Carcross Desert

Carcross Desert, located outside Carcross, Yukon, Canada, is often referred to the world's smallest desert, measuring approximately one square mile (2.6 km²). [http://www.mysteriesofcanada.com/Yukon/carcross_desert.htm Mysteries of Canada.com on Carcross Desert] ]

Background

Carcross Desert is commonly referred to as a desert, but is in actuality a series of northern sand dunes. The area is too humid to be considered a desert. [http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/travel/travel_magazine/summer_2007/gateway_nature.asp Canadian Geographic magazine "Pseudo-desert"] ] The sand was formed during the last ice age, when large glacial lakes formed and deposited silt. When the lakes dried, the dunes were left behind. Today, sand comes mainly from nearby Bennett Lake, carried by wind. The dunes contain a wide variety of plants, including unusual varieties such as Baikal sedge and Yukon lupine, among others. [http://www.taiga.net/yourYukon/col191.html Northern dunes, not deserts] ]

The Yukon Territorial government made efforts to protect Carcross Desert in 1992, but failed due to opposition from locals who use the dunes for recreational purposes.

Climate

Carcross Desert is significantly drier than the surrounding region, receiving less than 50 cm of rain per year. This is due mainly in part to a rain shadow effect caused by surrounding mountains.cite book |last=Cushing |first=C. E. |coauthors=Arthur C. Benke |title=Rivers of North America |origyear=2005 |accessdate=28 |accessyear=2007 |accessmonth=August |publisher=Elsevier |language=English |isbn=0120882531 |pages=777 |chapter=17 |quote=The famous Carcross Desert, near Bennett and Tagish lakes, [...] is a striking example of a rain shadow in the region.] As a result, several rare species of plant life have taken hold in the comparatively arid conditions. "Carex sabulosa", or Baikal sedge, is only known to exist in four other sites in North America, mainly existing in Asia. Yukon Lupine, also unusual for the surroundings, "grows like a weed." While the vegetation in the area currently locks much of the dune system in place, a large event such as a forest fire could easily clear out the vegetation and return the dunes to an active state.

Recreation

The dunes are used by locals for sandboarding. Tourist groups also use the area for off-road scenic tours, which is allowed on the fine-grained dunes. Other summer activities include hiking and all-terrain vehicles. [http://www.sandboard.com/locations/canada/carcross/ "Sandboard" Magazine's article on Carcross] ]

In the winter, the area is used mainly for cross-country skiing and snowboarding.

The nearby White Pass and Yukon Route is a popular tourist attraction, bringing many tourists each year to the Carcross area.

References