THE PHENOLOGICAL APPROACH IN MEDITERRANEAN LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS

Various phenological methods are applied to a Mediterranean landscape in W Crete. Examples are presented for three spatial levels, viz. macr o-climatic (zonal) level, meso-climatic (topographic) level, local (st and) level. The flowering activity spectrum of the predominant thermo- mediterranean vegetation type reflects perfect adaptation to macro-cli matic conditions. The short flowering maximum is adjusted between the relatively unfavourable winter and summer months. The altitude-related phenological patterns are studied at species as;well as community lev el. Altitudinal modification of macro-climate is well reflected by spr ing-flowering taxa but less so by closely related communities. A map o f phenecological stages for W Crete is presented which shows both alti tude- and aspect-related climatic variation. There is significant nort h-south asymmetry of phenecological stages. Merits and shortcomings of phenecological maps as well as specific problems to be encountered in Mediterranean regions are highlighted. At the local level, a phenolog ical shift can be observed within species which is related to the trea tment and dynamics of the stands involved, and caused by differences i n water supply.