Miramar Mounds Natural Landmark
Map SatelliteThese mounds are remnants of once extensive formations that covered, until urbanization, much of the Kearney Mesa. In addition to chaparral, one of the more interesting biotic communities in the area, vernal pools, are found here. The mounds may have been formed by drifting soil accumulating around the base of scattered clumps of shrubs. Rainwater collecting in the depressions between mounds formed the ephemeral vernal pools which support a variety of plants and animals.
During the spring a succession of flowering plants follows the retreating margins of the pools; they include Dichelostemma capitatum, Downingia cuspidata, the non-native Cotula coronopifolia, etc. Three rare plants have been recorded here: Eryngium aristulatum var. parishii, Ophioglossum californicum, and Pogogyne abramsii.
A fairy shrimp, Eubranchipus, is found in some pools, its eggs able to withstand the dry season. Larvae of the Hammond spadefoot, Sacphiopus hammondii, have been found here, as well.
Within the area there are highly weathered, lateritic soils. (See Kearny Mesa Lateritic Soils)
Integrity: This section of the Air Station has been only slightly disturbed. The area is bordered by a freeway, now fenced. As a National Landmark it receives a degree of protection from development.
Use: Research, educational, observational. For information contact United States Naval Air Station, Miramar.
Ref: Purer, Edith A., 1939. An Ecological Study of Vernal Pools, San Diego County. Ecology Vol. 20, pp. 217-229.
September 1975
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
