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AerosolsObservation OPAR

“Complete depletion” of gaseous elemental mercury observed in the Piton de la Fournaise volcanic plume (April-June 2018 eruption): Proposal of a mercury trapping process by volcanic aerosols

AerosolsObservation OPAR


We’ve long known that volcanoes emit mercury, a powerful neurotoxin, into the atmosphere. However, the behavior and transformations of mercury after its emission in a volcanic plume, an extreme and chemically active environment, remain largely unknown. Knowledge of these transformations is of great importance, as they determine whether the emitted mercury compound is transported on a global scale via atmospheric circulation, or deposited locally and regionally at short distances from the emission source. We show, via this study carried out on Reunion Island, using data collected at the Observatoire de Physique Atmosphérique du Maido (OPAR, OSU-R) and around the Piton de la Fournaise volcano during the April-June 2018 eruption, that mercury present in the volcanic plume can be efficiently transformed into rapidly sedimenting chemical compounds that are susceptible to leaching by precipitation. This study implies that terrestrial volcanism can not only emit mercury directly into the atmosphere, as has been previously accepted for many years, but also induce chemical reactions that remove it indirectly and rapidly. Although observation of this process would reduce the mass of mercury emitted and spatially distributed in the atmosphere on a hemispheric or even global scale, the said process would increase mercury deposition and human exposure in active volcanic regions around emission sources.

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Reference : Koenig, A., Magand, O., Rose, C., Muro, A., Miyazaki, Y., Colomb, A., Rissanen, M., Lee, C., Koenig, T., Volkamer, R., Brioude, J., Verreyken, B., Roberts, T., Edwards, B., Sellegri, K., Arellano, S., Kowalski, P., Aiuppa, A., Sonke, J., Dommergue, A. (2023). Observed in-plume gaseous elemental mercury depletion suggests significant mercury scavenging by volcanic aerosols. Environmental Science: Atmospheres. 10.1039/D3EA00063J.

Scientific contact OSU-R: Olivier Magand, OSU-R (olivier.magand@cnrs.fr)

Scientific contact IGE: Alkuin Koenig, IGE (alkuin.koenig@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr)

Synthetic diagram of the proposed GEM atmospheric depletion process
(© Alkuin Koenig, IGE)

OSU-R

The vacancy notice for the position of Director of the Observatoire des Sciences de l’Univers de La Réunion (OSU-R) has been published in the JO of May 28, 2023.

OSU-R

Here is the associated calendar for applications:

  • deadline for receipt of applications: Thursday, July 13, 2023
  • audition of candidates at the OSU-R Extraordinary Council on Tuesday, September 5, 2023
  • start date: November 1, 2023
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AtmosphereCycloneresearch OPAR

Documentary on the InterregV Indian Ocean “Renovrisk-Cyclone” program

AtmosphereCycloneresearch OPAR

Every December, with the return of the warm season, the cyclone risk mobilizes researchers and forecasters from Météo-France, the Atmosphere and Cyclones Laboratory at the University of La Réunion and OSU-Réunion.
To improve this forecasting in the Indian Ocean zone, the “Rénovrisk cyclone” project sees the light of day in 2018. The aim is to significantly increase the number of observations and measurements in this zone, in order to refine the models developed in the supercomputers in Toulouse.
This film tells the story of how technicians, engineers and researchers worked for three years to acquire this data.

Coral reefdevelopmentlow-techresearch STACOT

Underwater photogrammetry in reef environments, TELEMAC project, OMNCG 2023

Coral reefdevelopmentlow-techresearch STACOT

In collaboration with the IUEM in Brest, the Entropie laboratory in La Réunion and the SEAS-OI antenna in La Réunion, OSU-Réunion is contributing to the development of a low-tech platform for underwater photogrammetry in a reef context. This work, carried out as part of the TELEMAC project funded by OMNCG 2023, is now producing its first conclusive and encouraging results.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/marion-jaud-137708b7_iuem-isblue-geoocean-activity-7051468688205451264-IgKk?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

OSU-R

Call for candidates to sit on the Board of OSU-Réunion

OSU-R

The Observatoire des Sciences de l’Univers de La Réunion (OSU-R) is inviting applications for the appointment of its two external members to the OSU-R Board. The seats are for the appointment of one external person, appointed in a personal capacity by the supervisory bodies (UR, CNRS, IRD and MF), and one external person, representing the economic sector. The term of office is four years.

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae and a letter of motivation to the Director of OSU-R:

jean-pierre.cammas@univ-reunion.fr

OSU-R

Elections for the renewal of the CNAP (Corps National des Astronomes et Physiciens)

OSU-R

You are a permanent member of the laboratories associated with OSU-Réunion, belonging to colleges A (Professors, Research Directors and equivalent) and B (Associate Professors, Research Fellows and equivalent). You are concerned by the election for the renewal of the members of a section of the CNAP (Conseil National des Astronomes et Physiciens) to which OSU-Réunion is associated.

Some 320 astronomers (adjoints) and physicists (-adjoints) work for the French Ministry of Education, and are assigned to the Observatoires des Sciences de l’Univers (including OSU-Réunion), the Observatoire de Paris, the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris and the Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur. The CNAP is a consultative and decision-making body responsible in particular for the recruitment and career management of astronomers and physicists, assistant astronomers and assistant physicists.

As members of OSU-Réunion, you belong to one of the CNAP’s 3 sections, No. 82 SCOA (Surfaces Continentales, Océan, Atmosphère). Concerning CNAP staff at the Université de La Réunion, only one Physicien-Adjoint is assigned to OSU-Réunion and LACy on the ACTRIS research infrastructure and the Site Instrumenté de l’Observatoire du Maïdo.

Candidacy procedures for the electoral bodies concerned by this election:

1/ Documents to be submitted with the list of candidates:

  • Candidate lists (see circular annexes VI, VII and VIII) must include the names of candidates in preferential order. Candidates are designated under their family name, where applicable, supplemented by their surname (or married name).

Lists may be incomplete. They must nevertheless include a number of candidates at least equal to half the number of seats to be filled.

  • Each list must be accompanied by signed nomination papers (cf. circular appendix IX) drawn up by each candidate.
  • Each list must be accompanied by a note, drawn up on plain paper, designating the titular delegate and alternate delegate (personal address, telephone number and e-mail address), empowered to represent the list in question at the Ministry.

2/ Transmission and consultation of documents sent to the DGRH :

  • List delegates have 3 options for sending candidate lists to the DGRH, including candidate lists, nomination papers and the note designating the list delegate: either by post, marked “Elections CNAP” (LRAR), to the following address MESR – DGRH A2-2 ” élections CNAP “, 72, rue Regnault – 75243 PARIS CEDEX 13 ;

delivered directly to the department (same address), in return for a receipt;

or by e-mail to the following address: election.cnu@education.gouv.fr.

  • Voters can consult the final lists of candidates in several ways:

on school websites ;

by means of a paper notice, indicating the place and time set for consultation;

at MESR- DGRH A2-2, 72, rue Regnault – 75243 PARIS CEDEX 13;

On the Galaxie portals: https://www.galaxie.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr and https://www.galaxie.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr/ensup/CNAP.html

  • There are 2 ways for each list of candidates to send the DGRH any supporting documents (a single sheet, recto/verso or recto only, 21 x 29.7 cm format):

By post to MESR – DGRH A2-2 ” élections CNAP “, 72, rue Regnault, 75243 PARIS CEDEX 13 ;

by e-mail (election.cnu@education.gouv.fr), in PDF format (additional submission required if paper version chosen) by Friday April 7, 2023 at the latest.

Consultation of the definitive lists of candidates and the profession of faith, from April 20, 2023: on the GALAXIE portals http://www.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr and https://www.galaxie.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr/ensup/CNAP.html

You will find below the CNAP 2023 Elections circular, timetable and appendices.

Circular
Calendar
Annexes
AtmosphereCertification OPAR

OPAR awarded WMO-GAW Global label

AtmosphereCertification OPAR

On November 29, 2022, OPAR was awarded the Global Atmosphere Watch Programme (GAW) label by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This label is a guarantee of the reliability, scientific interest and durability of its measurements. It joins some thirty other observatories around the world that have been awarded the label.

Its geographical location (altitude, position downwind of the trade winds, atmospheric currents, etc.) gives it unique advantages for monitoring the tropical climate of the southern hemisphere. Climatic variables are monitored continuously and over the long term: meteorological measurements, measurements of atmospheric components such as reactive trace gases, greenhouse gases (GHGs) and aerosols.

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