Bis Ii Ah Wash (stream) facts for kids

Bis Ii Ah Wash is a stream found in Apache County, Arizona. It flows southwest of a place called Nazlini. The name "Bis Ii Ah Wash" was recorded by the United States Geological Survey between 1976 and 1980. It was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System on February 8, 1980.

What is a Wash?

A "wash" is a special kind of stream channel. You often find them in dry, desert areas like Arizona. Unlike many rivers that always have water, washes usually only flow after heavy rain. They can be dry for most of the year.

How Washes Form

Washes are created by the power of water. When it rains a lot, especially during thunderstorms, water rushes across the land. This moving water carves out channels in the soil and rock. Over many years, these channels become deeper and wider, forming a wash.

Why Washes are Important

Even though washes are often dry, they are very important for the environment. When water does flow, it carries nutrients and seeds. This helps plants grow along the wash banks. Many animals also use washes as pathways or places to find water after a rain.

Desert Ecosystems and Washes

In desert ecosystems, washes act like natural highways for water. They collect rainfall from a wide area and direct it. This helps to spread water and life across dry landscapes. Plants and animals have adapted to these unique conditions.

Bis Ii Ah Wash in Arizona

Bis Ii Ah Wash is located in Apache County, Arizona. This part of Arizona is known for its beautiful, rugged landscapes. It includes parts of the Navajo Nation and features many mesas, canyons, and dry streambeds like Bis Ii Ah Wash.

Geography of Apache County

Apache County is in the eastern part of Arizona. It has diverse geography, from high mountains to desert plains. The elevation of the mouth of Bis Ii Ah Wash is about 5,902 feet (1,799 meters) above sea level. This shows it is in a relatively high desert area.

The Role of the USGS

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is a science agency. They study the Earth, its natural resources, and natural hazards. One of their jobs is to map and name geographic features like streams and mountains. They collected the name for Bis Ii Ah Wash.

Geographic Names Information System

The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) is a database of place names in the United States. It is managed by the USGS. When a name like Bis Ii Ah Wash is added to GNIS, it becomes an official name for that geographic feature. This helps everyone use the same names for places.