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Sand Hills/Sand Dunes

Ecoregion in Sonoran Desert in CA, AZ

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The Sand Hills/Sand Dunes ecoregion occurs in California, Arizona, and Baja California, and is one of the largest dune complexes in North America. In Arizona, it occurs in the Yuma Desert, Mohawk Valley, Pinta Sands, and Cactus Plains. The wind-blown sand originated mostly from the shores and delta of the Colorado River. This is one of the driest and hottest areas of the United States, with annual precipitation only about 2 to 6 inches. The well-drained aridic soils have hyperthermic temperature regimes. Although vegetation is often sparse, the ecoregion contains the largest number of dune-endemic plants in North America, as well as several specialized animal species. Psammophytic (“sand loving”) scrub occurs in the active dunes and partially stabilized areas.

— EPA

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