The Sonoran Desert is primarily associated with the southwestern United States and extends into northwestern Mexico. While California has portions of the Sonoran Desert, the majority of it is located in Arizona and extends into parts of southeastern California. In California, the Sonoran Desert is part of the larger ecosection known as the “Mojave and Colorado Deserts.”
Here are some key characteristics of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts ecosection in California:
- Mojave Desert:
- Located in the southeastern part of California, extending into Nevada, Arizona, and Utah.
- Characterized by high desert terrain with elevations ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 feet.
- Plant life includes Joshua trees, creosote bush, yuccas, and various cacti.
- Notable features include Death Valley, the lowest point in North America.
- Colorado Desert:
- Occupies the southeastern corner of California and extends into Arizona and northern Mexico.
- Lower in elevation compared to the Mojave Desert, with elevations ranging from below sea level to around 2,000 feet.
- Vegetation includes desert shrubs, palo verde trees, ocotillo, and various cacti.
- Salton Sea, a large saline lake, is located in the Colorado Desert.
The Mojave and Colorado Deserts form a significant portion of the larger Sonoran Desert, showcasing typical desert ecosystems with adaptations to arid conditions. Extreme temperatures, low precipitation, and unique plant and animal adaptations to desert life characterize these regions.