Mojave Desert

Katherine SemoneDejana Skopljak

Kim SandovaJenna Rimensnyder

Mojave Desert Rain

For the last few years there has been more rain overall than the climate of 20 years ago. The Mojave Desert experienced very heavy rains in the 1950s, when surface runoff resulted in severe erosion of gullies and washes and heavy silt deposits. A long dry period followed, ending with the present wet period.

Climate The Mojave is defined by a combination of latitude, elevation, geology, and indicator plants. Elevations are generally between three and six thousand feet. The humidity is below 40% most of the year. Sometimes during the winter and summer the humidity can get above 50%.

Rainfall The rainfall is seasonal

with most rain falling between November and April. The mean annual precipitation has been 3.5 inches. July to September is the thunderstorm season, where the desert has experienced up to 2 inches in 2 hours. The driest months are May and June.

Temperature

Temperatures have been as low as 8°F in January and as high as 119°F in August. May until October the temperature will begin to climb above 100°F. The night temperatures can be as low as the mid 90°F. In late winter and early spring a dry wind will begin to blow up to 75 mph or more. November, December, and January are the calmest of all months.

Environment The Mojave desert has

a typical mountain-and-basin topography with sparse vegetation. It has about 200 different plant species. Trees are few in both numbers and diversity.

Environment The Mojave does not

fit the classic image of a desert. It contains sand dunes only in limited areas, and is characterized by parched mountains that rise from different plains.