Alpine and Subalpine Vegetation Patterns in the White Mountains of California

Abstract

An analysis was made of the prominent vegetation features as they relate to elevation and substrate in the White Mts. of California. This study was confined to elevations between 9,500 to 13,500 ft., encompassing the subalpine and alpine zones. Three geological sub- strates were considered; granite, sandstone, and dolomite. The environ- mental gradient was quantified with measurements of air and soil temperatures, precipitation and soil moisture tension. The elevational change in vegetation structure was found to be controlled to a large extent by substrate type. Trees occur at higher elevations on dolomite, and- shrubs at higher elevations on sandstone and granite. These major trends are related to the differential response of each species to the elevation and substrate gradients. Evidence is presented which suggests that certain of these patterns