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BEACON LIGHT LAKE. Beacon Light Lake, a playa, is 2½ miles northeast of Wheat oilfield and a half mile west of Rudd Draw in south central Loving County (at 31°47' N, 103°34' W). The lake is surrounded by flat to rolling desert terrain of calichefied bedrock, alluvial deposits of sand and gravel, and windblown sand. The soil is fine-grained, brownish-red, loamy sand. Area vegetation consists primarily of small mesquites, yuccas, bear grass, and sparse range grasses. Beacon Light Lake is representative of the many playas in Loving County. Immature streambeds and normally dry draws feed rainwater into these shallow depressions, which vary in size from a few feet to hundreds of rods. The playas become sheets of water after downpours and disappear gradually through evaporation. They may provide some groundwater for livestock, but they are never dependable or long-term sources. Beacon Light Lake was likely named for a nearby signal tower.

The following, adapted from the Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, is the preferred citation for this article.

Handbook of Texas Online, s.v. "," http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/BB/rob33.html (accessed May 9, 2008).

(NOTE: "s.v." stands for sub verbo, "under the word.")

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Last Updated: January 9, 2008
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