Death Valley: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 18:12, 2 January 2026

Desert valley in eastern California and western Nevada

Death Valley is a desert valley located primarily in eastern California, with a small portion extending into Nevada, in the western United States. It is one of the hottest, driest, and lowest places on Earth and is a major geographic and natural landmark of North America.

Overview

Death Valley lies within the Mojave Desert and is largely contained within Death Valley National Park. The valley is best known for its extreme temperatures, arid climate, and dramatic desert landscapes, including salt flats, sand dunes, canyons, and rugged mountain ranges.

The lowest point in North America, Badwater Basin, is located in Death Valley at approximately 282 feet (86 m) below sea level.

Geography

Death Valley is part of the Great Basin region and is bordered by the Panamint Range to the west and the Amargosa Range to the east. The valley floor consists largely of salt flats formed by the evaporation of ancient inland seas.

The region’s unique geography contributes to its extreme heat, as surrounding mountains trap hot air within the valley.

Climate

Death Valley has one of the most extreme climates on Earth. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 120 °F (49 °C), and the valley holds the record for the highest reliably recorded air temperature on Earth.

Rainfall is extremely limited, averaging less than 2 inches (50 mm) annually in many areas, making it one of the driest locations in North America.

Natural features

Notable natural features of Death Valley include:

These features attract visitors from around the world and showcase a wide range of desert landforms.

Ecology

Despite its harsh conditions, Death Valley supports a variety of plant and animal life adapted to extreme heat and aridity. Species include desert wildflowers, creosote bush, bighorn sheep, reptiles, and specialized insects.

Seasonal rainfall can occasionally produce dramatic wildflower blooms across the valley floor.

Human history

Indigenous peoples, including the Timbisha tribe, have lived in the Death Valley region for thousands of years. European-American exploration increased during the 19th century, particularly during westward expansion and mining booms.

The valley was named by pioneers traveling through the area during the California Gold Rush.

Protection and tourism

Most of Death Valley is protected as part of Death Valley National Park, which is managed by the National Park Service. The park is a popular destination for hiking, sightseeing, photography, and stargazing.

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-{{Short description|Group of five large freshwater lakes in North America}}
+{{Short description|Desert valley in eastern California and western Nevada}}
-The '''Great Lakes''' are a group of five interconnected freshwater lakes in [[North America]] that together form the largest freshwater system on Earth by surface area. Located along the border between the [[United States]] and Canada, the Great Lakes play a crucial role in the region’s geography, economy, ecology, and transportation.
+'''Death Valley''' is a desert valley located primarily in eastern [[California]], with a small portion extending into [[Nevada]], in the western [[United States]]. It is one of the hottest, driest, and lowest places on Earth and is a major geographic and natural landmark of North America.
 == Overview ==
-The Great Lakes consist of:
+Death Valley lies within the [[Mojave Desert]] and is largely contained within [[Death Valley National Park]]. The valley is best known for its extreme temperatures, arid climate, and dramatic desert landscapes, including salt flats, sand dunes, canyons, and rugged mountain ranges.
-* [[Lake Superior]]
-* [[Lake Michigan]]
-* [[Lake Huron]]
-* [[Lake Erie]]
-* [[Lake Ontario]]
-These lakes are connected by a series of rivers, straits, and channels, ultimately draining into the [[Atlantic Ocean]] via the [[Saint Lawrence River]].
+The lowest point in North America, [[Badwater Basin]], is located in Death Valley at approximately 282 feet (86 m) below sea level.
-== Formation ==
+== Geography ==
-The Great Lakes were formed during the last [[Ice Age]] as massive glaciers advanced and retreated across the continent. Glacial erosion carved deep basins, which later filled with meltwater as the climate warmed.
+Death Valley is part of the [[Great Basin]] region and is bordered by the [[Panamint Range]] to the west and the [[Amargosa Range]] to the east. The valley floor consists largely of salt flats formed by the evaporation of ancient inland seas.
-== Geography ==
+The region’s unique geography contributes to its extreme heat, as surrounding mountains trap hot air within the valley.
-Together, the Great Lakes cover approximately 94,000 square miles (244,000 km²) and contain about 21 percent of the world’s surface fresh water. The lakes influence regional climate by moderating temperatures and generating lake-effect snowfall in surrounding areas.
+== Climate ==
+Death Valley has one of the most extreme climates on Earth. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 120 °F (49 °C), and the valley holds the record for the highest reliably recorded air temperature on Earth.
+Rainfall is extremely limited, averaging less than 2 inches (50 mm) annually in many areas, making it one of the driest locations in North America.
-== Economic importance ==
+== Natural features ==
-The Great Lakes region is a major economic hub for both the United States and Canada. The lakes support:
+Notable natural features of Death Valley include:
-* Commercial shipping and transportation
+* [[Badwater Basin]]
-* Manufacturing and industry
+* [[Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes]]
-* Agriculture
+* [[Zabriskie Point]]
-* Tourism and recreation
+* [[Artist's Palette]]
+* [[Telescope Peak]]
-The [[Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway]] allows ocean-going vessels to travel from the Atlantic Ocean into the interior of North America.
+These features attract visitors from around the world and showcase a wide range of desert landforms.
 == Ecology ==
-The Great Lakes support diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and aquatic habitats. They are home to numerous fish species and wildlife but face environmental challenges such as pollution, invasive species, and climate change.
+Despite its harsh conditions, Death Valley supports a variety of plant and animal life adapted to extreme heat and aridity. Species include desert wildflowers, creosote bush, bighorn sheep, reptiles, and specialized insects.
-Efforts to protect the lakes involve cooperation between U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and federal governments.
+Seasonal rainfall can occasionally produce dramatic wildflower blooms across the valley floor.
 == Human history ==
-Indigenous peoples lived in the Great Lakes region for thousands of years before European exploration. The lakes later became central to trade, exploration, and settlement during the colonial and early national periods.
+Indigenous peoples, including the [[Timbisha]] tribe, have lived in the Death Valley region for thousands of years. European-American exploration increased during the 19th century, particularly during westward expansion and mining booms.
+The valley was named by pioneers traveling through the area during the California Gold Rush.
-== Recreation ==
+== Protection and tourism ==
-The Great Lakes are a popular destination for boating, fishing, swimming, and coastal tourism. Major cities such as [[Chicago]], Toronto, [[Cleveland]], and [[Detroit]] are located along their shores.
+Most of Death Valley is protected as part of '''[[Death Valley National Park]]''', which is managed by the [[National Park Service]]. The park is a popular destination for hiking, sightseeing, photography, and stargazing.
-[[Category:Great Lakes]]
+[[Category:Deserts of the United States]]
-[[Category:Lakes of North America]]
+[[Category:Geography of California]]
-[[Category:Geography of the United States]]
+[[Category:National parks of the United States]]