Biome Layers of the California Southern Coast

Adobe

I've always been fascinated by the complex layering of biomes and microenvironments in the coastal mountains of Southern California. I made this graph to illuminate at a simple level just how much complexity there is. Thick fog waves, dry weather, fires, and ancient sandstone slowly encroach upon warn volcanic gravel hills. Vibrant, pungent herbs and dusty sages, striking yuka stalks, and a sea of silver-green and rust red- to--black chaparral. Sandstone micro-environments coddle small rain-water pools high in the ocean fog cliffs - supporting niche succulent and insect populations specially adapted to live on shallow drifts of soil and fallen branches. Millenia-worn slopes of sandstone pushed up from the sea below, coated in inch-thick lichen swaths frequented by sparrows and squirrels.