- Baja California's main natural resources
- Water resources, the threat of scarcity
- Mineral resources. The wealth of the subsoil
- Flora. From the Mediterranean to the desert
- Fauna. Maritime wealth
- References
Baja California's most important natural resources are mineral deposits, flora, and fishing resources. Baja California is one of the states that make up the United Mexican States. Located in the north of the country, it was founded in 1952 and its capital is Mexicali.
Other major cities are Ensenada and Tijuana. The latter is located on the border with the United States, being one of the most important border points between both countries.
It has a territory of an area of 71,576 square kilometers and borders two sea coasts. In the west is the Pacific Ocean, while in the east it borders the Gulf of California.
Its climate varies from the Mediterranean to the arid, so its natural resources are very varied. According to INEGI (National Institute of Statistics and Geography), it has nine protected natural areas, 42% of the territory.
Baja California's main natural resources
Water resources, the threat of scarcity
Despite having mountainous areas in which there are several rivers, Baja California's water resources are quite poor.
Annual rainfall is scarce, especially in desert areas. In fact, a large percentage of them are concentrated in a single area, the Mexicali Valley, 88% of those in the State.
More than half is provided by a single source, the Colorado River. Coastal areas deserve a separate mention, where there are many natural resources.
Mineral resources. The wealth of the subsoil
The State is rich in mineral deposits of several different types. The one found on the Island of San Marcos stands out, with one hundred million tons of Gypsum.
There are also numerous veins of gold scattered throughout various areas of the region. In addition to Titanium, Tungsten and other minerals, the five million tons per year of salt obtained in Guerrero Negro stand out. They have reserves considered inexhaustible.
On the other hand, there are other non-metallic mineral deposits, such as clay, gravel, kaolin or talc.
Flora. From the Mediterranean to the desert
The flora existing in the State is determined by the two phytogeographic regions into which it is divided.
The first is the so-called Mediterranean Region, due to the type of climate it presents. It has almost 4,5000 different species.
This region includes the area of dunes that run along the Pacific and Gulf coasts, which have a different population.
The second region is the Northwest Desert. This area is much less lush due to its dry climate.
However, some of the best known species in the country appear, such as Agave and other types of cactus.
Fauna. Maritime wealth
The fauna in Baja California is also highly determined by the different climatic zones that make up the State.
In the more humid we find larger animals, such as foxes or deer. However, in desert areas, the population consists of smaller specimens. Typical of this area are various types of snakes, small mice or coyotes.
The coasts have a great variety of animals. Gray whales have become a great source of income, due to the many tourists who go to see them.
We also find seals or dolphins. Fishing is an activity with great economic importance in that area.
References
- National Institute for Federalism and Municipal Development - Encyclopedia of Municipalities and Delegations of Mexico. Taken from century.inafed.gob.mx
- Baja California State Government. Taken from bajacalifornia.gob.mx
- National Institute for Federalism and Municipal Development. Taken from inegi.org.mx
- Dr. Rhoda Richard, Burton, Tony. Geo-Mexico; the geography and dynamics of modern Mexico. Taken from geo-mexico.com.