John Isaacson, 9, of Princeton, I11., for his question:
WHY DO THEY CALL IT DEATH VALLEY?
Scientists say that during the glacial period of the earth, the area of land in California we now know as
Death Valley was a large, deep lake. Climate in the area was very moist, and there was much rainfall each year. Now, however, where once stood a cool lake you'll find only the vast desert. Rainfall in Death Valley each year measures about two inches.
In the east central part of California near the Nevada border you'll find Death Valley. The name isn't too appropriate if you explore the area.
A group of pioneers crossed the valley in 1849 on their way to California. When they completed a stay on the hot desert floor and left the valley, they dubbed it Death Valley because it was such a dramatic, desolate desert.
You'll find the lowest elevation in the Western Hemisphere at a spot called Badwater on the floor of Death Valley. Here it is 282 feet below sea level.
Death Valley is a series of contrasts. From the very low desert floor you'll find the Panamint Mountains on the west, which includes the 11,049 foot Telescope Peak. High ground of the Amargosa Range, including the Grapevine, Funeral and Black mountains, is found on the east.
Scientists say Death Valley is a block in the earth's surface, dropped down by faults which form is east and west walls. Faults happen when the crust of the earth slips and breaks into various positions. Erosion of the steep cliffs has formed beautiful canyons.
In the northern part of the valley is Ubehebe Crater, a small volcano on the west side of the fault. Flows of lava can also be seen along the faults in the southern part of Death Valley.
Borax deposits were found in Death Valley in 1873, and mining for the mineral started in the early 1880s. The famous 20 mule teams carried the borax out of the valley. Gold, lead, copper and silver were also found in the nearby mountains. Mining towns named Rhyolite, Bullfrog, Greenwater and Skidoo were built but they died quickly when the ore was soon exhausted. Today only fragments of the towns remain.
Death Valley holds the record for the highest temperature ever recorded in the United States. On July 10, 7973, the temperature hit 134 degrees F. The average summer temperature, however, is only 125 degrees.
Visitors love Death Valley in the fall, winter and spring. The area's geological attractions and pleasant weather make it a wonderful place to visit.
Wildlife abounds in Death Valley. There are bobcats, coyotes, foxes, rats, rabbits, squirrels and reptiles. Plants include mesquite, creosote bush and desert holly.
Death Valley was established as a National Monument in 1933.