Chapter 20: Hawai'i

America's island paradise, Hawai'i, shares its year-round tropical weather, treetop fruit, world-famous hula, and laid-back culture with many tourists and residents. Only 2,479 miles away from Los Angeles, Hawai'i is just a plane ride to paradise.


Geography
From the Aleutian Trench to the Big Island, Hawai'i has 132 volcanically formed islands, reefs, atolls, and shoals composing the Hawaiian archipelago. The eight populated islands of the state, are the youngest, yet largest islands. Together, they stretch almost four hundred miles. The eight major islands include: Hawai'i, Maui, O'ahu, Kaua'i, Moloka'i, Lana'i, Ni'ihau, Kaho'olawe.















Climate
Unlike the Mediterrannean weather of Los Angeles, Hawai'i's tropical location allows for warm weather. Like Los Angeles. there is little seasonality, but the trade winds and rainfall pattern call for differences. The annual average for rainfall is twenty-five inches. The rainy season is from October to March. However, it is frequently warm. In the summer, the average temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The winter averages about 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The water surrounding the islands average between 74 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit year round. At the tops of the volcanoes, it get a little colder, averaging 40 degree Fahrenheit. One may not know, but occasionally

, the Big Island mountains and on Maui's Haleakala, can receive snow.

Chapter 19: California

California is a diverse, complex, and extreme state. It has a complex topography and a diverse demography and economy. The elevations are extreme, as well as the climate and vegetation. Nearly everyone knows where California is located and what it signifies: sun, sand, money, beautiful people, and diversity. 

Geography

California is a very complex and diverse state. Spanning more than 770 miles from Mexico to Oregon, and 250 miles from the West Coast to the eastern border. The state is divided into three major regions. the first is the Pacific Northwest. The second, the Intermontane. The third contains the Sierra Nevada and Coastal Range, the Coastal urban conurbations, and the Central Valley. Without elaborate water schemes, Los Angeles would be brown. Being the second largest city in America, a lot of water is needed for survival.

Climate

Many people are attracted to and flock to California because of its mild weather and Mediterranean precipitation pattern. Temperatures average between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Inland valleys however, climb over 100 degree Fahrenheit. There are some wet winters and a lot of very dry summers. Annually, there is twenty inches of precipitation in some areas, including snow in the Sierras. 

 

Chapter 17: Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is separated from the rest of the country as a result of mountains forming a barrier. The land benefits the region as the mountainous barrier was overcome and the timber was exploited.


Geogrphy
The Pacific Northwest spans over two thousand miles from Alaska to northern California and lies between the Intermontane and Pacific Ocean. The region is roughly dry near the Intermontane and wet and moist towards the west. Being part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, there are active volcanoes in the area. The Pacifc Northwest has three subregions: The Washington and Oregon Coast Ranges; the British Colombia Coast Mountains, the Puget Sound Trough, Willamette Valley and the Inside Passage, and the Cascade Mountains. Los Angeles is nowhere near active volcanoes, yet residents to have to worry about earthquakes and the Raymond Fault.


Climate
For three of the four season, this region receives an abundance of precipitation due to the marine climate. Annually, this region sees over 200 inches of rain. Los Angeles doesn't come close to that. Towards the Cascades, high winds are in abundance. Due to the ocean air decreasing air pressure, storms climb the mountains causing rain and snow from the released moisture. Los Angeles is quite the opposite. For three seasons, and most of the fourth, there is nothing but hot weather and sunshine.

Chapter 16: Intermontane

Lying between the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains is the most dry and beguiling area of the US. It is known as the "empty quarter" and the "ghost region' due to its dry, rough, unproductive land that is not very populated.


Geography

Sustaining a hot and dry landscape, the Intermontane has a small population. Water is a necessity for life, and there is very little water in this barren land. The Intermontane region can be broken up into three major subregions: the Colombia Plateau, the Basin and Range, and the Colorado Plateau. The Colombia Plateau is divided into two provinces: the Palouse and the Snake River Plain. the Basin and Range is separated into three provinces: the Great Basin, the Sonoran Desert, and the Mexcian Highlands. Lastly, the Colorado Plateau is a bunch of mesas and canyons, whith the spot light on the Grand Canyon. Los Angeles is also broken down into sub-cities. Eighty eight to be more specific.


Climate
Los Angeles and the Intermonte share the lack of precipitation in common. Due to the Cascade Mountains and Sierra Nevada acting as a rain shadow, not a lot of rain see the Intermontane. This results in a dry region, receiving less than two inches of rain. The Colorado Plateau receives an average of fifteen inches annually. This mostly comes form summer thunderstorms. Los Angeles doesn't receive that much precipitation. When it does rain in LA, it doesn't last very long and dries up very quickly.

Chapter 15: The Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains are a physical barrier that govern the weather, precipitation, and the flow of water. The population is on a boom bust pattern, yet the water is not. The largest city near the Rockies, resides in the rain shadow.

Geography
The many ranges of the Rocky Mountains stretch from Alaska to New Mexico. They rise above the eastern plains and meld into the western plateaus. The Rockies are divided into five latitudinal subregions: Southern Rockies, Middle Rockies, Northern Rockies, Canadian Rockies, and Brooks Range. In comparison, Los Angeles has 88 sub-cities including, Beverly Hills, Compton, El Segundo, and Lakewood.












Climate
Although the Rockies are adjacent to the Great Plains, the temperature differential is 35 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because as the elevation increases, the temperature decreases. This is known as vertical zonation. The lower elevation has desertlike plants and animals. The higher elevation sees a tundra like atmosphere. The Rockies see very cold temperatures unlike Los Angeles.

Chapter 14: The Great Plains and Canadian Prairie

The Great Plains is too slow for most people. Unlike the hustle and bustle of downtown Los Angeles, the Great Plains has a very subtle revealed landscape. The climate, topography, and vegetation is seen as a transition zone between the dry, itchy west and the wet, forested midwest.

Geography
The Great Plains are almost perfectly named. There is a lot of plain, flat land. The land is perfect for mechanized agriculture, however, there isn't enough surface water to support it. the only way is to drill for underground water. The land is flat and treeless, making the landscape seem endless. LA is different as there are many tall buildings, hills, mountains and trees that block the horizon.

Climate
Unlike the barely two season city, the Great Plains climate is extreme and dramatic. However, the Great plains is decidedly western in its aridity. The western plains don't see as much precipitation as the eastern plains due to the affects of the Gulf Coast air. The plains receives less than twenty inches of rain. Due to the precipitation, the topsoil becomes fertile, but production is limited. A calcium carbonate is often left after a rain. Only long, itchy grass can survive the climate of the Great Plains. The grasses are longer in the east due to the precipitation though. The rain slow production in Los Angeles as traffic becomes worse and dangerous and outside activates cannot be done. Although both areas see rain, it's not too often the clouds let it fall.

Chapter 13: The Midwest

Geography
The Midwestern Central Lowland can best be seen and described as flat. However, there are many dynamic details of that flat lowland. Lakes, rivers, trees, rolling hills, glaciers, grass, dairy, corn, and rust are just some of the variety the Midwest offers. Los Angeles is fairly flat as well and also has many details, but none like the Midwest. Los Angeles has a lot of concrete, trash, smog, people, and cars. There is a lot of organic nature, rather than made made and planted foliage. Both are beautiful in there own ways. Industrial development in relation to the landscape has butt heads. Like much of Los Angeles, due to development of industry, there is destruction of the environment. Still, a lot of green can be seen in the Midwest.


Climate
The climate in the Midwest fluctuates a lot more than it does in LA. This is because the land both gains and loses warmth more quickly than water. Due to the flat land, there aren't many natural barriers allowing winds to blow freely. The Midwest, unlike LA, has four seasons. Short, dramatic spring and fall lead to long, hot, humid summer. The winters seem endless and cold. Los Angeles seems to have summer and spring all year long.

Chapter 12: The Ozarks

By the 1950's, the Ozarks were known as the land of opportunities. Many people, now a days, flock to Los Angeles for their opportunity to become famous. The Ozarks are home to a sparsely populated, laid-back, old-fashioned "hillbilly" regions. Far opposite of the hustle and bustle, heavily populated, fancy handbags and shoes people of Los Angeles.


Geography
The Ozarks are an remnant of a 500 million year old inland sea leaving behind a karst landscape marked by caves, sinkholes, and water discharging from rocks as springs. Los Angeles, is far different as it is a concrete jungle filled with tall building, potholes, and smog. The Ozarks have higher-than hills and lower-than mountains, dissected and uplifted plateaus. Los Angeles has surrounding hills and mountains. There are also many rivers and waterways the flow through the city and surrounding areas.

Climate

Unlike Los Angeles, the Ozarks see four distinct seasons. They range fro 80 degree, humid and rainy summers to average january temperatures of 34 degrees. Winter snows are brief and the growing season varies between 180 and 200 days, Los Angeles only sees two season. Hot, sunny, humid summers and sunny, yet cold falls. There is some rain, but not enough to call it a rainy season. 

Chapter 11: Gulf Coastal Plains and Mississippi Valley

Both coastal regions, the Gulf Coastal Plains and Los Angeles, have many of the same traits. Known as the belly of the states and the underside of America, the Southern region is "the most southern place on Earth. The Gulf Coast represents land that is laid-back, joyous, and filled with culinary treasures, as well as corrupt counterparts. Los Angeles has much of the same. Some of the best food can be found in the heart of Los Angeles. Many of which are small hole-in-the-wall restaurants and food trucks. Los Angeles, although very busy, can also be laid-back and joyous like New Orleans' Mardi Gras.

Los Angeles River

Geography

Due to the Gulf embayment, the flooding from the ocean and then the water retracting created the Mississippi River. Unlike the Los Angeles River, the Mississippi River is full of life and nature. This river also has many regional and ecoreginal impacts that effect the surrounding regions. The river is used strongly for shipping purposes. The Los Angeles River is not natural   whatsoever, surrounded by concrete. The LA River is not commercially used. 

Mississippi River

Climate

The Gulf Coast region has moist winds blowing onshore, boosting winter and spring precipitation from a high of nighty inches to a low of seven. This is far different from Los Angeles, as even though it is a coastal city, there precipitation ranges are nowhere near as high and not as frequent. Some other weather issues that occur in the Gulf Coast that do not occur in Los Angeles, are hurricanes. Hurricane season begins in June and lasts through November. These natural disasters can be very serious, as Hurricane Katrina redefined that meaning. Los Angeles needs to worry about its own natural disatsers; earthquakes. 

Chapter 10: Florida

Florida (Miami) and Los Angeles are two big attractions that people love to go to. Whether it's for vacation or to become a permanent resident. The sun, sand, and surf are hot topics in both of these regions attracting people from all over. 

Climate
Florida is unique climatically, agriculturally, and geological. Crops, cities, vegetation, soil, and people are all affected by the climate. Florida has a three hundred day growing season, supporting year round citrus and vegetables. Los Angeles is similar in the fact that the climate helps agriculture as well. Although the weather isn't as tropical, vegetation is still abundant throughout the year. Florida, however, has annual rainfall. It can rain anywhere from fifty to sixty inches a year. Los Angeles hasn't seen that before. Like Los Angeles, Florida also has a winter playground. The winters are warm and dry, allowing swimsuit season to go a little longer. Hurricane activity is another difference, as Florida has their hurricane season from June to November.


Demographics
The total population in Florida is 19.32 million. That is significantly more than Los Angeles' 3.82 million. In Florida, there are 7,797,715 (48.8%) males and 8,184,663 (51.2%) female. Although the numbers are similar to Los Angeles, the percent is very close. Like Los Angeles, the dominant race in Florida is Caucasian, with 78%. The next closest would be African Americans being 14.6% of the population. Florida, although known for its party atmosphere in Miami, is also known for it's massive retirement population. Senior citizen flock to Florida because of the warm weather. They may like the party atmosphere too. Senior citizens make up 22.2% of the population. The climate really affects people too, as most people visit or stay because of it and it does.

1) Infoplease. Infoplease, n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2013.

Chapter 9: South Atlantic

The South Atlantic Region is made up of the follow states: Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. The South Atlantic is known for its hot, humid, rainy summers and mild winters in which temperature rarely ever drop below freezing. 50 inches of rain average in this region. Los Angeles doesn't see the same type of temperatures in the colder season, yet the summer temperatures for both regions can see triple digits. Another difference is that theses states tend to have hurricane activity cycle through naturally. Since 1995, activity has increased.

The culture in both of these regions is drastically different too. In Los Angeles, baseball and basketball are hot commodities. With the Dodgers, Lakers, and Clippers playing, you will always be watching one of them. In the South Atlantic regions, NASCAR (The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) is the sport to watch. Not to many people like NASCAR because it is slow and boring. Who wants to watch cars go 200 miles an hour going in a circle 200 times. Rednecks, a term from the south, can be seen anywhere in the United States, but mostly reside from the south. Rednecks are the kind of people who love NASCAR. They love the glorified cars, noise, and alcohol. In Los Angeles, the culture is different. They like faced paced, down to the wire action. Many also go to certain events for the recognition. There are some true fans (like myself), who go to the game or event to cheer for what is really happening. Others, unfortunately, just want to Instagram themselves to be show that they were at the event. In both regions, nonetheless, passion for specific commodities in that regions can be seen.

Chapter 8: Appalachia

Los Angeles is not very similar to Appalachia. While Appalachia is the biggest mountain range west of the Mississippi River, Los Angeles is a the second largest city in the United States with an elevation of 233 feet. Appalachia has a very high precipitation rate, while Los Angeles rate is very low. Unlike Los Angeles, Appalachia runs on a four season cycles: Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring. Although Los Angeles has those seasons too, the climate and temperature remain roughly the same. The mountain range also receives snow each winter, while Los Angeles hasn't seen snow since 1962.

Appalachia

Los Angeles

Obviously, there is a huge difference between the two. Appalachia is more of a rural environment, focusing on the wilderness and wildlife. Los Angeles is also a jungle, but more urban features with buildings and machinery. Due to the urban features of cars and industrial places, is the amount of pollution. The two regions have that in common. Appalachians have water pollution, air pollution and their environment is hurting like ours. Although the two pictures above show differences, there is a lot more rural land in Appalachia than there is in Los Angeles. The use of coal power plants is the cause for the pollution in Appalachia. Los Angeles also has a lot of pollution due to cars. Being a big commuter city, there is always going to be air pollution. Los Angeles is a big, beautiful city, but its really hard to see through the smog.

Chapter 7: Megalopolis

Los Angeles can be easily seen as Megalopolis. From San Francisco, down to Los Angeles, and even further south to San Diego, can be seen as an example of a Megalopolis. Megalopolis means large or great city, and I can't find better words to describe Los Angeles. There are three characteristics that define a Megalopolis as a distinct region: high population density, major urban centers growing toward one another, and a large demand for primary goods that are brought in from other regions. There are many sub cities in Los Angeles that populate the most people per square mile.With nearly 7,000 people per square miles living in Los Angeles, it;s hard not to argue it as a megalopolis. 

Megalopolises, like Los Angeles, are seen as centers for government and business. Downtown Los Angeles is the heart of the business world in Los Angeles. The 405 freeway is always packed with traffic due to commuters going to and from work. Also, with Staples Center, Dodger Stadium, and The Convention Center in close proximity, there is plenty of business occurring at all ours of the day.

GO DODGERS!!

1) Brusell, James. "Los Angeles Is the Most Densely Populated Urban Area in the US."Curbed LA. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2013.

2) "Population Density." Ranking. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2013.

Chapter 6: The North Atlantic Provinces and Northern New England.

The North Atlantic Provinces and Northern New England could not be farther apart from Los Angeles, in regards to climate. They can be farther in miles, but thats practically impossible. Both of theses regions are distinctly different from one another. The summers are hot in the Northern Atlantic, but it never reaches triple digits like it does in California sometimes. Also, the winters on the East Coast are far colder than winter in Los Angeles. It typically tends to snow over on east side, while the west side remains slightly warm and sunny. The above pictures shows how much snow falls in New England. The lower pictures is of Los Angeles during the winter time. It gets cold and a little wet, but the only snow that falls is on the surrounding mountains. In Los Angeles, winter can still be a swimsuit season. 

New England winters

Los Angeles winters

1) H, Eric. "Local Travel Guide for New England: Classic New England Winter Scenes."Local Travel Guide for New England: Classic New England Winter Scenes. N.p., 2 Feb. 2011. Web. 13 Oct. 2013.
2) Plinskin, Michael. "Los Angeles Winter." Los Angeles Winter. N.p., 2011. Web. 13 Oct. 2013.

Chapter 4: Population and Consumption

Compared to the other large cities in California, Los Angeles trumps them all. It's not even close. It continues to increase every second of every day. Los Angeles is home to over 3.82 million people. According to the 2010 United States Census, Los Angeles is home to nearly half of all California residents. City-data.com states that since the year 2000, there has been a 4.4% increase in population. 100% of the population is urban, meaning 0% rural. 

There are approximately 1,921,528 (49.8%) males and 1,936,271 (50.2%) females making up the population. The median age is 34.1. As seen below, the heart of Los Angeles, or downtown, is where most Angelinos reside. There are also quite a few thousand near the coast as well. Indepthfacts.com explains, "LA is a cultural center of the Pacific Rim for the simple fact that its population is diverse and multi-ethnic as well. It is one of those cities in the US that has no majority population because people from over 130 countries live here. They speak more than 80 different languages as they come from different countries and cultures."As of the 2005-2009 American Community Survey, there are 41.3% Caucasian, 57.5% Hispanic/Latino, 9.8% African American, 0.5% Native American, 10.7% Asian, 02% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. Los Angeles can definitely be seen as a melting pot. 





1) Harrison, Laird. "KQED." News Fix KQED Public Media for Northern CA. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2013.
2) "Los Angeles, California." (CA) Profile: Population, Maps, Real Estate, Averages, Homes, Statistics, Relocation, Travel, Jobs, Hospitals, Schools, Crime, Moving, Houses, News. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2013.
3) "Los Angeles Population 2013 Facts and City Information." InDepthFactscom Los Angeles Population 2013 Facts and City Information Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2013.

Chapter 3: Sustainability

Based on the picture above, one can see a significant different in regards to smog and pollution in Los Angeles. Los Angeles is a big commuter city, as people travel from all over the city to work in the heart of downtown. Due to the high prices of gas and the pollution cars produces, carpooling or taking public transportation has been of the rise. More people are taking buses, bikes, subways, walking, and carpooling to get where they need to go. It saves them a little green (money), while making the city of Los Angeles more green (the color, not money). 

The Los Angeles Sustainability Collaborative is one of the many organizations dedicated to creating a more sustainable environment. Through research and observation, they are providing solutions to emerging environmental challenges in Los Angeles. According to their site, lasustainability.org,  "LASC has since been serving as match maker between academia, non-profit organizations, and policy makers — pioneering a model of collaboration and problem solving." Some of their initiatives are reinventing the streets of Los Angeles, protecting the water (oceans and rivers), re-powering the city, and creating new ways to sustain this beautiful city. 


1) "The Los Angeles Sustainability Collaborative Is Dedicated to Creating a More Sustainable Los Angeles by Facilitating Research, Informing Stakeholders and Providing Solutions to Emerging Environmental Challenges." Los Angeles Sustainability Collaborative RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2013.

Chapter 2: The Nonhuman World

Climate

Los Angeles whether is beautiful. The rain is not very frequent, so when it does shower, it too is beautiful. In the summer, the temperature can reach 100°F. It also tend to be the most humid time of the year. The winters are cold, but not as cold as the East Coast. Temperatures during the winter, range from 40 °F to 50 °F. When it rains, the highest average for perception is just under 200mm.

Santa Monica Mountains
The Santa Monica Mountains are one of the transverse mountain ranges in Southern California. is a broad anticline that has been severely ruptured by faulting and intruded by sills and dikes. The Santa Monica range is bisected by the flow of water that flows through Malibu Canyon. Just like in the city, the mountain has the same climate. Although the mountains are high, they are not as high as the San Gabriel, thus, the Santa Monica Mountains do not receive snow.



The Pacific Ocean
Located west of the city of Los Angeles, 
the Pacific Ocean is a nice place to visit 
on those hot, sunny, California days. Meaning Peaceful Sea, the Pacific Ocean is the largest body of water on Earth, covering 30% of the Earth's surface. Ranging about 3,800 meters, the ocean's temperature depends on the location. The closer to the equator one is, the warmer the water gets. 









1) "Geology of the Santa Monica Mountains." Geology of the Santa Monica Mountains. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2013.
2) "Pacific Ocean Facts for Kids." Pacific Ocean Facts for Kids. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2013.
3)"Santa Monica Mountains Page." Santa Monica Mountains Page. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2013.

Chapter 1: Regions and Ecoregions

Los Angeles, the City of Angels, is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. Situated in Southern California, on the western coast of the United States, it has the second biggest population. Los Angeles is home to over 3.82 million people. Spread well over 470 square miles of land, this is the perfect spot for a growing community. Los Angeles is known as one of the most diverse regions of the US in terms of geographic area. It is made up of smaller distinct cities that range from the dry Santa Monica Mountains, to the Pacific Ocean. There a rivers that flow through Los Angeles such as the River of Los Angeles, San Gabriel, Rio Hondo, and Santa Clara river.

Los Angeles has the most ideal weather anyone can ask for. Perfect for relaxing out by the pool or going out for a night on the town. Throughout most of the year, the weather in Los Angeles is warm and sunny. There are very few clouds in the sky. The nice ocean breeze greets the Angelinos' faces on those hot, sunny days. There is little rain, compared to the sunny days and humidity percentages are also fairly low. With the warm weather year round, it makes the attractions in Los Angeles much more enjoyable. Whether your a fan of the Dodgers or Lakers, enjoy a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, or just a nice stroll down Sunset Blvd, there is always something to do here. 

I Love LA!

1) "Los Angeles Population 2013 Facts and City Information." InDepthFactscom Los Angeles Population 2013 Facts and City Information Comments. N.p., 9 June 2013. Web. 13 Oct. 2013.

2) "Map of Los Angeles." Map of Los Angeles. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2013.