hills characterize the landform of the foothills (refer to Figures 4 and 5 in 

 DESCRIPTION OF STUDY RIVERS). Incised river banks or terrace banks establish 

 horizontal lines that contrast with the characteristic undulating terrain. The 

 landform features appear to be smooth with few surface rock outcrops. 



Rivers, tributaries, lakes, and ponds are common features of the North 

 Slope landscape. On the coastal plain the abundance of these water features 

 comprise approximately 75 percent of the land's surface. However, no single 

 landform or water feature stands out or is visual ly significant. The braided 

 river systems with their islands create variations in line, texture, and 

 color that contrast with the surrounding homogeneous landscape. The rivers 

 of foothill region study sites are more visually significant elements in the 

 landscape due to the diminishing frequency of other water features and their 

 prominent, focal location traversing foothi I I val ley floors. 



The vegetation of the North Slope study sites is relatively rich in 

 color and texture. Riparian vegetation usual ly consists of low-growing com- 

 munities of dense willow thicket interspersed with herbaceous and woody ground 

 cover species. These riparian communities develop irregular outlines created 

 by irregular channel patterns and uneven texture. Occasionally there are 

 concentrated stands of tal ler, more mature wi I low that become a visual focus 

 due to the contrast in height with surrounding low-growing vegetation. 



The color variation of the North Slope landscape is varied particularly 

 in the fall. The most significant color contrast exists between the greens 

 of the riparian shrub thickets and the tans and browns of unvegetated flood- 

 plains. 



Some form of cultural modification is evident near all North Slope sites. 

 Most modifications are the result of oil and gas exploration. Several gravel 

 access roads parallel and intersect the floodplains near many of the study 

 sites. Gravel drill pads, camp pads, and airstrips are adjacent to several 

 sites. These surface materials with various buildings sharply contrast the 

 form, line, color, and texture of the surrounding undisturbed landscape. 



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