Vernal Pools

What?

How?

Where?

Why?

What is a vernal pool?

• Vernal is derived from the Latin word for spring

• A vernal pool is a seasonal pool that is present in the spring and dries up in late spring or summer

February March June November

How and where?

• Remnants of lava plateau along Hwy 15 corridor

• Surrounding softer geology erodes leaving mesas– Dense; less porous

• Examples:– Mira Mesa– Miramar– Santa Rosa Plateau

Why are vernal pools important?

Sustainability of an unique ecosystem

• Fairy Shrimp– Within days, dormant embryos

(that can be up to many centuries old) develop into adults

• Copepods, Daphnia, other crustaceans, and flatworms

• Insects & insect larvae• Aquatic snails• Tadpoles, Frogs, toads• Snakes• Birds

Why don’t we see more of these?

• Most vernal pools are gone– Less than 10% remain

in Southern California

• Human impact– Development– Pollution

• …but with a bit of education, protection, and restoration

Miramar Campus