Transcript PHENOLOGY
Building a State and National Phenology Network Prof. Mark D. Schwartz Department of Geography, UW-Milwaukee Wisconsin Phenological Society UW-Milwaukee Geography Definition of Phenology Phenology which is derived from the Greek word phaino meaning to show or to appear, is the study of periodic biological events in the animal and plant world as influenced by the environment, especially temperature changes driven by weather and climate. Seasonality is a related term, referring to similar non-biological events, such as timing of the fall formation and spring break-up of ice on fresh water lakes. UW-Milwaukee Geography Examples of Phenology Sprouting, leafing, and flowering of plants in Spring Leaf color change in Autumn Bird migration and nesting Insect hatches Animal hibernation UW-Milwaukee Geography Lilac First Leaf UW-Milwaukee Geography Lilac First Bloom UW-Milwaukee Geography History of Phenology Ancient and traditional uses related to agriculture, due to the connection of changes in the local environment to plant development. Specific events can serve as “indicators” to guide other activities. This can be useful for garden planting in the Spring, especially for early season crops, or if some early planting risk is needed to ensure success. UW-Milwaukee Geography New Uses of Phenology Global Change Science—phenological observations serve as an independent measure of the effect of climate change on biological organisms. Ecosystem linkages—phenological observations at different levels of the food chain (plant growth, insect hatching, bird feeding/nesting) can shed light on “ripple effects” of climate change. UW-Milwaukee Geography Integrated Approach to Global Change-related Phenology Satellite Observations (AVHRR- NDVI) Indicator Species Phenology Native Species Phenology UW-Milwaukee Geography Example: Lilac First Leaf Date 1961-2000 Slope (changes are in days/year at each station) UW-Milwaukee Geography Example: SI First Leaf Date 1961-2000 Slope (changes are in days/year at each station) UW-Milwaukee Geography Example: North. Hem. SI First Leaf Date Departures UW-Milwaukee Geography Specific Concerns for Observers Appropriate Organisms—need to select species to observe that are appropriate to desired objective (local gardening, global change, etc.) Precise definition of events—if part of a larger study, all observers must have a clearly defined way to make sure they are all defining the event they record in the same way UW-Milwaukee Geography Opportunities to participate Wisconsin Phenological Society and Network, http://www.naturenet.com/alnc/wps/ National Phenology Network, http://www.npn.uwm.edu Other networks, http://www.uwm.edu/~mds/markph.html UW-Milwaukee Geography