Butte Sink - Sutter Basin (Bailey)
Published: January 20, 2010, 2:45 am
Updated: January 20, 2010, 2:45 am
This article has been reviewed by the following Topic Editor:
Mark McGinleyThis subsection is on the alluvial plain between the Feather and the Sacramento Rivers. It has a hot and subhumid climate. MLRAs 17d and 17e.
Subsection 262Ac, Butte sink area (James R. Nelson)
Lithology and Stratigraphy
This subsection contains recent alluvium. The alluvium is from granitic, volcanic, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock sources, but from mostly volcanic rocks at the northern end of the subsection. Extensive areas are underlain by siltstone.
Subsection 262Ac, near Robbins, Sutter Buttes in background (262Ae) (Charles B. Goudey)
Geomorphology
This subsection is on very gently sloping to nearly level alluvial fans, floodplains, and basin floors. The subsection elevation range is from about 30 to about 150 feet. Fluvial erosion and deposition are the main geomorphic processes.
Soils
The soils are mostly Typic Pelloxererts. Also, Typic and Aquic Chromoxererts, Aquic Haploxerolls, Typic Argixerolls and soils with duripans are common. The soils are mostly moderately well to poorly drained. Soil temperature regimes are thermic, and soil moisture regimes are xeric and aquic. Some poorly drained soils have been artificially drained.
Vegetation
The predominant natural plant communities are Needlegrass grasslands. Fremont cottonwood series occurs along streams. Emergent aquatic communities are common in low areas.
Characteristic series by lifeform include:
Grasslands: California annual grassland series, Purple needlegrass series.
Vernal pools: Northern hardpan vernal pools.
Wetlands: Bulrush series, Bulrush - cattail series, Cattail series, Sedge series.
Forests and woodlands: Fremont cottonwood series, Mixed willow series.
Climate
The mean annual precipitation is about 15 to 20 inches; it is practically all rain. Mean annual temperature is about 60° to 62° F. The mean freeze-free period is about 250 to 275 days.
Surface Water
The larger part of the subsection, which is north of the Sutter Buttes, is drained by Butte Creek. Butte creek runs parallel to the Feather River on the east and the Sacramento River on the west. Much of the area that was naturally flooded in winter and spring is now protected by artificial levees. There are no lakes, but winter ponding occurs.
Are you absolutely sure you want to delete this article? This process cannot be undone and is permanent.
Yes, Delete This Article
Are you absolutely sure you want to remove this article? This process cannot be undone and is permanent.
Yes, Remove This Article
Citation
C Michael Hogan (Contributing Author);USFS (Content Source);Mark McGinley (Topic Editor) "Butte Sink - Sutter Basin (Bailey)". In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [First published in the Encyclopedia of Earth January 20, 2010; Last revised Date January 20, 2010; Retrieved May 19, 2013 <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Butte_Sink_-_Sutter_Basin_(Bailey)>
This subsection is on the alluvial plain between the Feather and the Sacramento Rivers. It has a hot and subhumid climate. MLRAs 17d and 17e.
Subsection 262Ac, Butte sink area (James R. Nelson)
Lithology and Stratigraphy
This subsection contains recent alluvium. The alluvium is from granitic, volcanic, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock sources, but from mostly volcanic rocks at the northern end of the subsection. Extensive areas are underlain by siltstone.
Subsection 262Ac, near Robbins, Sutter Buttes in background (262Ae) (Charles B. Goudey)
Geomorphology
This subsection is on very gently sloping to nearly level alluvial fans, floodplains, and basin floors. The subsection elevation range is from about 30 to about 150 feet. Fluvial erosion and deposition are the main geomorphic processes.
Soils
The soils are mostly Typic Pelloxererts. Also, Typic and Aquic Chromoxererts, Aquic Haploxerolls, Typic Argixerolls and soils with duripans are common. The soils are mostly moderately well to poorly drained. Soil temperature regimes are thermic, and soil moisture regimes are xeric and aquic. Some poorly drained soils have been artificially drained.
Vegetation
The predominant natural plant communities are Needlegrass grasslands. Fremont cottonwood series occurs along streams. Emergent aquatic communities are common in low areas.
Characteristic series by lifeform include:
Grasslands: California annual grassland series, Purple needlegrass series.
Vernal pools: Northern hardpan vernal pools.
Wetlands: Bulrush series, Bulrush - cattail series, Cattail series, Sedge series.
Forests and woodlands: Fremont cottonwood series, Mixed willow series.
Climate
The mean annual precipitation is about 15 to 20 inches; it is practically all rain. Mean annual temperature is about 60° to 62° F. The mean freeze-free period is about 250 to 275 days.
Surface Water
The larger part of the subsection, which is north of the Sutter Buttes, is drained by Butte Creek. Butte creek runs parallel to the Feather River on the east and the Sacramento River on the west. Much of the area that was naturally flooded in winter and spring is now protected by artificial levees. There are no lakes, but winter ponding occurs.
Are you absolutely sure you want to delete this article? This process cannot be undone and is permanent.
Yes, Delete This Article
Are you absolutely sure you want to remove this article? This process cannot be undone and is permanent.
Yes, Remove This Article
Site Options
0 Comments
Add Comment