Sentinel Plain facts for kids
The Sentinel Plain is a large, flat area of land in southwestern Arizona, USA. It stretches from the northwest to the southeast. You can find it just south of the Gila River Valley. The plain is named after the small town of Sentinel, Arizona, which is right in the middle of it. Sentinel is located along Interstate 8, about 35 miles (56 km) west of Gila Bend.
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What is the Sentinel Plain?
The Sentinel Plain is a wide, flat area in the desert landscape of Arizona. It's known for its open spaces and unique geography. This plain is an important part of the region's natural environment.
Where is the Sentinel Plain Located?
This plain is quite long, stretching for about 40 miles (64 km). To its north and northwest, it meets the Hyder Valley and the farming community of Hyder, which is right on the Gila River.
What Borders the Sentinel Plain?
The Sentinel Plain has different natural features around its edges:
- To the northeast, you'll find the Painted Rock Dam and the Painted Rock Mountains.
- To the south and southwest, the plain is bordered by the Crater Range.
- To the east and southeast, it's next to the White Hills and the Saucedo Mountains.
- The west and southwest sides of the plain are bordered by the Crater Range and Tenmile Wash.
How Does Water Flow in the Plain?
Two main washes, which are like dry riverbeds that fill with water during rains, help drain the plain:
- Midway Wash: This wash flows into the center of the plain from the southeast to the northwest. However, the water usually sinks into the ground about 10 miles (16 km) before reaching the Gila River.
- Tenmile Wash: This wash flows towards the northwest on the western side of the plain. Like Midway Wash, its water also disappears into the ground near the Gila River.
