Mescalero Ridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mescalero Ridge |
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| (Mescalero Escarpment) | |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 4,462 ft (1,360 m) |
| Prominence | 200 ft (61 m) |
| Geography | |
 Mescalero Ridge
Location in New Mexico
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| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Quaternary |
| Mountain type | Caliche |
The Mescalero Ridge is a natural border in the southwestern United States. It forms the western edge of a huge flat area called the Llano Estacado. This vast tableland stretches across parts of New Mexico and Texas.
The Mescalero Ridge is like a western twin to the Caprock Escarpment. The Caprock Escarpment marks the eastern side of the Llano Estacado. Both are steep slopes that define the edges of this large plateau.
What is the Mescalero Ridge?
The Mescalero Ridge is a long, raised landform. It acts as a natural boundary for the Llano Estacado. This plateau is a very flat area that sits high above the land around it.
The ridge itself is made mostly of a hard material called Caliche. Caliche is a type of hardened soil or rock. It formed a very long time ago, during the Quaternary period. This is a recent time in Earth's geological history.
Exploring the Mescalero Sands
Along the western side of the Mescalero Ridge, you'll find a huge area of sand. This is known as the Mescalero Sands. It stretches from north to south.
The sands get their name from the Mescalero Apaches. These Native American people once hunted in these sandy hills. They lived in the area long ago.
In 1928, a scientist named Nelson Horatio Darton studied the area. He worked for the United States Geological Survey. Darton noted that the "Mescalero Sands" were very old. He believed they formed during the Quaternary period.
These sands don't just stay in one place. In some spots, they actually climb up and over the Mescalero Ridge. They then spread out onto parts of the Llano Estacado itself.
