Geography of the Hoh Rainforest

Geography of the Hoh fall woodsBrian MoodyThe Hoh rainforestThe Hoh rainforest is situated on the majestic Peninsula in Northwestern Washington state, USA (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2014). It lies on the west side of exceeding issue honey oil, surrounded by the exceptional National set (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2014). The absolute location is among 47-48 degrees North analog and 123-124.5 degrees West longitude (Broker, 1994).Temperatures inwardly the Hoh rain forest wind from the 20s (Fahrenheit(postnominal)(postnominal)(postnominal)) up to 80 Fahrenheit (USDA, 2014). The temperature ranges fluctuate by oceanson with nighttime winter temperatures reaching the c ho best straits into the 20s. Winter daytime temperatures hoer in the 40s (USDA, 2014). Spring temperatures range from 35-60 Fahrenheit (USDA, 2014). Summer temperatures range from the low 50s at night to daytime temperatures range between 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit (USDA, 2014). Fall temperatures stop fluctuate between 35-65 degrees Fahrenheit (USDA, 2014).As the name suggests, the Hoh rainforest experiences an extensive amount of ruination. The hardihood can take the form of rain or snow, with the latter typically occurring significantly only at higher elevations (Marietta College, 2014). The Hoh Rainforest experiences 140-170 inches (12-14 feet) of annual precipitation (National viridity Service, 2014).Temperature and precipitation in the Hoh Rainforest ar influenced in general by mountains and the peaceable Ocean (National common primer coat Service, 2011). While not a part of the Olympic National greenness, home of the Hoh Rainforest the cascade Mountains play a major role in temperature regulation at heart the park (National Park Service, 2011).The Cascade Mountains protect the Hoh Rainforest from masses of cold propagate brought down by cold jet streams from Canada (National Park Service, 2011). As a result, approximately of the polar air stays east of the Cascades, r esulting in warmer temperatures within the Hoh Rainforest (National Park Service, 2011).The peaceful Ocean is simply the largest temperature moderator of the Hoh Rainforest (National Park Service, 2011). The Pacific Ocean also plays a critical role in precipitation levels experienced in the region as maritime polar air masses are pushed inland by westerly wind patterns (Christopherson, 2010).The Olympic Mountains are another major influence everywhere temperature and precipitation levels in the Hoh Rainforest. The mountain range causes orographic lifting to occur (National Park Service, 2011). As air is pushed inland from the ocean, air pressure decreases, pushing it upward as it approaches the mountains (Christopherson, 2010). Simultaneously, the air increases in elevation and gets colder (Christopherson, 2010). Precipitation then occurs when the atmosphere reaches 100% relative humidness as a result of moisture entering it from the ocean (Christopherson, 2010). to the highest d egree of this precipitation is experienced on the windward side of the Olympic Mountains (National Park Service, 2011).The Hoh Rainforest has not experienced any extreme weather events, with the ejection of make full which will be addressed in an upcoming voice of this paper. It is worth noting, that while the Pacific coast of Washington is susceptible to tsunamis, the Hoh Rainforest is situated far enough inland to be protected from overmuch(prenominal) an extreme weather event.The Hoh Rainforest is classified as a devil dog west coast climate type (Christopherson, 2010). It is therefore characterized by hardly a(prenominal) temperature extremes and plenty of precipitation in all month of the year (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2014).The Hoh Rainforest is made up geologically of sedimentary and extrusive igneous pit (Christopherson, 2010). Sedimentary jars are formed from the processes of weathering, transportation, and deposition (Christopherson, 2010). Within the Hoh Rainfore st, the sedimentary rock make up consists of shale and limestone (Broker, 1994). The outward igneous rock composition is a result of lava seamounts (Broker, 1994).The major tectonic act experienced in the Hoh Rainforest was plate tectonic activity (Broker, 1994). The land altering processes of faulting and glaciations are creditworthy for the formation of the peaks and valleys of the Hoh Rainforest (Broker, 1994). Additionally, the creation of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound are results of pivotal advances and retreats (Broker, 1994).The topography and prominent features of the Hoh Rainforest and surrounding bailiwick consists of valleys, lakes, and mountains. in that respect are 5 major valleys in the Olympic Peninsula region Soleduck Valley, Bogachiel River Valley, Hoh River Valley, Queets River Valley, and Quinault River Valley (Broker, 1994). There are also 5 lowland lakes made by glacial activity Lake Ozette, Lake Crescent, Lake Cushman, Lake Wynoochee, and Lake Quinault (Broker, 1994). The Olympic Mountain Range provides a mountainous terrain associated with the surrounding body politic (Broker, 1994).The major structural controls of the Hoh Rainforest are the mountains within and surrounding the area, primarily the Olympic Mountain Rang. The structural formation of the mountains protagonists develop a radial tire drainage pattern (Christopherson, 2010). This pattern occurs when streams melt down off a cardinal peak or dome (Christopherson, 2010). As streams within the area period down the Olympic Mountains, they drain into the Hoh River. The peak discharge ever estimated for the Hoh River is 60,000cfs occurring on October 17, 2003 (US plane section of the Interior, 2004). The mean daily flow of the Hoh River is 2,524cfs (US Department of the Interior, 2004).The Hoh rainforest is subjected to flooding by the incumbent Hoh River (NIFC, 2007). While flooding occurred only 1-2 times per decade prior to 1970, the recurrence has elevate d to 3 times per year (US Department of the Interior, 2004). The increase in flooding has been blamed primarily on humankind influence through the introduction of rip rap for bank stabilisation the rip rap while stabilizing the bank also speeds river flow creating higher discharge rates and flood conditions downstream (NIFC, 2007). Other factors modify to increased flood recurrence entangle changes in weather patterns and disforestation (US Department of the Interior, 2004). The increase in deforestation for road construction and character harvesting has not only created impervious surfaces that speed storm water flow into the Hoh River, and has also decreased canopy cover which helps slow the speed of precipitation reducing the amount of runoff reaching the river system (US Department of the Interior, 2004).The Hoh Rainforest is belongs to the cold-temperate rainforest biome (Marietta College, 2014). The vegetation characteristics of the ecosystem are evergreen and deciduous trees on windward slopes and redwoods (Marietta College, 2014). Indicator plant species of the temperate Hoh Rainforest are board strands of conifers, including Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Mountain Hemlock, Western Hemlock, Sitka Spruce, and Lodgepole true pine (Marietta College, 2014). The superior deciduous tree species is the Big-leaf Maple, while mosses, lichens and epiphytes are also hey forefinger species of the biome (Marietta College, 2014). The indicator puppet species of the temperate Hoh Rainforest include slugs, birds such as the Clarks Nutcracker and Blue Grouse, and Roosevelt Elk (Marietta College, 2014).The ecosystem of the Hoh Rainforest is characterized primarily by rain or precipitation and moderate temperatures (National Park Service, 2014). Other key characteristics include large old trees, dead wood, epiphytes, nurse logs, and Roosevelt Elk (National Park Service, 2014). The temperate rainforest is the fourth most productive ecosystem type it has a br ing in primary production rate of 600-2500g/sm/yr (Christopherson, 2010). The ecosystem provides an abundance of ecosystem services. The trees of the rainforest filter air by capturing carbon dioxide and other pollutants (National Park Service, 2014). Additionally, the trees help manage stormwater by capturing and slowing precipitation in the canopy and water absorption and filtration by plant roots (National Park Service, 2014). The Hoh Rainforest provides much to animals and public in the way of home ground and recreation (National Park Service, 2014).There are four distinct home grounds in the Olympic National Park and Forest (Broker, 1994). First, there are the marine and estuarine coastal areas (Broker, 1994). spot is the temperate rainforest (Broker, 1994). The third habitat is the alpine meadows and unvegetated glacial peaks (Broker, 1994). Finally, the matter park and forest contains the rain shadow forest and field habitat (Broker, 1994).The dominate plant communities within the Hoh Rainforest are large old coniferous trees, including Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Mountain Hemlock, Western Hemlock, Sitka Spruce, and Lodgepole Pine (Broker, 1994). Dominant deciduous trees of the Hoh Rainforest include Big-leaf Maple, Vine Maple, Red Alder, and Black cottonwood (Broker, 1994). Ferns, mosses, and lichens are also dominant plant types within the ecosystem (Broker, 1994). The dominant animal species within the Hoh Rainforest are fish, such as trout, amphibians, and primary consumers, such as Roosevelt Elk and Black-tailed Deer (Broker, 1994).The Hoh Rainforest follows a food cooking stove and entanglement similar to that of all temperate rainforest. The food chain and web progress beginning with producers standardized grasses and blackberries (Christopherson, 2010). The primary consumers such as cervid and elk consume the producers (Christopherson, 2010). Secondary consumers, such as black bears, tick, or insects then feed off or on the primary consumers (Christopherson, 2010). Meanwhile, 3rd consumers like birds feed on the secondary consumers (Christopherson, 2010). Decomposers, such as dishonor bacteria and fungi feed on each of the previously mentioned members of the food chain and web, as they breakdown the plant animal remains (Christopherson, 2010). The producers are then fed by the decomposers, starting the chain and web over again (Christopherson, 2010).The Spotted Owl is an shell of an animal occupying a recess within the Hoh Rainforest (Broker, 1994). To thrive, the Spotted Owl has very specific habitat requirements consisting of. dense, mature strands of trees and a minimum of 3000 acres of contiguous forested land with mature, multi-layered, multi-aged canopy, large snags, deformed branches for perches, and internal defects for nest cavities, (Broker, 1994). The Hoh Rainforest therefore is the standard place for this animal population to exist.Many symbiotic relationships exist within the Hoh Rainforest. Such relationships are often illustrated by fungi and plant species. An example occurring in the Hoh Rainforest are the fungi, Conks and Turkey dog feeding off organic matter on trees (Broker, 1994).The Human-Land relationship within the Hoh Rainforest can be both positive and negative. Recreational activities like camping, hiking, birding, and fishing are all examples of the positive relationship between humans and the rainforest (National Park Service, 2014). Conversely, clear-cutting and logging illustrate the negative relationship between man and the Hoh Rainforest (National Park Service, 2014). Such actions are responsible for landslides, the strangling of rivers and streams with sediment caused by downed logs, and diminished wildlife habitats (National Park Service, 2014).The ecosystem of the Hoh Rainforest is of stable, high quality. The area is home to many endangered species, such as Spotted Owls, marbled Mureletts, fishers, salmon, and Bull Trout (Olympic glide Allianc e, 2005). Each of these species depend on the highest quality forest conditions and their presence reflects the stability and quality of the Hoh Rainforest (Olympic bank Alliance, 2005). The major affright to the Hoh Rainforest ecosystem and the species within is logging (Olympic Coast Alliance, 2005). Many conservation strategies select been implemented in an effort to control logging in the rainforest. The most successful strategy has been to include the Hoh Rainforest in the Olympic National Park, Olympic National Forest, Olympic Experimental Forest, and Quinault Indian Reservation (Olympic Coast Alliance, 2005). Inclusion in these larger systems provides rigid and strict regulation over logging within the Hoh Rainforest.ReferencesBroker, Stephen P. (1994). Climate and Ecology. Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute. Retrieved from http//www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1994/5/94.05.04.x.html.Christopherson (2010), elementary Geosystems, 7th Ed.Marietta College, Department of Bi ology and Environmental Sciences. (2014). Biomes of the World. Retrieved from http//www.marietta.edu/biol/biomes/temprain.htm.Marine West Coast Climate.(2014). InEncyclopdia Britannica. Retrieved fromhttp//www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/365348/marine-west-coast-climate.Northwest Indian weighteries Commission (NIFC). (2007). Hoh River Flooding Needs of Fish and People Must be Balanced. Retrieved from http//nwifc.org/2007/12/hoh-river-flooding-needs-of-fish-and-people-must-be-balanced/.National Park Service. (2014). Olympic National Park Washington. Retrieved from http//www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-the-hoh.htm.National Park Service. (2011). Olympic National Park Weather and Climate Retrieved from http//www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/upload/weather.pdf.Olympic Coast Alliance (2005). Olympic Coast Rainforest. Retrieved from http//www.olympiccoast.org/rainforest.html.Olympic National Park.(2014). InEncyclopdia Britannica. Retrieved from http//www.britannica.com/EBchecked/ topic/428124/Olympic-National-ParkUnited States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. (2014). Olympic National Forest. Retrieved from http//www.fs.usda.gov/detail/olympic/about-forest/?cid=fsbdev3_049559.U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of reformation Technical Service Center (2004). Geomorphic Assessment of Hoh River in Washington State. Retrieved from http//www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/sma/cma/pdf/Hoh_CMZ.pdf.Radical Botany (2014). Restoring the Connection Between Native Plants and Humans. Retrieved from radicalbotany.com/category/fungi-and-mushrooms/.