Difference between revisions of "Domnonia Ecosystem"

Revision as of 08:02, 4 December 2006

Prairie Parkland

The Prairie Parkland Ecosystem covers an extensive area from Central Algar, to southwestern Powysia and northwestern Lindinis to central Sendar, with alternating prairie and deciduous forest. The topography is mostly gently rolling plains, but steep bluffs border a number of valleys. Some areas are nearly flat; others have high rounded hills. Elevations range from 300 to 2,000 ft (90 to 600 m).

Climate

Summers are usually hot, and winters are cold, especially in the northern parts of the ecosystem. Average annual temperatures may reach 40F (4C) in the north and 60F (16C) in the south. Winters are short and relatively mild in southerly areas. The frost-free season ranges from 120 days along the northern fringe to 235 days in the south. Average annual precipitation ranges from 20 to 40 in (510 to 1,020 mm), falling mainly during the growing season.

Vegetation

Vegetation is characterized by intermingled prairie, groves, and strips of deciduous trees including the Thoris Pine. The alternation of forest and prairie in the northeastern part of the ecosystem is a result of soil conditions and slope; trees are commonly found near streams and on northfacing slopes. The thin soils atop this area's hills support very few trees. In the western part of the ecosystem, however, trees often cover the highest hills. The prairies seem to be areas that have not yet become forested because of frequent fires or time.

Grasses are the dominant vegetation. Most are tall and grow in bunches. The most common type of grassland is stem prairie, dominated by such plants as switchgrass, and Ca'Qu grass, along with many species of wildflowers like the Ahabasil Poppy and Solace Chamomile. In many places where grazing and fire are controlled, deciduous forest is encroaching on the prairies. Due to generally favorable conditions of climate and soil, most of the area is cultivated, and little of the original vegetation remains.

Fauna

In addition to prairie animals that do not need woody vegetation, many forest animals are found in this province. They inhabit the wooded valleys that extend across the region, including the Underfall Mink and the Powysia River Otter. On the prairies, ground squirrels and prairie dogs are commonly seen.

Birds of the prairie forests include the Den Jay, Seor Robin, and the Restine Phebe.

Intermountain Semidesert

The Intermountain Semidesert ecosystem covers the geographic areas of Domnonia known as the Domini Badlands and the Northern Plateau in Inlad. Much of this area is made up of separate interior basins; only a small part of precipitation drains to the sea. The lower parts of many basins have heavy accumulations of salts. Streams are rare and few are permanent. Many mountains rise steeply from the semiarid, sagebrush-covered plains. These mountains are generally well covered by vegetation.

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