Mosca in Alamosa County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Sangre de Cristo Ecosystem
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
By Don Morfe, September 1, 2008
1. Sangre de Cristo Ecosystem Marker
Imagine climbing the mountain in front of you. You might notice it gets cooler as you ascend. As the temperature drops, moisture in the air condenses, precipitation increases, and creates different life zones.
The Alpine Life Zone
Only low shrubs and a few hardy plants can survive this cold, windy climate.
The Subalpine Life Zone
These dense, moist forests consist of spruce and subalpine fir trees.
The Montane Life Zone
Aspen trees mark moist locations. Ponderosa Pines are typical of drier sites in this live zone.
The Foothills Life Zone
Pinons and junipers dominate this dry shrub ecosystem.
Erected by National Park Service-United States Department of the Interior.
Location. 37° 43.974′ N, 105° 30.738′ W. Marker is in Mosca, Colorado, in Alamosa County. Marker can be reached from Highway 150. Touch for map. The marker is located near the parking lot in front of the Visitor Center. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11999 Highway 150, Mosca CO 81146, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as
By Don Morfe, September 1, 2008
2. The Parking Lot and the Mountain
Categories. • Environment • Natural Features •
By Don Morfe, September 1, 2008
3. Entrance to the Park
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on January 2, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 442 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 2, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
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