The Distribution of Bedrock Depressions (Tinajas) as Sources of Surface Water in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona

Tinajas, or natural bedrock depressions, constitute the most numerous and widespread source of surface water within Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Pima County, Arizona. Intermittent and perennial tinajas were inventoried from 1980 to 1982 by field survey, literature review, and conversation wi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science 1983-01, Vol.18 (2), p.61-68
Main Authors: Brown, Bryan T., Johnson, R. Roy
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Arroyos
Bedrock
Cactus
Canyons
Deserts
Drainage basins
Mountain ranges
Organ pipes
Sediments
Surface water
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Summary:Tinajas, or natural bedrock depressions, constitute the most numerous and widespread source of surface water within Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, 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 49 known tinajas within the monument, occurring primarily in the Ajo, Bates, and Puerto Blanco mountains. Tinaja densities range from 0.35 tinajas/km2 in the Ajo Range to 0.14 tinajas/km2 in the Puerto Blanco Mountains. Water present in tinajas in the monument may approach 8.5 × 105 liters (mean volume/tinaja is 19,390 liters), and constitutes an important resource to arid lands fauna. 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.
ISSN:0193-8509
1533-6085