The exposure of rock ledges and outcrop creates heterogeneity; shrub are in clumps associated with rock fracture zones; much bare soil could account for tan signature; somewhat reflective.
Representativeness
The "tan signature" is actually a shrubfield with very small inclusions of grassland on the tops of
Past fire has converted from woodland (possibly) to shrubfield; old downed logs very rotted despite dry environment; steep slopes my have lost soil mantle at time of stand-replacing fire.
Animal, general
Heavy elk and deer use as winter range; shrubs, especially AMEALN, heavily hedged.
