Coastranges.pptVIP

Pacific Mountain SystemCoast Ranges North Coastal Ranges South Coastal Ranges Coast ranges Most Mountain peaks at around 4,000 ft. 550 miles long (North South) Divided into Northern and Southern Ranges at San Francisco Bay Proximity to ocean on west slope, keeps temperatures cool, and fog common – Fog held there by mountains. Inland valleys, peaks have less coastal influences North Coast Ranges Run north of SF to Klamath Mountains, by Eureka. Heavy summer fog keeps soil moist along coast Adds up 10 inches of precipitation Inland valleys drier due to rainshadow Bodega, Napa, Sonoma etc. Heavy Salt spray along coast Include mostly North/South running river valleys Eel, Russian Rivers Older than Southern Ranges. Includes higher peaks, some exceeding 7,000 ft. North Coast Ranges Most Seismically active region in United States In the 1990s, at least nine magnitude 6.0-plus earthquakes jolted the North Coast. This amount of large quakes was higher than in any other decade within the last century. Uplifting West coast constant rising up over last several million years. Along with changes in sea level during Ice Ages the uplifting of old marine / shoreline terraces are moved from 100 - 1000 ft. above sea level. Sedimentary layers get tilted in uplifting and when saturated they may give way, causing the frequent mudslides along southern coast. Eroded Marine Terraces Monta?a de Oro State Park North Coast Marine Terraces Northern Coastal Zones Pygmy forest: shallow soil with hard pan underneath in sandstone. Water-logged in winter, dry in summer Costal fog keeps trees alive Restricted root growth stunts plants Bolander Pine endemic species, Pygmy Cypress grows there as poor competitor. Closed Cone pines on uplifted dunes- sandy soils, cool wet climate with fog. Pygmy Forest Shallow soil Hardpan layer restricts root growth- stunting trees Small plants but old with mature cones, berries Needs heavy summer fog to prevent drying out Northern Coastal Zones Rocky intertida