg/m³) and toluene (551.4 μg/m³) were identified as significant pollutants with potential health effects. Analysis of pollutant concentrations based on building height revealed higher TVOC levels in upper areas, with 2,828 μg/m³ in the upper area compared to 2,443 μg/m³ in the lower area, indicating more severe indoor air pollution in Ethylbenzene and styrene also highest in upper areas, with ethylbenzene at 122 μg/m³ and styrene at 82 μg/m³ in the upper area, potentially due to elevated sources. Toluene and xylene concentrations were elevated in the middle area, with toluene at 574 μg/m³ and xylene at 321 μg/m³, likely influenced by materials and occupant activities. Benzene concentrations were consistent across all heights at 2.94 μg/m³, suggesting a common source. HCHO concentrations were relatively consistent but slightly higher in the middle and upper areas, with 171 μg/m³ in both, likely influenced by ventilation and emissions. While average pollutant concentrations met WHO standards, many units exceeded recommended limits, requiring targeted interventions. The study highlights the importance of addressing IAQ concerns and implementing strategies to reduce indoor air pollutants and improve ventilation. These findings contribute to IAQ knowledge in Dubai’s residential buildings, guiding policymakers, architects, and developers in effective policies and guidelines. Further research on seasonal variations and other IAQ factors is recommended for better understanding and long-term monitoring. Prioritizing IAQ in newly constructed apartments is crucial for healthier living in Dubai. The residential building sector can protect residents’ health by implementing appropriate measures while delivering upscale living experiences.
“…Based on our research and observations, we assert that these causes are multifaceted. Natural factors, such as severe storms [110][111][112], causing windthrows (the latest one occurred on 17 September 2017), as mentioned in the PNA environmental reports [113][114][115][116][117][118], and pests, such as the European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) [119,120], have contributed to this decline. Furthermore, the damaged wood provides an opportunity for exploitation, even in protected areas, as allowed by Romanian laws.…”
The assessment of changes in forest coverage is crucial for managing protected forest areas, particularly in the face of climate change. This study monitored forest cover dynamics in a 6535 ha mountain area located in north-west Romania as part of the Apuseni Natural Park from 2003 to 2019. Two approaches were used: vectorization from orthophotos and Google Earth images (in 2003, 2005, 2009, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2019) and satellite imagery (Landsat 5 TM, 7 ETM, and 8 OLI) pre-processed to Surface Reflectance (SR) format from the same years. We employed four standard classifiers: Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), Maximum Likelihood Classification (MLC), Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM), and three combined methods: Linear Spectral Unmixing (LSU) with Natural Breaks (NB), Otsu Method (OM) and SVM, to extract and classify forest areas. Our study had two objectives: 1) to accurately assess changes in forest cover over a 17-year period and 2) to determine the most efficient methods for extracting and classifying forest areas. We validated the results using performance metrics that quantify both thematic and spatial accuracy. Our results indicate a 9% loss of forest cover in the study area, representing 577 ha with an average decrease ratio of 33.9 ha/year−1. Of all the methods used, SVM produced the best results (with an average score of 88% for Overall Quality (OQ)), followed by RF (with a mean value of 86% for OQ).
Forest fragmentation leads to changes in scalar concentration and momentum fluxes. These changes create superficial heterogeneity in forests, affecting mass, energy, and meteorological flows across various spatial scales. The abrupt alteration of canopy roughness from clearing-to-forest wind flow triggers instabilities downstream of the forest border, revealing the significant contribution of advective flows. Current methodologies investigate canopy flows with idealized foliage distribution, using the same Leaf Area Index as the experimental data. In these experiments, leaf density is typically higher near the top of the canopy. To simulate clearingto-forest wind flow, we employ Large Eddy Simulation (LES) with momentum drag dependent on foliage density. The maximum value of this drag occurs at the middle of the forest height (0.5h). Our results demonstrate a well-adjusted turbulent profile downstream of the forest. Near the border, increased skewness at the top and in the middle of the canopy indicates a large variability in the wind field. At the top of the canopy, we find
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