Topographic Spectrum of a National Monument. In Art of Science

Caption: Programming reveals how Earth's terrain shapes local biology, such as the Organ Pipe cactus.
Participant category: Faculty
Department: Urban Studies and Planning

This image depicts the terrain of a section of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in AZ, and the colors display the direction the downhill slope faces. The warm-loving Organ Pipe cactus grows primarily on south-facing slopes to prevent death from severe frosts during the winter months. Images such as this allow us to model habitat locations where we may find this species.