vernal pools
Post on 06-Jan-2016
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Vernal Pools
What?
How?
Where?
Why?
What is a vernal pool?
• Vernal is derived from the Latin word for spring
• A vernal pool is a seasonal pool that is present in the spring and dries up in late spring or summer
February March June November
How and where?
• Remnants of lava plateau along Hwy 15 corridor
• Surrounding softer geology erodes leaving mesas– Dense; less porous
• Examples:– Mira Mesa– Miramar– Santa Rosa Plateau
Why are vernal pools important?
Sustainability of an unique ecosystem
• Fairy Shrimp– Within days, dormant embryos
(that can be up to many centuries old) develop into adults
• Copepods, Daphnia, other crustaceans, and flatworms
• Insects & insect larvae• Aquatic snails• Tadpoles, Frogs, toads• Snakes• Birds
Why don’t we see more of these?
• Most vernal pools are gone– Less than 10% remain
in Southern California
• Human impact– Development– Pollution
• …but with a bit of education, protection, and restoration
Miramar Campus
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