The Distribution of Bedrock Depressions (Tinajas) as Sources of Surface Water in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona
Brown BT and Johnson RR. 1983. The Distribution of Bedrock Depressions (Tinajas) as Sources of Surface Water in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona. Journal of the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science. 18(2):61-68
Tinajas, or natural bedrock depressions, constitute the most numerous and widespread source of surface water within Organ Pipe Cactus National, Pima County, Arizona. Intermittent and perennial tinajas were inventoried from 1980 to 1982 by field survey, literature review, and conversation with knowledgeable persons. There are forty-nine known tinajas within the monument, occurring primarily in the Ajo, Bates, and Puerto Blanco mountains. Water in tinajas constitutes an important resource for desert animals. The longevity of water in tinajas is affected by tinaja depth, the amount of shade it receives, and the presence of an adjacent bedrock catchment area.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Brown, Bryan; Johnson, R
- Units
- ORPI , WRD
- Keywords
- Ajo Mountains (ORPI), Bates Mountains (ORPI), Geology, Puerto Blanco Mountains (ORPI), Surface Water, Tinajas, Water, Wildlife, WRBIB