Took this photo at Kahlotus Ridgetop Natural Area Preserve in eastern Washington. The area had burned a few weeks prior but the 'biological soil crust' (a combination of organisms that can include cynobacteria, mosses, lichen, and fungi) was still as beautiful as ever. Soil crust are very important to many arid ecosystems as they decrease erosion, affect water infiltration, provide nutrients, and can affect seed germination.
No comments:
Post a Comment