Author: Axotl

Goldstone Index

/goldstone-ghost-town/

“Gold Stone is the name of a new camp, thirty-five miles north of Barstow, where some phenomenal ore has been found. Quite a stampede followed the discovery.

MINING IN NORTHWEST SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

The area is the site of the only commercial opal mine in the California Desert. Waterman. Five years before the famous silver discoveries at Calico, George G.

Barstow Index – Notes

4 days ago … Post Views: 12. Goldstone, Barstow California, Mojave Desert. digital-desert.com › goldstone-ghost-town. Goldstone Ghost Town. More of a site …

Harper Dry Lake – Hinkley California, Barstow region

Goldstone – Mojave Desert. Several people were involved in mining during this same time, including John Harper and Goodrich. 289. One of the most active …

Mojave Desert Ghost Towns

… Goldstone — Goldstone* — Gold Valley* — Goler Gulch — Goodsprings, Nevada — Greenwater — Greenwater* · Harrisburg — Hart · Ibex — Ivanpah · Johannesburg

Timeline / Chronology of Mojave Desert Mining History

Persistent rumors have it that gold … 1859: Bodie, California … by prospector Wakeman S. Bodey, who the town was named after. Bodey died in November making …

Notes

States: Primarily in California and Nevada, with smaller portions in Arizona and Utah. Extent: The Mojave Desert is part of the larger North American Desert and …

Mojave Valley – Granite Mountains: Mojave Desert Ecological …

digital-desert.com › ecosections

Some of the dry lake beds are Bicycle, Coyote, East Cronese, West Cronese, Goldstone, Langford Wells, Leach, Manix, Nelson, Pilot Knob Valley, Red Pass, and …

Romantic Heritage of the Mojave River Valley

And now, with the operations of the Goldstone tracking station ushering the “space age” into the desert, the future holds promise far beyond the wildest dreams …

Mojave Desert Human (Historical) Geography

Mojave Desert Geography

A long interaction history between people and the challenging desert environment marks the human (historical) geography of the Mojave Desert. Here are key aspects of the human history and settlement patterns in the Mojave Desert:

  1. Indigenous Peoples:
    • Before European contact, various indigenous groups inhabited the Mojave Desert, including the Mojave, Chemehuevi, and Serrano peoples.
    • These groups adapted to the arid environment, relying on hunting, gathering, and seasonal migrations to exploit available resources.
  2. Spanish Exploration and Missionaries:
    • Spanish explorers and missionaries, including Francisco Garces and Juan Bautista de Anza, ventured into the Mojave Desert in the 18th century.
    • These explorers sought routes to link Spanish missions in California and establish trade connections.
  3. Old Spanish Trail:
    • The Old Spanish Trail, a trade route connecting Santa Fe, New Mexico, to California, passed through the Mojave Desert in the early 19th century.
    • This trail facilitated the exchange of goods and cultural interactions between Spanish settlers and indigenous groups.
  4. American Pioneers and Westward Expansion:
    • During the 19th century, American pioneers and settlers ventured into the Mojave Desert as part of westward expansion.
    • The discovery of gold and other minerals in the region, such as the Calico Mountains, led to mining booms and the establishment of mining towns.
  5. 19th Century Military:
  6. Railroads and Transportation:
    • The construction of railroads, such as the Southern Pacific Railroad, was crucial in connecting the Mojave Desert to the broader transportation network.
    • Railroad towns, including Barstow, developed as important transportation hubs.
  7. Mining and Boomtowns:
    • Mining activities, particularly for silver and borax, flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
    • Boomtowns like Calico, once a significant silver mining town, experienced periods of rapid growth and decline.
  8. Military Presence:
    • The Mojave Desert has been home to various military installations, including Edwards Air Force Base and the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.
    • These installations have played roles in aviation testing, research, and training.
  9. Route 66:
    • The historic Route 66, a major U.S. highway, passed through the Mojave Desert during the mid-20th century, bringing increased traffic, commerce, and tourism to the region.
  10. National Parks and Conservation Efforts:
    • Establishing national parks and preserves, such as Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave National Preserve, reflects efforts to conserve the desert’s unique ecosystems and landscapes.
  11. Modern Urbanization and Recreation:
    • Urban areas on the periphery of the Mojave Desert, such as Las Vegas, have experienced rapid growth.
    • The desert attracts tourists and outdoor enthusiasts interested in hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing.

Understanding the human history of the Mojave Desert involves recognizing the diverse ways different groups have interacted with the desert environment over time, from indigenous peoples adapting to the harsh conditions to the various waves of exploration, settlement, and economic activities that have shaped the region.

Mojave Desert Physical (Regional) Geography

Mojave Geography

The Mojave Desert, situated in the southwestern United States, has a distinctive physical geography shaped by its unique combination of topography, climate, and ecosystems.

Here is an overview of the physical (regional) geography of the Mojave Desert:

  1. Location:
    • The Mojave Desert spans southeastern California, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, and northwestern Arizona. It is one of the four major deserts in North America.
  2. Size:
    • The Mojave Desert covers approximately 47,877 square miles (124,000 square kilometers).
  3. Topography:
    • The Mojave Desert features a diverse topography with mountain ranges, valleys, and extensive desert plains.
    • Prominent mountain ranges include the Mojave, Providence, New York, and Clark Mountains.
  4. Landforms:
    • Playas: Dry lake beds like Soda Lake and Silver Lake are common in the Mojave Desert.
    • Mesas and Buttes: Flat-topped plateaus and isolated hills are scattered across the landscape.
    • Dunes: Notable dunes include the Kelso Dunes and Eureka Dunes, among North America’s tallest.
  5. Climate:
    • The Mojave Desert has a cold climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters.
    • Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F (38°C), while winter temperatures can drop below freezing, especially at higher elevations.
    • Rainfall is generally low, with most precipitation occurring during the winter months. The desert experiences occasional flash floods during intense rainstorms.
  6. Vegetation:
  7. Wildlife:
  8. Water Sources:
    • Natural water sources are limited, and the Mojave River is one of the few perennial rivers in the region.
    • Springs and oasis areas, such as Ash Meadows in Nevada, provide critical water sources for both wildlife and human activities.
  9. Human Impact:
    • Human activities in the Mojave Desert include mining, military training areas, and recreational activities.
    • Cities such as Las Vegas, Nevada, and Lancaster, California, are located on the periphery of the Mojave Desert.
  10. Protected Areas:
    • The Mojave National Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park, and portions of Death Valley National Park are examples of protected areas within the Mojave Desert, preserving its unique ecosystems and landscapes.

Understanding the physical geography of the Mojave Desert involves recognizing its diverse landforms, climate extremes, and the adaptations of both flora and fauna to the arid conditions. Additionally, human activities and efforts to preserve the desert’s unique features contribute to the overall regional geography of the Mojave.

Mojave Desert Geography

/geography/

The Mojave Desert is a vast desert in the southwestern United States, primarily in southeastern California, southern Nevada, and parts of Arizona and Utah.

Here are some key geographical features and characteristics of the Mojave Desert:

  1. Location:
    • States: Primarily in California and Nevada, with smaller portions in Arizona and Utah.
    • Extent: The Mojave Desert is part of the larger North American Desert and is the smallest of the four major deserts in the United States.
  2. Size:
    • The Mojave Desert covers approximately 47,877 square miles (124,000 square kilometers).
  3. Topography:
    • The desert’s topography is varied, featuring flat basins, rugged mountains, and expansive valleys.
    • Some prominent mountain ranges include the Providence, New York, and Clark Mountains.
  4. Landforms:
    • Playas: Dry lake beds or playas are scattered throughout the desert.
    • Mesas and Buttes: Flat-topped plateaus and isolated hills dot the landscape.
    • Dunes: The Kelso Dunes and Eureka Dunes are extensive dune fields in the Mojave.
  5. Climate:
    • The Mojave Desert has a typical cold desert climate with hot summers and mild winters.
    • Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F (38°C), while winter temperatures can drop below freezing, especially at higher elevations.
    • Rainfall is generally low, and the desert experiences occasional flash floods during intense rainstorms.
  6. Vegetation:
    • The desert is home to various plant species adapted to arid conditions, including Joshua trees, creosote bushes, yuccas, and cacti.
    • Higher elevations may support juniper and pinyon pine forests.
  7. Wildlife:
  8. Human Impact:
    • Human activities in the Mojave Desert include mining, military training areas, and recreational activities.
    • Cities such as Las Vegas, Nevada, and Lancaster, California, are located on the periphery of the Mojave Desert.
  9. National Parks and Protected Areas:

Understanding the geography of the Mojave Desert involves recognizing its diverse terrain, climate, and the various plant and animal species that have adapted to this challenging environment.

Mojave Desert Ecological Transitions

The Mojave Desert, located in the southwestern United States, is a unique and ecologically diverse ecosystem known for its extreme temperatures, arid conditions, and distinct plant and animal life. Various factors, including topography, climate, and human activities, influence the transitions within the Mojave Desert ecosystem.

Here are some key ecological transitions within the Mojave Desert:

  1. Elevation Gradients:
    • The Mojave Desert exhibits significant elevation gradients, ranging from below sea level in Death Valley to higher elevations in mountainous regions such as the Spring Mountains and the Mojave National Preserve. These elevation changes lead to variations in temperature, precipitation, and vegetation types.
  2. Flora and Fauna Shifts:
    • Plant and animal species are adapted to specific elevation ranges within the Mojave Desert. As you move from lower to higher elevations, you may encounter shifts in vegetation types, with desert shrubs giving way to pinyon-juniper woodlands and eventually to coniferous forests.
  3. Water Availability:
    • Water availability is a critical factor influencing ecological transitions in the Mojave Desert. Oasis ecosystems, supported by underground aquifers or natural springs, provide unique habitats in contrast to the surrounding arid landscapes. These oases can support a higher diversity of plant and animal life.
  4. Playa Ecosystems:
    • Playas, or dry lake beds, are common features in the Mojave Desert. During rainfall, playas can fill with water, creating temporary wetland habitats that support a burst of life, including migratory birds and amphibians. However, these ecosystems are highly dependent on unpredictable precipitation patterns.
  5. Human Impact:
    • Human activities, such as urban development, agriculture, and infrastructure projects, have significantly altered the Mojave Desert landscape. Urban areas like Las Vegas and Los Angeles have expanded into the desert, leading to habitat fragmentation and loss. Human activities can disrupt natural ecological processes and contribute to invasive species encroachment.
  6. Climate Change Effects:
    • The Mojave Desert is not immune to the impacts of climate change. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can affect the distribution of plant and animal species, alter vegetation composition, and influence the timing of biological events, such as flowering and migration.
  7. Fire Ecology:
    • Fire is a natural ecological process in many ecosystems, including the Mojave Desert. Some plant species in the desert have adapted to fire, and periodic wildfires can shape vegetation patterns. However, altered fire regimes due to human activities or climate change can have complex effects on the ecosystem.
Spring Mountains
Desert Front
Ibex Spring
Emerson Dry Lake
Human Impact – Victorville

Understanding these ecological transitions is crucial for effective conservation and management of the Mojave Desert. Conservation efforts need to consider the interconnectedness of various factors and address the challenges posed by human activities and climate change to maintain the health and biodiversity of this unique desert ecosystem.

Mojave Desert Ecotones

Ecotones are transitional zones between different ecosystems, characterized by a mix of species from adjacent ecosystems and often exhibiting unique ecological dynamics. In the case of the Mojave Desert, there are several ecotones where the desert transitions into other ecosystems. Here are some notable ecotones in the Mojave Desert:

  1. Mojave Desert Scrub to Pinyon-Juniper Woodland:
    • At higher elevations in the Mojave Desert, the vegetation transitions from typical desert scrub, dominated by creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia), and other drought-tolerant plants, to pinyon-juniper woodlands. Pinyon pine (Pinus monophylla) and juniper (Juniperus spp.) become more prevalent in these transitional areas.
  2. Pinyon-Juniper Woodland to Coniferous Forest:
    • In the mountainous regions surrounding the Mojave Desert, pinyon-juniper woodlands transition further into coniferous forests. Species such as ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and white fir (Abies concolor) become more dominant. This transition is often associated with increasing elevation and cooler temperatures.
  3. Desert Washes and Riparian Zones:
    • Where desert washes, or arroyos, intersect with the Mojave Desert, there are ecotones characterized by riparian vegetation. These transitional zones may include cottonwood (Populus fremontii) and willow (Salix spp.) trees, providing habitat for different plant and animal species compared to the surrounding arid landscape.
  4. Desert to Playa Ecosystems:
    • The transition from the desert to playa ecosystems, such as dry lake beds, represents another ecotone. Playas can support unique vegetation adapted to periodic flooding and provide a habitat for migratory birds during wet periods.
  5. Urban-Wildland Interface:
    • There is an ecotone known as the urban-wildland interface, where urban areas encroach upon the Mojave Desert. The interaction between human-dominated landscapes and the natural desert environment characterizes this transition zone. Human activities in these areas can have significant impacts on the desert ecosystem.
  6. Mojave Desert to Great Basin Transition:
    • In the northern reaches of the Mojave Desert, there is a transition zone where the desert ecosystem merges with the Great Basin. This transition is marked by changes in vegetation and species composition influenced by elevation and precipitation.

Understanding and protecting these ecotones is crucial for preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem resilience in the Mojave Desert. These transitional zones often support unique assemblages of plants and animals that are adapted to the specific conditions found at the boundaries between different ecosystems. Human activities, including urban development and climate change, can impact these ecotones, emphasizing the importance of conservation and sustainable management practices in the region.

Mojave Desert Ecozones

https://mojavedesert.net/ecology/

Ecozones, also known as ecological zones or ecoregions, are geographic areas with distinct ecological characteristics, including climate, vegetation, and animal life. In the case of the Mojave Desert, several ecozones can be identified, each with its unique set of features. These ecozones help to categorize and understand the diverse environments within the broader Mojave Desert region.

Here are some key Mojave Desert ecozones:

  1. Lower Colorado River Valley:
    • This ecozone includes the area along the lower course of the Colorado River, extending into southeastern California. Riparian habitats, including marshes and wetlands, along the riverbanks characterize it. The presence of water allows for a higher diversity of plant and animal life compared to the more arid parts of the Mojave Desert.
  2. Mojave Desert Basin and Range:
    • The Mojave Desert Basin and Range ecozone cover the central and southern parts of the Mojave Desert. It includes vast expanses of arid lands with characteristic desert scrub vegetation, dominated by creosote bush, Joshua trees, and various cacti. Basins and mountain ranges mark the terrain.
  3. Mojave High Desert:
    • This ecozone encompasses higher elevations within the Mojave Desert, including areas with pinyon-juniper woodlands and coniferous forests. It is found in mountainous regions such as the Spring Mountains and the Mojave National Preserve. The Mojave High Desert exhibits cooler temperatures and a different plant and animal community compared to lower elevations.
  4. Sonoran Desert Transition:
    • Along the Mojave Desert’s southern boundary is a transition zone into the Sonoran Desert. This ecozone exhibits characteristics of both deserts and supports a mix of plant species from both regions. A warmer and subtropical climate influences the Sonoran Desert Transition ecozone compared to the central Mojave.
  5. Mojave Desert Playas:
    • Playas, or dry lake beds, are characteristic features of the Mojave Desert landscape. These flat, unvegetated areas are part of the Mojave Desert Playas ecozone. They are important for unique plant and animal communities adapted to the periodic flooding during rain events.
  6. Mojave-Upland Desert Scrub:
    • This ecozone includes upland areas within the Mojave Desert, characterized by desert scrub vegetation. It represents the transitional zone between lower elevations and the Mojave High Desert, showcasing variations in plant composition and adaptations to different environmental conditions.

Understanding these ecozones is essential for the Mojave Desert’s conservation efforts and management strategies. Each ecozone has its ecological processes, biodiversity, and environmental challenges. Conservation initiatives should consider each ecozone’s specific characteristics to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the Mojave Desert ecosystem.

The Romance of the Mojave

The Mojave Desert, located in the southwestern United States, is a vast and enchanting landscape that has inspired various stories and myths. While it may not be traditionally associated with romantic tales, “Romance of the Mojave Desert” could be interpreted differently.

Sunset & Candy photo Indian Cove, - photo of vegetation Joshua Tree National Park

One aspect might refer to the rugged beauty and allure of the desert itself. The Mojave Desert is known for its unique and diverse ecosystems, featuring vast expanses of arid land, rocky canyons, and iconic Joshua trees. Many people find beauty in the solitude and harshness of the desert environment, and there’s a certain romance in appreciating the stark landscapes and breathtaking sunsets.

Petroglyphs in unspecified location

Another interpretation could be linked to the historical and cultural stories embedded in the Mojave Desert. Native American communities have inhabited the region for thousands of years, and their stories and traditions add a layer of richness to the area. Explorers, pioneers, and settlers have also left their mark on the Mojave, contributing to its fascinating history.

“Romance of the Mojave Desert” may be a book, poem, or piece of art that captures the spirit and essence of the desert romantically or imaginatively.

Verbena and pincushions in bloom at Amboy Lava Field

The Mojave Desert continues to captivate and inspire those drawn to its unique charm and mystique. Whether it’s the silence of the vast landscapes, the resilience of the flora and fauna, or the rich history that echoes through the canyons, the Mojave Desert holds a special place in the collective imagination.

Barstow Index

Barstow California Area

digital-desert.com › barstow

Barstow Area. Barstow lies in the intersection of the three largest ecosubsections in the Mojave Desert; High Desert Plains & Hills (322Ag), Mojave Valley – …

Barstow, California

digital-desert.com › barstow-ca

Barstow 1890. Barstow is situated at the junction of the California Southern and the A. &. P. Railway, eighty-two miles from San Bernardino and twelve miles …

Kramer Junction (Four Corners) Mojave High Desert

digital-desert.com › kramer-junction-ca

3) Go west on the State Route 58 through Boron, Mojave or California City and up to Tehachapi and over the Southern Sierra. 4) Go east to Barstow. There is food …

Vanyume Indians

mojavedesert.net › vanyume-indians

Mojave Desert Indians – Map. Vanyume Indians. The Vanyume or Beñemé, as Father Garces called them, lived beyond and along much of the length of the Mojave …

Casa del Desierto

digital-desert.com › casa-del-desierto

Casa del Desierto – Harvey House. Barstow Harvey House and train station photo – Casa del Desierto Casa del Desierto: The Spanish for “House of the Desert” In …

Barstow, California – Notes

digital-desert.com › blog

Nov 4, 2023 … Today, it remains an essential point of access and commerce for those traveling through the Mojave Desert in Southern California. Post Views: 12.

Goldstone, Barstow California, Mojave Desert

digital-desert.com › goldstone-ghost-town

Goldstone Ghost Town. More of a site than a ghost town, there are only a few scattered foundations and some rubble to be found. The area is now home to NASA’s …

History of Barstow the National Old Trails Road and Route 66

digital-desert.com › barstow-ca › moving-barstow

The Barstow yards are used jointly by the Santa Fe and Union Pacific and handily very considerable volume of the transcontinental traffic. Hence the railroad …

Barstow, Ca Historic Photos

digital-desert.com › barstow-ca › historic-photos

Burton Frasher photos of Barstow, California.