Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification Flashcards
What is the “bio” part of the term?
The biological nature of the ecosystem.
What is the “geo” part of the term?
The use of soils and geology.
What are BEC zones?
The highest level of classification that represent areas of broad macroclimate.
What are zones usually named after?
The dominant tree species and a descriptor of the general climate or region
What is a subzone?
Divisions of zones that further define the climate of an area. On coast are based on climate and continentality. In interior based on climate and precipiation.
What is a site series?
The smallest unit of classification. Defined as ecosystems with similar soil moisture and soil nutrients and plants indicative of potential vegetation community that can be in the site at maturity. Descriptions are always of mature site conditions
What is a zonal site?
Site or site series that best reflects the regional macroclimate of a zubzone or variant. Used to differentiate between the different subzones and variants. Always labeled 01 and other site is numbered from driest to wettest and poor to rich
What is soil moisture regime?
The average amount of soil water annually available for evapotranspiration by vascular plants over several years. Uses nine classes.
What is soil nutrient regime?
the amount of essential soil nutrients available to vascular plants over several years. Ranges from A (very poor) to E (very rich)
What is an edatopic grid?
a way of representing the soil nutrient regime and soil moisture regime at a site.
