Los Angeles Physical Geography Quiz
Basins, mountains, faults, rivers (10 questions).
Los Angeles Physical Geography Quiz: Quick Study Notes
Los Angeles’ unique physical geography is a fascinating blend of coastal plains, dramatic mountains, and active fault lines. This megacity is primarily situated within expansive basins, carved by ancient rivers and shaped by relentless tectonic forces. Understanding these elements is crucial to comprehending the region’s climate, ecology, and seismic activity.
Key Geographic Features
Large, flat alluvial plains, such as the Los Angeles Basin and San Fernando Valley, formed by sediment deposition from surrounding mountains.
Rugged ranges like the San Gabriel and Santa Monica Mountains, defining the urban landscape and influencing microclimates.
An extensive network of active fault lines, including the Newport-Inglewood and San Andreas, making LA a seismically active zone.
Historically natural waterways like the Los Angeles River, now largely channelized for flood control, playing a key role in the region’s early development.
Key Takeaways
- Los Angeles lies mainly in the Los Angeles Basin, a large coastal plain.
- The region is framed by the Transverse Ranges, including the San Gabriel and Santa Monica Mountains.
- Active fault systems, like the Newport-Inglewood and San Andreas, cause significant seismic risk.
- The Los Angeles River, once a natural waterway, is now heavily channelized for flood management.
- The unique east-west orientation of the Transverse Ranges is a defining geological feature.
- Alluvial fans and marine terraces are common landforms throughout the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main geological basin that Los Angeles occupies?
Los Angeles primarily occupies the Los Angeles Basin, a large coastal plain formed by extensive sediment deposition.
Name two major mountain ranges defining the geography of Los Angeles.
The San Gabriel Mountains (north/northeast) and the Santa Monica Mountains (south of the San Fernando Valley, west across the basin) are two significant ranges.
Which prominent fault line poses a significant seismic threat within the Los Angeles urban area?
The Newport-Inglewood Fault Zone is a major active fault that runs through the densely populated coastal areas of Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
How has the Los Angeles River been altered for urban development?
The Los Angeles River has been extensively channelized with concrete to control flooding, drastically changing its natural flow and ecosystem.
What is unique about the orientation of the Transverse Ranges in California?
Unlike most other mountain ranges in California (which run north-south), the Transverse Ranges (including the San Gabriel and Santa Monica Mountains) run predominantly east-west, a result of complex tectonic forces.
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