Kristen's Classroom: Why do the leaves change in the fall?
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AUSTIN (KXAN) – With the turn of the seasons earlier this week, many may be wondering, when can we expect it to feel and look like fall in Central Texas?
Although the weather will start to give us more of a fall-like feel in the mornings this week (60s), we’ll likely be waiting a while before it starts to appear like it. Climatology tells us that our typical peak foliage typically occurs in early to mid-November.
What causes the leaves to change?
Chlorophyll, the green pigment in leaves, absorbs sunlight and creates food (sugars) for trees via the process of photosynthesis. Shorter days, courtesy of Earth tilting farther away from the Sun, and cooler temperatures cause the chlorophyll to break down. This allows the yellow and orange pigments, which have always been within the leaves but are typically masked by chlorophyll, to be unveiled. Sugars that get trapped in the leaves produce a new red pigment, formally known as anthocyanins. Tannins, a brown pigment, are leftover waste from tree metabolism.
Ideal conditions for fall foliage
The best weather for vibrant fall colors is sunny, dry, and cool weather. This is why parts of the Northeast and high elevations of the West are known to be hot spots for ‘leaf-peeping’.
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