Jornada del Muerto desert

E34977

The Jornada del Muerto desert is an arid basin in central New Mexico historically known as a harsh stretch of the Camino Real and as the remote location of the first atomic bomb test.


Statements (49)
Predicate Object
instanceOf arid basin
desert
associatedWith Manhattan Project
Spanish colonization of New Mexico
characteristic basin and range topography
high summer temperatures
low annual precipitation
scarcity of surface water
climate arid
contains Trinity nuclear test site vicinity
country United States of America
culturalSignificance symbol of isolation and hardship in New Mexican history
ecosystemType hot desert
elevation approximately 1,300 to 1,600 meters above sea level
event site region of first atomic bomb test in 1945
fauna desert-adapted mammals, reptiles, and birds
flora creosote bush and other xerophytic plants
geologicalFeature closed basin with internal drainage
playas and ephemeral lakes
hasNameOrigin Spanish phrase "Jornada del Muerto" meaning "Journey of the Dead Man"
hasProtectedArea Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge vicinity
Jornada Experimental Range
historicalPeriod important during Spanish colonial era
used during Mexican and early U.S. territorial periods
historicalReputation dangerous and waterless route for travelers
historicalUse colonial travel route between Mexico City and Santa Fe
knownFor harsh stretch of El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro
proximity to Trinity nuclear test site
landUse rangeland grazing in some areas
scientific research on arid ecosystems
locatedIn Chihuahuan Desert
Doña Ana County, New Mexico
New Mexico
Sierra County, New Mexico
Socorro County, New Mexico
central New Mexico
locatedNear Rio Grande
near Fra Cristóbal Mountains
Oscura Mountains
San Andres Mountains
White Sands Missile Range
partOf Tularosa Basin region
separatedFrom Rio Grande by Fra Cristóbal Range
tourism limited access due to remoteness and military lands
transportRouteFunction link between Rio Grande settlements
traversedBy El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro
usedFor military testing area vicinity during World War II
vegetationType desert grassland
shrubland


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