Fenologia

Tree biodiversity protects forests from premature leafing

Just like a sunrise, the emergence of leaves in spring is one of nature’s poetic, awe-inspiring moments. It reminds us of the phases of nature, inexorable and punctual. However, that punctuality is being influenced by climate change, which is causing plants to come into leaf earlier and earlier each year. That, in turn, has consequences for trees, as well as global effects on the carbon cycle and climate change itself. 

Biodiversity Climate change Forest Global change Josep peñuelas

Adrià Descals' study on phenology, vegetation and warming, Award for Relevant Doctoral Theses from the CSIC

In a situation of global warming, phenology becomes essential scientific knowledge to understand the environment’s behaviour in the medium and long term. Beyond changes as ephemeral and visible as the evolution of the colour of tree leaves, phenology studies the relationship between the cycles of living beings and the climate, linked to the annual course of meteorology in a specific place.

Adrià descals @en Csic theses prize Phenology Theses award

Climate change-induced decline in winds could delay leaf-fall at high latitudes

Wind dynamics need to be factored into studies that measure the impact of climate change on the rhythms of nature. A study published in PNAS and co-authored by CREAF-based CSIC researcher Josep Peñuelas concludes that a decline in winds is currently benefiting plant productivity.

Carbon cycle Carbon sinks Climate change Climate change Fenologia Forest Forests Josep peñuelas @en Nature rhythm Phenology Ritme natura Widespread decline in winds delayed autumn foliar senescence over high latitudes Winds