Ozark Broadleaf Forest - Meadow Province
Contents
Ozark Broadleaf Forest - Meadow Province (Bailey)
Ozark Highlands, 6,400 mi2 (16,600 km2)
Land-surface form
This is an area of low dissected mountains composed of sandstone and shale, with altitudes up to 2,000 ft (600 m) and a relief of 1,500 ft (460 m). Valleys are narrow, with steep sides and gradients.
Climate
The climate is hot continental, with cold winters and hot summers. Rainfall occurs throughout the year, with drier periods in summer and autumn. In Mountain Home, Arkansas (on the outskirts of this province), the average annual temperature is 59F (15C) and the average annual precipitation is 41 in (1,050 mm).
Vegetation
This region supports oak-hickory forest. The primary overstory species are red oak, white oak, and hickory. Shortleaf pine and eastern redcedar are important on disturbed sites, shallow soils, and south- and westfacing slopes.
Soils
The major soils are warm, moist Ultisols.
Fauna
No bird or mammal species is uniquely abundant in this province and not in neighboring ones. Bird and mammal communities are similar to those in the Eastern Broadleaf Forest (Continental) Province. Several endemic salamanders, however, are found here.
Ecoregions of the United States
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