Monthly Archives: November 2019

Post #2: Mapping & Analysis

Phenology location map

My phenology location is going through many drastic changes now due to the increasing cold. Vegetation that was thriving just a month or two ago are now in the midst of decay and hibernation. The various common reeds and grasses wilt more with each visit I make to the spot. The majority of trees have shed all their leaves besides a few hanging lifelessly to the tree. I analyzed one Sumac tree and noticed a decrease from 30 to 13 fruiting Sumac bodies (5th photo).

The soil and water characteristics of my location have also faced some changes brought on by the coming season. I observed that the soil in the area is far more compact and moist than in previous weeks. However, the moisture could be attributed to a rainstorm that swept the area a few days prior. Surprisingly, some small plants are still surviving in the cold, compact soil (4th photo). There are several ponds adjacent to the walkway, which I also noted had higher water levels than usual. Again, this was likely due to the recent precipitation in the area. However, it is to be noted that many of the wetland plants are wilting despite the influx of water.

I felt that the six organisms I chose represented the different effects the fall transition has on the local area. Each photo depicts some sort of obvious change in the health and standing of the organism. However, an overall theme of death, decay, and sleep is present between all the photos. As the weather grows increasingly brutal, all organisms must engage their unique cycles in order to survive.

Mapping my phenology location enabled me to take another look at the surrounding characteristics. Often, through revisiting something familiar and analyzing it, you may notice new patterns and relationships previously ignored. It also gave me the opportunity to get a ‘full scale’ view of the location and to draw conclusions on how the surrounding area may be affecting it.

Sumac Tree fruit