A Change Of Seasons in Colorado
by Jon Burch Photography
Title
A Change Of Seasons in Colorado
Artist
Jon Burch Photography
Medium
Photograph - Digital Photography
Description
The trees in Rocky Mountain National Park in colorful northern Colorado took their time this year getting around to the fall season. But when the leaves began to change color, as they are doing here at Bear Lake, they looked as spectacular as ever!
When leaves appear green, it is because they contain an abundance of chlorophyll. There is so much chlorophyll in an active leaf that the green masks other pigment colors. Light regulates chlorophyll production, so as autumn days grow shorter, less chlorophyll is produced. The decomposition rate of chlorophyll remains constant, so the green color starts to fade from leaves.
At the same time, surging sugar concentrations cause increased production of anthocyanin pigments. Leaves containing primarily anthocyanins appear red. Carotenoids are another class of pigments found in some leaves. The carotenoid production is not dependent on light, so levels aren't diminished by shortened days. Carotenoids can be orange, yellow, or red, but most of these pigments found in leaves are yellow. Leaves with good amounts of both anthocyanins and carotenoids will appear orange.
Leaves with carotenoids but little or no anthocyanin will appear yellow. In the absence of these pigments, other plant chemicals also can affect leaf color including tannins, which are responsible for the brownish color of some oak leaves.
Temperature affects the rate of chemical reactions, including those in leaves, and plays an important part in leaf color. However, it's mainly light levels that are responsible for fall foliage colors. Sunny autumn days are needed for the brightest color displays, since anthocyanins require light. Overcast days will lead to more yellows and browns
Image copyright 2019 Jon Burch Photography
Uploaded
December 31st, 2019
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Viewed 324 Times - Last Visitor from Cambridge, MA on 04/18/2024 at 12:38 PM
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Comments (23)
Deb Halloran
Jon, What a gorgeous autumn scene with exquisite reflections, colors and light....stunning. Nicely done. l/f
Joyce Dickens
Oh my goodness Jon, what a spectacular Autumn capture; this is really gorgeous my friend!!!
Silvio Ligutti
Lovely landscape, great reflections! I was there too during the second week of October and leaves were peaking!
John M Bailey
Congratulations on your feature in the Fine Art America Group "Images That Excite You!"
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