Arctic Tussock Tundra Mountain Slopes
Circle-spoke model
Scenario model
Current ecosystem state
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Management practices/drivers
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No transition or restoration pathway between the selected states has been described
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Description
Dynamics specific to late lying snow beds support unique soils and vegetation. Across the landscape, as exposure increases to the winds, little snow cover remains, and lichen cover is low. But in areas with higher snow cover, the lichen will vary and can account for 25 percent of cover (Viereck et al. 1992). Vegetation will vary across this ecological site based on where late-lying snow and the most exposed soils occur. This natural variance is common across the organic soils described by this ecological site.
The natural buildup of peat material (paludification) can restrict tussock growth and is responsible for a unique community in this state. The ecological site has plant communities representative of the native or natural conditions. Minimal impact from human influence is seen.
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Ecological sites
Major Land Resource Areas
The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.