Topography and Soil

Spot elevation

• uses contour lines to represent the 3D landforms in 2D space (commonly used)

  • contour line is imaginary - connects all points of equal elevation

• DEM - Digital elevation model

Erosion and Slope Classes

Soil

• weathering of rocks and the action of living organism

• mineral and organic matter

Soil texture is determined by particulate size

Two types of water in the soil

Moisture Deficit = ET (evapotranspiration) - Effective Precipitation

• large moisture deficit = trees lack moisture and are more prone to burn (forest fires)

More small particles hold more water (water holding capacity)

Larger particles have a high bearing capacity

Climate region

• Primarily based on climatic factors like temperature and rainfall patterns.

Ecoregion:

• Considers both climate and the specific plant and animal communities that thrive within that climate, including factors like soil type and topography.