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.