Geological Society of America

9 Undergraduate Research (Posters)

Wednesday, 17 May 2023
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Cargo Room

EFFECTS OF LITHOLOGY ON PLANT COMMUNITIES IN THE WESTERN SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS

Paper number: 9-19
Program: Theme Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Authors

Matthew Leigh Rens
University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA
Ryan Michael Parkyn
California State University Northridge, Northridge, CA
Roger Putnam Presenting Author
Truckee Meadows Community College, Reno, NV

Abstract

This study investigated whether lithology impacts plant communities in the Santa Monica Mountains, contrasting the Miocene Conejo Volcanic and Topanga Formations. Two field sites were selected using QGIS to find regions with similar aspect, slope, and elevation, yet different bedrock. Rock samples collected from the two localities were analyzed in thin section using petrographic microscopes to assess mineralogy. Line transects 50 meters in length were taken to record plant species abundance. Greater biodiversity was found on igneous bedrock, contrary to the results of prior studies. Differences in mineralogy, phosphorus content, soil pH, and density and porosity of bedrock may contribute to variations in species diversity.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 55, No. 4

doi: 10.1130/abs/2023CD-387362

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