168 primary schools took part in the Greenwave 2010 project – a mass science experiment for Irish national schools which involves tracking the movement of spring across Ireland.Every year a green wave, which is caused by the opening of buds on trees and hedges, can be seen moving across Europe from outer space in springtime.
Students from participating schools were asked to record the emerging signs of spring by examining ash, horse chestnut and hawthorn trees, the primrose flower, the swallow and frogspawn. Participants were also asked to record rainfall, temperature and wind speed throughout the months of February to May.
In total, 981 records and sightings were submitted by participating schools across the country. Some of the findings by participating schools included:
- the first swallow was spotted on 12 March
- the highest average weekly rainfall was between 22 and 29 March, with an average of 32.75mm recorded
- the warmest average weekly temperature, 11.50 degrees Celsius, was recorded between 12 and 19 May
- the highest average weekly wind speed, 58.63 knots, was recorded between 15 and 22 March
Commenting on the results, Éanna Ní Lamhna said, “This year’s recordings were very interesting given the cold weather we experienced over the winter and on into spring. The first sightings of frogs and primroses came much later than in previous years with the first frog spawning recorded at the end of March.”
Gerald Fleming, RTÉ weather broadcaster, said: “This was a very surprising spring, being particularly cold and dry with bright spells. Very little rainfall was recorded as a consequence but we did see snow and sleet which was very unusual. The weather conditions we experienced were as a result of high pressure over Iceland which sent northerly winds over Ireland causing the conditions we experienced. This change in weather patterns had a noticeable effect on spring which was recorded by the Greenwave project.”
Peter Brabazon, Programme Director of Discover Science & Engineering, added: “The ongoing success of the Greenwave project is evident in not only the level of participation from schools around the country but also the information recorded. The unique spring we experienced this year was reflected in the sightings and records we received. The work undertaken by the school children and teachers across the country as part of the Greenwave project will allow for valuable comparison with previous and future years.”
The green wave begins in the south of Europe in February and moves up across Europe as temperatures rise. The phenomenon travels at approximately the same speed as humans walk – four miles per hour – hence the description of a green wave.
According to this, spring would take three weeks to walk across Ireland from Mizen Head to Malin head. To view the results of the project, visit www.greenwave.ie. Pictures submitted by students are also available in the gallery section.
