The Autumn Season
Have you noticed the change in colours of the leaves of the plants or trees etc. around you? It all happens because of the change of season. It is one of the four seasons on the Earth which comes after the summer season and comes before the winter season. Here, we will be talking about this season only. We will learn about the autumn fall, autumn season's meaning or definition, autumn months, temperature and climate, how seasons change, autumn time, etc. This article will help you to understand the base of the geographical phenomenon and helps to understand one of the seasons on earth and its various features.
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Autumn Meaning
Autumn is a "Latin" word that first appeared in the 14th century. It is also known as harvest or fall. It comes in between the seasons of summer and winter and it works as a transitional season between the two. It is the time when the temperature starts reducing and the weather starts bringing changes and becomes neither too hot nor too cold. In India, we have 6 seasons namely Summer, Monsoon, Autumn, Pre winter, Winter, and Spring. Autumn in Hindi is known as Sharad Ritu.
Definition
According to the Oxford dictionary, “ autumn is the season of the year between summer and winter when leaves change color and the weather becomes colder”
Change of Seasons
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Our planet is tilted by 23.5° and if it is not tilted then half earth would face the day and half earth would face night but we know that it is not the case here. We experience seasons because of a number of factors such as the earth's tilt, angle of incidence, division of the earth into equator, tropic of cancer, tropic of Capricorn, and the apparent movement of the sun. Our earth experiences four seasons i.e summer, autumn, winter, spring. Where the sun is directly overhead, that region of the Earth experiences maximum temperature which leads to summers and further the cycle continues.
In Northern Hemisphere
Here, the Autumn season comes after the summer season, and regions experience autumn during September. At this time, the southern hemisphere experiences the spring season.
In Southern Hemisphere
Here, the Autumn season comes after the summer season but during the period of March. At this time, there is spring season in the northern hemisphere.
Difference Between Spring and Autumn
Autumn always comes after the summer season and spring comes after the winter season. In autumn, the temperature gradually decreases and in spring the temperature starts increasing. The Autumnal Equinox is related to the autumn season and the term vernal equinox is related to the spring season.
Autumn starts in the Northern hemisphere around the time of the month of September and lasts till all the cold winter months. It is mostly experienced by people around the globe towards the end of the year. Nights become longer than days and days last for a short time. Whereas, spring starts in the Northern hemisphere around the time of the month of March and lasts till all the summer months. It is mostly experienced by people around the globe at the beginning of the year. Days become longer than nights and nights last for a short time.
The Autumn season is well known as the cooling-off season as the temperatures everywhere start to go down and drop. And it is also known as the fall season. On the other hand, during the spring season temperatures start to rise in the daytime as it starts nearing the summer season.
The ecological variations brought about in the period of the autumn and spring seasons are also fairly opposing to one another. While the trees of most deciduous forests turn into lovely shades of orange, red, in addition yellow throughout the autumn season, spring brings forth a conflicting impact on flora. The spring season is marked by the growing of floras and of new leaves on trees.
All of these seasons are allied with very diverse connotations that are basically used in storybook works. Owing to its natural values, the season of autumn is related with wind-ups, whereas the spring season is related to the progress of new leaves and plants is a sign of new life.
The climatic alterations that go with each of these times of year are also unfriendly to one another. While autumn is typically known as the ‘cooling-off season’, the spring season starts with an equal increase in temperatures, in groundwork for the forthcoming summer months.
Temperature and Climate
The weather in the region starts changing gradually and the temperature starts decreasing. Generally, it is a season between the summers and the winters but in some areas, it also brings rainfall with itself. For example in India, the monsoon comes after the summer season and succeeds by the autumn and winter season. In some temperate regions, it is also the time of harvesting crops. People generally love autumn weather because it is neither too cold nor too hot. People enjoy this season and love to celebrate various festivals and traditions or occasions etc. but Autumn 2020 was the worst because of the Covid-19 pandemic and people did not get a chance to enjoy the beauty of this season.
Vegetation and Wildlife
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It is one of the beautiful seasons of the year in which plants and trees start changing their colours. You will experience colours of autumn such as golden, yellow, orange and red, etc. It is the time when plants and trees start shedding their leaves as well. It is also a season of harvest on one side and a season of new crops on the other side. Apple, blackberry, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, mustard, spinach, garlic, etc. are grown in this season.
This is a period of transition from one extreme season to another i.e from summers to winters. Animals start preparation for the winter season. Thicker fur grows on the bodies of the animals so that they are able to survive the winters. For example, rabbits, cats, dogs, birds, etc. Some animals go to hibernation where they keep their body temperature low and save their energy. For example, chipmunks or skunks, etc. Some animals start finding places like under the trees or rocks or caves etc. Birds start to migrate from one colder region to some warmer places.
Autumn Traditions
It is quite a good time to celebrate any occasion or tradition or festival. A number of festivals or traditions are being celebrated during this period. For example, Dia de Muertos, Chuseok, Thanksgiving, Dussehra, and Diwali, etc.
Reasons as to why Autumn is Considered the Best Season of All!
You can catch some birds in the course of migration
The fall is the time of the year when many species of birds make their way to the warmer climes towards the south in preparation for the upcoming chilly winter months. While each and every species has its own path, there are a few popular "flyways" where keen people from all over take the trip to have a look at the view.
You can be lucky enough to get a glimpse of the harvest moon
The full moon appears during the time of the autumn equinox when the Earth's equator is utmost closely lining up with the centre of the sun, and the sun becomes brighter and rises before the full moon. This phenomenon happens around the months of September or October.
It is the best time to enjoy a campfire
While some people might also enjoy camping trips during the summer season, the fall, when leaves are altering their colour and the air is a bit cold, is debatably the best time to get out in nature. A campfire can be best enjoyed during this time with friends and family.
Conclusion
Thus, here we have covered the autumn season and its various features. We come to know about the meaning of autumn, autumn months, and timing, etc. We learned actually how this change comes and how seasons change. This article will help you to understand the very basic concept of seasons and will help you in studying Geography or Earth Science.It is important to learn about seasons so that we can be aware of the passage of time and also for general knowledge. While some changes are obvious like hot and cold weather, changing seasons precisely is very fascinating and is also something everyone must be aware of.
Did You Know?
Dia de Muertos is a kind of a tradition when people paint their faces and take part in the parades etc. to remember their loved ones to whom they have lost in their lives and this tradition is being followed to remember and honor them.
FAQs on Autumn Season
1. What is the autumn season and what are its main characteristics?
The autumn season is the period that comes after summer and before winter, acting as a transition between the two. Its main characteristics include gradually cooling temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and trees shedding their leaves. The weather becomes pleasant, being neither too hot nor too cold.
2. Which months fall under the autumn season in India?
In most parts of India, the autumn season, also known as 'Sharad Ritu' in the traditional Hindu calendar, typically occurs during the months of September, October, and November. The exact timing and feel of the season can vary depending on the geographical region.
3. What changes do we see in trees and plants during autumn?
During autumn, you will notice significant changes in trees and plants. The most famous example is that the leaves of many trees turn from green to beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and red before they fall to the ground. This shedding of leaves is a natural process that helps trees conserve water and energy for the upcoming winter.
4. How do animals and birds prepare for winter during autumn?
Animals and birds use autumn to prepare for the cold winter ahead in several ways. Some common examples of their preparation include:
- Hibernation: Animals like bears and squirrels eat extra food to store fat and find cosy dens or burrows to sleep through the winter.
- Migration: Many species of birds fly to warmer places to escape the cold and find food more easily.
- Growing Thicker Coats: Mammals like rabbits, foxes, and deer grow a thicker layer of fur to insulate their bodies and stay warm.
5. Is the weather in autumn hot or cold?
The weather in autumn is generally described as cool and pleasant. It marks the transition from the intense heat of summer to the harsh cold of winter. During this season, the days become milder and the nights get progressively cooler, creating very comfortable weather conditions.
6. What are some popular festivals celebrated during autumn in India?
The autumn season in India is a time of great festivity. Some of the most important and widely celebrated festivals that occur during this period include Navratri, Durga Puja, and Diwali. These festivals are celebrated with immense joy, lights, and cultural events across the country.
7. Why is autumn also called the 'fall' season?
Autumn is popularly known as the 'fall' season primarily because this is the time of year when deciduous trees shed their leaves, which then 'fall' to the ground. The term "fall" is a simple and descriptive way to remember this key natural event of the season, particularly in North America.
8. What is the importance of the autumn season for farmers in India?
The autumn season is critically important for farmers in India. It is a major harvest season for Kharif crops like rice and maize, which were sown during the monsoon. Additionally, it is the time when farmers prepare their fields for sowing the winter (Rabi) crops, such as wheat and mustard, making it a busy and crucial period in the agricultural cycle.
9. Why do leaves change colour and fall off trees in autumn?
Leaves change colour and fall in autumn due to a survival mechanism in trees. As days get shorter and colder, trees stop producing chlorophyll, the green pigment used for photosynthesis. As the green fades, other pigments like yellows and oranges (carotenoids) become visible. The tree then forms a special layer of cells where the leaf stem meets the branch, which eventually pushes the leaf off to conserve water and energy for winter.
10. How is the autumn season in hilly areas different from the plains?
The experience of autumn is quite different in hilly areas compared to the plains. In hilly regions like the Himalayas, autumn brings a sharp drop in temperature, crisp air, and vibrant, colourful foliage. In the plains, the change is more subtle, marked by a pleasant decrease in temperature and humidity, but with less dramatic visual changes in the trees.
