ECOSYSTEMS > INLAND OREGON
Uplands are literally areas of high ground. This may include headlands, hills, terraces or low mountains. Generally, elevations for upland areas can range between 400 and 2,500 feet (120 to 760 m). Because of the rise in elevation, uplands may also act as transitional areas between different ecosystems, for example a woodland that slowly transforms into a forest as you progress upward and temperatures become lower while moisture increases.
Uplands are important to the hydrologic cycle because water drains from these elevated areas to form creeks, rivers, ponds and lakes. Ultimately, this water will flow to the ocean which the cycle repeats itself. Along of the way, of course, the flow of water distributes nutrients to plants and animals of every description.
Uplands are literally areas of high ground. This may include headlands, hills, terraces or low mountains. Generally, elevations for upland areas can range between 400 and 2,500 feet (120 to 760 m). Because of the rise in elevation, uplands may also act as transitional areas between different ecosystems, for example a woodland that slowly transforms into a forest as you progress upward and temperatures become lower while moisture increases.
Uplands are important to the hydrologic cycle because water drains from these elevated areas to form creeks, rivers, ponds and lakes. Ultimately, this water will flow to the ocean which the cycle repeats itself. Along of the way, of course, the flow of water distributes nutrients to plants and animals of every description.
Coastal Uplands:
On the Oregon Coast, uplands may be soaked by cool, persistent rains during the winter rainy season. The high rainfall may increase erosion in these areas — or even trigger one of the state's infamous landslides. But the runoff also replenishes the estuaries and wetlands below with both fresh water and nutrients.
By the summer, the rains may be sporadic or nonexistent. Coastal areas may even experience periods of drought during this season. Many upland plants have adapted to this dramatic difference in precipitation by using summer fog — a common weather condition during the dry months — to reduce the stress caused by the lack of moisture.
In Oregon, upland plant communities can change dramatically depending on how close they are to the ocean. Headlands, which are upland areas immediately adjacent to the Pacific, may be subjected to particularly high winds. As a result, plant communities here are dominated by grasses because the wind prevents larger plants from taking root. But further inland, mixed conifer-hardwood forests may abound.
By the summer, the rains may be sporadic or nonexistent. Coastal areas may even experience periods of drought during this season. Many upland plants have adapted to this dramatic difference in precipitation by using summer fog — a common weather condition during the dry months — to reduce the stress caused by the lack of moisture.
In Oregon, upland plant communities can change dramatically depending on how close they are to the ocean. Headlands, which are upland areas immediately adjacent to the Pacific, may be subjected to particularly high winds. As a result, plant communities here are dominated by grasses because the wind prevents larger plants from taking root. But further inland, mixed conifer-hardwood forests may abound.
Where Can I See Uplands in Western, Central and Eastern Oregon?
Ashland and Vicinity
GPS coordinates: 42.1916714, -122.728533 |
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
GPS coordinates: 44.5445565, -119.6341581 |
Mount Hood National Forest
GPS coordinates: 46.1298421, -123.8925035 |
Where Can I See Uplands on the Oregon Coast?
Lewis and Clark National Historic Park
GPS coordinates: 46.1298421, -123.8925035 |
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Neahkahnie Mountain
GPS coordinates: 45.7440098, -123.9497457 |