Subterranean Microtopography and Understory Vegetation: An Eco-Geomorphological Model of Fern Density Decay on Steep Embankments

Have you ever wondered how tiny changes on a steep cliff face can completely change where plant life grows? This dataset and report explore the hidden connections between subterranean animal burrows and the plant life thriving around them on near-vertical, 85-degree slopes. When small animals dig burrows on steep embankments, they don't just disturb the soil—they create micro-refugia. These small openings act as natural funnels that catch moisture, trap organic detritus, and buffer against harsh weather. Focusing on a field census of 100 burrows, this study looks at how physical burrow geometry (such as size and gravitational deformation) shapes the way understory ferns colonize the surrounding landscape. Key Highlights of the Work: The Rim Peak: Fern density spikes dramatically right at the burrow mouth (0–100mm), hitting an average concentration of 100.59 plants per square meter before leveling out further away. A New Eco-Geomorphological Index (I_{eg}): The research introduces a novel mathematical model that couples physical burrow size and aspect ratios with biological population decay. Power Law Distribution: Field data demonstrates that fern dispersion away from these micro-openings follows a scale-free Power Law distribution (R^2 = 0.9207), outperforming classical exponential decay models. Whether you are an eco-hydrologist, a restoration ecologist, or a geotechnical engineer working on nature-based slope stabilization, this work bridges the gap between earth-surface geomorphology and plant ecology to offer predictive tools for extreme environments.