Serpentine Rock
Serpentine rock forms
at California’s tectonic boundary. Water-containing
sea-floor materials are pushed down as they slide under the North American Plate. The water heats up and separates from its
host material. Being lighter than the
surrounding rock, it moves upward.
On its journey to the
surface, the water reacts with magnesium- and iron-rich minerals to form serpentinite. Serpentinite chemistry is different from
rocks formed near the surface. It is
poor in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, elements most plants depend on. Instead, it has concentrations of nickel, cadmium and mercury.
Serpentine rock – photo by Eurico Zimbres
When it reaches the
surface, serpentinite outcrops prevent most plants from growing. Over time, though, some plants have adapted
to this harsh environment. They cover
the spaces between serpentine rocks.
Serpentine hillside – photo by Dean Wm. Taylor
Native plants have an advantage on serpentine
soil because newcomers are unlikely to have had the time to adapt to it. This makes serpentine areas a great place for
botanizing.
Want more? See Wikipedia and this
article by the National Park Service.
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