University of Arizona

Sense of Place

Geos. 195D

Tucson Washes

Map of Tucson wash cementing

Tucson has various "washes" that are now mostly dry, except when they flood. The image below is of the Rillito in moderate flood with lots of muddy water.

Rillito with muddy water

Should houses and business be buit in or near Tucson's washes? A good sense of place includes considering this question.

Cemented Banks

The banks of the Rillito have been cemented in, which protected many "streamside" areas during the July, 2006, flooding. Will the cement hold out forever?

Rillito cementing
Photo credit — Jayme Kelter

Rillito cementing
Photo credit — Jayme Kelter

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Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research, The University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona 85721 USA
Main Office: (520) 621-1608, Fax: (520) 621-8229
Comments to Paul Sheppard: sheppard @ ltrr.arizona.edu