Changes in the length of the growing season 1982 - 2006
Source: Northern Research Institute Tromsø (Norut) (map reproduced from : Karlsen, S.R., K. A. Høgda, F.E. Wielgolaski, A. Tolvanen, H.Tømmervik, J. Poikolainen & E.Kubin. 2009. Growing-season trends in Fennoscandia 1982– 2006, determined from satellite and phenology data. Climate Research. 39: 275-286.)
Are we moving in the right direction?
Measurements show that the global mean temperature has risen by about 0.74°C in the past 100 years. However, environmental trends and changes in agricultural production are determined by the combined effects of changes in temperature, precipitation and wind conditions.
The map shows that the length of the growing season increased by more than three weeks along parts of the coast of Western Norway and in Eastern Norway (around Oslo ) from 1982 to 2006. In general, the growing season has become longer in almost all parts of the country except the Finnmarksvidda plateau in the far north, where it has remained relatively stable and even become somewhat shorter in limited areas.
The timing of the beginning and end of the growing season in Fennoscandia is measured by a vegetation index based on the quantity and density of green vegetation, which is derived from satellite measurements. Other research combines satellite data with phenological observations – observations of regularly recurring natural events such as the arrival and departure of migratory birds and the timing of flowering and fruiting .
Published by Directorate for Nature Management, 24.06.2010, 16:34.