Where are all the Sea Monkeys?
In Southern Nevada's desert surrounding Red Rocks NCA and the Spring
Mountains, water is a very scarce commodity. However, the Red Rocks area
contains over 40 springs, as well as many natural catchment basins
(known as tanks or tinajas).
Sea Monkeys are a true miracle of the Desert. They exist in
"suspended animation" inside their tiny eggs for many years. The Sea
Monkeys' eggs, (also called cysts), are produced when their "lake" is
drying out (strictly speaking when the salt level in the water is rising)
or in Autumn. Their eggs contain a "sleeping" embryo at a moisture
content of about 6%-10%. At these conditions, there is no measureable
metabolism, which makes them very durable.
Scientists believe the eggs of Sea Monkeys can survive for 1,000 years!
Yes, those are the western half of the 5,000+ foot Calico Hills in the
background. The Agents of time have been rather kind to these colourful
landmarks of petrified sand.
(March 16, 2008 - Elevation is 1,524 meters)
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