Every autumn, we revel in the beauty of the fall colors. The mixture of red, purple, orange, and yellow is the result of chemical processes that take place in the trees as the seasons change from summer to winter, painting the landscape with nature’s autumn palette. How does this happen you ask?
In the fall, because of the length of daylight and changes in temperature, the leaves stop their food-making process. The chlorophyll breaks down, the green color disappears, and the yellow to orange colors become visible and give the leaves part of their fall splendor. At the same time, other chemical changes may occur, which form additional colors through the development of red anthocyanin pigments. Some mixtures give rise to the reddish and purplish fall colors of trees such as dogwoods and sumacs, while others give the sugar maple its brilliant orange.
The autumn foliage of some trees shows only yellow colors. Others, like many oaks, display mostly browns. All these colors are due to the mixing of varying amounts of the chlorophyll residue and other pigments in the leaf during the fall season.
The weather also affects color intensity. Temperature, light, and water supply have an influence on the degree and the duration of fall color. Low temperatures above freezing will favor anthocyanin formation, producing bright reds in maples. However, early frost will weaken the brilliant red color, yet rainy and/or overcast days tend to increase the intensity of fall colors.
Enjoy nature’s last fling before settling down for a winter’s sleep!
Susan Covey is the Fitness Director of Acts Bayleigh Chase in Easton
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