Desert alluvial fan - softypapa California Adventures - BMW R 1150 GSA

• published: 16 Oct 2014
• views: 336

Water and landscape can sometimes work together to form amazing geological features such as mountains, valleys and canyons. A curious feature especially visible in arid regions is the alluvial fan. Derived from the word “alluvium” meaning gravel, dirt and silt deposited by a stream, an alluvial fan is a build-up of such natural debris emanating from the narrow mouth of a deep canyon where flash floods bring periodic bursts of sediment-filled water coursing out and across the landscape. When water floods from such a canyon onto the plain it begins to deposit heavier load (solid objects carried along by the force of moving water) near the mouth as energy is lost by the spreading front of water. As the water continues to cover a wider area of the fan it drops successively smaller boulders, rocks and gravel until just fine sand or silt remain to be deposited at the floods final reach. This effect causes the alluvial fan to gradually, and typically evenly, grow as flood waters “braid” across the fan, with each successive flash flood bringing another layer of debris to spread across the surface. Though alluvial fans are typically most dramatically evident in deserts (due to the lack of ground cover) these geological features are nevertheless also found in areas of ample rainfall. While flash floods are a great danger in the narrow sections of canyons which produce alluvial fans ,the fans themselves may sometimes be an even greater threat as water spilling upon them may spread evenly offering no refuge to animals attempting to cross. Specialist plants sometimes make their home at the front of desert alluvial fans where the plants send deep tap-roots to collect ground water seeping from the front of the fan deep below the surface. These plants provide an oasis-like habitat of food and shade for animals and other plants. ---- My name is Kurt Bell and I am delighted that you have taken some time to share a little of the experience of life with me. I'm available on social media at the links below and can be reached via email at dinnerbytheriver@gmail.com Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/softypapa Find me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LylesBrother On Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/109050782163582511388/posts Instagram: http://instagram.com/softypapa LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kurt-bell/b/416/754 My blog: http://softypapa.wordpress.com ---- THE PATH OF WILDNESS The Path of Wildness is easy to find The course of a stream Leaves blown in the wind A beast's track through the brush And the direction of our first inclination The Path of Wildness is an answer and response to a prescribed way of life which may leave some individuals with a sense that their living is little more than a series of pre-determined, step-like episodes between birth and death. The stages of living between these events: childhood, adolescence, adulthood, parenthood and senior are themselves natural and in accord with the needs of the species and most individuals. Many find their satisfaction in living this course and to these individuals I have little or nothing to say. Others though long for something more; something innate, genetic and seemingly calling. Adventure and change can give a degree of satisfaction and relief yet even these may seem too tame. To those who feel drawn to something beyond the entertainment and stimulation of senses I offer a walk along The Path of Wildness. Don't bother penciling the event in your schedule, preparing a pack with goodies and supplies or even inviting a friend along, for this experience is along the course of your first inclination and you must surely always go alone. Learn more about The Path of Wildness here: http://wp.me/P5A2F-As ==== CHANNEL CREDITS "Japanese Falls" image by the artist Lane Brown. See more of Mr. Brown's work at the following URL: http://lanebrownart.blogspot.com/p/portfolio.html Channel Theme Music "Song For Kurt" used with permission by Nowherians. Discover more about the artist and their music here: http://nowherians.bandcamp.com/