Map of the Mojave Desert (left): (n.d.). Retrieved from http://digital-desert.com/regions/
Retrieved
from (right): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mojave_Desert
The region in California I focused on was ‘The Deserts’ specially
the Mojave Desert. Throughout this journal entry, I will share some information
on how the Mojave Desert was formed and the threats the desert will face from
human impact.
The
Joshua Tree located in the Mojave Desert
The Mojave Desert is
a region of low, barren mountains. The temperature is consistently
warm throughout the year. Strong, dry winds blow in the afternoon and evening. During the winters, there
is an annual rainfall which cools the desert. Juniper and Joshua tree are found
on the higher, outer mountain slopes; desert-type vegetation and frequent
recurrent lakes and streams are present in the valleys, The Mojave River is the
largest stream, (ScienceDaily, 2018). Minerals found in the desert comprise
borax, saline, gold, silver, and iron.
The oldest rocks exposed in the Mojave National Preserve
are between 1.7 and 2.5 billion years old, (Stoffer, 2004). They consist of
metamorphic rocks derived from pre-existing sedimentary, volcanic, and igneous
intrusive rocks. About 1.4 billion years ago, magmas intruded these older
rocks. Once a part of an ancient interior sea, the desert was formed by
volcanic action and by material placed by the Colorado River.
Shown
here is the graphic interpretation of the formation of the Mojave Desert
Credit to: Stoffer,
P. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2004/1007/geologic.html
However, the desert is experiencing further
changes which are in consequence of human actions. Climatic changes during the
last million years are largely responsible for most landscape features in the
Mojave region today, (Defenders, 2019). The physical characteristics of
these modern landscape topographies are tied to the possessions of bedrock
materials and tectonic history of any location. Past uses of federally-managed
lands on the Mojave Desert, including livestock grazing, mining, the off-road the vehicle uses and military training exercises, have resulted in extensive
wildlife habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation, (Defenders, 2019). These
impacts have not only depressed the pliability of many habitats to the
sustained effect of certain stressors but have hurt the wildlife around it.
Not only that, but a
personal example from me is the Joshua Tree. Thousands of people including social media
influencers will travel to the tree to take a picture. For example, just
recently Miley Cyrus posted a picture of her practically hanging on the tree!
The picture left many fans upset and many contracted services to shut the post
down. It was not only disrespectful, but it just shows the lack of information we have on the importance of preservation for the desert.
My “five” interpretations stand:
1. Do you
think certain animals and plants will be endangered or even extinct in a couple
of years or sooner? I predict
certain plantation and wildlife to be endangered quite soon. Even though there
are many organizations that are trying to prevent this from happening, since
our president doesn’t recognize climate change as an issue, we might see some
drastic changes in the beautiful Mojave Desert.
2. What
will happen to the average rainfalls in the desert? I believe the average rainfalls will
either stop or become inconsistent with its average schedule. For example, my
mother noted that AZ had the most unusual winter. We haven’t had snowfall in
Tucson since 2011. This year we had snow for 2 days straight. Everyone comes
back to AZ in the winter because of the nice cool weather (ranging around 50
degrees during the day). I’m not pointing fingers, but I feel this unusual
weather is due to climate change.
3. How will
the lakes/streams are affected by these changes? I know it’s hard to believe deserts will have
ponds, lakes, or streams! I predict they will be dried up due to my last prediction
with the average rainfall.
4. What
about the rock formations? Will there be an erosion? If there is, I believe there will be more hidden
gems found. As stated earlier, the Mojave Desert is home to many fossils and
minerals. Due to its distinct rock formation, I believe the desert will undergo
changes in the structural design. More minerals and fossils will be found due
to this structural change.
5. Will
there be government intervention? For example, banning the use of off-road vehicles or military training
in that location? How will this affect the preservation of the Mojave Desert?
-
(Personal) I
believe the Joshua tree no longer be the tourist destination if people continue
to disrespect it
****All these interpretations are crucial because they discuss how our
impact has affected the Mojave Desert. These points further the discussion as
to how we can prevent any further damages and predict the future of this desert.
****
Donate NOW to preserve this
gorgeous desert. Everything counts. If we work together, we can all spread
awareness! Let’s preserve this desert for future generations.
More references used:
The Mojave Desert. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/places/north-america/us-geography/mojave-desert
Threats
to Mojave. (2019, January 10). Retrieved from
https://defenders.org/mojave/threats
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