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>Map >Satellite At several locations, particularly at the mouths of the Whitewater River, San Felipe Creek and other creeks and drainage canals, there are marshes and backwaters, their extent being determined by the level and salinity of the Sea. Depending upon the salinity, vegetation varies from salt marsh to brackish, with some freshwater species present. These areas are important as breeding grounds for various fish, including the desert pupfish, Cyprinodon macularius, and birds. Along the strand a number of plant species occur, including various Atriplex spp. Near the western edge of the Sea are several barchan sand dunes which rise some 30 meters (100 feet) above the level of the Sea. Integrity: As the Sea has been relatively stable, these areas have survived; recently, however, changes in the salinity and the amount of water entering may change their composition. Several of the channels are partially diked. Use: Research, educational, observational, Some private. December 1976
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2008 Steven Louis Hartman
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