Lab 6

The set of maps and graphics above utilizes a digital elevation model sourced from the USGS Seamless data. The extent of the model covers an area in the Lower Sierra Nevada Mountain Range from 36.8136N, 118.4758W to 36.4164N, 117.7400W. The digital elevation model and the associated maps use the North American Datum of 1983 as the Geographic Coordinate System. I personally chose to study this location due to its rapid change in elevation. For instance, this location in California includes Mt. Whitney with a peak elevation of 14,505 ft. Directly to the east of Mt. Whitney and other mountains of similar elevation lies Owens Valley at an elevation of approximately 4,000 ft. As a result, my models highlight a significant change in elevation of over 10,000 ft. This change in elevation is particularly striking if one views the 3D rendering of this location visible in the top right of the graphics collection. Furthermore, on the eastern side of Owens Valley another slope rises before falling to the lowest point in the extent of the data. This lowest point is at an elevation of approximately 1,000 ft. and is located in the north east of Death Valley National Park. Taken as a whole, these models demonstrate a change in elevation of over 13,000 ft. One of the world's greatest athletic challenges, the Badwater Ultramarathon, includes the area studied due to the drastic changes in elevation.