Topography and Plant Life

Abstract

Zohary (1973) pointed out that in the Middle East “here plant life and death rate are very tightly correlated with the topography and the shape of the landform”; that is, one might state that the water resources supply is controlled by topography and local relief The rainfall in many parts of the deserts under consideration is not sufficient to support any permanent vegetation. However, thanks to the irregular topography, relatively dense vegetative cover can be observed in depressions, wadis and runnels. Lower areas may receive a relatively considerable supply of water (Figs. 7, 8), while at the same time, at higher elevations most of the rain that is received runs down to the lower regions. As a consequence, higher regions lose much of their water supply and surface deposits. Therefore, two or more different habitats, each with its particular environmental conditions, which in turn are a result of topographical irregularities, can be observed in neighbouring sites.