March 20, 1998:
GLOBE Students Track Bud Burst
In recognition of their valuable contributions to scientific data collection, GLOBE students are being asked to help scientists better understand the variations in seasonal cycles. By simply reporting the date when tree buds first burst open, GLOBE students can help scientists interpret the spring green-up in vegetation observed by satellites. Dr. Steve Running of the University of Montana has developed a protocol for GLOBE schools to follow in observing bud burst. The GLOBE student data will contribute to his study of how climate affects the annual or seasonal patterns of plant growth and development, a field of study called phenology. To participate in this first GLOBE special measurement, GLOBE schools should follow the simple protocols which are available in the GLOBE Resource Room on the Web under the title Special Measurements.