HARTMAN MULTIMEDIA
Nature Based Multimedia Information Systems
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HARTMAN MULTIMEDIA
Nature Based Multimedia Information Systems |
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Cima Dome is a granitic structure some 13 kilometers (8
miles) in diameter and is the remnant of an extensive late Pliocene erosion
surface, Mesozoic rocks, primarily
granitic, were eroded in the late Pliocene to an exceptionally smooth low relief
essentially because of the homogeneity of the coarse quartz monzonite being
eroded. In the early Pleistocene,
pyroclastics and lavas were extruded over portions of the surface; subsequently
a gentle deformation produced a broad warping which here led to a symmetrical,
dome-shaped uplift. Due to the
upwarping, increased erosion stripped away up to 30 meters (100 feet) of the
volcanic materials and the slopes of the dome were converted to smoothly graded
concave surfaces. Later, perhaps
recent, volcanics have not affected the dome. A dense Joshua tree forest of the uncommon Yucca
brevifolia var. jaegeriana covers much of the dome. This forest is outstanding
because of the denseness of the stand, its extent and good reproduction. There
is also the characteristic Joshua tree woodland shrub association which includes
Salazaria mexicana, Lycium spp., Coleogyne, Yucca baccata,
Opuntia (3) spp., Tetradymia, Salvia dorrii, etc. Integrity: There
has been some reduction in the reproduction of the Joshua trees because of
current use of the area for grazing. Use: Educational,
research, observational, light Ref: Sharp,
Robert P. 1954.
The Nature of Cima August 1975
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