Our World

Recently this summer, the Mojave Desert had its first ever recorded wildfire, which was sparked by lightning. Nearly 90 percent of Pipe’s Canyon was destroyed. This is a reserve in southern California’s Mojave Desert, which was once teaming with many plants and animals before the fires. Experts claim that invasive alien plants seemed to have fueled the fires. These plants, which came from Mediterranean Europe and Asia, are said to have traveled here by either wind, hiker’s boots, or construction equipment. Once the plants reached the desert, they easily spread and create a blanket of grass on the desert ground. This helps make fires extremely hot. The grasses also increase the speed at which the fires burn at. In Pipe’s Canyon, the fires were recorded to have spread at nearly 60 miles per hour. These wildfires burnt everything in their path, including native plants like the threatened Joshua Trees.

This is very concerning to scientists, mostly because the fires wipe out native plants; however, alien plants come back even stronger. The devastation to these ancient plants is a serious problem, mostly because there is a delicate ecosystem of plants and animals in the Mojave Desert. With the invasion of alien plants, serious consequences can occur. This includes an increased numbers of wildfires, which could soon lead to the removal desert vegetation native to the area. Also, the loss of local plants could lead to serious problems for the desert’s ecosystem. For instance, animal habitats would be lost, as well as resources that are vital to their survival.

In conclusion, globalization has created a serious problem in the southern California region. This affects the environment of the area as well as local residents. Homes around the area can be at risk if the alien grasses continue to spread. Plus, wildfires would also increase in number due spread of these grasses. All and all, this is not a good situation for the Mojave Desert.

A video about the situation, as well as related links.

posted by Anonymous @ 9/25/2006 10:16:00 PM