The Colorado River

Paper Summary:

This paper describes the history of the Colorado River and how it came to be the lifeline for the seven southwestern states that rely upon its water. First deserts are defined, then the deserts of the American southwest are described, followed by a thorough analysis of how the river that runs through these deserts was tamed or even "beaten into submission" to provide sustenance for vast developments of former wastelands. The current status of regulation and control over this resource, as well as considerations for the future are discussed.

From the Paper:

"Geologically speaking rivers and deserts have little in common. When a river runs through a desert, however, and becomes the lifeblood of developments that could not have been created without it, then these two geologic phenomena become intimately related. This study will explore the deserts of the southwest and how the Colorado River contributed to cities and enterprises built in these previously barren lands. Also investigated will be the uses to which Colorado River water is put by the seven southwestern states that rely on this lifeline. Of major concern is the importance of this resource to the continued survival of all these consumers of water and the questions of future security and plans for conservation of this most valuable resource."

More papers on The Colorado River:

• Essay # 110989 : "Water Management and the Colorado River Aqueduct"
• Analytical Essay # 17165 : "Down the River"
• Case Study # 65930 : "Civil Engineering: The Hoover Dam Project"

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