1.2 Geographic regions and natural resources of California

California's diverse geography shaped its native cultures and resource use. From coastal tribes fishing with specialized tools to Central Valley groups developing agriculture, each region's unique landscape influenced local practices and traditions.

Native Americans across California's regions managed resources sustainably. Coastal tribes maintained marine ecosystems, while mountain dwellers used seasonal migration. In arid areas, efficient water management and careful gathering ensured survival in harsh conditions.

Geographic Regions of California

Geographic regions of California

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• Coastal Region
  • Stretches along the Pacific Ocean coastline from the Oregon border to Mexico
  • Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and dry summers (fog, sea breezes)
  • Coastal plains, sandy beaches (Santa Monica), and rugged cliffs (Big Sur)
• Central Valley
  • Large, flat valley between the Coastal Ranges and the Sierra Nevada
  • Divided into Sacramento Valley in the north and San Joaquin Valley in the south
  • Fertile soil and extensive agricultural production (almonds, grapes, cotton)
• Sierra Nevada
  • Mountain range running along the eastern edge of California
  • High elevations, deep valleys (Yosemite Valley), and alpine landscapes
  • Iconic landmarks such as Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park (Half Dome)
• Cascade Range
  • Located in the northeastern part of the state, extending from Oregon
  • Volcanic mountain range with high peaks and conifer forests (ponderosa pine)
  • Notable landmarks include Mount Shasta and Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Basin and Range
  • Located in the southeastern part of California, bordering Nevada and Arizona
  • Alternating valleys and mountain ranges, arid climate
  • Mojave Desert, Death Valley (lowest point in North America), Eastern Sierra

Native American Cultures and Natural Resources

Geography's impact on Native cultures

• Coastal Region
  • Abundant marine resources (fish, shellfish, seaweed) supported coastal tribes
  • Specialized tools and techniques developed for fishing and seafood gathering
• Central Valley
  • Fertile soil and abundant water resources allowed for agricultural development
  • Tribes cultivated crops (acorns, seeds, roots) and hunted wetland wildlife
• Sierra Nevada and Cascade Range
  • Forests provided timber, game, and plants for food and medicine
  • Tribes adapted to harsh mountain environment with seasonal migration patterns
• Basin and Range
  • Limited water resources led to efficient water management techniques
  • Hunting, gathering, and trade sustained communities in the desert environment

Natural resources for Native tribes

• Coastal Region
  • Marine resources: fish (salmon), shellfish (abalone), seaweed, sea mammals
  • Terrestrial resources: acorns, berries, roots, game animals (deer, rabbits)
• Central Valley
  • Freshwater resources: rivers (Sacramento, San Joaquin), streams, wetlands
  • Fertile soil for agriculture, abundant wildlife (waterfowl, tule elk)
• Sierra Nevada and Cascade Range
  • Forests provided timber, plants for food and medicine, game animals (deer, bear)
  • Mineral resources, such as obsidian for tool-making
• Basin and Range
  • Limited water resources from springs, streams, and oases
  • Plants adapted to arid conditions (mesquite, yucca) used for food and fiber

Native resource management practices

• Coastal Region
  • Developed specialized tools and techniques for fishing and seafood gathering
  • Practiced sustainable harvesting to maintain health of marine ecosystems
• Central Valley
  • Used controlled burning to manage landscape and promote growth of desired plants
  • Developed irrigation systems to optimize agricultural production
• Sierra Nevada and Cascade Range
  • Practiced seasonal migration to access resources at different elevations
  • Used selective harvesting and controlled burning to maintain health of forests
• Basin and Range
  • Developed efficient water management techniques (rock catchments, irrigation canals)
  • Practiced sustainable hunting and gathering to prevent overexploitation of limited resources