Delayed Peak Fall Foliage in South Korea: A Sign of Climate Change?
As the seasons change and temperatures fluctuate, the timing of peak fall foliage in South Korea’s prominent mountains has been shifting. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), this year has seen a delay in the peak fall colors compared to previous years.
Delayed Fall Foliage Across South Korea
The KMA’s monitoring report of 21 prominent mountains nationwide revealed that nearly half of them experienced peak fall colors later than usual this year. The KMA defines the “beginning” of foliage as when 20 percent of the leaves on a mountain turn to fall colors, while the “peak” is declared when 80 percent of the leaves change color.
- Naejangsan, a mountain bordering the Jeolla Provinces, saw the beginning of fall foliage on Oct 31, 11 days later than the previous year. The peak fall colors were recorded on Nov 11, which was 14 days later than in 2023.
- Woraksan, located in the central region, also experienced a delayed start of fall foliage on Oct 21, reaching its peak on Nov 5. This mountain’s foliage began nine days later than average, peaking 12 days later.
- As of Nov 12, 20 out of 21 prominent mountains have recorded peak fall colors. However, Hallasan, a shield volcano in Jeju Island, has yet to reach its peak fall colors since the beginning of its fall foliage on Oct 29 – also 19 days later compared to previous records.
Expert Insights on Climate Change Impact
Professor Yun Sun-jin from Seoul National University’s Department of Environmental Planning provided insights into the reasons behind the late fall foliage this year. According to Prof. Yun, the delay is attributed to “unprecedented high temperatures that were observed throughout the year.”
Prof. Yun explained, “Fall leaves usually show a hue in fall colors due to the breakdown of chlorophyll in the leaves. As the weather gets colder and sunlight hours decrease, photosynthesis becomes less active and chlorophyll production decreases. As temperatures begin to drop, trees stop nutrients and water from entering the leaves to prepare for winter and the leaves start to change color as chlorophyll begins to break down. The colder the temperature, the more vibrant the colors get.”
This year, however, South Korea experienced record-breaking high temperatures every month from January to October, with summer temperatures extending into mid-September. Prof. Yun warned that with global warming expected to persist, late fall foliage could become “the new normal.”
Impact of Climate Change on Fall Foliage
Prof. Yun highlighted the impact of climate change on fall foliage, stating, “Climate change and warm temperatures that come with it are pushing back what’s considered a ‘normal time’ for fall foliage to be observed. Extreme climate conditions can bring stress to the trees and disrupt the production of chemicals that allow leaves to produce fall foliage colors, therefore reducing the intensity of fall foliage in the long run.”
With these insights, it becomes evident that the delayed peak fall foliage in South Korea may be a sign of the larger impacts of climate change on our environment.
Conclusion
The delayed peak fall foliage in South Korea’s mountains raises concerns about the effects of climate change on our natural ecosystems. As temperatures continue to rise and seasons shift, it is crucial to monitor these changes and take action to mitigate the impact on our environment.
FAQs
1. Why is peak fall foliage delayed in South Korea?
The delay in peak fall foliage in South Korea is attributed to unprecedented high temperatures throughout the year, disrupting the natural processes that lead to the changing colors of leaves.
2. How does climate change impact fall foliage?
Climate change can bring stress to trees, disrupting the production of chemicals that allow leaves to produce fall foliage colors. This can result in reduced intensity and delayed peak fall colors.