Hungarian Geographical Bulletin

Scenario-based analysis of the projected mean changes in the monthly frequency of hot days based on the latest CMIP6 simulations along European zonal segments

2026-04-01T14:15:09+00:00

The potential changes in extreme hot temperature (represented by TX35, i.e. the number of days with maximum temperature above 35 °C) are analysed, using the latest global climate model simulations ensemble mean of CMIP6, available in the new tool of the IPCC, namely, the Interactive Atlas. The analysis is carried out over Europe with a special focus on Central and Southern Europe. Our aim is to evaluate the spatial patterns within the projected changes in the period 2081–2100 that can be further used in several sectors, e.g. in the health sector, which is especially affected by the potential increase of extremely hot conditions. For this purpose, the projected changes of TX35 are compared to the reference-period 1995–2014 for four available scenarios from the newest scenario-family, namely, SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5 representing different mitigation and adaptation challenges. As the projected increase is not limited to summer, the monthly-scale analysis is extended to the period from May to September. A novel approach is used to investigate the major factors in the projected changes, namely, six zonal segments are selected over Europe, covering the relevant parts of the continent with appropriate distances between them. The most important driving factors of the projected changes of TX35 are identified as follows: (i) the differences between regions due to their north-south or east-west locations (i.e. zonal and continental effects), (ii) elevation above sea level, (iii) the different anthropogenic effects (i.e. different scenarios). The results show that the key factor in the projected changes is the difference between anthropogenic effects. Furthermore, the sea-land surface differences also have substantial effect on the projected changes of TX35, especially in the southern regions. Continentality and elevation show only smaller effects overall.

Evaluation of the applicability of potential evapotranspiration models in Hungary

2026-04-01T14:15:10+00:00

One of the most challenging problems in hydrometeorology is the quantification of potential evapotranspiration (PET) rates. The aim of this study was to identify PET models that can reliably approximate the FAO Penman– Monteith reference evapotranspiration or available PET data provided by the Hungarian Meteorological Service (HungaroMet) for Hungary while requiring fewer meteorological input variables. Nevertheless, an understanding of PET values and trends can offer invaluable insights into the drought sensitivity of an area. We analysed the performance of 18 PET models for Hungary based on meteorological data from 2010 to 2022 and identified and ranked the most relevant ones. The PET values were calculated at 16 meteorological stations using different models and subsequently ranked according to six distinct statistical indicators. As a basis for comparison, data from the nearest pan-evaporation measuring station and FAO Penman-Monteith (FAO-PM) values were calculated. PET provided by HungaroMet was used as the reference potential evaporation value. Model performances were ranked on a 1–120 scale. Our results showed that the temperature-based Oudin model had the most accurate performance, but in general, the radiation-based models were the most reliable. The spatial distribution of the data indicates that the performance of the PET models is somewhat inferior in the eastern and western regions of the country in comparison to that observed in the central areas. Our results are likely applicable to the temperate zone of similar subhumid climates.

Specifying organic fertilizer composition in process-based models: overview of available data and sensitivity analysis with Biome-BGCMuSo

2026-04-01T14:15:10+00:00

Organic fertilizers are widely used around the world, because they support the circular economy, sustainable agriculture, and improved soil quality, as well as carbon sequestration. State-of-the-art, process-based models can simulate the environmental impacts of organic fertilizer use and can address issues like the effect of fertilizer amount and type on crop production, soil fertility, soil organic matter accumulation, nitrate leaching, and greenhouse gas emission. However, the lack of information on the proper attribute settings for fertilizer inputs in the models hampers their application. In this study, the main goal was to support the setting of organic fertilizer attributes for process-based model applications. A comprehensive data collection was performed to gather organic fertilizer attributes that are relevant for the carbon and nitrogen cycle-related simulations. Based on the literature search, representative values are presented that can be instantly used in the models as generalized settings for several farmyard manure and slurry types. We also addressed the question of how fertilizer attribute-setting-related uncertainties propagate to the simulation outputs. We used the Biome-BGCMuSo biogeochemical model for that purpose with a maize monoculture simulation. The results indicate that manure type specific attribute setting is crucial for the nitrogen balance related model variables. For soil nitrous oxide efflux, improper composition settings can severely distort the simulation results. Sensitivity analysis suggested that dry matter content and organic nitrogen content are the two most important manure attributes that modellers must properly adjust. For slurry, the dry matter and ammonium content must be constrained for proper simulation results. The study supports crop and biogeochemical model setup with ready-to-use pragmatic information.

Slope-driven edge analysis of high-resolution LiDAR data for automated detection of cultural terraces in Slovenia

2026-04-01T14:15:11+00:00

Cultural terraces were often constructed to improve agriculture. Some terraces are still in use, while others have been abandoned. Knowledge of their locations is important for their preservation or potential reuse. There have been several attempts worldwide to create a register of terraces. In Slovenia, a suitable register has not yet been created due to heavy overgrowth and significant differences in cultural terrace types across different regions of the country. This research proposes detecting terraces using a LiDAR digital elevation model, geoinformation tools, and additional spatial data. The method detects sharp changes in slope data and creates polygons where such changes are detected in close proximity. The main advantage of the method is that it does not require any training samples yet still provides accurate results despite the diversity of terraced areas. We applied the method in Slovenia and achieved an accuracy of 91 percent, a precision of 76 percent, and a recognition value of 66 percent in one test area, and 92, 47, and 65 percent in another designated test area. To achieve higher accuracy, the input settings can be adapted to regional characteristics, which confirms earlier findings that terraces in Slovenia exhibit high diversity.

What sort of justice for what sort of urban development? A systematic review and content analysis of urban regeneration programmes

2026-04-01T14:15:11+00:00

Urban regeneration interventions are known for attracting local and foreign investment in cities to improve neighbourhoods; however, the ongoing increase in these interventions has been associated with gentrification and the displacement of minority groups. With the growing scholarship on justice and urban transformation, this paper contributes to this literature by providing a systematic review and content analysis that examines how the concept of justice is conceptualised and operationalised across the global arena. Therefore, we offer a novel integrative theoretical framework of just urban regeneration that connects gentrification processes to broader debates on social justice in urban geography. Following the PRISMA method, the review examined 42 peer-reviewed articles that focus on urban regeneration (not urban governance, urban policy, or urban planning in general), and how justice is understood, interpreted, and reflected in urban regeneration, including justice typology (social, economic, environmental, spatial) and dimensions (distributive, procedural, recognition, etc.). The mixed-method approach revealed that the scholarship of urban regeneration is largely articulated through distributive, procedural, and recognition dimensions; issues of community displacement and gentrification emerge through distributive concerns, while procedural and recognition justice foreground the participation of marginalised communities. Finally, findings suggest that urban and spatial justice are linked to decision-making processes, highlighting how governance structures shape both the production and experience of injustice.

Geels, F.W.: Advanced Introduction to Sustainability Transitions

2026-04-01T14:15:11+00:00

Daheur, J. and Lučić, I. (eds.): Habsburg Natures: Imperial Governance and Environment in Central Europe, 1850–1918

2026-04-01T14:15:11+00:00

Manuscript reviewers 2023–2025

2026-04-01T14:15:12+00:00