Predicting a later and longer autumn

A new study (Global Ecol Biogeogr 2014; doi: 10.1111/geb.12206) reveals that future fall seasons in the Northern Hemisphere may last longer, bringing welcome news for tourists seeking beautiful vistas of colorful autumn leaves. Coauthors David Medvigy and Su-Jong Jeong (Princeton University, Princeton, NJ) have previously modeled patterns of seasonal changes, but only recently developed a single model that can predict autumn leaf-off times across the entire US. "Fall leaf coloration marks the end of the growing season in temperate climates, so understanding its current and future cycles sheds light on what is to come for agriculture, water supplies, and animal behavior", says Medvigy.