ESSD - recent papers

Airborne measurements of turbulence and cloud microphysics during PaCE 2022 using the Advanced Max Planck CloudKite Instrument (MPCK+)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 05:35:52 +0200

Airborne measurements of turbulence and cloud microphysics during PaCE 2022 using the Advanced Max Planck CloudKite Instrument (MPCK+)
Oliver Schlenczek, Freja Nordsiek, Claudia E. Brunner, Venecia Chávez-Medina, Birte Thiede, Eberhard Bodenschatz, and Gholamhossein Bagheri
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 18, 7557–7574, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-18-7557-2026, 2026
During the Pallas Cloud Experiment (PaCE) in Finland (19–26 September 2022), the Advanced Max Planck CloudKite instrument (MPCK+) gathered turbulence, atmospheric-state parameters and cloud-microphysics from 0–1200 m. Flights lasted 1.5–3 hours, capturing droplet concentrations and size distributions at high resolution (<10 m spacing). The dataset aids studies of Arctic boundary layer clouds above freezing temperatures. This paper details the data collection, structure, and user guidelines.

TORRENT: An observation-constrained and benchmark-ready community shared dataset in the contiguous United States for flash-flood research and model intercomparison

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 05:35:52 +0200

TORRENT: An observation-constrained and benchmark-ready community shared dataset in the contiguous United States for flash-flood research and model intercomparison
Songkun Yan, Mengye Chen, Jonathan J. Gourley, Jian Zhang, Günter Blöschl, Paul Bates, Zhi Li, Siyu Zhu, Abigail Snooks, Yixin Wen, Xiaodong Chen, Chengbin Deng, Juan Camilo Parra Toro, Meihong Ma, and Yang Hong
Earth Syst. Sci. Data Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2026-695,2026
Preprint under review for ESSD (discussion: open, 0 comments)
Flash floods develop quickly, but the records needed to study them are scattered across many sources. We created TORRENT by linking flood reports, rainfall, river flow, drainage-area information, and field measurements across the contiguous United States. It contains 42 466 reported events and 806 ready-to-use case packages, including 21 carefully checked cases. Its open, machine-readable design will help people and artificial intelligence tools study floods and compare prediction methods.

Trans-Atlantic aerosol transport from January to March 2025 – measurements from two expeditions on a research vessel

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 05:35:52 +0200

Trans-Atlantic aerosol transport from January to March 2025 – measurements from two expeditions on a research vessel
Andebo Waza, Konrad Kandler, Franz Kanngießer, Julia Gottschall, Arne Leuzinger, Simon Speith, Natalia Sudarchikova, Sebastian Wahl, Wirginia Hepert, and Stephanie Fiedler
Earth Syst. Sci. Data Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2026-733,2026
Preprint under review for ESSD (discussion: open, 0 comments)
Originating from North Africa, mineral dust, which is one of the most abundant aerosol types in the Earth’s atmosphere, is frequently transported across the Atlantic Ocean. To observe these dust transport different instruments, which provide information on both near-surface dust and lofted dust plumes, were deployed during two research cruises between January and March 2025 in the Atlantic Ocean. The presented data allows us to address existing knowledge gaps in trans-Atlantic dust transport.

TailWeather: from tail to extremes, a global climatological dataset for machine-learning weather forecasting

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 05:35:52 +0200

TailWeather: from tail to extremes, a global climatological dataset for machine-learning weather forecasting
Zhi-Song Liu, Michael Boy, and Risto Makkonen
Earth Syst. Sci. Data Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2026-792,2026
Preprint under review for ESSD (discussion: open, 0 comments)
Weather forecasts are mostly judged on ordinary days, not on the rare heatwaves, cold spells, storms, downpours, and droughts that cause most harm. We built a global daily record of such unusual weather over land since 1981 and compared it with reported disasters. Rarer weather was more often linked to harm, but disaster records miss much of the world. Leading artificial intelligence forecasts often missed extremes, especially strong winds, so forecasts need testing on extremes everywhere.

A standardized permafrost ground temperature collection for Canada 2025

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 05:35:52 +0200

A standardized permafrost ground temperature collection for Canada 2025
Olivia Meier-Legault, Nicholas Brown, Larry Adjun, Michel Allard, Alejandro Alvarez, Maude Auclair, Alex Bevington, Samuel Bilodeau, William Cable, Olivia Carpino, Ariane Castagner, Lin Chen, Alexandre Chiasson, Ryan Connon, Stephanie Coulombe, Jeffrey Crompton, Derek Cronmiller, Gautier Davesne, Mason Dominico, Marc-André Ducharme, Timothy Ensom, Louise Farquharson, Vanessa Foord, Daniel Fortier, Philippe Fortier, Duane Froese, Samuel Gagnon, Francis Gauthier, Marten Geertsema, Etienne Godin, Galina Jonat, Steven V. Kokelj, Michelle Landry, Antoni Lewkowicz, Panya Lipovsky, Emmanuel L'Hérault, Hannah Macdonell, Lancelot Massé, Dmitry Nicolsky, Moya Painter, Leesee Papatsie, Victor Pozsgay, William Quinton, Vladimir Romanovsky, Ashley C. A. Rudy, Denis Sarrazin, Emilie Stewart-Jones, Donald Walker, Thomas Wright, Joseph Young, and Stephan Gruber
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 18, 7515–7534, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-18-7515-2026, 2026
Ground temperature data is vital for permafrost and climate research yet data is often fragmented. We created a standardized collection of ground temperatures from over 900 sites across Canada. From 42 published and unpublished sources, we manually verified, cleaned and standardized data with a new software tool. This dataset supports permafrost research on a nationwide scale and can help improve models by acting as a reliable benchmark.

Tracking recent extremes and interannual variability of global fire emissions using a near-real-time extension to the Global Fire Emissions Database

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 05:35:52 +0200

Tracking recent extremes and interannual variability of global fire emissions using a near-real-time extension to the Global Fire Emissions Database
Yang Chen, Guido R. van der Werf, Mingquan Mu, Dave van Wees, Joanne V. Hall, Louis Giglio, Roland Vernooij, Douglas C. Morton, Li Xu, Tianjia Liu, Rebecca C. Scholten, Shane R. Coffield, Melanie B. Follette-Cook, Lesley Ott, and James T. Randerson
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 18, 7535–7555, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-18-7535-2026, 2026
Fire patterns are changing, partly due to climate change. While the Global Fire Emissions Database (GFED) is key for tracking fire impacts, the main satellite sensors underpinning this time series are retiring. We introduce GFED5NRT, a new extension using modern VIIRS satellite data to provide daily, real-time updates on fires emissions. By bridging past records with current observations, this system helps scientists and the public monitor extreme fire events and their planetary effects.

Merge Satellite and Gauge Daily Precipitation Data for Areas with Sparse-Gauge and Rugged Terrain: A High-Accuracy Gridded Dataset CGS01 (2000–2024) across China

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 05:35:52 +0200

Merge Satellite and Gauge Daily Precipitation Data for Areas with Sparse-Gauge and Rugged Terrain: A High-Accuracy Gridded Dataset CGS01 (2000–2024) across China
Bokun Yan, Wenpeng Li, Fuping Gan, Yuejun Zheng, Juan Bai, Longfeng Wang, Jianrong Li, Yi Guo, Chunyan Li, Naichen Xing, Yue Zhuo, and Ruoyi Li
Earth Syst. Sci. Data Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2026-564,2026
Preprint under review for ESSD (discussion: open, 0 comments)
This study constructs a new daily precipitation dataset covering China from 2000 to 2024. By integrating satellite and ground rainfall records with a robust, physically based calculation method, this new dataset overcomes the shortcomings of traditional products. Notably, it only utilizes 27 percent of the ground observation stations required by previous datasets, yet achieves substantially higher accuracy.

High-quality remote sensing reflectance products over China and US coast

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 05:35:52 +0200

High-quality remote sensing reflectance products over China and US coast
Shuhui Zhao, Youlv Wu, Jingning Lv, Dan Zhao, Yan Zheng, and Lian Feng
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 18, 7475–7498, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-18-7475-2026, 2026
We created a 20-year dataset tracking coastal water conditions in China and the United States using satellite images. By improving how the satellite data are processed in areas with complex atmospheric conditions and diverse water properties, we produced more reliable and complete observations. This helps researchers better monitor environmental changes and water quality along coasts that are often difficult to study.

Coastal Atmosphere & Sea Time Series (CoASTS) and Bio-Optical mapping of Marine optical Properties (BiOMaP): the hyperspectral absorption coefficients by optically significant constituents

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 05:35:52 +0200

Coastal Atmosphere & Sea Time Series (CoASTS) and Bio-Optical mapping of Marine optical Properties (BiOMaP): the hyperspectral absorption coefficients by optically significant constituents
Jean-François Berthon and Giuseppe Zibordi
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 18, 7499–7514, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-18-7499-2026, 2026
The Coastal Atmosphere & Sea Time Series (CoASTS) and the Bio-Optical mapping of Marine optical Properties (BiOMaP) programs were conceived to support ocean color applications with field measurements of apparent and inherent optical properties. This work focusses on CoASTS and BiOMaP hyperspectral absorption coefficients of optically significant constituents as determined applying standardized instruments, community measurement methods, quality control schemes and consolidated processing codes.

HaNi-Crop: A Harmonized and Gridded Global Dataset of Crop-Specific Nitrogen Inputs from Nitrogen Fertilizer and Manure

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 05:35:52 +0200

HaNi-Crop: A Harmonized and Gridded Global Dataset of Crop-Specific Nitrogen Inputs from Nitrogen Fertilizer and Manure
Wensu Hao, Hanqin Tian, Hao Shi, Xing Yu, Naiqing Pan, Shufen Pan, Francesco N. Tubiello, Wulahati Adalibieke, Martial Bernoux, Philippe Ciais, Federico Maggi, Kazuya Nishina, Aimable Uwizeye, and Feng Zhou
Earth Syst. Sci. Data Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2026-595,2026
Preprint under review for ESSD (discussion: open, 0 comments)
HaNi-Crop dataset presents a long-term global dataset of nitrogen inputs from synthetic fertilizers and animal manure for different crops from 1961 to 2023. Built by combining agricultural statistics with crop distribution information, the dataset reveals how nutrient use has changed over time and provides a valuable resource for improving food production, environmental protection, climate change, and more sustainable agricultural management.

ChinaTD30: An annual 30 m tree density dataset for China (1985–2022)

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 05:35:52 +0200

ChinaTD30: An annual 30 m tree density dataset for China (1985–2022)
Ziyi Xian, Zhen Yu, Jinge Yu, and Shirong Liu
Earth Syst. Sci. Data Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2026-813,2026
Preprint under review for ESSD (discussion: open, 0 comments)
We developed an annual 30 m tree-density dataset for China from 1985 to 2022 using national forest inventory observations and multi-source remote sensing data. The dataset captures long-term changes in tree density across forest and non-forest areas and provides uncertainty estimates, supporting studies of forest dynamics, ecosystem change, and land management.

The OpenSat4Weather dataset: Ku-band satellite link data for precipitation monitoring

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 05:35:52 +0200

The OpenSat4Weather dataset: Ku-band satellite link data for precipitation monitoring
Roberto Nebuloni, Maximilian Graf, Greta Cazzaniga, François Mercier, and Maxime Turko
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 18, 7455–7473, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-18-7455-2026, 2026
We describe the OpenSat4Weather public dataset, which provides time series of received power from 215 TV-SAT satellite microwave links located in Southern France over a five-month observation period and at 1-min resolution. These data can be processed to gather indirect rainfall intensity measurements. OpenSat4Weather also includes concurrent data from operational rain gauges and weather radars, and ERA5 0°C isotherm height data, to derive the wet fraction of the satellite-to-ground path.

Atlas of geochemical, petrophysical and mechanical rock properties of the crystalline basement in Germany – first release

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 05:35:52 +0200

Atlas of geochemical, petrophysical and mechanical rock properties of the crystalline basement in Germany – first release
Leandra Maren Weydt, Ángel Andrés Ramírez-Guzmán, Lena Muhl, Fiorenza Deon, Anja Maria Schleicher, and Ingo Sass
Earth Syst. Sci. Data Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2026-555,2026
Preprint under review for ESSD (discussion: open, 0 comments)
The AMPEDEK database is the first standardized, open-access database of rock properties for Germany's crystalline basement. By combining published data with new laboratory measurements, it provides 25,700 petrophysical and mechanical data points, as well as geochemical and mineralogical data, from more than 8,200 samples collected across eight federal states. The database supports preliminary reservoir assessments and future exploration campaigns for a wide range of geological applications.

marinedb: An open-source, flexible and scalable Python workflow for curating, standardizing, and integrating marine biodiversity data

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 05:35:52 +0200

marinedb: An open-source, flexible and scalable Python workflow for curating, standardizing, and integrating marine biodiversity data
Elena Berhocoïrigoin, Philippe Le Noac'h, Martin Laviale, Sakina-Dorothée Ayata, Jérémy Fix, and Cédric Pradalier
Earth Syst. Sci. Data Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2026-771,2026
Preprint under review for ESSD (discussion: open, 0 comments)
Knowing where marine species live helps us understand and protect ocean life, but the underlying records are spread across sources, vary widely in how they were collected, described, and formatted, and are affected by data-quality issues. We developed marinedb, an open tool for cleaning biodiversity data, and used it to build a global dataset of nearly 159 million records covering more than 139,000 species, making large-scale studies of marine species distributions easier and more reproducible.

A High-Resolution Gridded Dataset of Vertically Resolved Fine Root Biomass Across China

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 05:35:52 +0200

A High-Resolution Gridded Dataset of Vertically Resolved Fine Root Biomass Across China
Wenlu Zheng, Min Zhao, Woheng Li, Deshuai Zhang, Weihua Tang, Junshen Luo, Shuning Jiao, Fengtai Li, and Haicheng Zhang
Earth Syst. Sci. Data Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2026-777,2026
Preprint under review for ESSD (discussion: open, 0 comments)
Fine roots help plants take up water and nutrients and store carbon in soil. We developed a dataset showing the vertical distribution of fine roots across China from 2005–2025. Using thousands of field measurements and environmental data, we mapped root biomass in 20 cm layers down to 2 m. The dataset reveals strong differences in root distribution among regions and plant types and provides a new resource for understanding belowground carbon storage and ecosystem change.

TreeMap 2020, 2022, and 2023: Improved species range mapping in a tree-level forest dataset for the conterminous United States

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 05:35:52 +0200

TreeMap 2020, 2022, and 2023: Improved species range mapping in a tree-level forest dataset for the conterminous United States
Karin Riley, Rachel Houtman, Scott Zimmer, Lila Leatherman, Jamie Peeler, John Shaw, Isaac Grenfell, Maria Borja Arboleda, Abhinav Shrestha, Ian Housman, and Mark Finney
Earth Syst. Sci. Data Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2026-633,2026
Preprint under review for ESSD (discussion: open, 1 comment)
New TreeMap datasets provide imputed 30 m gridded maps with modeled tree-level detail for forests across the conterminous United States in 2020, 2022, and 2023. Updated methods improve climate data inputs, independent validation approaches, and species range mapping. These improvements strengthen TreeMap’s use in Earth system applications such as carbon cycling, wildfire behavior, and habitat distribution modeling, which depend on accurate representations of forest composition and structure.

A global base temperature dataset for residential building energy demand modelling

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 05:35:52 +0200

A global base temperature dataset for residential building energy demand modelling
Xiujuan He, Jiyong Eom, Sha Yu, Shu Liu, Wenru Xu, and Yuyu Zhou
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 18, 7417–7454, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-18-7417-2026, 2026
Buildings use large amounts of energy for heating and cooling. Cutting carbon emissions requires accurate forecasts of that demand, which depends on knowing the outdoor temperature at which buildings switch on heating or cooling. We combined energy use records with climate information and applied machine learning to create the first global dataset of these thresholds across many regions. It improves energy demand predictions by about 10 %, supporting smarter energy planning and climate policy.

Ground-motion dataset for shallow earthquakes in Colombia

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 05:35:52 +0200

Ground-motion dataset for shallow earthquakes in Colombia
Daniel Martinez-Jaramillo, Sreeram-Reddy Kotha, F. Ramón Zúñiga, and Pierre Lacan
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 18, 7403–7415, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-18-7403-2026, 2026
Colombia is regularly struck by damaging earthquakes. We gathered and uniformly processed 7550 recordings from 667 shallow earthquakes into a single open collection describing each earthquake, recording site and level of shaking. Comparison with widely used prediction methods confirmed its quality. The collection can help engineers design safer buildings and improve earthquake hazard maps in Colombia and similar regions.

A global petrophysical database for igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 05:35:52 +0200

A global petrophysical database for igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks
Heather Anne Sheldon, David N. Dewhurst, Elise Bekele, Matthias Raiber, Dirk Mallants, Chris Turnadge, and Gareth Williams
Earth Syst. Sci. Data Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2026-556,2026
Preprint under review for ESSD (discussion: open, 0 comments)
We created a global database of rock property measurements to facilitate modelling and decision making across a range of geoscientific fields. The Global Petrophysical Database incorporates more than 112,000 measurements from over 600 publications, including both in-situ and laboratory measurements, along with associated metadata (e.g. rock type, location, depth). This comprehensive resource will save researchers time in identifying rock property values for their investigations.

An African Tree Crown–Stem Allometry Dataset for Monitoring Trees Outside Forests and Landscape Restoration

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 05:35:52 +0200

An African Tree Crown–Stem Allometry Dataset for Monitoring Trees Outside Forests and Landscape Restoration
Tabitha Alimo, David Skole, Jay Samek, Dan Ndalowa, Vincent Oeba, Judith Kamoto, Alfred Chioza, Chad Papa, Justine Spore, Darby Levin, John Brandt, and Tangu Tumeo
Earth Syst. Sci. Data Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-2026-756,2026
Preprint under review for ESSD (discussion: open, 0 comments)
We measured 3,493 trees across Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, and Malawi to solve a key problem: satellites can see tree crowns but not trunks, which are needed to estimate biomass and carbon. We found strong links between crown size and trunk diameter, although relationships varied among landscapes. By linking field measurements with very high-resolution satellite imagery, this dataset enables more accurate, large-area monitoring of scattered trees, restoration progress, and carbon storage.