es Islas Galápagos
The Galapagos Islands
By: Rosalía Rascón
VEGETATION
• The vegetation is very scant
due the lack of soil fertility
• Nature, important metamorphosis on several Islands converted
erupted matter soil
• Majority of the Islands have a definite elevation above the sea
level
• Variety of flowers and fruits
• Beneficial changes does not occur in all the islands
two classes: islands of high elevation and islands of low
elevation
high elevation most important are: Isabela, Fernandina, Santa
María, Santa Cruz, and San Salvador
Low elevation are: Pinta, Marchela, Genovesa, Rabida, Pinzón,
Santa Fé and Española
• Terrestrial Ecosystems
• Equatorial and Tropical Rain Forest
CLIMATE
• Different temperatures
influence by the vegetation and the surrounding water on
the land
two stations cold from June to November
Temperature 17-22 C˚
an environment cold and dry
• The rainy season
called spring from December to May with 23-37 C ˚
• Arid to very dry
100m over the sea level
23 C˚
• ITCZ
• Biomes
Are you Ready for the Adventure?
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When you travel to Galapagos:
The only way you can
get to Galapagos is by
air plane or boat!!
Make sure you wear
hiking boots and clothes
according to the
weather!!
Ecuador Adventure
La Sierra
(the highlands)
Climate and Vegetation
by:Rebecca Bradley
La Sierra
• Consists of 2 major chains of the Andes’
mountains, and the intermontane basin between
them.
• 22 peaks over 4200m in height.
• 30 peaks of volcanic origin-6 still active.
• Most of the rivers rise (snowmelt and rain) in this
region and flow east toward the Amazon or west
to the Pacific.
The central belt of Ecuador
Outline
• Climate and Vegetation
• Attractions
• Disturbances
• Concerns/Dangers
• What to bring
Map of La Sierra
Climate
• Insolation: Ecuador lies on the equator
receiving almost vertical sun.
• Temperature: based on elevation
– Tropical level 400-1,800m ranges from 20-25 degrees
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C.
Subtropical level 1,800-2,500m ranges from 15-20 degrees C.
Temperate level 2,500-3,200m ranges from 10-15 degrees C.
Temperate zone to 4,600m ranges from 3-9 degrees C.
Above 4,600m “frozen level” ranges from below 0-3 degrees C.
Climate cont.
• Precipitation: Rainfall is abundant-varies on
location. Highest precipitation on exposed
locations at lower altitudes.
– “Winter” or rainy season, lasts from Jan.-June.
– The dry season, lasts July-Dec. Short rainy period in
October.
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Tropical level
Subtropical level
Temperate level
Temperate zone to 4,600m
Above 4,600m
Vegetation
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Semi-deciduous
Lowland rainforest
Lower montane forest
Upper montane
Grassland and quebrada
Above 4,000m
Attractions
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Natural diversity
Mountain lakes
Active volcanoes
Cloud forests
Waterfalls and Rivers
Hotsprings
La Sierra or the Highlands is Ecuador’s most visited region in the area and has
the most developed tourist industry.
**(backpacker’s $3 per night hostel)
Disturbances
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Volcanoes
Earthquakes-frequent landslides (montane forests)
Mudslides and Avalanches
Deforestation
Lightening induced fires (dry months)
Grass pa’ramos burned annually
Introduction of non-native species (aloe-vera, pines, rice,
sugar cane, eucalyptus, etc…)
• Depletion of native species (Quinine-malaria).
Concerns/Dangers
• Use common sense-don’t expose
valuables and always carry a copy of
passport.
• Snakes/insects (Malaria)
• Dangers associated with climbing,
kayaking and biking.
• Vaccinations
What to bring
• Safety equipment for climbing, biking and
or kayaking
• Insect repellent/Sun screen
• Appropriate gear for rain, snow and sun
depending on location.
• Extra socks and hiking shoes for
excursions.
• Medications
El Oriente
See The Beauty of the
Equitorial latitudes
Lisa Chase
Adventure Ecuador
El Oriente
• Amazon Basin
(2%) and
Eastern
Andean
Foothills
• Just under 1/2
the total
surface area
• Under 5% of
population
Climate
• Latitude - straddles equator
– Not seasonal
– Relatively consistent temperatures
• averages 25C or 77F year round
– ITCZ
• Regular rain
• Topography
– Orographic rain from Trade Winds on the Eastern
Slope of the Andes
Equatorial Low Pressure in Action
Tropical rainforest “La Selva”
• Incredibly diverse vegetation
• Tropical broadleaf forest
• Thousands of species of plants
– Trees
– Lianas
– Epiphytes
• 20% mainland
plants are endemic
Unique and Rich Biodiversity
•Trees > 30 m
•Medicinal plants
•Our favorite foods
An underprotected and underappreciated
resource
Breathtaking biodiversity
•Half of Ecuador’s mammals live in El Oriente
•Nearly half the world’s bird species can be found in Ecuador
Biodiversity “hot
spot”!!!
Kayak Ecuador!
Promote Ecotourism
Be prepared for…
•Rain!
•Pack raingear, fast-drying
clothes and extra socks
•Illnesses carried by mosquitoes
-bring insect repellent
•Intense insolation
-Bring sun protection
•Waterborne illnesses
-Don’t drink untreated water
Visit Ecuador!
Range of biomes
from Tropical Rainforest
of the Amazon Basin to
the Highlands of the
Andes
Various landscapes
Volcanoes, waterfalls,
islands
Incredible Biodiversity
3 biodiversity “hot spots”
in Ecuador