In this photo from November 2013 at Grand Canyon’s Mather Point, an example of a microclimate is on full display.
What is a microclimate? A small area that has a different climate than the surrounding general climate due to geographic differences.
So here — on the north facing slopes below the Canyon’s rim — we see a small patch of tall evergreens dusted in snow, while the rest of the canyon is snow-free. Perpetually in shade, the north facing slopes stay cooler, making snow slower to melt off in winter, and moisture slower to evaporate out of the soil in summer too.
This also means that different types of trees can grow on these slopes, trees that need more moisture and cooler temperatures. Here, we see Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), which would typically grow at least 1,000 feet in elevation if in full sun at this location.
In contrast, the surrounding areas atop the rim — and out on the edge of ledges where the sun can sometimes reach — the dominant vegetation is Pinyon-Woodlands, which thrives in semi-arid environments getting 10-20 inches of precipitation per year.
Douglas fir typically grow in areas getting 40+ inches of precipitation each year, so you can see how the north-facing slope microclimate allows them to survive despite getting less rain and snow than they usually need.
Well, that’s it for todays Daily Dose. I hope you learned something new!
Best,
-Jake
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