Article
Snow as a Factor in Salt Desert Shrub Vegetation Patterns in Curlew Valley, Utah
The American Midland Naturalist
(1983)
Abstract
Significant differences in average snow depths - for some dates in each of four winters - occurred at two locations each in pure Atriplex confertifolia and Ceratoides lanata stands and an intermediate mixed-species stand. The average depth of snow cover over the season that the snow lasted was significantly different between community types in two of the four winters investigated. Average snow depth in the Ceratoides type was less than in pure Atriplex and the mixed type. The differences were likely related to variations in stature of the vegetation which modify snow deposition, redistribution by wind, melting and sublimation. The difference in snow depth corresponded with greater soil moisture recharge under the taller vegetation for 1 year for which data were available. Occasional differential snowpack development in these adjacent communities may influence vegetation boundaries in this area.
Disciplines
Publication Date
1983
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2307/2425418
Citation Information
Neil E. West. "Snow as a Factor in Salt Desert Shrub Vegetation Patterns in Curlew Valley, Utah" The American Midland Naturalist Vol. 109 Iss. 2 (1983) p. 376 - 379 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/neil_west/138/