Autumn or Fall is the third season of the year that arrives after summer and continues until winter. The season is marked by shorter days, lower temperatures, and falling leaves.
It will begin on September 22and last until December 21 in the Northern Hemisphere this year. In the Southern Hemisphere, it starts on March 20.
Origin of the words Fall and Autumn
Fall is a more commonly used word in the United States while Autumn is used more frequently in the UK. Interestingly, both of them have different origins.
The word autumn originated from the Latin autumnus and later the French autompne, though their exact meanings remain uncertain. Some believe autumnus meant “the end,” while others suggest it derived from the Latin verb augere, meaning “to grow” or “increase,” referencing the harvest season.
The term fall emerged much later than autumn. It is believed to come from the Old English word feallan, meaning “to fall, decay, or die,” referring to the shedding of leaves during this season.
Before the 16th century, people simply called this season harvest, highlighting its significance in agriculture.
Autumn Characteristics
- The color of leaves in trees changes to orange, brown, yellow, red, and even purple during this season.
- Since Autumn is a transitional period from summer to winter, temperatures begin to drop and days become shorter.
- Autumn is also known as the Harvest season because it is the time to harvest crops after their growth throughout Summer Season.
- Some birds and mammals in the North of the Equator molt (shed layers such as feathers, skin, shell, hair, etc.) during Autumn.
Why do Trees Shed Leaves in Autumn
Deciduous trees shedding their leaves during Autumn is a common phenomenon. This is because the fluids present in the leaves of such trees are thin and can freeze easily. This would have caused a huge issue in the upcoming winter season.
However, trees are receptive to light due to their inbuilt chemical light receptors. Thus, when the Fall starts, trees begin to detect the amount of blue light and red light and consequently the changes in the length of day and night. Due to this, Trees undergo many internal changes to protect themselves from Winter.
Celebrations in Autumn
Autumn is a time of many celebrations, holidays, and fun activities in different countries. Significant celebrations and commemorations such as Halloween , Veterans Day , Guy Fawkes Night , and Thanksgiving Day take place in the US, UK, and many other countries. India celebrates Diwali (the Festival of Lights), Gandhi Jayanti, Navaratri, Durga Puja , and many more. Jayanti, Navaratri,
Besides this, Oktoberfest in Germany, Moon Festival in China, and Day of the Dead Festival in Mexico are some of the most popular celebrations worldwide.
Fall Overturn- An Interesting Scientific Phenomenon
Also known as Fall Mixing and Autumn Overturn, Fall Overturn is a phenomenon where all the layers of water bodies (such as lakes, and rivers) mix leading to the redistribution of dissolved oxygen, nutrients, and temperature.
When Autumn approaches, the temperature begins to decrease. As a result, the top warmer layer begins to cool down and sink to the bottom of the water body. This cyclic process continues until the entire water body reaches a uniform temperature. This, along with winds and waves, helps to redistribute oxygen and nutrients.
Fishing is usually difficult during this period.
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