Abstract
The best characteristics of phenological observations are their description of seasons and seasonal patterns. Specific phenological phases are used to define the beginning and the end of seasons that form phenological calendars. Phenological observations more closely capture the integrated seasonal rhythm than statistically derived means or thresholds from climate elements. They only provide approximate indicators of seasonal changes and cannot replace visible or directly measurable phenomena. Including abiotic observations such as the timing of frost, thawing, icing, snow and fog even provides seasonality descriptions beyond the vegetation period. The length and position of seasons within the year is a foundation for an integrated description of seasonality presented as a phenological season diagram. Phenological observations are the indispensable basis for an integral description of a seasonal classification and seasonality. A well designed phenological diagram could offer a comprehensive picture of the rhythm and amplitude of seasons.
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Acknowledgments
Without the year- or often decade-long observation work in past and present of numerous persons in different networks and as closet observers, phenology is unthinkable. Thanks to their nature loving engagement, masses of data are available to scientists. The invaluable assistance of Dr Reto Stöckli (Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology MeteoSwiss, Zurich, and Department of Atmospheric Science Colorado State University, Fort Collins Colorado, USA) is gratefully acknowledged.
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Jeanneret, F., Rutishauser, T. (2010). Seasonality as a Core Business of Phenology. In: Hudson, I., Keatley, M. (eds) Phenological Research. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-3335-2_3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-3335-2_3
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