Granite Outcrops: The Southern Deserts
Georgia has one of the most unique and challenging habitats for plant life on Earth. Places like Stone Mountain, Panola Mountain and Arabia Mountain are all major examples of granite outcrop habitats. Georgian granite outcrops formed from extreme heat and pressure caused when Africa collided with North America many millions of years ago. Over time, they were exposed by erosion. Granite outcrops are some of the hottest places on Earth! Summertime weather can bake their surfaces to well over 140 degrees Fahrenheit. For this reason, fall and winter are the most spectacular times to visit plant life on granite outcrops because of the cooler temperatures. Most life on granite outcrops occurs in very shallow depressions in the rock, where organic matter, minerals from rainwater and eroded granite sand accumulate. Some depressions even become shallow pools in cool weather, sustaining some of the rarest life forms on Earth. They include the Pool Sprite and Clam Shrimp. The Confederate Daisy, one of the most well-known granite outcrop plants, bursts into full golden bloom only in fall.
Viewer Tip: Vehicle and foot traffic can damage granite outcrop wildlife to a point where it cannot come back. When visiting these fragile habitats, refrain from stepping in or driving through the pools. Additionally, collecting any plants or animals may jeopardize their survival.
For more information on granite outcrop wildlife, visit www.gwf.org.
Seasons: Fall, Winter, Summer
(Source: http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-3156)
