Why was Hernando DE alarcon voyage undertaken?

Hernando de Alarcón's voyage in 1540 was primarily undertaken to explore and map the northern territories of New Spain, particularly the regions around the Colorado River and the Gulf of California. Commissioned by the Spanish crown, Alarcón aimed to find a route for trade and to establish Spanish presence in the area. His expedition was also intended to support the broader objectives of the Spanish exploration of the American Southwest, including the search for gold and other resources. Alarcón's journey contributed to the European understanding of the geography and indigenous cultures of the region.