The Great Basin Desert

The Great Basin Desert

The Great Basin Desert can be found in the western United States. It is considered a cold desert and covers 158,000 square miles (411,000 square kilometers). It is also the largest desert in the Untied States.

Like the Chihuahuan Desert, the Great Basin is a high desert with elevations above 4,000 feet (1,200 meters). The area is covered with mountains and rocky soils.

Also like the Chihuahuan Desert, there are many people living in the Great Basin Desert. In fact, in 2002, the Winter Olympics was held in Salt Lake City, Utah. In addition to Utah, the Great Basin covers Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, and a small part of California.

Great Basin lands are used for living, recreation, and mining. Valuable materials like copper, oil, and natural gas can be found in this desert.