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SIMR Seasons in my region Seasonal changes in polar and other regions April 2015 Markus Eugster

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SIMR: 1. Overview 1Overview 2Procedure 3Scientific background 4Didactic background 5Example 6Longtime observations

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SIMR: 1. Overview By defining indicators for seasons and their long-term observation with our senses and modern technical equipment we can document the changing conditions in a habitat and prove statements about these changes. The method allows a synergy of scientific approaches and traditional knowledge, strengthens the attention and comprehension of observers of every age and gives ample scope for own observations and ideas, allowing the participants to be inquiringly active. The results can be scientifically instructive and not least esthetically attractive and thus give pleasure and appeal to outsiders.

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SIMR: 1. Overview Participants: students, teachers, private people Goals: general:get more attentive observe and respect nature shorttime:recognize, characterize, define your seasons longtime:detect changes, compare to others, understand better Earths systems

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SIMR: 2. Procedure 1Overview 2Procedure 3Scientific background 4Didactic background 5Example 6Longtime observations

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SIMR: 2. Procedure Observation site: coordinates, altitude, region Seasons: basic: 4 / expert: up to 12 seasons Indicators: define your own + loading One swallow does not make a summer. Observations: fill in the dates Document: take typical pictures in your region Review:if necessary, change your indicators or loadings

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SIMR: 2. Typical picture: spring

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SIMR: 3. Scientific background 1Overview 2Procedure 3Scientific background 4Didactic background 5Example 6Longtime observations

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SIMR: 3. Scientific background Global reason:Earths orbit and tilted axis Current seasondepends on regional factors as latitude, altitude, weather patterns, etc. Definition of seasons: early spring, full spring often with phenological stages Atlas of climate zones Atlas of seasons?

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SIMR: 3. Scientific background Outer ring: Traditional seasons Inner ring: Astronomical seasons

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SIMR: 3. Scientific background Full spring Indicator phases: apple (flowering) pedunculate oak (leaf unfolding) Full spring arrives as apples come into flower. The season is marked by an explosion of blossom. Alongside fruit trees, many wild plants and ornamental shrubs, such as the lilac, are also in flower. Late-sprouting deciduous trees now unfold their leaves and rape and winter cereals shoot up quickly. With rising temperatures and more hours of sunshine, plants start developing rapidly. Source: DWD

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SIMR: 3. Scientific background

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SIMR: 4. Didactic background 1Overview 2Procedure 3Scientific background 4Didactic background 5Example 6Longtime observations

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SIMR: 4. Didactic background -Be a researcher: the outcome is unknown and depends on your choice -Work on something nobody has done before -Not only collecting data that is used by ?? -Idea: open eyes, be curious, bring in your own ideas -Results in the first year, new insights in following years -Students can steer the process themselves

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SIMR: 5. Example 1Overview 2Procedure 3Scientific background 4Didactic background 5Example 6Longtime observations

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SIMR: 5. Example Uzwil, 47.4N / 9.1E, 580m a.s.l. Region: Season: early spring Indicators:loading: First blackbird song2 Willow is blooming3 Saxifraga in bloom2 Snow melted1

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SIMR: 5. Blackbird sings: 20.2.

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SIMR: 5. Willow in bloom: 14.3.

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SIMR: 5. Snow melted: 14.3.

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SIMR: 5. Saxifraga in bloom:20.

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SIMR: 5. Example Uzwil, 47.5N / 9.2E, 580m a.s.l. Region: Season: early spring Indicators:loading:Date: First blackbird song220.2.15 Willow is blooming314.3.15 Saxifraga in bloom220.3.15 Snow melted114.3.15

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SIMR: 5. Example Uzwil, 47.5N / 9.2E, 580m a.s.l. Region: Season: early spring Indicators:loading:Date:%: First blackbird song220.2.1525 Willow is blooming314.3.1575 Saxifraga in bloom220.3.15100 Snow melted114.3.1575

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SIMR: 5. Example Graphic 1: Indicator score = 100%

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SIMR: 5. Example Graphic 2: progressively updated

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SIMR: 5. Example Graphic 3: map (not yet available)

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SIMR: 6.Longtime observations 1Overview 2Procedure 3Scientific background 4Didactic background 5Example 6Longtime observations

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SIMR: 6.Longtime observations SIMR + weather data: climate zone? After several years: -Characterize the season -Observe the changes:- shift? - longer / shorter? -Compare to other regions: which regions have faster changes? (Hypothesis: The closer to the poles, the faster the changes.)

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SIMR: 6. Example Graphic 1: Indicator score = 100%

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SIMR: 6. Example Graphic 1: Indicator score = 100%; shifted

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SIMR: 6. Example Graphic 1: Indicator score = 100%; longer / shorter

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SIMR: Thank you stay tuned