This paper presents the results of the application of wavelet decomposition to processing data from the GGP sites (The Global Geodynamics Project). The GGP is an international project within which the Earth's gravity field changes are recorded with high accuracy at a number of stations worldwide using superconducting gravimeters. Data with a 5-second sampling interval from Wettzell and Bad Homburg were used for the research. The wavelet transform enables the investigation of the temporal changes of the oscillation amplitudes or the decomposition of the time series for the analysis of the required frequencies. The wavelet decomposition was performed using the regular orthogonal symmetric Meyer wavelet. The research concerned data from an earthquake period recorded at various locations and a quiet period when the gravimeters worked without any disturbances. The decomposition was followed by the Fast Fourier Transform for signal frequency components and then by correlation analyses of corresponding frequency components (for periods from 10 to 60 000 seconds) for all sensor combinations, for the quiet and the earthquake periods separately. Frequency components defining long term changes for all sensor combinations, as well as combinations between two sensors at the same site for the quiet days are characterised by high correlation coefficients. For the time of the earthquake, the Wettzell site data proved strong correlation for all frequency components, while the Bad Homburg site data showed an unexpected decrease of correlation for the majority of frequency components. The authors also showed that wavelet decomposition can be a good method of data interpolation, especially from the time of earthquakes. Moreover, it is a very useful tool for filtering the data and removing the noises., Janusz Bogusz, Anna Klos and Wieslaw Kosek., and Obsahuje bibliografii
The timing of egg laying by songbirds is known to be strongly affected by local climate, with temperature and precipitation being the most influential factors. However, most research to date relates only to the start of the breeding season: later records and the duration of the whole have not been taken into consideration. In the case of multibrooded species, productivity usually depends on the length of the breeding season. In this work we analysed climatic factors affecting breeding season length of an urban blackbird (Turdus merula) population. The study was conducted in two parks in the city of Szczecin, north-western Poland, spanning 14 breeding seasons since 1997. We found that over the study period, the breeding season became shorter as a result of colder springs and possibly because
of warmer June-July temperatures. Our study revealed a positive relationship between breeding season length and the mean and mean
minimum temperatures in April. Total precipitation in April-July also positively influenced breeding season length. The present survey confirms the influence of temperature and precipitation on the breeding season length of blackbird.
Males of the small copper butterfly, Lycaena phlaeas daimio, exhibit two mate-locating tactics: patrolling and perching. Field investigations were conducted to determine the biotic and abiotic factors affecting the mate-locating behaviour of male L. phlaeas. Patrolling was often observed when light intensity was high. Perching was performed throughout the day regardless of environmental conditions, but the chasing of passing insects increased at high light intensities. The activity patterns of the males were not affected by those of the females. The thoracic temperatures of patrolling males were lower than those of perching males under cool conditions, suggesting that patrolling males lose heat more easily. In contrast, perching males may more easily regulate their body temperature to a suitable level as they fly for shorter periods and can bask while waiting for mates. These results highlight several reasons (i.e., heat loss, energetic costs) why males patrol when weather conditions are favourable.