Where is the Mojave Desert? Description

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

The Mojave Desert is a symbol or even the personification of the southern states of America. It stretches along three states of the United States and reaches the border with Mexico, where it smoothly passes into the Sonoran Desert. Hellish heat reigns here all the time and winds blow, and in ancient times only brave cowboys coped with such bad weather.

Many natural treasures, unique landscapes, valleys and endless horizons are what the Mojave Desert includes today. The aircraft graveyard, and, most importantly, Las Vegas are the main attractions of the area. Now we will take a closer look at this tourist site.

Flora and fauna of the region

Unfortunately, not everyone can enjoy the flora of this area. The Mojave Desert has a very meager set of plants, and all those that are here are very specific and non-standard. Firstly, these are numerous cacti, among which you can find populations that are not even sold in our latitudes. Secondly, the tree-like yucca is found in the desert. Various types of undersized bushes are very widespread.

Ephemeriodes plants are considered a characteristic feature of this desert area. itsingle-season populations that themselves sown and germinate only if it rains. At these moments, the desert is dressed in all sorts of colors, but such beauty does not last very long. Of the representatives of the fauna, birds, insects and reptiles are the most common here.

Desert Ghosts

In the distant years, the Mojave Desert, despite the fact that the climate here is very harsh and unacceptable for life, was occupied by several cities. Later, the government began to build new highways that bypassed these settlements, and over time, life in them completely died out.

One of the most attractive ghost towns in the Mojave is Calico. These are the ruins of an ancient, typically western town, where brave cowboys and their families lived. It is followed by the settlement of Kelso, of which only the depot has survived. Buzzing sands are considered the main asset of this area. The local dunes, exposed to strong winds, show the world real melodies, which are simply unrealistic to forget.

Death Valley

Now let's take a look at the most famous sight in the Mojave Desert. Death Valley is the driest part of the area, which the Indians in the old days called Tierra del Fuego. From April to October, the air temperature rises here to 52 degrees, and at the same time not a single drop of rain falls. The amount of water that a person who is here for an hour can lose is one liter, therefore, to die fromdehydration in Death Valley can be very fast.

Technogenic cemetery

For several decades, people sent flying liners and fighters on their last journey, and the ideal place was chosen for their burials - the Mojave Desert. The aircraft cemetery, which is located here, is located not far from the local airfield, and in recent years this dump has become a real open-air museum. The planes, the last refuge for which was the Mojave Desert, were transformed by volunteers and residents of the surrounding settlements. Some cabins, salons were dismantled, lights were installed in them. Of course, this waste of above-ground transport has not yet been converted into restaurants and hotels, however, it is possible that soon a new tourist corner will appear on our planet.

Joshua Tree Park

The Mojave Desert has a very specific flora that is not found anywhere else on the planet. Therefore, the authorities protect it very carefully, collecting each of the species in one national park.

On the territory of the Joshua Tree Reserve, you can find a variety of flowers, shrubs, as well as a plant symbol of the desert - yucca. Here are all its varieties that delight every tourist. It is worth noting that the national park is also rich in artifacts from the past. This area was previously inhabited by Indians, whose household items and weapons of battle have remained in the lands of the Mojave to this day. Now they are excavated and presented in numerous museums.

An oasis in the middle of nowhere

The Mojave Desert on the map is located in tropical and subtropical climatic zones. This suggests that there must be a mild and humid climate suitable for summer recreation. In fact, the lands are covered with hard rocks, which are tirelessly carried around by the winds. But among the unbearable heat and the eternal wind, you can also find an oasis - Lake Mead. This is the largest reservoir in the United States, which supplies California and Nevada with its waters. It is surrounded by picturesque bays, sandy shores where you can swim, sunbathe, engage in water sports or just enjoy the scenery. On low water days, the islands show through, making the landscape even more unusual and attractive.