Super Storm in North Pacific
Saw on Good Morning America weather this morning that a HUGE Super Storm is in the North Pacific. They were already warning about the early sub-Zero weather that will hit North America in the near fu...
Forum Discussion
Perhaps earth will revert to "normal" cold weather temperatures as have been evidenced in the past.
http wrote:
cold winter temperatures are a primary mortality agent of the mountain pine beetle, and during the last decade or so, Colorado has not experienced sufficiently cold temperatures to trigger significant insect mortality.
How cold do temperatures need to be to trigger insect mortality?
There is no simple answer to this question. Mountain pine beetles overwinter primarily in their “worm” or “grub” stage (the larvae). During this time, they accumulate alcohols that act as an anti-freeze and provide protection from freezing. The beetles are more susceptible to cold temperatures early in the fall and late spring, when alcohol levels are low, and less susceptible to cold in mid-winter when alcohol levels are highest. Studies show that temperatures from -13 F to -31 F in mid-winter can cause mortality. However, factors such as the stage of development, duration of exposure to cold temperatures, responses to seasonal changes in temperatures, and geographical location will influence potential mortality. So what temperatures, at what time of the year, or for how long will cause extensive insect mortality is not yet well-understood.
