Change Over Time

The desert of Joshua Tree today is drastically different from the environment ten thousand, one hundred, or even thirty years ago. Park scientists study how the landscape, Joshua trees, and animal populations such as the desert tortoise have changed in response to shifting climate and human settlement.

Studies of fossil specimens and the geology of the Pinto Basin reconstruct an ancient environment where camels and other large animals roamed along braided streams or channels that ran through what is now a bone-dry basin. Scientists measure more recent climate changes to understand the future of the park’s environment. Older studies such as bird counts from 50 years ago document how the atmosphere, soil, and vegetation have changed.