1) This area stands out amid the desert mountains to the nortrast and southwest be ain.d·he inigand, euuried land between Palm Springs and the Salton Sca. Where do you think the water thas is used to make this valley green comes from

2. The northeastern edge of the valley is bounded by the southern San Andreas Faul. Line eg.. SATS?N??hmrw through 33838-N, ?l6310w Andreas fault zone is primarily a zone of right-late within this zone. What kind(s) of faults are probably ivolved in the continuing valley? Hint: Refer to Fig. 

3. Now use the Google Earth search box to navigate to the triangular community of Rancho Mirage (33738,N, 116.417w), viewing it from an altitude of around 3 km. Using your mouse, hover over the icons at the top of the Google Earth screen to find and select the Show historical imagery" feature. Use the slikder to go back in timme and view how this desert valley has changed, and describe some of the changes you see in the historical imagery

4. In July of 1979, a violent storm developed here, and nearly 6 in. of rain fell on the San Jacinto Mountains, uphill and to the southwest of Rancho Mirage. At that time, flood control at Rancho Mirage included a system of earthen channels and concrete walls that were overwhelmed by a flash flood. Many homes were damaged, and two lives were lost in the event. Analyze recent images of Rancho Mirage and describe any evidence of flood control measures

5. Would you feel safe living at Rancho Mirage? Explain.

REFLECT &DISCUSS The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD, http://wnw.unccd. en/) points out that many people live in dry lands and that more than half of the world's productive land is dry land. a list of hazards that might affect people living a desert community or on a farm or ranch in a dry land along with mea that can be taken to manage the risks associated with those hazards.

Answers:

Q1) Answer – After looking at the Google Earth image, we find the presence of a big lake by the name of Salton Sea. Apparently its water is saline and hence cannot be used for daily uses. No major river or reservoir is seen in the vicinity. So the only option that is left is Groundwater. People from this region must be dependent on Wells to quench their daily needs.

Q2) Answer – This region has a new fault by the name of Salton Trough Fault. This fault is parallel to the San Andreas fault and seems to be active. Its direction of movement is such that the valley is apparently widening.

Q3) Answer – The Rancho Mirage Community has expanded since 1996. It has grown close to the San Jacinto mountains. The density of the houses has also increased substantially.

Q4) Answer – Flood control measures include construction of barriers near the San Jacinto Mountain base along the Triangular edge of Rancho Mirage. These barriers divert water to a drain that travels through the city and empties outside the city near San Jacinto reserve at Oasis de Osos.

Q5) Answer – I don’t feel safe living at Rancho Mirage?

Explanation – It has been nearly four decades since the last flash flood overwhelmed Rancho Mirage. So far the new concrete barriers are holding good. That’s why many people find it safe to live at Rancho Mirage. However, due to drastically changing weather patterns as a result of Global warming, it is difficult to determine how big a landslide/flash flood may occur in this area in the near future. Also there is a limit known as the carrying capacity of the barriers and the drain to provide protection. Once this capacity is breached then it could be a repeat of 1979. Moreover, there is an element of hazard of landslide always lurking around in the minds of people. This does not provide mental satisfaction. That means people always tend to live in fear. In addition to this, the region has an active transform fault. This creates a danger of quakes, liquefaction

REFLECT AND DISCUSS

Answer – List of hazards that affect people living in deserts

1. Flashfloods
2. Landslides
3. Dust-storms
4. Droughts
5. Forest fires
6. Heat strokes

Measures that can be taken to manage the risks associated with these hazards.

1. Flashfloods can be channelized to a river or a large empty space as is done in Rancho Mirage area. Two to Three levels of Concrete barriers that channelize these floods should be constructed so that people can get adequate warning to evacuate if the first barrier breaks.
2. Landslides can be controlled by applying slope stabilization measures like planting sufficient vegetation on the slopes, applying steel nets, grouting and bolting.
3. Dust storms can be avoided by running away from it. To do that one needs a sound weather forecasting system and a decent evacuation plan.
4. Droughts can be tackled by sufficiently replenishing groundwater through water harvesting techniques. Desalination technology can be used at such times. Legislation to prudently utilize water must be enacted.
5. Sufficient fire protection measures like ensuring safe distance from forests and cities so that the flames do not reach the cities, presence of a fully equipped Fire-brigade service etc should be present
6. Heat strokes can be avoided by keeping the body hydrated, not venturing out in the sun and even if one does have to go out then not doing exertion as such. Appropriate weather warning service can further help in avoiding heat stroke cases.