Mesquite age and size in relation to dunes and artifacts

TitleMesquite age and size in relation to dunes and artifacts
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1983
AuthorsGadzia JSGraham, Ludwig J.
JournalThe Southwestern Naturalist
Volume28
Pagination89-94
Date Published1983
Call Number00090
Keywordsarcheology,dunes & artifacts, article, articles, artifacts, Prosopis dunes, journal, journals, mesquite dune, SEE <Prosopis dune>, plant, Prosopis, Prosopis dunes, artifacts, Prosopis, age
AbstractIn a duneland dominated by mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa var. torreyana) twelve mesquite-dune complexes were analyzed in order to determine relationships between plant age, plant canopy size, and dune size. In addition, surface Indian artifacts were measured along the study transect which centered through remnants of an Indian campsite. These data were collected in an attempt to investigate the theory that mesquite is at least partially responsible for the initiation and continuation of the dune building process in the Jornada Plains. Plant age was significantly related to the volume of the plant canopy, and to the volume of the dune. Surface artifact densities tended to be highest in areas of greater dune formation, which suggests that artifacts are more visible in areas of greater soil erosion. The ring numbers, taken from these samples do support earlier observations that there has been a recent and rapid increase of mesquite on the Jornada Plains.