Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
complex is fed by Russell Creek that heads at
Russell Springs a few kilometers to the west. To
this natural l ow, several artesian wells provide
additional water to the complex (see Fig. 4-11).
Emergent hydrophytes include bulrush, cattail,
various sedges, and pink smartweed.
Surface water is saline, as evidenced by crusts
of salt and bitter salt on dry mudl ats. This pro-
motes the growth of algae and salt-loving inver-
tebrates (Fig. 17-26). The pools and marshes are
separated by low silty dunes that rise 1-2 m
above the general surface. Other than scattered
mesquite bushes, these dunes are largely devoid
of vegetation, which attests to the arid climate.
The site offers hunting in season and wildlife
viewing, and a raised boardwalk and gravel path
facilitate access (Fig. 17-27). The area is closed
A
B
Figure 17-22.
Irrigation near Del Norte on the western
side of the San Luis Valley. A. Rio Grande Canal with
the San Juan Mountains in the background. Photo by
J.S. Aber. B. Irrigated crops are supplied by the Rio
Grande Canal and are marked by dark circles in this
view looking east toward the center of the valley. Kite
aerial photo by S.W. Aber and J.S. Aber.
Figure 17-23.
High-capacity pumps aerate ground
water into a canal in the northern San Luis Valley for
delivery southward to New Mexico. Sangre de Cristo
Range in the background. Photo by J.S. Aber.
Figure 17-24.
Mural painted on the brick side of the Crane Building in downtown Monte Vista, Colorado. Original
mural in full color; photo by J.S. Aber.
