🌶️new mexico history review
12.1 New Mexico's diverse landscapes and regions
Last Updated on August 14, 2024
New Mexico's landscapes are a mosaic of diverse regions. From the flat grasslands of the Great Plains to the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains, each area has its own unique features and ecosystems.
These varied landscapes have shaped human settlement patterns and economic activities. Early communities clustered near water sources, while later development tapped into natural resources and scenic beauty for mining, research, and tourism.
New Mexico's Geographical Regions
The Four Main Regions
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- New Mexico is divided into four main geographical regions: the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, the Colorado Plateau, and the Basin and Range Province
- The Great Plains region in eastern New Mexico features flat to rolling grasslands and a semi-arid climate
- The Rocky Mountains region in north-central New Mexico includes high peaks, deep valleys, and coniferous forests
- The Colorado Plateau region in the northwest corner of the state showcases colorful mesas, buttes, and canyons carved by the San Juan River and its tributaries
- The Basin and Range Province covers much of southern and central New Mexico, characterized by alternating mountain ranges and flat desert basins
Characteristics of Each Region
- The Great Plains region is known for its vast expanses of shortgrass prairie and is home to iconic species such as pronghorn antelope, bison, and prairie dogs
- The Rocky Mountains region boasts majestic peaks, alpine meadows, and forests of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and aspen, providing habitat for elk, black bears, and bighorn sheep
- The Colorado Plateau region's distinctive landscape includes towering sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, and pinyon-juniper woodlands, supporting species like mule deer, coyotes, and peregrine falcons
- The Basin and Range Province encompasses the Chihuahuan Desert, with its diverse array of cacti, yuccas, and agaves, as well as unique animals like roadrunners, rattlesnakes, and kangaroo rats
Topography's Influence on Settlement
Water Sources and Agriculture
- New Mexico's topography has played a significant role in determining where people have settled and what economic activities they have pursued
- Early Native American settlements were often located near reliable water sources, such as the Rio Grande and its tributaries, which allowed for agriculture (maize, beans, squash) and trade
- Spanish colonial settlements were concentrated in the Rio Grande Valley, where irrigation agriculture (chiles, wheat, grapes) and ranching (sheep, cattle) were primary economic activities
Resource Extraction and Tourism
- Mining towns and camps emerged in mountainous areas during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, following discoveries of gold, silver, copper, and coal
- The state's vast open spaces and varied landscapes have made it attractive for military installations (White Sands Missile Range), scientific research facilities (Los Alamos National Laboratory), and tourism (national parks, ski resorts)
Geological Shaping of Landscapes
Mountain Formation and Uplift
- New Mexico's diverse landscapes are the result of complex geological processes occurring over millions of years
- The Rocky Mountains formed by the uplift and folding of sedimentary rocks during the Laramide orogeny, a period of mountain-building that began around 70 million years ago
- The Colorado Plateau uplifted and dissected by rivers, creating the distinctive mesas, buttes, and canyons that characterize the region
Tectonic and Volcanic Activity
- The Basin and Range Province was created by the stretching and thinning of the Earth's crust, resulting in a series of parallel mountain ranges separated by flat desert basins
- Volcanic activity has also played a role in shaping New Mexico's landscapes, with ancient lava flows and volcanic cones visible in many parts of the state (Capulin Volcano National Monument, Valley of Fires Recreation Area)
Ecological Diversity Across Regions
Great Plains and Rocky Mountains Ecosystems
- New Mexico's varied topography and climate zones support a wide range of ecosystems and species
- The Great Plains region is dominated by shortgrass prairie and is home to species such as pronghorn antelope, bison, and prairie dogs
- The Rocky Mountains region features coniferous forests of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and aspen, providing habitat for elk, black bears, and bighorn sheep
Colorado Plateau and Basin and Range Ecosystems
- The Colorado Plateau region supports pinyon-juniper woodlands and sagebrush shrublands, with species like mule deer, coyotes, and peregrine falcons
- The Basin and Range Province includes the Chihuahuan Desert, with its diverse array of cacti (prickly pear, saguaro), yuccas, and agaves, as well as animals like roadrunners, rattlesnakes, and kangaroo rats
Riparian Zones and Migratory Birds
- Riparian zones along the state's rivers and streams support cottonwood and willow trees, providing critical habitat for migratory birds (sandhill cranes, snow geese) and other wildlife (beavers, river otters)
- The Rio Grande and its tributaries serve as important corridors for bird migration, with species like the southwestern willow flycatcher and the yellow-billed cuckoo relying on these riparian habitats during their journeys
Key Terms to Review (27)
Rio Grande: The Rio Grande is one of the longest rivers in North America, stretching over 1,800 miles and forming a natural border between the United States and Mexico. Its significance lies not only in its role as a geographical feature but also in its historical, cultural, and economic impact, especially in relation to events like American expansionism, territorial agreements, and regional development.
Water scarcity: Water scarcity refers to the lack of sufficient available water resources to meet the demands of water usage within a region. This issue can arise from various factors, including increasing population, over-extraction of water sources, and climate change. In areas where water is limited, it affects agriculture, ecosystems, and human health, leading to significant socio-economic challenges.
Agriculture: Agriculture refers to the practice of cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising animals for food, fiber, and other products. It plays a crucial role in shaping economies, cultures, and societies throughout history, including the development of settlements, trade systems, and social structures. In the context of New Mexico, agriculture has been influenced by various factors such as climate, geography, and cultural traditions, impacting its evolution from indigenous practices to modern farming techniques.
Navajo Nation: The Navajo Nation is a semi-autonomous Native American territory that encompasses a vast area across Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. It is the largest tribal nation in the United States, with its own government, legal system, and constitution, playing a crucial role in the political, cultural, and economic landscape of the region.
Spanish Colonization: Spanish colonization refers to the process of establishing Spanish control over vast territories in the Americas, beginning in the late 15th century and continuing through the 17th century. This era was marked by the imposition of Spanish culture, religion, and governance upon indigenous populations, which significantly shaped the social, economic, and cultural landscapes of regions such as New Mexico.
Mining: Mining is the process of extracting valuable minerals or other geological materials from the earth, which has been a significant activity in New Mexico due to its diverse landscapes and rich natural resources. The state's varied terrain includes mountains, deserts, and plateaus, making it an ideal location for different types of mining, including precious metals, coal, and industrial minerals. This activity not only shapes the economy but also impacts the environment and local communities.
Wildfires: Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that spread rapidly through vegetation, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds. In New Mexico, wildfires are a significant environmental concern due to the state's diverse landscapes, which include forests, grasslands, and desert areas. The occurrence of wildfires affects ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and human communities while also serving as a natural process that can help rejuvenate certain landscapes.
Ancestral Lands: Ancestral lands refer to territories that have been traditionally owned or occupied by a particular group of people, often passed down through generations. These lands hold significant cultural, spiritual, and historical importance to the communities that inhabit them, serving as a foundation for their identity and way of life.
Semi-arid: Semi-arid refers to a climate characterized by low annual rainfall, typically ranging from 10 to 20 inches, making it drier than temperate regions but wetter than arid regions. This type of climate influences the types of vegetation, wildlife, and human activities that can thrive in these areas, which is especially relevant in understanding the diverse landscapes of New Mexico.
Pinyon-juniper woodlands: Pinyon-juniper woodlands are ecosystems characterized by the dominance of pinyon pine and various species of juniper trees, typically found in the southwestern United States, including New Mexico. These woodlands thrive in semi-arid environments, playing a crucial role in supporting diverse wildlife and influencing local climate and soil conditions.
Sagebrush shrublands: Sagebrush shrublands are arid ecosystems characterized by the dominance of sagebrush species, primarily Artemisia tridentata, which thrive in low rainfall areas of the western United States, including New Mexico. These landscapes are notable for their unique plant and animal communities adapted to harsh conditions, reflecting the ecological diversity of New Mexico's varied regions.
Aspen: Aspen refers to a group of deciduous trees, primarily the quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), known for their distinctive white bark and fluttering leaves. These trees are a prominent feature in New Mexico's diverse landscapes, thriving in mountainous regions and serving as important components of local ecosystems due to their role in supporting wildlife and contributing to soil health.
Sacred mountains: Sacred mountains refer to specific peaks or ranges that hold spiritual significance in various cultures and religions. In the context of New Mexico, these mountains are often associated with Native American beliefs, where they symbolize the connection between the earth and the divine, serving as places of worship, pilgrimage, and cultural identity.
Douglas Fir: Douglas Fir is a species of evergreen coniferous tree, scientifically known as Pseudotsuga menziesii, that is native to western North America. This tree is significant for its height and the quality of its wood, making it a vital component of New Mexico's diverse landscapes, particularly in mountainous regions where it thrives in cooler climates and contributes to forest ecology.
Ponderosa pine: Ponderosa pine is a species of tree native to western North America, known for its tall stature and distinctive yellowish-brown bark that often has a sweet vanilla scent. This tree plays a crucial role in New Mexico's diverse ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various wildlife species, while also influencing the region's landscapes, particularly in mountainous and forested areas.
Shortgrass prairie: Shortgrass prairie is a type of grassland characterized by its short-statured grasses, typically found in regions with low precipitation and high winds. This unique ecosystem plays a critical role in New Mexico's diverse landscapes, supporting a variety of wildlife and plant species that have adapted to the arid conditions.
Capulin Volcano National Monument: Capulin Volcano National Monument is a volcanic site in northeastern New Mexico, featuring a well-preserved cinder cone that rises 1,000 feet above the surrounding plains. It offers visitors unique views of the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field and provides insights into the region's geological history and diverse ecosystems.
Laramide Orogeny: The Laramide Orogeny was a significant geological event that occurred from the late Cretaceous to the early Eocene epoch, resulting in the uplift of the Rocky Mountains and other mountain ranges in the western United States, including New Mexico. This orogenic activity shaped the diverse landscapes of New Mexico, leading to distinct geological formations, sedimentary basins, and a variety of ecosystems present today.
Chihuahuan Desert: The Chihuahuan Desert is a vast desert region that covers parts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, characterized by its unique ecosystems, biodiversity, and distinctive climate. This desert is notable for its high elevation compared to other deserts and features a mix of desert scrub, grasslands, and mountain ranges, making it an important area for both wildlife and cultural history.
Rio Grande Valley: The Rio Grande Valley is a geographic area along the banks of the Rio Grande River, which serves as a natural border between the United States and Mexico. This valley is significant for its rich agricultural land, diverse ecosystems, and vibrant cultural heritage, showcasing the blending of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo influences.
Rocky Mountains: The Rocky Mountains, often referred to as the Rockies, are a major mountain range in western North America that stretches from Canada down through the United States and into Mexico. Known for their rugged terrain and stunning landscapes, the Rockies significantly influence New Mexico's geography, climate, and biodiversity, serving as a critical natural feature that shapes the state's diverse regions.
Colorado Plateau: The Colorado Plateau is a large, elevated region in the western United States characterized by its unique geological formations, diverse ecosystems, and striking landscapes. This plateau encompasses parts of four states: Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico, playing a crucial role in shaping the natural features and cultural history of New Mexico's diverse landscapes.
Valley of Fires Recreation Area: The Valley of Fires Recreation Area is a unique geological site located in southern New Mexico, known for its striking black lava flows and scenic landscapes. This area is part of the El Malpais National Monument and features a variety of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, showcasing the diversity of New Mexico's natural environments.
Basin and Range Province: The Basin and Range Province is a major geological region in the western United States, characterized by a series of elongated mountain ranges and down-dropped valleys or basins. This unique landscape is a result of tectonic activity that has shaped the region over millions of years, contributing to New Mexico's diverse environments and natural beauty.
Great Plains: The Great Plains is a vast region of flat grassland that stretches across the central United States and into Canada, characterized by its rolling terrain and unique ecosystems. This area plays a significant role in understanding New Mexico's diverse landscapes and regions, as it shares features such as arid conditions and agricultural practices with parts of New Mexico, particularly in its eastern areas.
Battle of Glorieta Pass: The Battle of Glorieta Pass was a significant battle fought in March 1862 during the American Civil War in New Mexico, often referred to as the 'Gettysburg of the West.' This battle marked a turning point in the campaign for control over New Mexico and had lasting implications for the state's relationship with both the Union and Confederacy, highlighting the unique geographical and cultural landscape of New Mexico.
Pueblo Peoples: Pueblo peoples are Native American groups who primarily inhabit the Southwestern United States, particularly New Mexico and Arizona. Known for their unique adobe dwellings and rich cultural traditions, these communities have a deep connection to their land and have played a crucial role in the region's history, especially during the Spanish colonial period when missions and settlements were established.