Pollen Project Mapping
The Chihuahuan Desert
Location: From central N. New Mexico, W. Texas, and extends into Mexico.
Climate: Dry desert with steppe climate. Hot summers & mild winters. Most rainfall occurs during the summers.
Vegetation: Primarily desert grasslands & arid shrubs. High elevation islands have oaks, junipers, and pines. Desert shrubland is thought to be expanding as desertification increases gradually. In the basins Larrea, mesquite, and yuccas are common.
Hydrology: Mostly emphemeral streams, and a few springs. Largely internally drained outside of Rio Grande, Rio Conchos, and Pecos River. Some lakes within the playas.
Terrain: Physiogeography is similar to that/an extension of the Central Basin and Range.
Land Use: Ranching, military, and public land use. Major populations: Las Cruces, El Paso, and Matehuala
