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Table of contents
Introduction
Discover the Mojave Desert, North America’s smallest desert, boasting a triangular shape that covers approximately 140,000 km2 across southeastern California and southernmost Nevada. With its elevated terrain distinguishing it as the “high desert,” the Mojave stands apart from the neighboring Sonora Desert.
This blog post unveils the fascinating features of this desert, shaped by late Quaternary climate changes and offering a diverse range of flora and unique geological formations.
Rainfall and Climate
Experience the Mojave Desert‘s distinct climate, with annual rainfall ranging from 76 to 102 mm on the desert floor. As elevation increases, precipitation reaches up to 279 mm. Winter frontal systems contribute to most of the rainfall, while localized thunderstorms in July through September bring occasional floods and erosion to the easternmost region.
Summers in the Mojave Desert are characterized by scorching temperatures, often exceeding 40°C for extended periods. Winters are colder compared to the Sonoran Desert, with valley bottoms experiencing freezing temperatures and occasional drops below −18°C.
Flora and Vegetation
The Mojave Desert incorporates vegetation from the Great Basin Desert in the north and the Sonoran Desert in the southeast, resulting in a diverse plant community. However, winter frosts limit the presence of subtropical, arborescent species found in the Sonoran Desert.
Dominating the lower and mid-elevation bajadas is a creosote bush/bursage community. Notable Mojave Desert plants include white bursage (Ambrosia dumosa), creosote bush, Mojave yucca (Yucca schidigera), Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia), and Mojave sage (Salvia mohavensis).
Geology and Drainage
The Mojave Desert features a relatively undissected internal drainage system, with most closed basins remaining intact. During wetter periods in the Pleistocene era, the Mojave River formed an integrated drainage system, creating Lakes Manix and Mojave before flowing northwards towards Death Valley.
Aeolian activity, characterized by dunes and ventifacts, has shaped the desert over time, with evidence suggesting more extensive and intense activity in the past. Notable dune fields in the eastern Mojave include the Kelso Dunes, Devil’s Playground, Ibex and Dumont Dunes, and the Cadiz and Palen valleys. Inactive dunes, fluvially dissected and mantled by talus and fluvial debris, add to the desert’s captivating geological features.
Conclusion
Embark on an exploration of the Mojave Desert, where you’ll encounter a unique landscape shaped by climatic shifts and featuring a diverse range of flora and fascinating geological formations. From the creosote bush-dominant bajadas to the mesmerizing dune fields, the Mojave Desert offers a captivating experience for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
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