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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

species composition, rock pools, aquatic habitats

College

Life Sciences

Department

Biology

Abstract

Rock pools are one of the most unique and threatened aquatic habitats in the world. Changes in global climate could alter precipitation patterns and disrupt the annual cycle of filling and drying to which this community has evolved. Previous misconceptions assume that all rock pools are temporary habitats. Over a period of two years we have shown that at least 20 pools in three drainages have maintained constant wetted conditions with moderate seasonal fluctuations in water levels, despite air temperatures near 50º C (120º F) on the open hardpan. These “permanent” pools (Tinajas) are shaded within deeply incised channels. Tinajas are cut into the sandstone bedrock by torrential flows during summertime cloudbursts. Our study site was located six miles northwest of Moab, Utah, near the Canyonlands Airport. This area is on a slight slope, which has produced three separate and secluded drainages each with hardpan pools and pools within Tinajas. There are also many temporary pools located on the sandstone hardpan between channels in a drainage. (See Figure 1)

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