Since it is Fall, I will be studying the effect that weather has on fall foliage.
I am going to focus on the Balsam poplar trees by the shore. I identified this tree using clues such as their leaf shape, the bark type and the branches.
I have a very basic understanding of leaves, and their processes. I am interested in how leaves function and what causes them to fall. I will be studying how weather and atmospheric conditions influence fall foliage, I am going to be considering sun exposure, wind patterns, temperature and humidity to see if these influence my results.
There is a bundle of trees that sprout from the same point, I will be using this cluster for my observations.
Potential hypothesis: As atmospheric conditions become harsher (colder temperatures, less humidity, more clouds) the leaves will decrease.
Response Variable: Number of leaves (continuous)
Explanatory Variable: Weather conditions (continuous)
I will be recording atmospheric conditions even when I am unable to visit my site. I will also be furthering my research in fall foliage and understanding underlying processes that are affected by atmospheric conditions. I will also take into account the health of leaves and any phases or cycles that leaves endure during this time.
