Search Results (2)

Frost is one of the most frequent, intense, and influential agrometeorological disasters that occurs frequently in Northeast China. The study of the spatiotemporal changes of ground frost is of great significance for farmers and policymakers in Northeast China, as it can inform decisions related to crop selection, planting schedules, and the development of regional climate adaptation plans. In this study, the spatiotemporal changes of frost indices (last spring frost (LSF), first fall frost (FFF), and frost-free period (FFP)) in Northeast China were analyzed from 1961 to 2020. Then, we investigated the mutation characteristics of the frost indices and their correlation with geographical factors. The results revealed that (1) the LSF, FFF, and FFP in Northeast China were concentrated at 120–140 DOY, 260–280 DOY, and 110–170 days, respectively. The spatial distribution of frost indices exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity. (2) The LSF, FFF, and FFP showed significant trends of advancement, delay, and extension, with trends of −1.94 days/10 a, 1.72 days/10 a, and 4.21 days/10 a, respectively. (3) More than 80% of the LSF, FFF, and FFP of the sites showed trends of advancement, delay, and extension, with greater variability in the central part of Heilongjiang Province. (4) The FFF and FFP experienced an abrupt change in the late 1990s. (5) The correlation between latitude and LSF, FFF, and FFP was the strongest, with correlation coefficients of 0.77, −0.79, and −0.78, respectively. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the changing characteristics of ground frost indices that impact agricultural production in Northeast China against the backdrop of climate change. The findings hold significant scientific value in guiding the adaptation of agricultural production layouts in Northeast China to the evolving climatic conditions. Full article

Frost incidents comprise significant extreme weather events owing to climate change, possibly endangering the agricultural sector of the already impacted south-eastern European area. Thus, the comprehensive evaluation of the frost conditions under the climate regime for eleven countries was conducted by calculating relevant frost agroclimatic indicators under three time horizons (1985 to 2015, 2005 to 2035 and 2015 to 2045). The Frost Days (FD), Free of Frost Days (FFD), Last Spring Frost (LSF) and First Autumn Frost (FAF) were estimated daily over a grid of 25 × 25 km. We demonstrated that the FD will be reduced according to the balanced A1B emissions scenario over the entire examined area with the mountainous and continental regions being most affected. From 2005 to 2035, a higher LSF reduction is expected over Greece and Albania and the earlier FAF in high altitude areas. All examined regions are projected to face delayed FAF, from 2015 to 2045. In general, all countries will face an increase in the growing season duration owing to the increase of the FFD. Full article