Trip One Homework

What is the definition of Phenology?

Phenology is a branch of science focusing on the rhythm of biological phenomena and the effect of various factors on said rhythm.

Downy Birch Leaf Emergence and Yellowing:

Over the past 10 years, the emergence of birch leaves is delayed approximately 2 weeks. However, the full growth of the leaves happens at about the same time every year, and most rapidly in 2013. The overall abundance in leaves/trees has steadily declines throughout the 10 years.

The yellowing of the leaves appears to take place approximately 1 week sooner in recent years. the abundance, again, is dramatically less than it was 10 years ago, but most leaves are yellow by the 4th week of the yellowing process.

Pine Height:

Over the last 10 years, their height increment beginning is delayed about 1 week. The overall abundance of growing pines is also decreased over the years. Growth begins in the southern most regions an slowly moves north in the first 4 weeks of the growth period. Growth ceases at the same week every year, beginning again in the southern regions and moving north by the 11th week.

Changes:

Changes for both species begins in the southern most region of Finland. Change/growth eventually moves north after a couple of weeks. The earliest signs of "spring" in the flora are seen along the southern border for both species.

National Phenology Network Tool Review:

The USA National Phenology Network's visualization tool was very interesting. It is nice that there are so many data options and the tool is very workable to fit a party's interest/needs. The tool is very flashy and seeing the flashing diamonds really made is noticeable. how different regions interact/influence a species. However, the instantaneous/animated nature makes it difficult to analyze trends and changes over various years. Comparisons are more difficult to make with the animation versus the Finnish Phenology data sets.

State Department of Natural Resources:

Mission: In partnership with citizens and governments, the Washington State DNR provides innovative leadership and expertise to ensure environmental protection, public safety, perpetual funding for schools and communities, and a rich quality of life.

Vision: Our decisions and hard work on the ground leave a legacy of healthy forests, clean water, thriving ecosystems, and a vibrant natural resource-based community.

What They Do: Manage Washington's Resources sustainability, make decisions based on science, make decisions based on science, make decisions in the public's interest and with the public's knowledge.

NRCAs:

Conservation areas that provide examples of native ecosystems, habitat for endangered, threatened, and sensitive plants and animals, and scenic landscapes. Environmental protection, education and low impact use are appropriate. Critical habitat is provided for rare species. Cultural, historic, geologic, and archaeological sites are also protected.

NRCA Management:

Management of an NRCA is much more strict and preservative than other areas. Harvesting and other impactful practices are not allowed on an NRCA. Invasions are controlled, fire is introduce, native restoration is used, changes are tracked scientifically, and human interaction is kept to a minimum.

Seattle: 60°F
Raining Mt Si: 47.7°F
Clear Mt Si: 37.45°F

Hours of Sun:

June 21: ~16 hours
March 21: ~12 hours
December 21: ~8.5 hours

Radiation and Aspect Ratios:

High aspect ratios reflect radiation. Slopes that are 90° from the sun's radiation will have the highest amount of solar radiation.