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Sedimentary Subalpine Forests

Ecoregion in Rocky Mountains in NM, CO

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The Sedimentary Subalpine Forests ecoregion occupies much of the western half of the Southern Rockies, on sandstone, siltstone, shale, and limestone substrates. The elevation limits of this region are similar to the crystalline (21b) and volcanic (21g) subalpine forests. Stream water quality, water availability, and aquatic biota are affected in places by carbonate substrates that are soluble and nutrient rich. Soils are generally finer-textured than those found on crystalline or metamorphic substrates of Ecoregion 21b, and are also more alkaline where derived from carbonate-rich substrates. Subalpine forests dominated by Englemann spruce and subalpine fir are typical, often interspersed with aspen groves or mountain meadows. Some Douglas-fir forests are at lower elevations.

— EPA

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