331Fb Shale Scablands

Landscape Characteristics:

Dissected shale plains formed in calcareous shale, claystone, and sandstone. Elevations range from 2650 to 4100 feet. Drainage density is high.

Climate:

Mean annual precipitation ranges from 11 to 15 inches, about 20 percent falling as snow. The soil temperature and moisture regimes are frigid and aridic ustic.

Potential Vegetation:

Wheatgrass-needlegrass

Relationships of Dominant Map Unit Components:

Landform Geology Soil Taxa
Dissected plains Calcareous sedimentary Torriorthents/Camborthids/Natrargids

Disturbance and Land Use:

The primary natural disturbance is drought. Land use is predominantly livestock grazing.