Lomas

Lomas are fog-influenced coastal ecosystems found along the western edge of South America, most prominently from southern Peru to northern Chile. The word loma comes from Spanish and generally means hill or ridge; in ecological usage, it refers to a landscape of irregular hills and escarpments that intercept coastal fog and carry microhabitats suitable for specialized plants and animals. These ecosystems arise where cold marine air and moisture from the Pacific interact with warmer air inland, producing regular fog events that provide a crucial water source in an otherwise arid coastal desert.

The climate of lomas is characterized by a pronounced dry season punctuated by periodic fog deposition, which enables the growth of a mosaic of drought-tolerant shrubs, short trees, cacti, bromeliads, and other moisture-loving organisms. Soils are often shallow and nutrient-poor, and vegetation changes with altitude and aspect, creating a patchwork of microhabitats. The fauna is adapted to limited and variable resources and includes a variety of birds, reptiles, and insects, some of which are endemic or highly specialized to the fog-dependent conditions.

Conservation concerns for lomas center on habitat fragmentation and loss due to urban expansion, agriculture, and mining, especially near major coastal cities. Protected areas and regional reserves help safeguard portions of these ecosystems, but many lomas remain threatened by development and climate variability. In addition to their ecological value, lomas hold cultural significance in local communities and are recognized in geographic nomenclature and place names across the region.