Theses and Dissertations
Date of Award
5-2019
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Ocean, Coastal, and Earth Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. Juan L. Gonzalez
Second Advisor
Dr. Chu-Lin Cheng
Third Advisor
Dr. Teresa Patricia Feria
Abstract
A 70km-long, N-S stratigraphic cross-section spanning the entirety of the South Texas Sand Sheet (STSS) has been rendered along Texas Interstate 69C. The cross-section indicates localized zones of substantial STSS thickness (>4m) as well as zones where the underlying Goliad Formation is either exposed or just below the surface (<0.5m). Spatial patterns of both phreatophytic and non-phreatophytic vegetation assemblages were analyzed by means of remote sensing and in situ herbaceous species evaluations. Biogeographic patterns were comprised of three vegetation matrices: P. glandulosa-dominated, Q. virginiana-dominated and a matrix of herbaceous plants. The geographic distribution of vegetation assemblages corresponded to specific lithological parameters and features. Namely, Q. virginiana concentration exhibited a positive linear relationship with the lithological parameter of STSS thickness (P =2.122x10-11) (α = 0.05). P. glandulosa/V. farnesiana assemblages occupied zones where the STSS unit was relatively thin (<0.5m), exhibiting an inverse relationship with STSS thickness (P =1.323x10-5) (α = 0.05).
Recommended Citation
Munoz, Christopher Joaquin, "Comparative, Lithology-Based Biogeography of Phreatophytic and Non-Phreatophytic Matrices along a North-South Gradient of the South Texas Sand Sheet" (2019). Theses and Dissertations. 553.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/553
Comments
Copyright 2019 Christopher J. Muñoz. All Rights Reserved.
https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utrgv.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/comparative-lithology-based-biogeography/docview/2245900169/se-2?accountid=7119