This book begins with a detailed examination of the physical geography of California, followed by a close look at the state's diverse human population, economics, and urban centers. Includes two CDs to enhance the presentation. With this book, you can:
- learn what California was like millions of years ago
- explore how current geologic forces are shaping landscapes and threatening people
- understand the state's changing weather patterns
- appreciate California's incredible diversity of plants and animals
- investigate the processes that are changing the California coastline
- discover California's impressive water projects, and the vital role of water in the state
- trace the state's changing population and migration patterns
- observe the wide diversity of cultures and lifestyles
- examine the evolving industries of the fifth most powerful economy on Earth
- survey the state's growing cities and expanding landscape
Includes two CDs: one is a flyover of California; the second contains maps, photos, links, and other information to create a regional and systematic exploration of the state - creating an interactive way to follow the text chapter by chapter.