Next Week: Bring QUAD MAPS!

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY LAB 121 Name ___________________________

Cliffe, Matherly, Curran, Therkalsen, Goodman 50 POINTS POSSIBLE
Grossmont College USE PENCIL ONLY
EXTRA CREDIT on back pages!

LAB #8: MICROCLIMATES and C.S.S.

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A. NATURAL SELECTION: Climate →_________ (Biome / Habitat)

(+1 Point) 1. Photosynthesis: Inputs vs. Outputs

(+1 Point) 2. Net Plant Productivity (by Biome)

Fill-in using the following choices: Desert, Midlatitude Forest, Boreal Forest,
Tropical Rain Forest, Mediterranean Scrub Forest, Semi-Desert Shrub/Steppe

Net Plant Productivity *

Biome (only Terrestrial Ecosystems) (Approximate Averages)
[grams/meter 2 /year 1]

a) Wetlands: Estuaries, Swamps, Marshes 2500

b) Tropical Rainforest (Evergreen Forest) 2000
c) Midlatitude Forest (Deciduous Forest) 1300
d) Savanna (“Tropical Wet-and-Dry” Climates) 700
e) Prairie Grasslands (“Tallgrass” Prairie) 600
f) ___________ _____ ______ (Schlerophyllous) 400
g) Boreal Forest (Evergreen Coniferous Forest) 300
h) ___________ _____/_____ (Malacophyllous) 150
i) Tundra 100
j) Desert 10
* Data estimated from: Strahler and Strahler, Physical Geography: Science and Systems (2005)
Enhanced by: Forseth, I., Terrestrial Biomes, Nature Knowledge Project, Univ of Maryland (2012)
 3

3. San Diego County: Climates → Ecosystems

(+1 Point)

Climate Ecosystem
COASTAL to
FOOTHILLS “Semi-Desert”
FOOTHILLS thru
MTNS (W-slope)
“Mediterranean”
(“Dry-Summer Subtropical”)

EAST-OF-MTNS “Desert”
 4

B. TOPOGRAPHY: Microclimates →___________ (Biome / Habitat)

1. Slope Azimuth

Why are Ski Resorts often on North-facing Slopes (in NH)?

2. Availability of Photosynthetic Inputs (N.Hemis)

a. Insolation Receipt (ER)

✓ North-facing Slopes: More ER / Less ER

✓ South-facing Slopes: More ER / Less ER

b. Water Availability
✓ “Mesic” Conditions: More H2O / Less H2O

✓ “Xeric” Conditions: More H2O / Less H2O

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C. HABITATS Within “COASTAL SAGE SCRUB”

1. Observation: Ecosystems on either side of Mission Valley
(+½ Point) (Photo: Oct 23, 1960, by Howard Rozelle…note construction of mall) (+½ Point)
❖ Slope’s Azimuth = ___-facing ❖ Slope’s Azimuth = ___-facing
(N/S) (N/S)
❖ Thus, faces _________ the Sun ❖ Thus, faces _________ the Sun
(away from/into) (away from/into)
❖ Thus, on average: __________ ❖ Thus, on average: __________
(warmer/cooler) (warmer/cooler)
❖ Thus, on average: __________ ❖ Thus, on average: __________
(drier/moister) (drier/moister)
❖ Thus, more __________ ❖ Thus, more __________
(xeric/mesic) (xeric/mesic)
❖ Thus, Photosyn. Prod. is _________ ❖ Thus, Photosyn. Prod. is _________
(greater/lesser) (greater/lesser)
 6

2. Hypothesis:
❖ Rationale (Explain the rationale behind your hypothesis; include use of the terms
“slope azimuth,” “xeric,” “mesic,” “insolation,” and, how Insolation relates to (+½ Point)
Photosynthetic Productivity)
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
❖ Hypothesis (Hypothesize as to the relation between Photosynthetic Productivity
vs. Slope Azimuth within Coastal San Diego’s Semi-Arid Climate)
(+½ Point)
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________

3. Testing Methodology:
(a) “NULL HYPOTHESIS” (+½ Point)

(b) TEST DESIGN (Clearly describe how the hypothesis was tested, including
surrogate-variables utilized, deficiencies and/or compromise-solutions to
logistical problems, etc.)
(+2½ Points)

(c) DATA COLLECTION and ANALYSIS → See the following pages

 7

(+5 Points) Slope Azimuth = West-facing

(as a Cardinal Direction)

“___________” SLOPE
Shrub Type * Canopy Height [cm] *
0 ft

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

* = 10 foot intervals 90

MM = Mission Manzanita
(Xylococus bicolor)
100 ft
CH = Chamise
(Adenostoma fasciculatum)
BS = Black Sage
(Salvia melifera) Ave Height = _____________
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(+3 Points)

TAXONOMIC (Genus and species) COMMON

Plant Name Plant Name

(a) Xylococcus bicolor

(b) Adenostoma fasciculatum

(c) Acmispon glaber (related to the Old World genus “Lotus”)

Pronounced: “ACK-mih-spon GLAH-ber”

(d) Salvia mellifera

(e) Diplacus aurantiacus (related to the Old Word genus “Mimulus”)

Pronounced: “die-PLACK-us aw-ran-TIE-a-kus”

(f) Marah macrocarpus

(g) Malosma laurina

(h) Rhus integrifolia

(i) Brassica nigra

(j) Artemisia californica

(k) Heteromeles arbutifolia

(l) Bahiopsis laciniata (related to the Old Word genus “Viguiera”)

(m) Encelia californica

(n) Salvia apiana

(o) Eriogonum fasciculatum

(p) Quercus berberidifolia

 9

(+5 Points) Slope Azimuth = North-facing

(as a Cardinal Direction)

“___________” SLOPE
Shrub Type * Canopy Height [cm] *
0 ft

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

* = 10 foot intervals

MM = Mission Manzanita 80
(Xylococus bicolor)
CH = Chamise
(Adenostoma fasciculatum)
BS = Black Sage 90
(Salvia melifera)

=
= 100 ft

=
Ave Height = _____________
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(+8 Points)
4. Discussion and Conclusion:
In an organized and thorough manner, include the following…

SUMMARY – Restate the original hypothesis, the rationale behind it, and the null hypothesis used to test
it. Then, cite the data collected to either reject or fail-to-reject the null hypothesis.
EXPLANATION – Use the outcome of this specific test to evaluate the original hypothesis (e.g., provide an
explanation of the variation found on one slope vs. the other that is consistent with both the data collected and with the
original observations initially presented). Be able to explain seeming discrepancies (e.g., even-though sunshine
is an input to Photosynthesis, and even-though South-facing slopes get more Insolation than North-facing
slopes, which gets more Photosynthetic Productivity? How can this be?)
LIMITATIONS / MITIGATING FACTORS – Besides slope-azimuth, discuss any mitigating factors not
considered that might also account for the growth patterns found on the two slopes sampled at Grossmont,
or, that might limit the ability of this explanation to predict growth patterns on north vs. south facing slopes
more widely across San Diego County (e.g., the effect of enhanced “marine layer” influence at more coastal
locations, or the variation in soil type place-to-place, or the effect of human activities such as grading or grazing or
farming, etc.).

PREDICTION – Use this explanation to predict (1) the growth patterns on other slopes around Grossmont
College, and (2) the growth patterns across San Diego County when driving along the I-8 uphill from the
drier low-elevations to the moister high-elevations (e.g., from Mission Bay to Grossmont College to Alpine to
Pine Valley).

-- To have enough room, write small (use this page and the next)--
 11

For Instructor Use: The general guidelines given in the “Scientific Method” Handout (from Lab #5) were followed:
YES SOMEWHAT NO
All sections (Hypothesis, Testing Methods, Conclusion) were thorough, integrated, and college-level:
YES SOMEWHAT NO
 12

D. TODAY’S WEATHER: Grossmont and United States

(+1 Point)
1. CURRENT Wx OBSERVATIONS – Highlight any measured quantities

Air Temperature = _____________ Wet Bulb Temperature = _______________

MAX. H2O(V)
CAPACITY DEGREE OF
Saturation Spec Hum = _________ Relative Humidity = ____________
(from graph below) (Psychrometric Tables) SATURATION

Wind Direction = _______________ Dew Point Temp = ____________

(named from where they blow) (Psychrometric Tables) ACTUAL H2O(V)
Wind Speed = _________________ Specific Humidity = ___________ CONTENT
(from graph below)

Cloud Type: _____________________________________________________

(If present)

(+1 Point)
2. IN THE CLASSROOM – Highlight any measured quantities
Air Temperature = _____________ Wet Bulb Temperature = _______________
MAX. H2O(V)
CAPACITY DEGREE OF
Saturation Spec Hum = _________ Relative Humidity = ____________
(from graph below) (Psychrometric Tables) SATURATION

40 Dew Point Temp = ____________

g//kg (Psychrometric Tables) ACTUAL H2O(V)
[g/kg]
Specific Humidity = ___________ CONTENT
30 (from graph below)
g//kg
Spedific Humidity

20
g//kg

10
g//kg

[oF]
(+1 Point)

Comparison (Classroom vs. Outside)

a) Which has the highest capacity for vapor? How do you know?
____________________________________________________________

b) Which has the highest actual vapor content? How do you know?
____________________________________________________________

c) Which is most saturated? How do you know?

___________________________________________________________
 13

Psychrometric Tables

“RH” Table (Relative Humidity in %, Temperature in o

F)

“Dew Point Temperature” Table (in o

F)
 14

E. SLOPE AZIMUTH vs. SUN ANGLE

Computing the “Sun Angle” and “% Insolation”
Suppose this hill has its slopes aligned symmetrically, one facing north, and one facing
south. Insolation Receipt (in %), at any location, is computed as shown in the box below:

Instructions (for pages 16-18):

(1) Measure the Sun Angle for a flat surface (SA (flat)) using a Compass Protractor
(2) Then, measure the Slope Angle (  ) (note:  = 0 on a flat surface)
(3) Then, calculate the Sun Angle for any surface (SA), using:
SA = SA (flat) +  → Add if the slope tilts toward the Sun*, or
→ Subtract if the slope tilts away from the Sun*

* The SA can not get higher than 90o (meanining “straight up!”).
So, if your answer is greater than 90o, then instead, use its
supplementary angle by subtracting it from 180o.

(4) Finally, use the sin function to calculate % Insolation, given as:
% INSOLATION = sin(SA) x 100
 Assume: All Questions are for the
15
Northern Hemisphere

Solve the Following Problems

1) A Hill Aligned Symmetrically North/South (at noon):
(a) Use a compass protractor to measure both the Sun Angle on flat ground (SA(Flat)),
and, the Angle of the Slope (Ѳ);
(b) Compute each localized Sun Angle (SA(Local)) and the resultant %Insolation at A,
B, and C;
(c) Draw a dashed-line showing incoming sunshine to Slopes B and C (right at the “dot”).
(+1 Point) Do so using the following: the localized Sun Angle (as computed in “b”), a compass-
protractor, and a straight-edge. (Then: Write-in the correct Sun Angle near the line.)

C B
A
Ѳ Ѳ
 North-facing South-facing →
(+1½ Points) (+3/4 Point) (+3/4 Point)
MEASURE COMPUTE COMPUTE
by using a (the localized SA) (the Intensity of Sunshine)
Compass Protractor “SUN ANGLE” “% INSOLATION”
SUN ANGLE (flat) = ___________

Slope Angle @ A = ________ A = ___________ A = ____________

Slope Angle @ B = ________ B = ___________ B = ____________
Slope Angle @ C = ________ C = ___________ C = ____________

Label the “North-facing” vs. “South-facing” slope

Therefore, predict which slope (North-facing vs. South-facing) will have:

(+1 Point) (a) Higher Ave. Temperatures: _________________________
(b) Higher Evaporation Rates: _________________________
(c) More “XERIC” conditions: __________________ (label above)
(d) More “MESIC” conditions: __________________ (label above)
 16

2) An Asymmetrical Stream Valley running E-W (noon): (+4½ Points)

(a) Use a compass protractor to measure both the Sun Angle on flat ground (SA(Flat)), and,
the Angle of the two Slopes (Ѳ);
(b) Compute each localized Sun Angle (SA(Local)) and the resultant %Insolation at X, Y, and Z;
(c) Draw a dashed-line showing incoming sunshine to Slopes Y and Z (right at the “dot”).
Do so using the following: the localized Sun Angle (as computed in “b”), a compass-
protractor, and a straight-edge. (Then: Write-in the correct Sun Angle near the line.)

MEASURE COMPUTE COMPUTE

by using a (the localized SA) (the Intensity of Sunshine)
Compass Protractor “SUN ANGLE” “% INSOLATION”

SUN ANGLE (flat) = ___________

Slope Angle @ X = ________ X = ___________ X = ____________

Slope Angle @ Y = ________ Y = ___________ Y = ____________
Slope Angle @ Z = ________ Z = ___________ Z= ____________

Label the “North-facing” vs. “South-facing” slope

Therefore, predict which slope (North vs. South-facing) will have:
(a) Higher Ave. Temperatures: _________________________
(b) Higher Evaporation Rates: _________________________
(c) More “XERIC” conditions: __________________ (label above)
(d) More “MESIC” conditions: __________________ (label above)
 17

(+4½ Points)
3) The same Asymmetrical Stream Valley in Winter (noon):
(a) Use a compass protractor to measure both the Sun Angle on flat ground (SA(Flat)),
and, the Angle of the two Slopes (Ѳ);
(b) Compute each localized Sun Angle (SA(Local)) and the resultant %Insolation at X,
Y, and Z;
(c) Draw a dashed-line showing incoming sunshine to Slopes B and C (right at the “dot”).
Do so using the following: the localized Sun Angle (as computed in “b”), a compass-
protractor, and a straight-edge. (Then: Write-in the correct Sun Angle near the line.)

MEASURE COMPUTE COMPUTE

by using a (the localized SA) (the Intensity of Sunshine)
Compass Protractor “SUN ANGLE” “% INSOLATION”

SUN ANGLE (flat) = ___________

Slope Angle @ X = ________ X = ___________ X = ____________

Slope Angle @ Y = ________ Y = ___________ Y = ____________
Slope Angle @ Z = ________ Z = ___________ Z= ____________
 18 +5 POINTS POSSIBLE
of "Extra Credit"

F. EXTRA CREDIT: SLOPE vs. PHOTOSYNTHETIC INPUTS / WX MAP

1. Slope Azimuth (+1 Point)

a. North-facing vs. South-facing Slopes (NH)

In the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing slopes point toward “the Tropics,”
and thus into the daytime Sun. South-facing slopes thus receive more-intense
Incoming Solar Radiation (“Insolation”) than do north-facing slopes. Thus:

❖ South-facing slopes:
Get ______ (more/less) insolation, thus are _______ (warmer/cooler),
thus have __________ (greater/ lower) rates of evaporation,
and therefore produce "Xeric" ( _________ (moister/drier))
conditions vs. N-facing slopes; likewise, snow remains on
the ground _______ (longer/shorter) on S-facing mountain slopes

❖ North-facing slopes:
Get ______ (more/less) insolation, thus are _______ (warmer/cooler),
thus have __________ (greater/ lower) rates of evaporation,
and therefore produce "Mesic" ( _________ (moister/drier))
conditions vs. S-facing slopes; likewise, snow remains on
the ground _______ (longer/shorter) on N-facing mountain slopes

b. Ski Resorts (in NH) → Commonly built on ____-facing slopes.

(N / S)
 19

2. Photosynthetic Productivity – Variation by Slope Azimuth

A B A B A

a. North-facing vs. South-facing Slopes (NH) (+1 Point)

“A” = “____-facing” Slopes → ___________ Temps → ________ Evap → __________ Conditions

(N/S) (warmer/colder) (more/less) (drier/moister)

“B” = “____-facing” Slopes → ___________ Temps → ________ Evap → __________ Conditions

(N/S) (warmer/colder) (more/less) (drier/moister)

b. Water Availability: “Mesic” vs. “Xeric” Conditions (+1 Point)

“A” = “____-facing” Slopes → ___________ Conditions → ________ Photosynthetic Productivity

(N/S) (Mesic/Xeric) (more/less)

“B” = “____-facing” Slopes → ___________ Conditions → ________ Photosynthetic Productivity

(N/S) (Mesic/Xeric) (more/less)
 20

(+3 Points) 3. TODAY’S SURFACE Wx MAP: Tape the current weather

map (given as a separate handout) into the space below. Then, (a) label the following five
cities on the map, (b) draw a small arrow showing wind direction at each (if not possible due
to the limitations of the resolution of this map, just write “unknown”), (c) label any identifiable
features on the map (e.g., a “midlatitude cyclonic storm,” “cold front,” “Great Basin High,”
“Desert Thermal Low,” etc.), and (d) complete the following table:
(1) (2) (3) (4)
Surface Surface Relative
Air Pressure Wind Direction * Wind Speed
City [mb] _ (from where they blow) Closer isobars = faster)

a) San Diego ___________ ______________ __________

b) Salt Lake City ___________ ______________ __________

c) Kansas City ___________ ______________ __________

* At any city where the direction of the d) Miami ___________ ______________ __________
Pressure Gradient is unknown-at-this-
scale, write Wind Direction “unknown” e) Pittsburgh ___________ ______________ __________

TAPE THE CURRENT

U. S. S U R F A C E W E A T H E R M A P
(“CONUS,” Analysis without Station Models)
H E R E
 21

(+2½ Points)
G. PLANT “I.D.” QUIZ (Give COMMON NAME only)

1) _____________________________

2) _____________________________

3) _____________________________

4) _____________________________

5) _____________________________

6) _____________________________

7) _____________________________

8) _____________________________

9) _____________________________

10) _____________________________
 22

Soft Chaparral or Coastal Sage Scrub Community → Malacophyllous

California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica) and Black Sage (Salvia mellifera) are the predominant
species of the coastal sage scrub community. These shrubs are generally less than 6 feet in
height (height will be much less for a plant growing on an interior slope of a hillside located within a
rainshadow) with multiple woody stems. Leaves are often aromatic, gray, woolly or sticky. Leaves
are pliable and thin (malacophyllous), hence the alternate name for this community of soft
chaparral. Leaves may also be drought-deciduous, falling off the plant during the hotter, drier
months. Roots are relatively shallow and are typically about half as deep as those of hard
chaparral although this may be due more to the shallower depth of the soft chaparral soils. Active
plant growth is early, immediately following the rains of November and December and continuing
through the spring. There is a higher herbaceous component to coastal scrub than to the hard
chaparral.

The coastal sage scrub community, or "soft" chaparral, is commonly found in California's coastal
zone in the elevation range from just above sea level to 1,800 feet. When it occurs on lower angled
slopes, this community falls prey to urban development. However, many sites for soft chaparral are
unsuitable for development as they are too steep and unstable.

Proximity to the ocean (climate is moister in areas under the influence of coastal fog), substrate,
latitude and elevation all effect changes on the distribution and species composition of stands of
coastal scrub communities. Soft chaparral is found primarily on western slopes above the
beaches, on steep, south-facing wind-exposed slopes, and in areas where the marine layer
penetrates further inland to foothills and canyons. This community receives on average about 10"-
20" of annual rainfall.

Plants of the hard and soft chaparral employ different strategies to deal with summer drought
conditions. The plants of the hard chaparral are generally evergreens with leaves that are reduced
in size, thick and leathery. In contrast, some of the soft chaparral plants are drought-deciduous.
They reduce metabolic function and either drop leaves under prolonged drought conditions
(summer) or produce smaller leaves on secondary shoots during the summer. This second
characteristic, known as seasonal dimorphism, can result in a reduction of water loss by as much
as 80%. In prolonged drought situations more leaves are lost in an effort to keep the rate of
dehydration below the rate at which the roots can replenish water from dry soils. Leaves are
replaced when winter rains provide supplies of water. The leaves are also aromatic and full of
volatile oils. On hot days the fragrant oils evaporate to both cool the leaves and inhibit the growth
of competing plants. The oils may also make the leaves less palatable to browsing herbivores.

Fire is an important element in the ecology of both hard and soft chaparral. Dominant species of
both hard and soft chaparral sprout back vegetatively from root crowns after a fire or other
disturbance. This resprouting, along with the spread of small, wind dispursed seeds, helps ensure
the succession of soft chaparral community. When fire occurs too frequently the coastal sage
scrub community may be replaced by grasslands that are often dominated by non-native annual
species.