Emerson Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Emerson Lake |
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 Emerson Lake
Location in California
Emerson Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Mojave Desert San Bernardino County, California |
| Coordinates | 34°26′57″N 116°23′45″W / 34.4491°N 116.3959°W |
| Lake type | Endorheic basin |
| Primary outflows | Terminal (evaporation) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 6 km (3.7 mi) |
| Max. width | 4.5 km (2.8 mi) |
| Shore length1 | 20 km (12 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 698 m (2,290 ft) |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Emerson Lake is a fascinating place in the Mojave Desert of San Bernardino County, California. It's not a lake with water all the time, but rather a dry lake bed. This means it's a flat area that used to be a lake, but now it's usually dry.
Emerson Lake is about 66 kilometers (41 miles) northeast of Joshua Tree. It stretches about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) long and 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) wide at its broadest point. Imagine a giant, flat playground!
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What is a Dry Lake Bed?
A dry lake bed, also known as a playa, is a basin that once held water. Over time, the water either evaporated or drained away. This leaves behind a very flat, often salty, surface. These areas are common in deserts because there isn't much rain.
Why is Emerson Lake Dry?
Emerson Lake is part of an Endorheic basin. This is a special type of basin where water flows in but doesn't flow out to the ocean. Instead, any water that enters the basin stays there. It can only leave by sinking into the ground or by evaporating into the air. In the hot, dry Mojave Desert, evaporation is usually the main reason these lakes become dry.
Where is Emerson Lake Located?
Emerson Lake is found in the heart of the Mojave Desert. It's located within the boundaries of a large military base called the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms. This base is used by the United States Marine Corps for training. The lake bed is west of a place called Hildago Mountain.
The Mojave Desert Environment
The Mojave Desert is a vast, dry region in the southwestern United States. It's known for its unique plants and animals that can survive in harsh conditions. Even though Emerson Lake is dry, the surrounding desert is full of life. You might find Joshua trees, cacti, and various desert animals.
Exploring Dry Lake Beds
Dry lake beds like Emerson Lake are important for several reasons. They can be used for scientific research, especially for studying desert environments. Sometimes, they are even used for land speed records because they are so flat and open! However, since Emerson Lake is on a military base, public access might be limited.
