Rangeland: Regions of North America
5 Geographical Zones Mediterranean Region Pacific Northwest SW Desert Great Basin Great Plains *Vary greatly in topography, soil and climate*
Mediterranean Region Much like the Mediterranean area between Southern Europe and N. Africa Greatly influenced by the Pacific Ocean Hot dry summers Cool wet winters 90 % of annual precipitation Bordered by the Sierra Nevada Mtn Range on the east.
Pacific Northwest (PNW) Pacific Ocean heavily dictates climatic patterns Coastal region bordered by the Cascade Mtn Range Cool dry summers Cool wet winters Majority of annual precipitation Eastern part of the PNW falls experiences the rain shadow of Cascades Hot dry summers, Cool wet winters Sagebrush Steppes and Intermountain Grasslands
Great Basin Like it sounds, it is literally a “Great Basin” between 2 Mtn. Ranges Topography causes water to settle in the bottom The evaporation of the standing water causes huge salt and alkaline regions. Falls within the rain shadow of Sierra Nevada Mtn. Range
Southwest Desert Considered our “HOT” deserts Hot Summers Warm Winters 15 inches of annual precipitation (some areas only get rain a few times a year Monsoon season during July – Sept (Southern winds from Pacific Ocean and Gulf Coast)
Great Plains Largest region in North America Eastern side experiences a rain shadow from the Rockies Most precipitation falls on the western side of the plains. Most of the annual precipitation
Vegetation Types in North America Dominated by Grasslands Shrublands Woodlands Desert Unique regional vegatation adapted for climate & soils
*Presentation Due Thursday Sept 14th* Group Project Rangeland Regions Presentation, Activity and Assessment (test) Mediterranean Region Pacific Northwest & SW Desert Great Basin Great Plains *Presentation Due Thursday Sept 14th*
Works Cited Rangelands an Overview – Idaho Rangeland Commission, University of Idaho Rangelands an Introduction to Wild Open Spaces - Idaho Rangeland Commission, University of Idaho What is Range Management Lecture – Karen Launchbaugh