Global Warming Might Push Back Fall Foliage Transformations

According to a report by Princeton University researchers in Global Ecology and Biogeography, climate change might affect when fall foliage appears in different parts of North America.

 In the study, the researchers explained that trees need low daily temperatures and short daylight hours to churn out their famous autumnal shades.

During the study, Medvigy and Jeong found that fall foliage timing is more sensitive to temperature changes in warmer areas – meaning Alaska is unlikely to see changes in its fall foliage timing by the end of the century, but Massachusetts’ trees might change a month later than normal.

"We now have a much better understanding of how temperature, day-length and leaf color are related," Medvigy said. "This understanding will help us make better forecasts for climate, as well as for the basic dynamics of forests. My group is now investigating these issues together with researchers from GFDL."



http://www.weather.com/news/science/environment/global-warming-fall-leaves-20140922