SOSC 302 exercise 1 - S23v

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School

California State University, Chico *

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Course

302

Subject

Geography

Date

May 10, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

6

Uploaded by DrOstrichPerson1029

SOCIAL SCIENCE 302 TEMPORAL CONCEPTS EXERCISE ONE THE NATURAL SETTING OF CALIFORNIA Watch: California is Climate Watch: Wild LA The purpose of this exercise is to introduce you to the natural environment of California. As the authors of the Elusive Eden (5 th edition) textbook point out at the beginning of Chapter Two: “Throughout its human occupation, California's exceptional landscapes, climates, and life forms have bred distinctive economies and cultures. The various websites of this exercise illustrate the geology, climates, biology, and water resources of the "Golden State." The websites complement the material in the text reading for this week (Chapter Two). This exercise covers the following California topics: 1) Topography 2) Geologic history 3) Climates 4) Bioregions 5) Water in California Here is a short video from your professor on why we need to learn about the natural setting of California. California Topography In addition to being the third largest state in the United States (after Alaska and Texas), California also has the greatest length in a north- south direction for any state. Elevation-wise, California contains the lowest elevation in North America, Death Valley (282 feet below sea level), and the highest elevation within the "lower forty-eight" states, Mt. Whitney (14,494 feet above sea level). The size and change in elevations of California makes it one of the most diverse in the country for different natural environments. Netstate.com has a good webpage on California Geography . After reading the webpage, answer the following questions about the eight topographic regions of California: 1. What is the mean elevation of California in feet above sea level? 2,900 feet Copyright 2023 Steve Stewart All Rights Reserved
2. How high is Mt. Whitney in feet? 14,494 ft 3. How long is California at its most distant points? 1,040 miles north to south 560 miles east to west 4. What California mountains extend east to west? The Los Angeles Ranges 5. How high is Mt. Shasta in feet? 14,162 ft 6. What mountains are found in northwestern California? Klamath Mountains 7. How wide is California at its most distant east-west points? 560 miles Geologic History of California Understanding the impact of California’s geologic history on the various groups who have inhabited it is fundamental to understanding our cultural history. Take a look at this short 17 minute video of your professor explaining it. You might also want to take a look at these slide s that go with the presentation. Climates of California The Western Regional Climate Center has posted a map of California Precipitation that shows total yearly average rainfall and snowfall for the state. 8. What is the lowest precipitation amount, in inches, for California? 0 inches 9. In what part of California is the precipitation highest (central, southern coastal, Sierra Nevada, northwest, northeast)? Northwest 10. What is the highest precipitation amount, in inches, for California? Over 100 inches California Bioregions This map of California bioregions identifies ten bioregions for California. Each bioregion is made up of a distinct ecological Copyright 2023 Steve Stewart All Rights Reserved
community of plants and animals. The following link on California bioregions contains a succinct summary of the ten bioregions. You should look through all ten bioregions so that you get a good idea of the biological diversity found within the state. Tying this together with your textbook chapter will be key to that understanding. 11. How many species of plants and animals are found in California? 5,879 12. How many species of plants and animals are endemic to California? 2,214 13. What type of wetlands occur in the Bay Area-Delta Bioregion? Fresh water marshes and salt marshes 14. How many of the ten bioregions are adversely impacted by water management issues? Eight bioregions Central Coast Colorado Desert Klamath/North Coast Modoc Sacramento Valley San Joaquin Valley South Coast Bay Area/Delta 15. Which bioregion receives the most annual precipitation? Klamath/North Coast 16. What bioregion has the largest human population? The South Coast Bioregion 17. What has the South Coast Bioregion been affected by? Habitat loss due to urban growth and development Water management conflicts and degradation of aquatic ecosystems Invasive species Altered fire regimes. Recreational pressures Water in California The Water Education Foundation has an introductory webpage on state water: California Water . 18. What is California’s predominate climate type? What does that mean in terms of rainfall and temperature? Copyright 2023 Steve Stewart All Rights Reserved
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