Indian Springs Valley (Nevada) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Indian Springs Valley |
|
|---|---|
The Indian Springs Valley is the location of Creech Air Force Base (formerly Indian Springs Air Force Auxiliary Field).
|
|
| Geography | |
| Location | United States, Nevada |
The Indian Springs Valley is a wide, flat area of land, also known as Basin 161. It's located in Clark County, Nevada, within a larger area called the Nevada Test and Training Range. This valley is home to Creech Air Force Base and the small towns of Cactus Springs and Indian Springs, Nevada. It's an interesting part of the desert landscape in Nevada.
Contents
Exploring Indian Springs Valley
Indian Springs Valley is a cool place to learn about the desert. It's one of many "basins" in the central Nevada desert. A basin is like a giant bowl in the land where water collects.
Where is Indian Springs Valley?
This valley is surrounded by different land features. To the east, you'll find the Pintwater Range of mountains. To the southeast is the famous Las Vegas Valley. South of the valley are some foothills that lead to the Spring Mountains. To the southwest is Mercury Valley, and to the west is the Spotted Range. It's truly in the heart of the desert!
Creech Air Force Base: A Key Neighbor
One of the most important places in Indian Springs Valley is Creech Air Force Base. This base is a big part of the valley's identity. It used to be called Indian Springs Air Force Auxiliary Field. It plays a vital role in national defense.
Water in the Desert
Even though it's a desert, Indian Springs Valley gets some water. It's part of a "drainage basin," which means all the rain that falls in this area flows into the valley. Each year, the valley receives about 500 acre-feet of rain. That's a lot of water for a desert! This valley is also where the Sand Springs-Tikaboo Watershed meets the Ivanpah-Pahrump Watershed. A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a common point, like a river or a lake.
A Look Back in Time
Indian Springs Valley has a bit of history too. In 1869, a group called the Wheeler Survey traveled through this valley. The Wheeler Survey was a team of explorers and scientists. They mapped and studied the lands of the American West. Their journey through Indian Springs Valley helped us understand more about this unique desert region.
Nearby Communities
Besides Creech Air Force Base, the valley also includes two small communities: Cactus Springs and Indian Springs, Nevada. These towns are home to people who live and work in this desert environment.
