“You Can Die Here – Death Valley, California”
Precipitation in California and the Southwestern United States

Teacher Answer Key

After viewing a map of southern California:
1. View Google Map: Orange Cove, California
Describe the type of human activity going on here: Farming.
Describe the surrounding landscape:  Mountainous with nothing growing.
Do you think that water for agriculture in Orange Cove comes from rainfall, or from local rivers?  What evidence can you cite to support your idea?  Local rivers – see answer above.
2. View Google Map: Badger, California
Describe the vegetation covering these mountains:  Lots of vegetation, lush forests.
What does the landscape suggest about the amount of rain that falls here? Ample rainfall.
3. View Google Map: Badger, California
How does the vegetation here compare to the vegetation to the Foothills of the Sierras?  There is little to no vegetation here compared to the very lush vegetation on the foothills.
What does the landscape here suggest about the amount of rain that falls here?  Extremely dry.
4. View California Precipitation Image & Relief Map:
Describe any relationship between elevation and precipitation that you notice. 
Heaviest precipitation is in the higher mountains while the valleys are relatively dry.
5.  Refer to the Planetary Winds diagram and determine which way the prevailing winds move at the latitude of the United States (between 30 and 45 degrees north latitude): 
Southwesterly, from the southwest, to the northeast, etc.
6. View Video Clip 2, “Clouds & Currents.”
Over what topographical features do the clouds form and where do they seem to dissipate?
They form over the mountains and dissipate over the valleys
7. View Video Clip 3, “Runnin’ with the Devil.”
What are the two biggest problems the competitors face and how are they solved?
Overheating and dehydration due to evaporation.  Lots of ice and water are essential.