Frond in autumn colours, Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
© S Meyers/Age Fotostock
Frond in autumn colours, Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
It’s the season for pumpkins, apples, and fall colours–as demonstrated by the ferns in this image. We have science to thank for the influx of red, orange, and yellow colours in autumn. Trees change colour because of a chemical process in their leaves, primarily the breakdown of the green chlorophyll that allows plants to absorb energy from light. As the temperature drops and days get shorter, the tree’s food-making process slows down. Orange and yellow pigments–normally masked by chlorophyll – are dramatically revealed. Still other chemical processes produce those gorgeous red and purple hues, but the colours are fleeting, and usually mean it’s time to rake.
Related Images
Members of the Wild Red Flame Mardi Gras Indians in New Orleans, Louisiana
Mars Express image of the icy cap at Mars’ south pole
Street art from the Pasadena Chalk Festival 2013, Pasadena, California
The National Wallace Monument overlooking Stirling in Scotland
A carving of artist W.O.J. Nieuwenkamp in the Pura Meduwe Karang temple in Bali, Indonesia
Abstract motion blur of aspen trees in Kluane National Park, Yukon
Wildflowers in bloom at Lost Dutchman State Park in Arizona
The Lush Rainforest of Cathedral Grove, Macmillan Provincial Park, B.C.
Bing Today Images
Village of Oia, Santorini, Greece
Oct 14, 2025
Fishing boats at Coco Beach in Goa, India
Oct 14, 2024
'Ring of fire' annular solar eclipse, Doha, Qatar
Oct 14, 2023
Coloured corn on the cobs at ByWard Market, Ottawa
Oct 14, 2019
The Bode Museum during the Festival of Lights
Oct 14, 2018
