The two-week countdown for the arrival of autumn color has finally begun. Nature's palette will soon splash pigments of red, orange, and yellow upon the face of the Mount Washington Valley. Before seeking these colors, it is important to realize the basic mechanisms that produce such beauty. The formula involved in creating breathtaking views is the perfect combination of atmospheric conditions, the energy of the sun, and the livelihood of the trees.
It is perceived by many that New England receives the most diverse and complex atmospheric conditions in the world. Such a scenario not only produces difficult forecasts for meteorologists, but also aids to create the perfect recipe for a spectacular autumn season. Just what is this recipe? Mix deep, blue skies with bright sunshine. Heat afternoon temperatures into the 70s. Set and cool until the overnight temperature drops into the 40s. Sprinkle stars, an occasion shower, and one bright moon until nature enables you to enjoy a spectacular season of color.
You may wonder what transpires if a portion of the delicate recipe fails. For instance, if rain ceases to accumulate in the Mount Washington Valley, the leaves will fall early and become somewhat dull in color. Such a scenario occurs because it is the tree's only mechanism to stay alive. Leaves will also become duller in color if the temperature fails to sustain itself into the 70s during the afternoon, as well as in the 40s during the evening. In order for the region to produce the perfect temperature state, it is important for the recipe to include clear skies. If such circumstances are produced upon a regular basis, it is guaranteed that the brilliant color of autumn will become a sensation for many.
The success of the recipe foretells the duty of the leaf. Chlorophyll is of great importance for the survival of a leaf. This pigment aids to capture the energy of the sunlight and utilize it to manufacture the plant's food. Chlorophyll also dominates and masks out other pigments that may be present in a leaf. The pigment appears as a green color during the spring and summer months. As autumn approaches, the standard decrease of sunlight causes the chlorophyll to become replaced at a slower rate. The masking effect of the green pigment slowly erodes until the true color of a leaf appears.
The color of a leaf can range in many forms. Interestingly enough, many of the leaves contain common pigments like that of carrots, cabbage, and beets. The recipe of autumn is important for the success of bringing out such pigments. Once the peak season passes through the Mount Washington Valley, we will know that the atmosphere and nature accomplished their tasks in a highly successful manor.