Instruction 1-2

Where in the World is California? | From Desert to Ocean | Towns and Cities | Summary

California is a very large state. It is made up of mountains, desert, valleys, and coastline. These four types of areas are called regions. Each region has its own climate, landforms, tourist attractions, and wildlife.
 
 
Coastal Region
 
The coastline runs along the west side of the state. It is 1,264 miles long. Much of the coastline of California is very beautiful. Because of this, many tourists visit the coast.
 
Over half of the state’s population lives in the coastal region. Most of these people live in big cities. These cities grew up around harbors in the San Diego Bay, the San Francisco Bay, and the Los Angeles Basin.
 
Some of the first people came to California over land, but many came on ships. The harbors were busy places. The ships carried people and supplies.


The California coast has many natural resources. There are plants, insects, reptiles, fish, birds, and mammals.

 

Mountain Region
 
Mountains cover most of California. The two main ranges are the Sierra Nevada Mountains and
 the Coastal Mountains. Many different Native American tribes lived in these mountains. They had learned how to adjust to the land. However, for people trying to get to California, the mountains were a big challenge.
 
Snow tops many of the taller mountains. Forests of fir, pine, and cedar trees can be found in lower parts of the mountains. California’s mountains have much wildlife. These include many kinds of birds, mammals, and insects. Coal and gold are natural resources of these mountains.
 
 
Valley Region
 
The Central Valley lies between the two main mountain ranges. Many fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains are grown in the Central Valley. In fact, over half of the United States gets its produce from the Central Valley.
When the first Europeans came to California, they found beavers in the creeks and rivers of the valley. They hunted them for the beaver pelts (fur), which are very valuable. Other important resources of the valley are oil and natural
gas.
 
The Sacramento River runs through the Central Valley. It is one of the largest rivers in the state. Cities and towns along the river were supply towns for pioneers.

Desert Region

In southeast California lies a large desert triangle. It is made up of dried lakebeds,
sandy valleys, and mountains. The pioneers found the deserts very difficult to cross.
 
Some of California’s most famous deserts are the Mojave, the Colorado, and Death Valley. The Mojave is the largest desert in the state.
 
An irrigation system brings water to the Colorado Desert. Because of this, crops like lettuce, alfalfa, cotton, and sugar beets can grow there.
 
Death Valley is the most famous desert in California. It was named Death Valley because so many gold seekers died trying to travel through it. Borax is a valuable mineral that can be found in Death Valley.

for Students, Parents and Teachers

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