Phenology at High Latitudes

Abstract

Phenology, mainly on plants, in the Northern Hemisphere north of 60°N in the Old World and of 50°N in the New World is described in the present chapter, both historically and in modern times. Experiments, field work and satellite data are discussed. Phenological observations related to recent climate change at high latitudes are discussed in detail, and they are generally found to be good indicators of such changes during long-term studies. However, various organisms in the food chain, or sometimes even different individuals of the same species, do not react in exactly the same way on climate change. The response may also vary with the continentality of a region and with the time of the year. An increasing mismatch may be seen between production and consumption at various trophic levels both in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.