Which slope aspect typically has the least amount of vegetation?

The south-facing slope typically has the least amount of vegetation. This is primarily due to the increased exposure to sunlight that south-facing slopes receive throughout the day. In many regions, this leads to higher temperatures and lower moisture levels, which can create a less hospitable environment for many types of vegetation. The intense sunlight and heat can dry out soil and significantly affect the types of plants that can thrive in these conditions, often leading to a more sparse plant cover compared to slopes facing other directions.

In contrast, north-facing slopes tend to retain more moisture, as they are shaded from direct sunlight for a significant part of the day. This allows for a more favorable environment for a diverse range of vegetation to grow. East and west-facing slopes also receive varied sunlight exposure, which can affect vegetation patterns but generally do not experience the same level of arid conditions as the south-facing slopes.

Therefore, the south-facing aspect is generally recognized as having the least amount of vegetation due to the combination of higher sun exposure, resulting in drier and hotter conditions, impacting plant growth and diversity.