Vegetation Arcs in Somaliland

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Abstract
One of a series of vegetation arcs in the N. Region of the Somali Republic is described and figured. The arcs are arranged along the contours of a gently sloping plain and are separated from each other by bare ground. It is suggested that the arcs have arisen as a result of overgrazing which produced bare areas which have caused run-off, and acted as catchment areas delivering extra water to remnants of vegetation at lower levels, which have consequently become enriched. The distribution of plants within and around the arcs indicate that they are an ancient phenomenon and that they migrate very slowly up the slope. It is further suggested that the essential soil requirements for the formation of arcs are that the soil should be sufficiently impermeable for run-off to occur in the absence of vegetation cover, and that it should be difficult for plants to recolonize the bare surface.

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