CLASSICAL LANDSCAPE PROFILES The Humid Landscape: The humid landscape can be found in both tropical and temperate climates, it is a gently rounded landscape due to the forces of water on substrate. This classical profile decides our whole strategy in the placement of water and structures. It is very important to know what landscape we are designing in. (diagram from curriculum page 5)
High Point • • • •
Mists and humid air Collection area for precipitation Wide bald ridges may be grazed, but narrow ridges should be forested Collection of water as ridge, plateau, saddle dams
Upper Slopes • • • •
Forests as warming systems for cold air flow (there are no frosts in forests) Forests as a stabilizing mechanism Instability of soils greater than 18% (about 3.5:1) slope; less in fragile soils or slump country. These should be forested. Collection of water as plateau or contour dams, or as a power source (hydro electricity)
Key Point is where the landscape changes from convex to concave. It’s in the valley at the highest point with a concave profile. (drawing) it’s the highest point in the valley where a dam can be constructed. The water floods back to the key point. •
Diversion drains in to key point to accumulate water here because it’s impossible to swale above this point on convex surface