California’s Pleistocene Megafauna and the Role of Climate Change in Extinction

December 1, 2023

California’s Pleistocene Megafauna and the Role of Climate Change in Extinction: The Younger Dryas, the Rise of Wildfire, and the end of an Epoch  The icy life span of the Pleistocene Epoch, commonly referred to as the Ice Age, unfurled for more than two and a half million years, from 2.6 million to 11,000 years … More California’s Pleistocene Megafauna and the Role of Climate Change in Extinction

Geology and Geomorphology of the Rancho La Brea Tar Pits

November 12, 2023

Geology and Geomorphology of the Rancho La Brea Tar Pits On the chronostratigraphic scale of geologic time, a picture of earth’s past structures, systems, and inhabitants increasingly comes into focus as the ascent out of deep time accelerates toward our current moment on the planet. Geochronologic divisions of life and physical events on earth (based … More Geology and Geomorphology of the Rancho La Brea Tar Pits

Serpentinite in California

June 18, 2023

Serpentinite in California The State rock of California, commonly referred to as Serpentine, is known for its striking blue-green hue, slick surfaces, and dramatic topography. Serpentinite landscapes form California’s emblematic towering coastal cliffs, Sierran talus slopes, and the pastoral rolling hills of Franciscan formation and Franciscan mélange in the Coast Ranges. What Prominent in California, … More Serpentinite in California

Serpentinite Habitats in California

June 18, 2023

Serpentinite Habitats in California Serpentinite rock forms the landscapes and soils that support some of California’s most rare and endemic species and habitats. A product of our young and rugged tectonic landscape, serpentinite defines and punctuates the accreted wilderness of the Klamath Mountains, the foothills of the Sierra-Nevada, and the emergent transform slopes and valleys … More Serpentinite Habitats in California

Biogeography of California’s Seasonal Freshwater Wetlands

April 28, 2023

Biogeography of California’s Seasonal Freshwater Wetlands For the purpose of this research, and to get a better understanding of this overwhelming and ecologically vital topic, I have grouped California’s seasonal (vernal, ephemeral) freshwater wetlands into three categories, or associations, based on broad geomorphological distinctions, and differing hydrologic characteristics: coastal seasonal freshwater meadows; valley hardpan vernal … More Biogeography of California’s Seasonal Freshwater Wetlands

Geomorphology of California’s Seasonal Freshwater Wetlands

April 28, 2023

Geomorphology of California’s Seasonal Freshwater Wetlands For the purpose of this research, and to get a better understanding of this overwhelming and ecologically vital topic, I have grouped California’s seasonal (vernal, ephemeral) freshwater wetlands into four categories, or associations, based on broad geomorphological distinctions, and differing hydrologic characteristics: coastal seasonal freshwater meadows; valley hardpan vernal … More Geomorphology of California’s Seasonal Freshwater Wetlands

Non-Native Tree Storm Hazards in Coastal Communities

January 26, 2023

Non-Native Tree Storm Hazards in Coastal Communities The native coastal habitats of California have evolved to withstand winter storms. Within the ecological and geomorphological zones of the Coast Ranges, marine terraces, dune systems, estuaries, riparian zones, coastal ravines and valleys, and nearshore environments, plant species and communities such as Coastal Scrub types, Coastal Prairie, wetland, … More Non-Native Tree Storm Hazards in Coastal Communities