Introduce Great Basin geology, climate. Introduce habitat diversity. Introduce and amphibian and reptile diversity relative to habitats. C. Climate 1. Rainfall a. Rainshadow effect of the Cascades reduces amount of moisture from storms over the Pacific.
Fault scarps create local rain shadow effects.
Temperature a. Moderating influence of the Pacific Ocean is removed. Result is much greater temperature fluctuations on seasonal and daily basis. Low elevations in southeastern Oregon get warmer than high elevations. D. Habitats 1. Permanent or temporary water and associated riparian zones-generally same species as aquatic habitats of the steppe.