Algodones Dunes
Sci/256
7-29-13
Sheryl Wildt Algodones Dunes Earth is a complex entity comprised of many different components which form the most unique environments known to man. These components, or ecosystems, are themselves complex, however also fragile. Whether intentional or not, humans have negatively impacted the environment to the point where intervention and management is necessary to preserve or remediate these fragile ecosystems. One such ecosystem is located in the Southeast desert of California, the Algodones Dunes. Although sand dunes are not a typical or popular ecosystem, they do have structural dynamics, human affected biogeochemical cycles, a need and plans for management, and implications of species interactions in that management.
Structural Dynamics The Algodones dunes is a band of sand dunes reaching as high as eighty meters that extend seventy five kilometers in length from the Colorado River in Baja California northwest toward Indio. They are eight kilometers in width at the widest point bordered by the Chocolate and Cargo Muchacho Mountain range in the east and the Coachella Canal in the west (Sweet, Nielson, Havholm, & Farrelley, 1988). The sand dunes are formed by Pacific westerlies and weather fronts which blow in a southeast direction. Because of this, the crescent dunes form with a more gradual windward face toward the northwest and a leeward face or sudden drop and slope facing the southeast (Sweet et al, 1988). Home to a highly adapted and diverse plant and animal life, the Algodones dunes are also home to some endangered species such as the Pierson’s milk vetch and Andrew’s dune scarab beetle to name two (Wilshire & Nielson, 2007). The ecosystem has been changing more drastically over the last thirty years due to the increase and popularity of off road vehicles. Environmental protection advocates and groups such as the Sierra Club have enumerated the destruction and asked for support from politicians and the Federal government to protect what is left (Center for Biological Diversity, 2013). Some of these species like native shrubs help stabilize the dunes from degradation and excessive movement which could overtake other areas (Wilshire & Nielson, 2007).
Affected Biogeochemical Cycles Since the Algodones dunes are such a hot spot for off roaders, much of the natural terrain has been disrupted which includes the native vegetation. The Pierson’s Milkvetch, Algodones Dunes Sunflower, and Paloverde are plants, all of which contribute to the biogeochemical cycle by absorbing carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus for growth (Frit Industries, 2010). Nitrogen is absorbed by various fixation processes from the atmosphere and changed into ammonium or nitrate which the plants can then use to support growth and other various functions (Frit Industries, 2010). Phosphorus is also an essential element for plants by helping convert the sun’s energy into food, aid in the metabolism of sugars, and is vital to reproduction (Frit Industries, 2010). Carbon is absorbed in the form of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and is one of the main components in forming sugars, which is what the plant uses as food (University of Illinois at Chicago , n.d.). Although still in the uncertain and experimental phase, desert ecosystems such as the Algodones dunes and other adjacent deserts are being evaluated as the unidentified carbon sink of the Earth. In a two year span in the Mojave desert, one hundred grams of carbon per square meter were absorbed, which is comparable to a temperate forest (Stone, 2008). Conversely, disruption of this ecosystem could also release excessive amounts of carbon back into the atmosphere which would speed up global warming (Stone, 2008). This is still all speculation, however if it holds true, then human disruption of the dunes would contribute to the negative effect.
The Needs and Plans for Management Through lawsuits and political lobbying, conservation groups like the Sierra Club and Center for Biological Diversity have played a significant role in preserving the dune ecosystem from total destruction by implementing closures and more law enforcement (Center for Biological Diversity, 2012). The closed areas are marked and designated protected for the native plant and animal life and are enforced by land, air, and satellite (Center for Biological Diversity, 2012). The protection plan was not easily attained as it met serious resistance from the off road community. The restricted areas took away over forty nine thousand acres of dunes, narrowing certain corridors between the north and south dune system (Center for Biological Diversity, 2012). The closures have been in effect since 2000, and so far are having a positive impact on the native species. By informing and teaching the off road community of the importance in keeping the ecosystem alive, both sides have been able to coexist, although both will also continue to pull for total control.
Implications of Species Interactions The dunes are home to approximately sixteen rare endemic species including the Pierson’s Milkvetch, Sand Food, Algodones Dunes Sunflower, Flat-tailed Horned Lizard, and nine beetle species (Wilshire & Nielson, 2007). The implications of preserving these species is vital since some of them live only in this ecosystem. Humans have already endangered or made extinct many species of plants and animals which may never be able to exist again. Not only are these species important to the function and life of the ecosystem, they also maintain the structural integrity of the dunes. Without any plants, the dunes may move at a much higher rate which could either deplete their existence, or overtake neighboring communities. Plant and animal life work in unison to achieve or maintain equilibrium in the dunes which is evident in photos comparing protected and non-protected areas (Wilshire & Nielson, 2007).
Conclusion
The Algodones dunes are a beautiful majestic ecosystem that like all others ecosystems, is being affected negatively by human intrusion. To suggest putting a complete stop to the off road industry and or closing the dunes indefinitely would be unrealistic. Although not as seemingly complex or important as other ecosystems like the Amazon or boreal forests, the dunes are alive with life and require the assistance and management of those who care. From maintaining their structure and biogeochemical cycles to remediating endangered species, giving the Algodones dunes a future is in everyone’s best interest. A truce and compromise from both supporters and off roaders would be the most beneficial outcome to both humans and the environment.
References
Center for Biological Diversity. (2012). Algodones Dunes. Retrieved from http:// www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/public_lands/off-road_vehicles/algodones_dunes/ index.html
Center for Biological Diversity. (2013). Open Letter to Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. Retrieved from http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/public_lands/off- road_vehicles/algodones_dunes/pdfs/Letter-to-IS-Jewell-re-Algodones- Dunes-5-20-2013.pdf Frit Industries. (2010). Nutri-Facts. Retrieved from http://fritind.com/nutri_facts.html
Stone, R. (2008, June). Have Desert Researchers Discovered A Hidden Loop in the Carbon Cycle?. Sciencemag, 320, 1409-1410. Retrieved from http://www.sloplanning.org/EIRs/ CaliforniaValleySolarRanch/feir/apps/Ap01B_Cmts_2nd_Scoping_C_CARE.pdf
Sweet, M.L., Nielson, J., Havholm, K., & Frailly, J. (1988, December). Algodones Dune Field of Southeastern California: Case History of A Migrating Modern Dune Field. Sedimentology, 35, 939-952.
University of Illinois at Chicago . (n.d.). Photosynthesis . Retrieved from http://www.uic.edu/ classes/bios/bios100/lecturesf04am/lect10.htm
Wilshire, H., Nelson, J. (2007). Mayhem at the Dunes. Retrieved from http:// www.theamericanwestatrisk.com/media/algodones.pdf