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Chaparral, Central California Coast, #2
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Casitas Reservoir as viewed from Hwy 50, North of Ventura
December 1976
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The image presents a typical appearance of the chaparral of the central coast. Note the olive green color (not the deep green of tropical species competing for light and yet not as reflective as typical greyish desert or steppe species). Also note that the biomass is greater than in the images presented for steppe environments. Unlike the steppe, chaparral typically forms a closed canopy: the outside leaves of one individual overlap with those of adjacent individuals; whereas steppe is typically comprised of individuals more widely spaced, mixed with grass species found between shrubs. The greater biomass in chaparral environments reflects the higher rainfalls during the winter. Chaparral is often referred to as a "forest," specifically "the broadleaved schlerophyll forest." This refers to the fact that shrubs have broad leaves, yet they are reduced in size and typically covered with a hard, waxy surface (or other coating). These are adaptations to drought. They function to help reduce evapotranspiration during the dry season.
This area burned after this slide was taken.
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