Sonoran Desert ecosystem - impact of climate
- Created by: SophieSunderland
- Created on: 30-03-15 17:09
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- Sonoran Desert - Ecosystem- located over southern california
- Dry
- Lack of moisture in the air
- the Pacific Ocean lies just to the west but the coastal mountain ranges effectively stop most moisture reaching inland
- To the South- East lies the Gulf of Mexico any moisture from there must travel 1700km and cross the continental divide before it reaches the Sonoran desert.
- It is a difficult place for moisture to reach and therefore it there are little clouds as there is a lack of moisture.
- Lack of moisture in the air
- bi-seasonal rainfall
- Succulents-Cactus
- Has a stem whcih expands and fills with water during winter wet season
- RIbbed stem refduces wind currents
- Shallow roots catch water which falls during storms before it evaporates
- Covered with dense spines which helps to reflect solar rays
- Succulents-Cactus
- Palo Verde
- A common drought enduring small tree growing on the upper slopes
- the plant loses it leaves in the dryseason , while it greens bark enables it to carry out photosynthesis.
- The leaves have a type of varnish on them so that they can seal in moisture. Thesmell and taste of the plant puts off any animal from trying to eat it.
- Thin, relatively infertile and alkaline soils
- Seasonal rainsleach soluble salts down through the soil which are drawn up again under high evaporation in the dry season
- Flash-flooding can compact soil, creating impermeable surfaces.
- Dry
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