Chapter 2. North America's Environmental Setting

According to the book, The Geography of North America: Environment, Culture, and Economy, "About one-third of the topography of North America is mountainous." 

Much of the United States' environmental characteristics such as the Great Lakes in the Midwest, The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River were formed by way of natural occurrences such as down-cutting, a form of erosion, and glaciation.

The climate of the Unite States' climate consists of a number Climate zones which are made up of different sub-climates depending on the region in which you are in. 

(www.learnnc.org) 

OVERVIEW

Southwest Climate: Arid climate with low amounts of precipitation.

Southeast Climate: A warm to hot climate, humid, with a substantial amount of precipitation.

Northeast/Midwest: Mid-Latitudinal Climates

East Coast: Temperate climates with a great amount of humidity

Pacific Northwest: Maritime polar climate, with plenty of precipitation.

Los Angeles sits within the Pacific Southwest region of the United States. Unlike the desert cities in Southern California, Los Angeles is positioned right on the coast which allows for the Mild Mediterranean climate. Throughout the year, Los Angeles basin's weather remains sunny and in the winters and early spring, the region of Los Angeles experiences precipitation. 

I have grown up looking at many of the various plants, land forms, and other natural charachteristics of Los Angeles as mere features, but these features are what help to furthure characteeize Los Angeles.The city of Los Angeles can also be characterized by distinct land forms such as the Santa Monica Mountains, The San Gabriel Mountains, the San Fernando Valley and the Pacific coast.