Indian Wells Valley

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Indian Wells Valley

Indian Wells Valley, showing Ridgecrest, California and the China Lake area.
Long-axis direction N-S
Long-axis length 33 miles (53 km)
Geography
Bounded by Argus Range (E)
Coso Range (N)
El Paso Mountains (S)
Sierra Nevada (W)
Coordinates 35°42′10″N 117°41′11″W / 35.70278°N 117.68639°W / 35.70278; -117.68639Coordinates: 35°42′10″N 117°41′11″W / 35.70278°N 117.68639°W / 35.70278; -117.68639

Indian Wells Valley is an arid north-south basin in east-central California. In the geologic sense, it is a southern extension of Owens Valley to the north, with the recent volcanics of the Coso Range being the separator. It is defined by two major faults on both the east and west side of the valley, but unlike Owens Valley, it is bound by a third fault, the Garlock Fault (within the El Paso Mountains) to the south. This valley is part of the northwesternmost Mojave Desert plant community and ecoregion.

The largest city in the valley is Ridgecrest. Other locations include Inyokern, Indian Wells, and communities associated with the China Lake Naval Weapons Center, the primary industry in the valley. California State Route 14 and US Highway 395 are the main transportation corridors through the valley.

External links

USGS diagram showing the groundwater basins of Owens and Indian Wells Valleys
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