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| GPH 111 - Intro to Physical Geography |
| Exercise 14 - Tempe Butte |
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This stop focuses on the microclimate of the north side of Tempe Butte. The diagram shows you the above photo view, looking up at a cliff facing to the north. Even on summer solstice at noon, direct solar radiation does not fall on these rock exposures. In contrast, south-facing rock exposures experience direct solar radiation year round. There is no shade for protection. Click here to quickly return to the south side of Tempe Butte for comparison. If you are not convinced there is much difference between the north and south sides in terms of vegetation, take a look at sthe close-up views below.
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| South
Facing: The above south-facing exposure
receives sunlight during the entire year. Few plants are able to survive year
round sunlight. Only rock varnish grows in
abundance, which acts to darken rock surfaces and makes rock surfaces even
hotter.
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| North Facing: This north-facing rock face receives no direct sunlight during the year. Even in this desert climate, dark moss, green algae, and orange and green lichen grow in abundance. These organisms survive even though the north side receives the same small amount of rainfall as the south side. Why is the rainfall more "effective" for plants on the north side? Click here for the answer. |
NAVIGATION: BACK TO STOP 9+10
