WORKING GROUP 3
DAN
191
Fig. 2. Aerial photograph of the Nari area revealing advanced stages of the disintegration
process
The area shown in the accompanying air photos is situated in the semi-arid
part of Israel. The summers are hot and dry while winters are mild and rainy.
The annual rainfall is approximately 400 mm.
The area is hilly and lies at an elevation of up to 400 m, and is dissected by
numerous valleys.
The vegetation cover consist of low maquis or chaparral of the Quercus
calliprinos - Pistacia palaestina association (4). The main shrubs include Quercus
calliprinos, Pistacia palaestina, Phyllyrea media, Pistacia lentiscus and Styrax offi
cinalis. The vegetation cover is dense on the northern slopes while on the
southern slopes it is more sparse. The shrub vegetation is confined to the rocky
Nari areas, while the highly calcareous chalky soil is occupied by annual and
perennial grasses and herbs, such as Avena sterilis, Andropogon hirtus and Cartha-
mus tenuis.
