Forest on the Border
La Crueize, Rochessadoule, Cevennes, Southern France
June 23, 2011, 19:53 local time
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© 2011 Erik Krause, All Rights Reserved.
Caption
The kind of forest depends on the soil it grows on and the soil depends on the geology below. In this exact spot limestone and sandstone meet.To the west the sandstone causes a more acidic soil which is preferred by chestnuts and pine trees. On the other side the more alkaline limestone soil benefits holm oaks and boxwood. (The opening view is looking north by the way)
If you cross this border the forest changes character completely. Other flowers, other mosses and lichens and other animals dominate.
The pine trees however are not native to that landscape. They where introduced at the beginning of the coal mining period to satisfy the large demand for pit props. They are the main reason for small forest fires turn into wildfires which year after year destroy many hectares. That's why on the other side of the hill all pine trees are cut. You can see the logging truck uphill.
More panoramas from the region:
- Peacocks in the afternoon (on WWP)
- A happy family has siesta (on WWP)
Location
Lat: 44° 17' 8.45" N
Long: 4° 5' 31.66" E
Elevation: 365
Precision is: Unknown / Undeclared.
Equipment
Canon EOS 5DII, Zenitar 16mm lens, PTGui Pro, Photoshop
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