Hot Desert - Mojave Flashcards
1
Q
Location
A
Southeastern California and southern Nevada. A little bit in Utah and Arizona
2
Q
How it was created
A
- Used to be part of an ancient interior sea
- Formed by volcanic activity and deposition from Colorado river
- MAIN REASON: Area of rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountain range
- Hot moist air from pacific ocean goes over but meets colder air front … rains over mountain only
3
Q
Climate
A
Extreme climates and temperature
4 seasons
Strong winds
Temp varies by altitude
4
Q
Winter
A
- Freezing night temp and occasional rain
- Rain caused by storms in pacific northwest that move into area
- At lower areas temp is 30 F, althougth can be higher if no rain
5
Q
Summer
A
Dry heat, low humidity, low pressure, high temp
temp can reach above 120 F
6
Q
Autumn
A
Less predictable rain
Temp is less extreme 70-90 F on valley floor
7
Q
Spring
A
More rain
more vegetation
Less extreme temp
8
Q
Plant adaptations
A
- Annuals: die before drought every year. dormant seeds
- Succulents: Waxy coating so no evapot, store water in stems, spines, sphere/cylinder shape to reduce SA:V ratio
- Shrubs: drop leaves to reduce trans, hairy pale leaves which reflect sunlight, upright, small pores, waxy coat
- trees are winter deciduous, go into semi dormant state in winter and lose leaves, deep rooted
9
Q
Animal adaptations
A
Large ears panting nocturnal burrowing large feet concentrated urine aestivation migration
10
Q
soil
A
Low nutrient content due to less decomposing matter and less water present –> slows weathering process. Low nitrogen content
11
Q
Hottest month & temp
A
July 82 F
12
Q
Coldest month and temp
A
Jan 44.8 F
13
Q
Wettest month
A
Jan 30 mm
14
Q
Driest month
A
June 1 mm
