Moths in space: The below-canopy structure of forest drives abundance and mobility-related traits of moth communities

The distribution of species is primarily driven by the availability of trophic resources. In a given forest type, insects trophically related to the dominant tree are expected to be evenly distributed due to the abundance of their foodplant. However, their distribution is also influenced by complex relationships with abiotic and biotic parameters such as available space, predatory pressure, and morphometric traits. In this study, we investigated how the three-dimensional structure of space below the canopy may affect the composition of nocturnal lepidoptera communities. To synthesise the complexity of the dispersal behaviour of these insects, we evaluated easily measurable traits such as wingspan and the presence of tympanic organs, both connected to their mobility and thus potentially influenced by the structure of the available flight space. The study was conducted in the Sila National Park (Italy), where 12 sampling sites were selected in pine forests and an additional 12 in beech forests. Forest spatial structure was investigated using a portable terrestrial laser scanner. Moths were sampled monthly using light traps from May to October in both 2019 and 2020. Among measured forest traits, we observed that the space above three meters from the ground is the only factor influencing community composition. Larger species with tympanic organs prefer environments with less space below tree canopies. Our findings could be the starting point for future studies that investigate a potential defence strategy of moths against bats, as tympanate and larger species not only actively avoid chiropter predation but could also choose denser forests because of a lower bat activity. Moths' distribution and community composition thus appear to be significantly shaped by the spatial structure of forests.

Updating "Intensity dataset acquired through laser scanning of lunar and Martian soil simulants" with additional lunar soil simulants specimens

Updated dataset based on the laser scanning of three specimens of lunar soil simulants representing highland regions (LHS-1, AGK-2010, CHENOBI) and three specimens of lunar soil simulants representing mare regions (LMS-1, JSC-1A, OPRL2N). In previous studies, only a specimen of ilmenite was used as a lunar soil simulants. Measurements were executed using phase-shift and time-of-fly terrestrial laser scanners (Z + F IMAGER 5016, FARO Focus3D, and Leica ScanStation C10). The stored data contain radiometric information of point clouds from the measurement of lunar soil simulants. The data provide information on the effect of different types of simulants (mare and highland) on the absorption and dispersion of the laser beam. In overall, the dataset presented in this work can be used in investigation of the application of the laser technology in the measurement of lunar structures made of mare and highlands lunar regolith. Lunar highlands and mare regions are characterized by different physicochemical parameters. Therefore, both types of soil scatter the laser beam differently, what affects the range and accuracy of the laser measurements.

Intensity dataset acquired through laser scanning of lunar and Martian soil simulants

The future construction effort on the Moon and Mars is increasingly discussed by the scientific community. In authors’ opinion quick, precise and remote measuring technique will be essential for successful development of lunar and Martian construction projects. One of such techniques is terrestrial laser scanning (TLS). The dataset consists of results obtained using two different, commercially available, laser scanners. The measurements were conducted on Earth using lunar and Martian soil simulants. As a reference (Earth soil simulant) a standardized sand used for cement tests was utilized. Scans were performed from different distances. The acquired point clouds can be used for thorough analysis of a laser beam dispersion and absorption. The comparison with other results is enabled. One should also keep in mind that some of the characteristics of Earth, the Moon and Mars which will influence TLS technique and measurements (e.g. local atmosphere or lack of it, temperatures, radiation, light, distances and colours).

Cliff erosion monitoring dataset on selected sites of Polish coast

Coastal storms are highly unpredictable phenomena, frequently changing their characteristics and directly linked to global climate changes. They result in an intensive erosion processes and, are now a serious concern for the communities inhabiting the littoral zones. However, owing to the technical difficulties in registering morphological changes on cliff coasts, most short-term monitoring systems, analyses, and models have been implemented primarily along the dune coasts. Notwithstanding these difficulties, the changes on cliff coasts have been investigated quantitatively in order to properly identify the mechanisms controlling those phenomena. Here, we report on three soft-cliff systems in the southern Baltic Sea that were monitored with the use of terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) technology. A time series of thirteen topographic surveys were generated over a period of two years (12.2016–04.2018) and presented as coastal profiles with 50 meter spacing.

Multi-scale variability of storm Ophelia 2017: The importance of synchronised environmental variables in coastal impact

Low frequency, high magnitude storm events can dramatically alter coastlines, helping to relocate large volumes of sediments and changing the configuration of landforms. Increases in the number of intense cyclones occurring in the Northern Hemisphere since the 1970s is evident with more northward tracking patterns developing. This brings added potential risk to coastal environments and infrastructure in northwest Europe and therefore understanding how these high-energy storms impact sandy coasts in particular is important for future management. This study highlights the evolution of Storm (formally Hurricane) Ophelia in October 2017 as it passed up and along the western seaboard of Ireland. The largest ever recorded Hurricane to form in the eastern Atlantic, we describe, using a range of environmental measurements and wave modelling, its track and intensity over its duration whilst over Ireland. The impact on a stretch of sandy coast in NW Ireland during Storm Ophelia, when the winds were at their peak, is examined using terrestrial laser scanning surveys pre- and post-storm to describe local changes of intertidal and dune edge dynamics. During maximum wind conditions (>35 knots) waves no >2m were recorded with an oblique to parallel orientation and coincident with medium to low tide (around 0.8m). Therefore, we demonstrate that anticipated widespread coastal erosion and damage may not always unfold as predicted. In fact, around 6000m³ of net erosion occurred along the 420m stretch of coastline with maximum differences in beach topographic changes of 0.8m. The majority of the sediment redistribution occurred within the intertidal and lower beach zone with some limited dune trimming in the southern section (10% of the total erosion). Asynchronous high water (tide levels), localised offshore winds as well as coastline orientation relative to the storm winds and waves plays a significant role in reducing coastal erosional impact.