Contrary to previous studies of vegetation cover and environment, soil moisture was greater on a south—facing slope than on the opposite north—facing slope in southern California chaparral. Vegetation cover on the north—facing slope (mixed chaparral) was greater than the cover on the south—facing slope (Adenostoma chaparall). Precipitation on the two slopes was the same. The soil moisture profiles were analyzed to estimate soil moisture losses due to subsurface drainage, surface evaporation, and transpiration. Subsurface drainage was greater on the south—facing slope. Evaporation was greater on the south—facing slope, but transpiration was greater on the north—facing slope. The greater vegetation cover and drier soils on the north—facing slope are probably related to the drought—resistant nature of vegetation in this mediterranean climate.
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Ng et al. (1980) studied this question.