I can analyze the effects of weathering, erosion, and deposition on the environment. (7.8.B)
The High Plains
The Piney Woods
The East Texas Piney Woods ecoregion has topography that is fairly flat and fertile, meaning it has nutrients for the plants to grow. It is one of the wettest regions in Texas, receiving between 35-50 inches of precipitation annually. These conditions support pine and hardwood ecosystems. Periodic forest fires allow pine trees to maintain their status as the dominant ecosystem. This ecoregion is home to the Big Thicket National Preserve, which is an effort to protect the forest and wildlife that lives there.
The abundance of plants and trees helps to prevent soil erosion during rainfall events, which occur in this ecoregion. If there are no plants and the soil is exposed to water and wind, then the soil is easily eroded and carried away. |
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The Gulf Coast Plains and Marshes
The Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes ecoregion is found along the southeast coast of Texas and consists primarily of flat plains with low elevations (less than 150 feet). Average rainfall ranges from 30-60 inches and soils are clay or sand rich in various locations. The dominant plant species are tall grasses, live oak trees, and mesquite. The cities of Houston and Galveston fall within this ecoregion.
Along the gulf coast, waves can erode beaches in one area and redeposit the sand in a different location along the coast. Deposition of the sand may also occur to form sand dunes on land or sand bars in the water (also known as barrier islands). Strong storms and hurricanes in this area can also increase beach erosion. During catastrophic events like hurricanes, wave erosion accelerates. This erosion can destroy habitats for animals such as turtles, seagulls, and pelicans.
Along the gulf coast, waves can erode beaches in one area and redeposit the sand in a different location along the coast. Deposition of the sand may also occur to form sand dunes on land or sand bars in the water (also known as barrier islands). Strong storms and hurricanes in this area can also increase beach erosion. During catastrophic events like hurricanes, wave erosion accelerates. This erosion can destroy habitats for animals such as turtles, seagulls, and pelicans.