Last updated: May 21, 2024
Place
Signs of Life, Self-Guided Tour Stop 7
NPS
Quick Facts
Location:
32.25489644774002, -111.19767821822242
Significance:
Tour stop
Designation:
NPS
Stop 7: Caliche
The rock wall in front of you is composed of a substance called caliche. It is a natural cement formed by the leaching of calcium carbonate from the surrounding soils, which then concentrates in layers beneath the soil surface.
When it is exposed by erosion, as in this wash bank, it erodes into a series of holes, cracks, and crevices creating habitats for a myriad of small creatures. Look in the holes and you will see spider webs, animal droppings, and other signs of life.
Packrats build homes in the open, at the bases of trees or cacti, or in rock shelters such as caliche pockets or caves. Homes out in the open are referred to as packrat houses, while those in rock shelters are called dens. Within the homes are chambers for sleeping, storing food items, and a midden, or trash heap. This is where the animal (they usually live alone) throws out seed pods and other debris, and where it defecates and urinates.
The rock wall in front of you is composed of a substance called caliche. It is a natural cement formed by the leaching of calcium carbonate from the surrounding soils, which then concentrates in layers beneath the soil surface.
When it is exposed by erosion, as in this wash bank, it erodes into a series of holes, cracks, and crevices creating habitats for a myriad of small creatures. Look in the holes and you will see spider webs, animal droppings, and other signs of life.
Packrats build homes in the open, at the bases of trees or cacti, or in rock shelters such as caliche pockets or caves. Homes out in the open are referred to as packrat houses, while those in rock shelters are called dens. Within the homes are chambers for sleeping, storing food items, and a midden, or trash heap. This is where the animal (they usually live alone) throws out seed pods and other debris, and where it defecates and urinates.