Introduction to the
Mojave National Preserve

Physiography

Weather Data

General Mojave
Geologic History

Changing Climates & Ancient Lakes

Weathering & Erosion

Carbonate
Rocks &
Landforms

Granitic
Rocks &
Landforms

Volcanic
Rocks &
Landforms

Faults & Active Tectonics

Pediments & Alluvial Fans

Stream Channel
Development

Stream Terraces
& Older Surfaces

Mojave River

Playas

Sand Dunes & Dust

Human Impacts

Selected References

3D Geology Tour

Index Page

Desert Landforms and Surface Processes in the Mojave National Preserve and Vicinity

By Philip Stoffer 1

Open-File Report 2004-1007

2004

ABSTRACT: Landscape features in the Mojave National Preserve are a product of ongoing processes involving tectonic forces, weathering, and erosion. Long-term climatic cycles (wet and dry periods) have left a decipherable record preserved as landform features and sedimentary deposits. This website provides and introduction to climate-driven desert processes influencing landscape features including stream channels, alluvial fans, playas (dry lakebeds), dunes, and mountain landscapes. Bedrock characteristics, and the geometry of past and ongoing faulting, fracturing, volcanism, and landscape uplift and subsidence influence the character of processes happening at the surface.

Use of any traide, firm or product name is for descriptive purposes only and does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Government.

 

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

1Western Earth Surface Processes Team, Menlo Park, CA










 

 























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Last updated: December 18, 2009 (mfd)