David Buckwalter, age 12, of Gary, Ind., for his question:

How did Death Valley get its name?

Less than 100 miles from towering Mt. Whitney, the surface of California dips to a region that is 282 feet below sea level. In Summer the temperature of this parched region has been known to soar to a scorching 134 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade. The Indians knew of the hazardous valley and many a traveler crossing the prairies lost his life there.

Gold was discovered in California in 1849, and people rushed from all directions to make their fortunes there. Many who came by way of the prairies died in the parched low lying region, and because of this the arid dip in the land became known as Death Valley.