Articles | Volume 15, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-15-165-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-15-165-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
A database-driven research data framework for integrating and processing high-dimensional geoscientific data
Institute of Geography, University of Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
W. Marijn van der Meij
Institute of Geography, University of Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
Mirijam Zickel
Institute of Geography, University of Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
Tony Reimann
Institute of Geography, University of Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
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Shuran Gao, Zhuodong Zhang, W. Marijn van der Meij, Yuxin Feng, Min Wu, and Yihua Song
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-1837, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-1837, 2026
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for SOIL (SOIL).
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In the study, we reprocessed mapping results using a catchment-based method to reveal how properties change vertically with depth and horizontally across the landscape. Vertically, variations arise from factors like parent material, topography and tree uprooting. Horizontally, soils reflect erosion by wind and water. We identified sensitive areas. By combining two approach, we can better visualize soil variability, supporting better land management decisions in environmentally sensitive zones.
W. Marijn van der Meij and Peter Finke
SOIL, 12, 165–186, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-12-165-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-12-165-2026, 2026
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We used soil evolution model SoilGen to simulate long-term soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration under varying environmental conditions and internal protection mechanisms. Our results revealed a strong role of pedogenetic and environmental history on current-day and future SOC sequestration potential. We propose a framework for developing topical digital twins of long-term soil processes to monitor and project future development of specific soil properties under global change.
Linda Andrea Elisabeth Maßon, Simon Matthias May, Svenja Riedesel, Willem Marijn van der Meij, Stephan Opitz, Andreas Peffeköver, and Tony Reimann
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-5895, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-5895, 2025
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We investigated geomorphological activity and stability of surfaces and soils along a climatic transect in the Atacama Desert. Single grain luminescence data and sediment analyses reveal recent deposition and shallow post-depositional mixing. Two distinct phases of enhanced activity align with previously reported wetter intervals, demonstrating the sensitivity of arid landscape dynamics to climatic variability.
Linda A. E. Maßon, Svenja Riedesel, Stephan Opitz, Anja Zander, Anthony Bell, Hanna Cieszynski, and Tony Reimann
Geochronology, 7, 475–492, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-7-475-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-7-475-2025, 2025
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We evaluate different methods for the potassium (K) concentration determination in feldspars and the impact of the K concentrations on dose rate calculations for feldspar luminescence dating. Our results show discrepancies between published K concentrations and our measured K concentrations. Therefore, we emphasize measuring K concentrations via bulk measurements and single-grain techniques to obtain more accurate results.
Arindam Biswas, Svenja Riedesel, Louise Karman-Besson, Max Hellers, Anne Guyez, Stéphane Bonnet, and Tony Reimann
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-4809, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-4809, 2025
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We evaluate luminescence signal resetting in single-grain K-feldspar from modern fluvial analogues in Chile. Our results show that resetting efficiency is inversely related to the size of the natural luminescence signal. Additionally, high scatter in remaining natural signals at deposition challenges their use while dating old sedimentary deposits. We assess three correction methods for age calculation and explore various aspects relevant to luminescence-based sediment tracing applications.
W. Marijn van der Meij
Earth Surf. Dynam., 13, 845–860, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-13-845-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-13-845-2025, 2025
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A soil-landscape evolution model was used to calculate hillslope erosion rates from OSL-based (Optically Stimulated Luminescence) deposition ages through inverse modelling, with consideration of uncertainties in model input. The results show that erosion rates differ systematically from the deposition rates, highlighting important shortcomings of assessing land degradation through measurable deposition rates.
W. Marijn van der Meij, Svenja Riedesel, and Tony Reimann
SOIL, 11, 51–66, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-11-51-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-11-51-2025, 2025
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Soil mixing (bioturbation) plays a key role in soil functions, but the underlying processes are poorly understood and difficult to quantify. In this study, we use luminescence, a light-sensitive soil mineral property, and numerical models to better understand different types of bioturbation. We provide a conceptual model that helps to determine which types of bioturbation processes occur in a soil and a numerical model that can derive quantitative process rates from luminescence measurements.
Jungyu Choi, Roy van Beek, Elizabeth L. Chamberlain, Tony Reimann, Harm Smeenge, Annika van Oorschot, and Jakob Wallinga
SOIL, 10, 567–586, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-10-567-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-10-567-2024, 2024
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This research applies luminescence dating methods to a plaggic anthrosol in the eastern Netherlands to understand the formation history of the soil. To achieve this, we combined both quartz and feldspar luminescence dating methods. We developed a new method for feldspar to largely avoid the problem occurring from poorly bleached grains by examining two different signals from a single grain. Through our research, we were able to reconstruct the timing and processes of plaggic anthrosol formation.
Martin Kehl, Katharina Seeger, Stephan Pötter, Philipp Schulte, Nicole Klasen, Mirijam Zickel, Andreas Pastoors, and Erich Claßen
E&G Quaternary Sci. J., 73, 41–67, https://doi.org/10.5194/egqsj-73-41-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/egqsj-73-41-2024, 2024
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The loess–palaeosol sequence (LPS) at Rheindahlen provides a detailed sedimentary archive of past climate change. Furthermore, it contains Palaeolithic find horizons indicating repeated occupations by Neanderthals. The age of loess layers and the timing of human occupation are a matter of strong scientific debate. We present new data to shed light on formation processes and deposition ages. Previous chronostratigraphic estimates are revised providing a reliable chronostratigraphic framework .
Mirijam Zickel, Marie Gröbner, Astrid Röpke, and Martin Kehl
E&G Quaternary Sci. J., 73, 69–93, https://doi.org/10.5194/egqsj-73-69-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/egqsj-73-69-2024, 2024
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With our open-source toolbox, MiGIS for QGIS 3, we intend to advance digital micromorphological analysis. This approach focuses on the classification of micromorphological constituents based on their distinct colour values (multi-RGB signatures), acquired using flatbed scanning of thin sections in different modes (transmitted, cross-polarised, and reflected light). The resulting thin section maps enable feature quantification, visualisation of spatial patterns, and reproducibility.
Anna-Maartje de Boer, Wolfgang Schwanghart, Jürgen Mey, Basanta Raj Adhikari, and Tony Reimann
Geochronology, 6, 53–70, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-53-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-53-2024, 2024
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This study tested the application of single-grain feldspar luminescence for dating and reconstructing sediment dynamics of an extreme mass movement event in the Himalayan mountain range. Our analysis revealed that feldspar signals can be used to estimate the age range of the deposits if the youngest subpopulation from a sample is retrieved. The absence of clear spatial relationships with our bleaching proxies suggests that sediments were transported under extremely limited light exposure.
Jürgen Mey, Wolfgang Schwanghart, Anna-Maartje de Boer, and Tony Reimann
Geochronology, 5, 377–389, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-377-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-377-2023, 2023
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This study presents the results of an outdoor flume experiment to evaluate the effect of turbidity on the bleaching of fluvially transported sediment. Our main conclusions are that even small amounts of sediment lead to a substantial change in the intensity and frequency distribution of light within the suspension and that flow turbulence is an important prerequisite for bleaching grains during transport.
W. Marijn van der Meij, Arnaud J. A. M. Temme, Steven A. Binnie, and Tony Reimann
Geochronology, 5, 241–261, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-241-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-5-241-2023, 2023
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We present our model ChronoLorica. We coupled the original Lorica model, which simulates soil and landscape evolution, with a geochronological module that traces cosmogenic nuclide inventories and particle ages through simulations. These properties are often measured in the field to determine rates of landscape change. The coupling enables calibration of the model and the study of how soil, landscapes and geochronometers change under complex boundary conditions such as intensive land management.
W. Marijn van der Meij
SOIL, 8, 381–389, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-8-381-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-8-381-2022, 2022
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The development of soils and landscapes can be complex due to changes in climate and land use. Computer models are required to simulate this complex development. This research presents a new method to analyze and visualize the results of these models. This is done with the use of evolutionary pathways (EPs), which describe how soil properties change in space and through time. I illustrate the EPs with examples from the field and give recommendations for further use of EPs in soil model studies.
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Short summary
Geoscientific projects often struggle to manage complex data effectively, resulting in valuable information being lost due to poor findability and accessibility. To address this, we present a comprehensive research data framework for storing and processing data throughout a project, from fieldwork to data analysis. This ensures that datasets are clearly defined, reproducible and adhere to the FAIR principles (findability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability).
Geoscientific projects often struggle to manage complex data effectively, resulting in valuable...