Abstract
Spatial synchrony, the tendency for temporal fluctuations in an
ecological variable to be positively associated in different locations,
is a widespread and important phenomenon in ecology. Understanding of
the nature and mechanisms of synchrony, and how synchrony is changing,
has developed rapidly over the past two decades. Many recent
developments have taken place through the study of long-term datasets.
Here, we review and synthesize some important recent advances in spatial
synchrony, with a focus on how long-term data have facilitated new
understanding. Longer time series do not just facilitate better testing
of existing ideas or more precise statistical results; more importantly,
they also frequently make possible the expansion of conceptual
paradigms. We discuss several such advances in our understanding of
synchrony, how long-term data led to these advances, and how future
studies can continue to improve the state of knowledge.