Presently, little is known about the zircon age–Hf isotope record of (meta)sedimentary rocks exposed in the southernmost part of the Mid-German Crystalline Zone and adjacent Rhenohercynian Domain, preventing detailed reconstructions of the geodynamic evolution in Central Europe. In this study, such data are presented from Late Devonian to Viséan greywackes and granite gneisses of the Palatinate Forest (Mid-German Crystalline Z...

Owing to alignment of rhodopsin in microvillar photoreceptors, insects are sensitive to the oscillation plane of polarized light. This property is used by many species to navigate with respect to the polarization pattern of light from the blue sky. In addition, the polarization angle of light reflected from shiny surfaces such as bodies of water, animal skin, leaves, or other objects can enhance contrast and visibility. Wherea...

Insect and disease outbreaks in forests are biotic disturbances that can profoundly alter ecosystem dynamics. In many parts of the world, these disturbance regimes are intensifying as the climate changes and shifts the distribution of species and biomes. As a result, key forest ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, regulation of water flows, wood production, protection of soils, and the conservation of biodiversity...

Due to its complex role within the radiation budget of the Earth, cloud cover plays an important role in climate variability at local, regional or continental scale. Consequently, there is a need for better understanding the causes and feedbacks of changes in cloud cover. We aim at investigating the response of cloud cover to changes in atmospheric circulation for 1981–2014. This is done based on the application of automated w...