Mojave Desert

The Mojave Desert extends through southern Nevada, northwestern Arizona, and parts of southeastern California. This region receives only about six inches of precipitation per year and is the driest North American desert. Most of the desert is between 3,000 and 6,000 feet in elevation. The relative boundaries of this desert are determined by the presence of Joshua trees.

Summers are extremely hot in the Mojave Desert and temperatures regularly rise to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in places like Death Valley. Despite the heat and lack of rainfall, the Mojave Desert supports a wide variety of life. Over 2,000 species of plants have been documented here.

 

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