Why is the Mojave Desert important to California?
The Mojave shelters a huge range of plants and animals. Simultaneously, its 20 million acres offer up a multitude of opportunities—from recreation to ranching, from mining to military training—for people. Iconic, immense and rich, the Mojave Desert’s natural benefits support life in California in so many ways.
What do we learn about Mojave Desert?
Its desert climate is characterized by extreme variation in daily temperature, with frequent winter frosts, and an average annual precipitation of 2 to 6 inches (50 to 150 mm). Near the undefined Great Basin–Mojave border lies Death Valley (now a national park), the lowest point in North America.
Why is it called the Mojave Desert?
It is the smallest and driest desert of the four American deserts. It is named for the indigenous Mojave people. It is located primarily in southeastern California and southwestern Nevada, with small portions extending into Arizona and Utah.
How do humans affect the Mojave Desert?
Pollution from urban, agricultural and mining activities severely impacts the Mojave’s delicate desert ecosystems and also puts human health at risk. Additionally, large numbers of people use the Mojave for recreation, causing further degradation.
What are the impacts of the Mojave usages?
What are the natural benefits of the Mojave Desert?
Iconic, immense and rich, the Mojave Desert’s natural benefits support life in California in so many ways. They are, however, both finite and fragile. Through prudent planning, we can ensure that the Mojave’s ample resources sustain people while preserving the Mojave’s irreplaceable and diverse plants and animals.
How many people live in the Mojave Desert?
Situated between the burgeoning cities of Los Angeles and Las Vegas, it is within a day’s drive of 40 million people. “The Mojave Desert is increasingly viewed as a playground,” said Gaydos. “It now contains four national parks, with millions of people around the edges.”
Where is the Mojave Desert in the United States?
Mojave River, Colorado River. The Mojave Desert (/moʊˈhɑːvi, mə-/ mo-HAH-vee) is an arid rain-shadow desert and the driest desert in North America. It is in the southwestern United States, primarily within southeastern California and southern Nevada, and it occupies 47,877 sq mi (124,000 km2).
Why are deserts important for the formation of minerals?
The dry condition of deserts helps promote the formation and concentration of important minerals. Gypsum, borates, nitrates, potassium and other salts build up in deserts when water carrying these minerals evaporates.