Ozarks Complex Domain

The Talledega National Forest is the NEON candidate core site for the Ozarks Complex Domain. The site is located in the Gulf Coastal Plain of west central Alabama and well represents its general terrain, soils, and forest vegetation. While the primary research focus in the region will be climate change, Domain 7 will also anchor research into the ecology and water distribution and movement of the Black Warrior Watershed south from the candidate core site to the Gulf Coast at Mobile Bay.

Domain: Ozarks Complex (Domain #8)

Science Focus: Climate change.

Candidate Core Site Name: Talledega National Forest

Representativeness: The site features forest vegetation, soils, and general topography that are characteristic of Gulf Coastal Plain terrain.

Location: Latitude: 32.950; Longitude: -87.393.

Existing Infrastructure: The site is accessible by paved county roads. It has substantial infrastructure, including a meteorological station, stream gauging units, and an eddy flux tower.

Unique Feature: It has been an active research site since the early 1990s, supported by competitive grants from multiple federal agencies, including NSF, EPA, and DOE.